MOH LAUNCHES ERAT PROGRAMME TO EMPOWER MALAYSIANS LIVING WITH DIABETES

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) today launched the Empowering Patients Living with Diabetes (ERAT Programme), a new national initiative aimed at improving diabetes care and promoting self-management among Malaysians living with the condition.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the programme, developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) and Novo Nordisk, also aims to revolutionise the care and support provided to diabetes patients by leveraging the expertise of Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinics (DMTAC) pharmacists.

Speaking at the ERAT Programme launch here today, he said an estimated 3.6 million adults in Malaysia are living with diabetes, with nearly half unaware of their condition.

“The numbers are concerning. This tells us that we must act urgently and strategically to reach those at risk, strengthen prevention and ensure continuous care for those already diagnosed.

“Notably, pharmacists play a pivotal role in the DMTAC where they contribute to supporting patients through medication adherence, lifestyle guidance and close monitoring, all of which are essential to achieving better glycaemic control and long-term health outcomes,” he said.

DMTAC, which began in 2000, is a pharmacist-led service with close collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Through DMTAC, pharmacists help patients to ensure they take their medicines correctly and safely. Patients attend structured follow-ups where pharmacists assess adherence, identify drug-related problems, provide counselling, and guide them in managing their diabetes.

According to Dzulkefly, local studies conducted in hospitals and health clinics have shown that patients under DMTAC achieved significant improvements in blood sugar control, medication understanding, and overall outcomes compared to standard care.

As of today, 402 MOH facilities nationwide provide DMTAC services, supported by 30 training centres and 37 certified preceptors.

He also highlighted that the ERAT programme reflects MOH’s ongoing efforts to transform health service delivery towards preventive, patient-centred primary care, and to strengthen the health system through capacity-building as well as to empower patients through health literacy and self-care.

The event was also attended by Denmark's Ambassador to Malaysia Kirstine Vangkilde Berner and Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd general manager Dr Praful Chakkarwar.

-- BERNAMA