MPS Urges Stronger Enforcement Against Non-Registered Blood Pressure Monitors

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged Medical Device Authority (MDA) and relevant authorities to take coordinated action, following concerns over the increasing availability of non-registered and suspected counterfeit blood pressure monitors (BPMs) in both online and offline markets, including e-commerce platforms.

MPS president Prof Amrahi Buang said it is to ensure that only properly registered and reliable devices are available in the market is important to protecting patient outcomes and maintaining public trust in healthcare.

He said this is due to the device are being sold in settings where seller identity, licensing status and product traceability may be unclear, posing potential risks to public health.

“Blood pressure monitors are medical devices, and device registration and traceability are important safeguards for public safety.

“Pharmacists are particularly concerned that the use of inaccurate or non-validated devices may result in incorrect blood pressure readings, delayed clinical intervention and risks to patient safety,” he said in a statement today.

Amrahi also said that based on a chain pharmacy’s internal screening exercise conducted in 2025, which checked 10,081 devices for accuracy, 31 per cent were found not registered with the MDA.

“There have also been reports from clinical practice that patients using suspected counterfeit blood pressure monitors subsequently presented with poorly controlled blood pressure, raising concern that inaccurate home readings may delay appropriate treatment escalation or follow-up.

“These concerns underscore the need for stronger regulatory oversight, enforcement, and public awareness to ensure device accuracy, reliability, and traceability,” he noted

He added that the public is able to verify registered medical devices and licensed establishments through the MDA register.

In safeguarding public health, Amrahi said MPS supports the following measures, such as immediate action against the sale of non-registered and suspected counterfeit BPMs across online marketplaces and open retail channels.

“Consideration of tighter controls on the distribution of BPMs through authorised and traceable channels, where professional guidance, patient counselling and product traceability can be better assured,” he said.

Meantime, he said MPS remains committed to working collaboratively with regulators, healthcare providers, pharmacies and industry partners to uphold professional standards and advance patient safety in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA