KUALA LUMPUR:AmInvestment Bank Bhd (AmInvest) believes that Pharmaniaga Bhd would be the main distributor of the COVID-19 vaccine to local hospitals, and may appoint other companies to help distribute the vaccine nationwide.
“In this space, we believe that Apex Healthcare Bhd would benefit due to its solid distribution network and excellent past track record of distributing vaccines and other pharmaceutical products,” it said in a research note today.
In terms of fill-finish companies, AmInvest said while a deal concerning COVID-19 vaccine’s fill-finish process has yet to materialise, the government seems to favour Duopharma Biotech Bhd and Pharmaniaga to undertake these processes.
So far, Pharmaniaga had signed an agreement with Serum Institute of India Pte Ltd to perform the fill-finish processes for pneumococcal vaccines, it added.
The investment bank also believed that KPJ Healthcare Bhd and IHH Healthcare Bhd, as well as other private healthcare providers would play a role in the vaccination programme.
“We opine that private hospitals and clinics would help in Malaysia’s COVID-19 vaccination programme due to the cold chain facility, logistical and manpower limitations of the public sector.
“We think that private healthcare providers may receive a fixed fee from the government in return for their service, though we doubt that the operating profit margins would be high due to this being a national service,” it said.
While noting that the COVID-19 vaccines will be deployed only after it has obtained the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency’s (NPRA) approval, the investment bank believes the first batch of vaccines will be administered in the second quarter or the third quarter of 2021.
“The NPRA is responsible in ensuring all products are evaluated and tested properly before being registered for the Malaysian market.
“Given the need for speed, the priority review will most likely be used for quicker approval of COVID-19 vaccines,” it said.
Overall, the investment bank has maintained its “overweight” call on the Malaysian private healthcare sector.
“Although a recovery in inpatient volume is only expected to be modest in 2021-forecast, earnings prospects for the sector are positive.
“This is due to the potential public-private collaborations, improved margins as a result of cost-cutting measures, and a focus on low capital expenditure and gestational period projects,” it said.
In the long run, AmInvest expects the recovery in medical tourism, improved public health awareness and an aging population would drive the next level of growth in the healthcare sector.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jan 06 2021
The government seems to favour Duopharma Biotech Bhd and Pharmaniaga to undertake these processes. unsplash pic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.