KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 -- The Health Ministry will introduce a new prescription format that requires more detailed patient information, including allergy status and full medication specifications.

The Star reported that the ministry issued a recent circular outlining the changes after reviewing the current format and finding gaps in legal compliance and safety requirements.

Health director‑general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the existing format lacked key safety elements, noting that "there is no medication safety element, particularly the patient's drug allergy status."

"There is a need to ensure that the patient and prescriber or the facility's complete details are recorded on prescriptions, in accordance with Section 21 (...