PENANG, 31 October 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences lecturer, Associate Professor Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali received research grants from Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) amounting to RM25,000.00 for the period of one year from November 2013 to November 2014.

This grant is from the Research Grants Programme (RGP) in which research results will be used to strengthen the process of making government policies.

Mohamed Azmi are among eight researchers who obtained grants totalling RM200,000.00. Other successful researchers were from the International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and Monash University Malaysia Campus.

His research entitled “Assessment of Medicine Prices Among Community Pharmacies and Private Clinics in the State of Penang” which will examine the perceptions of pharmacists and medical practitioners on prices and changes in drug prices by districts in Penang.

Mohamed Azmi hoped that his study and research would introduce a mechanism for the pricing of drugs in this country.

MyCC received 23 entries from universities, research institutions and other organisations between January and April 2013, and evaluation was carried out by a panel of experts from the academia and industry. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photo contributed by Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali