Malaysian community pharmacy chain Alpro Pharmacy has partnered with blood pressure (BP) monitoring company OMRON Healthcare in an effort to improve BP and hypertension management in Malaysia.

The partnership aims to provide patients in Malaysia with access to accurate BP monitoring services, as well as increase awareness about the importance of reliable home BP monitoring.

Alpro Pharmacy chief pharmacist and engagement director Lim En Ni said: "To control hypertension effectively, having a blood pressure monitor at home is crucial, and the accuracy of the monitor plays a significant role in achieving better health outcomes.

"Through this partnership with OMRON, we are proud to offer free accuracy checks for BP monitors at our outlets nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring that our customers can rely on their devices for precise readings and informed healthcare decisions."

The service is currently accessible to the public, with Alpro and OMRON providing authorised BP meter accuracy checks to confirm the dependability of BP monitors.

The initiative also includes a research project to assess the benefits of home BP monitoring.

The outcomes of this research will be used in educating the public and advocating for reliable BP monitoring as a key preventive healthcare practice.

According to a National Health and Morbidity Survey from 2023, 52% of individuals in Malaysia do not have their blood pressure under control.

OMRON Healthcare Global Sales and Marketing Group HQ senior general manager Andre Van Gils said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Alpro Pharmacy to enhance public awareness of accurate home BP monitoring.

"Accurate readings are essential for effective hypertension management, and we look forward to making reliable BP monitors and services more accessible to Malaysians.

"This is another step forward in realising our 'Going for Zero, Preventive Care for the Health of Society' vision that aims to enhance cardiovascular health awareness and prevent incidents."