With over RM2 Billion’s worth of medicines going to waste each year, Ohga Pharmacy, a Japan-based pharmacy franchise established for over 118 years with 120 outlets in Japan, has decided to make a change and bring awareness on this matter (especially in children), to complete prescriptions provided by the doctors and pharmacists and not waste the drugs.
Oftentimes, when patients or pharmacy-goers receive their prescriptions, they tend to take them only up until the point where they begin to feel a little better and dispose of them without completing the recommended intake period.
What started as being a mascot for Ohga Pharmacy, Ohgaman, later turned into a comedic TV series called Dogengers in which the superhero and his allies battle against a secret evil organization led by Yabai Kamen, that constantly influences others to stop taking their medicines. In doing so, the Dogengers are to be role models to children and encourage them to follow in their footsteps by reminding their family members to consume their prescriptions on time.
The first series that was launched in Japan immediately seen huge hypes when it became viral and beloved by all.
Mr. Nakajima Hideto, Counsellor of the Japan Embassy, “We are extremely thrilled abouth the launch of Dogengers in Malaysia. This TV series will help educate little ones and adults alike on the importance of completing the medicinal course and leading a healthy lifestyle. Ohgaman is an inspiration to children all over Japan, and I am excited to have this comedic edutainment TV series take part in the lives of Malaysians.”
Ohgaman (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Cuepro Production Sdn Bhd announced that Dogengers has made its way to the Malaysian TV scenes and will be airing season 1 (12 episodes) beginning 3 April 2021 to 20 June 2021 on RTM TV 2 every Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 6.30 p.m. Season 2 of Dogengers is now showing in Japan, while season 3 is currently in production.
The family-friendly edutainment show not only intends to entertain viewers but also to create a healthy society and lifestyle.
The launch was officiated by Senator Dato’ Seri Khairudin Abd Samad, alongside the VIPs present at the event.
Mr. Razally Affandy, Managing Director of Ohga Group also announced that Ohga Pharmacy will be launching its first branch in Malaysia during June this year. On top of that, they also revealed their partner, UIACO Merchandise SDN BHD (a subsidiary under UI Hire Berhad), who will be producing merchandise that will be exported throughout Malaysia and Japan.
Senator Dato’ Seri Khairudin Abd Samad said, “The collaboration between UI Hire Berhad Group through its subsidiary UIACO HOLDINGS SDN BHD provides an opportunity for 6 million cooperative members in Malaysia to venture into various forms of business provided by UIACO Holdings Group of Companies.”
“We are currently working with UIACO Merchandise SDN BHD for the creation of merchandise such as souvenirs, toys, and more for the Dogengers series. These items will be available in selected stores soon. We are also planning to launch 200 Ohga Pharmacy outlets across Malaysia in the next 3 years. It is a new concept in Malaysia, and it follows a concept that already exists in Japan. At Ohga Pharmacy, there are cafes, daily necessities, cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical products and services,” said Mr. Razally Affandy.
Many VIPs attended the launch in support of this initiative, among them are:
- Dato’ Dr. Calvin Yap, Founder of UI Hire Berhad
- Encik Hj. Othman Yin Abdullah – Ohga Pharmacy BOD
- Dato Junaidy – Ohga Pharmacy Deputy MD
- Mr. Nakajima Hideto – Counsellor, Japan Embassy
- Mr. Miyasaka Tomoyuki – Second Secretary, Japan Embassy
- Mr. Hiroi Koichi – Johor Japan Friendship Association Founder
- Encik Hakimi Harun – CEO, Ui Hire Berhad
