Do not rely on bomohs or sinsehs

Star: Malaysian women should stop depending on a bomoh or sinseh to find out why they are sick.
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar said more women could guard against diseases like diabetes, high-blood pressure, stroke and cancer if they consulted doctors.
“Due to the diversity of cultures here, many Malays, Chinese and Indians often seek advice from bomohs, sinsehs and homeopaths.
“Often, they are not given a good explanation about their illness," she said.
“With the advances in medical technology, many diseases can be cured by a proper diet, exercise, sufficient rest and self care, plus the right medication,” she added.
Dr Nor Ashikin was speaking at the launch of the three-day Wanita, Health and Lifestyle 2005 event, themed “Love Your Family, Celebrate Health", by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Dr Nor Ashikin is the organising chairman of the event, which is part of the Nur Sejahtera Women’s Healthcare Programme. Shahrizat said the programme was aimed at raising awareness on key health issues, adding that some 200,000 women and their families had benefited so far.
There are 50 Nur Sejahtera Clinics nationwide providing healthcare screening services at lower rates.
“We are also in the process of setting up eight Kasih Keluarga Complexes in Seremban 2 and Jempul (Negri Sembilan), Banchang and Jasin (Malacca), Bertam (Penang), Gombak (Selangor), Kota Baru (Kelantan) and Anak Bukit (Kedah)," said Shahrizat.