Poor health habits costing Government big money

Star: JOHOR BARU: Some RM150mil to RM200mil is spent on medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol each year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
“These three medicines are the most-needed,” he added, reflecting the growth of such illnesses in the country.
The people’s unhealthy lifestyle is setting the Government back by RM900mil as the cost of supplying medicine to public hospitals.
Dr Chua said 80% of premature coronary heart disease was caused by unhealthy eating, lack of exercise and smoking.
“Heart disease is the number-one killer in the country. In 2005, a total of 3,038 died from the disease while 39,770 were admitted to hospital for it.
“Among the factors for the disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and unhealthy eating habits,” he said after attending the launching of the national-level World Heart Day here yesterday.
Chua also said the number of people who suffered from diabetes had increased from 6% to 10% of the total population over the past 20 years.
This figure was likely to reach 13% by 2020, he added.
Chua said his ministry has organised several on-going campaigns to educate the public on living healthily but the people themselves must also be responsible and change their lifestyles.
“They can prevent illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and stroke by not smoking and through exercise.
“They must also be more critical when choosing food and must pick those with health benefits,” he said.