JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- A new concept is being implemented in treating mental patients in the country that does away with the old method of isolating them and instead emphasises on the community's participation in the treatment process.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the new concept would be introduced at the Hospital Permai, one of the two mental institutions that is being rebuilt at a cost of RM600 million and expected to be completed within 30 months from now.
In line with the changes in the treatment approach the patients would be isolated only for short periods before being handed over to the society, he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri and Deepavali do organised by the Hospital Sultanah Aminah Vistor's Board here.
At the same time this method eliminates the need for bigger space and more beds and that's why the new Hospital Permai is situated on a smaller area of 53 hectares and with only 734 beds compared to 2080 currently.
He said the concept involving the community is being widely practised in developed countries and its effectiveness was proven by studies conducted by mental health experts.
The other mental institution in Tanjung Rambutan would also follow suit.
Abdul Latif said, a new mental institution in Sungai Petani is being planned under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Reluctance Of Kins To Donate Blood, A Headache To SGH Blood Bank
KUCHING, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The reluctance of relatives to come forward to donate blood for patients undergoing emergency operations are some of the setbacks faced by the Sarawak General Hospital's (SGH) blood bank in replenishing its supply.
Chairman of the Kuching Chapter of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Blood Donor Recruitment Program, Ayub Abdul Rahman said Tuesday the SGH's blood bank required an average of between 50-70 pints of blood on a normal day.
"At the moment, the blood bank is facing problems because it cannot force close relatives of patients in such dire needs to give their blood even if their blood types match," he told Bernama here.
He said at present, the blood bank was not getting enough supply even though social taboos concerning donating blood, especially amongst certain cultures, had improved a lot over the years.
Generally supply from the blood bank was given to patients, most in need of blood, such as those involved in accident cases as well as undergoing major surgeries and complicated deliveries, he said.
Ayub said priority was also being given to children with blood diseases, including leukaemia and anaemia, as they needed regular blood transfusions.
As such he appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including social and recreational clubs, as well as government departments and agencies to come forward to donate blood for a good cause.
Students, particularly from the local institutions of higher learning, were also encouraged to donate blood prior to going for their year-end semester breaks and school holidays, he said.
Members of the public could come to the SGH's blood bank here to donate blood during office hours, he said.
Chairman of the Kuching Chapter of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Blood Donor Recruitment Program, Ayub Abdul Rahman said Tuesday the SGH's blood bank required an average of between 50-70 pints of blood on a normal day.
"At the moment, the blood bank is facing problems because it cannot force close relatives of patients in such dire needs to give their blood even if their blood types match," he told Bernama here.
He said at present, the blood bank was not getting enough supply even though social taboos concerning donating blood, especially amongst certain cultures, had improved a lot over the years.
Generally supply from the blood bank was given to patients, most in need of blood, such as those involved in accident cases as well as undergoing major surgeries and complicated deliveries, he said.
Ayub said priority was also being given to children with blood diseases, including leukaemia and anaemia, as they needed regular blood transfusions.
As such he appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including social and recreational clubs, as well as government departments and agencies to come forward to donate blood for a good cause.
Students, particularly from the local institutions of higher learning, were also encouraged to donate blood prior to going for their year-end semester breaks and school holidays, he said.
Members of the public could come to the SGH's blood bank here to donate blood during office hours, he said.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
RM593,000 aid for Daycare Centre for elderly
Sabah Times:KOTA BELUD: The Federal government through the Social Welfare Department has allocated a sum of RM593,000 for the Senior Citizens Daycare Centre at Sandakan.
The centre, which has begun operations, supplements the existing centres in Sabah at Kinarut, Sandakan and Tawau.
Announcing this yesterday, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin said the allocation is in line with the National Senior Citizens Policy which aims to optimise the potential of senior citizens and ensure they are adequately protected and cared for.
The State government, he said, has also implemented several programmes to help senior citizens including the Aid for the Elderly Scheme and General Aid Scheme.
“Statistics from the Sabah Welfare Services Department show that in 2004, aid totalling RM14 million was handed out to 16,283 people under the two schemes.
“And until October this year, aid totalling RM12.84 million has been dispensed to 17,855 recipients under the two schemes,” he said at the state-level National Senior Citizens Day celebrations at Dewan Tun Said here yesterday.
Yahya stressed that his ministry would constantly endeavour to ensure that aid to people in need of it especially those in rural areas is delivered in a timely and orderly manner.
The centre, which has begun operations, supplements the existing centres in Sabah at Kinarut, Sandakan and Tawau.
Announcing this yesterday, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin said the allocation is in line with the National Senior Citizens Policy which aims to optimise the potential of senior citizens and ensure they are adequately protected and cared for.
The State government, he said, has also implemented several programmes to help senior citizens including the Aid for the Elderly Scheme and General Aid Scheme.
“Statistics from the Sabah Welfare Services Department show that in 2004, aid totalling RM14 million was handed out to 16,283 people under the two schemes.
“And until October this year, aid totalling RM12.84 million has been dispensed to 17,855 recipients under the two schemes,” he said at the state-level National Senior Citizens Day celebrations at Dewan Tun Said here yesterday.
Yahya stressed that his ministry would constantly endeavour to ensure that aid to people in need of it especially those in rural areas is delivered in a timely and orderly manner.
Cancer: Push for awareness
NST: It is frightening and it is eating into our vitals. Every year at least 40,000 Malaysians get cancer.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said: "This is only a conservative figure. There are lots of deaths that are reported as due to old age."
The National Cancer Registry received 42,985 cancer notifications in 2003, of which 23,746 were "unique incident" cancer cases. About 97 in every 100,000 men suffer from cancer while the rate for women is 127.6 per 100,000 women.
Dr Chua said the most common cancers among Malaysians were those affecting the liver, breast, stomach, colon, cervix and prostate.
The five most frequent cancers in children, newborn to 15 years old, are leukaemia, cancers of the brain, lymphoma, connective tissue and kidney.
The most common cancers afflicting those aged 15 to 49 are nasopharynx, leukaemia, lymphoma, lung, colon and rectum in men and cancers of the breast, cervix, colon, uterus, lung and rectum in women.
"We are concerned with the growing number of Malaysians suffering from various types of cancer and are in the midst of finalising the Cancer Prevention Action Plan," he said after attending the ministry’s Deeparaya Open house today.
In welcoming the participation of non-governmental organisations in creating greater awareness of cancer prevention, Dr Chua requested them to first discuss their programmes with his ministry.
"NGOs must ensure that whatever tests they carry out are effective as we do not want a false positive," said Dr Chua when referring to the National Cancer Council’s (Makna) move to hold a big cancer campaign in February with an allocation of RM1.1 million.
He said another important aspect was the issue of medical ethics.
"I am not sure how the NGO plans to do the campaign and how it intends to handle patients detected with cancer," he said, adding the ministry encouraged primary prevention through education, such as campaigns against smoking .
Makna president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin, when contacted, said they did discuss the issue with a desk officer at the ministry and were given the go-ahead.
"Since the minister has brought the issue up, we do not mind following up our proposed campaign with ministry officials," he said, adding that they plan to hold the campaign particularly in the rural areas.
He said Makna would concentrate only on breast, cervical, stomach and prostate cancers. "We want to create cancer awareness in as many people in both urban and rural areas but our concentration is on rural because there are many people who cannot afford to come to towns for screening and tests.
"We hope to collaborate with the ministry and the National Population and Family Development Department so that those detected with cancer can be referred for further checks and treatment to Makna and the ministry," he added.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said: "This is only a conservative figure. There are lots of deaths that are reported as due to old age."
The National Cancer Registry received 42,985 cancer notifications in 2003, of which 23,746 were "unique incident" cancer cases. About 97 in every 100,000 men suffer from cancer while the rate for women is 127.6 per 100,000 women.
Dr Chua said the most common cancers among Malaysians were those affecting the liver, breast, stomach, colon, cervix and prostate.
The five most frequent cancers in children, newborn to 15 years old, are leukaemia, cancers of the brain, lymphoma, connective tissue and kidney.
The most common cancers afflicting those aged 15 to 49 are nasopharynx, leukaemia, lymphoma, lung, colon and rectum in men and cancers of the breast, cervix, colon, uterus, lung and rectum in women.
"We are concerned with the growing number of Malaysians suffering from various types of cancer and are in the midst of finalising the Cancer Prevention Action Plan," he said after attending the ministry’s Deeparaya Open house today.
In welcoming the participation of non-governmental organisations in creating greater awareness of cancer prevention, Dr Chua requested them to first discuss their programmes with his ministry.
"NGOs must ensure that whatever tests they carry out are effective as we do not want a false positive," said Dr Chua when referring to the National Cancer Council’s (Makna) move to hold a big cancer campaign in February with an allocation of RM1.1 million.
He said another important aspect was the issue of medical ethics.
"I am not sure how the NGO plans to do the campaign and how it intends to handle patients detected with cancer," he said, adding the ministry encouraged primary prevention through education, such as campaigns against smoking .
Makna president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin, when contacted, said they did discuss the issue with a desk officer at the ministry and were given the go-ahead.
"Since the minister has brought the issue up, we do not mind following up our proposed campaign with ministry officials," he said, adding that they plan to hold the campaign particularly in the rural areas.
He said Makna would concentrate only on breast, cervical, stomach and prostate cancers. "We want to create cancer awareness in as many people in both urban and rural areas but our concentration is on rural because there are many people who cannot afford to come to towns for screening and tests.
"We hope to collaborate with the ministry and the National Population and Family Development Department so that those detected with cancer can be referred for further checks and treatment to Makna and the ministry," he added.
Local firm promotes female arousal oil
Star: The Malaysia Boleh spirit got “intimate” at the Sexpo down south in the past three days.
So, what is a Malaysian company doing in a Sexpo?
“We’re here simply to disseminate information and create awareness on a fabulous product,” said B.B. Teh, who is Biodel Sdn Bhd director.
And the “fabulous” product introduced at the three-day Singapore Sexpo 2005 is Zestra, a female arousal fluid.
“We are not limiting ourselves to the Malaysian market because our company is Zestra’s sole distributor for Asean countries,” said Teh.
“So we take every opportunity to participate in exhibition or seminar revolving sexual health in the region.”
Teh also said that the company’s participation in the Sexpo, which ended yesterday, was timely as Biodel will launch Zestra tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur.
The response to Zestra in the Sexpo was tremendous, he said, as Biodel received many trade enquires from Singaporeans, Indonesians and Thais.
So what did Teh think of the Sexpo which is the first to be held in Southeast Asia?
“Not as what we expected in term of exhibitors. There was too much emphasise on condoms, dildos and exotic dancing girls. What’s missing are the big players like Durex (international condom manufacturer) and Pfizer (the maker of Viagra),” he said.
However, Teh reckoned the Sexpo to be “low key, less skin and no sleaze” and more informative and educational.
“It is expected because this is Asean and particularly Singapore.”
The American-product Zestra, is an externally applied botanical oil for women who want to increase their overall sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Zestra, which is priced about RM50 for a packet of three, aroused interest among the Sexpo visitors.
“Many older gentlemen were very frank about needing external help to boost their partners' libido and sexual response. The men told me that they themselves had Viagra and Cialis,” said Teh.
“Many were very disappointed when I told them that we were not selling Zestra in the Sexpo.”
The other Malaysian company in the Sexpo was condom manufacturer Luveex which gave away 50,000 condoms.
So, what is a Malaysian company doing in a Sexpo?
“We’re here simply to disseminate information and create awareness on a fabulous product,” said B.B. Teh, who is Biodel Sdn Bhd director.
And the “fabulous” product introduced at the three-day Singapore Sexpo 2005 is Zestra, a female arousal fluid.
“We are not limiting ourselves to the Malaysian market because our company is Zestra’s sole distributor for Asean countries,” said Teh.
“So we take every opportunity to participate in exhibition or seminar revolving sexual health in the region.”
Teh also said that the company’s participation in the Sexpo, which ended yesterday, was timely as Biodel will launch Zestra tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur.
The response to Zestra in the Sexpo was tremendous, he said, as Biodel received many trade enquires from Singaporeans, Indonesians and Thais.
So what did Teh think of the Sexpo which is the first to be held in Southeast Asia?
“Not as what we expected in term of exhibitors. There was too much emphasise on condoms, dildos and exotic dancing girls. What’s missing are the big players like Durex (international condom manufacturer) and Pfizer (the maker of Viagra),” he said.
However, Teh reckoned the Sexpo to be “low key, less skin and no sleaze” and more informative and educational.
“It is expected because this is Asean and particularly Singapore.”
The American-product Zestra, is an externally applied botanical oil for women who want to increase their overall sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Zestra, which is priced about RM50 for a packet of three, aroused interest among the Sexpo visitors.
“Many older gentlemen were very frank about needing external help to boost their partners' libido and sexual response. The men told me that they themselves had Viagra and Cialis,” said Teh.
“Many were very disappointed when I told them that we were not selling Zestra in the Sexpo.”
The other Malaysian company in the Sexpo was condom manufacturer Luveex which gave away 50,000 condoms.
Makna Urged To Call Off Its House-to-house Cancer Screening Programme
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry wants the National Cancer Council (Makna) to call off its house-to-house cancer screening programme scheduled for next February.
Its minister, Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said though the initiative was welcomed, he hoped the non-governmental organisation would first discuss the matter with the ministry to ensure the programme was carried out properly and effectively.
According to Chua, the programme meant for prevention must take into consideration cancer education and also avoid "false positive" tests.
"Besides this, there is also the question of patient confidentiality and medical ethics," he told reporters here Monday.
He said the question of follow-up action should also be considered by Makna.
"What happens if someone is screened to have cancer? It is not just a matter of conducting tests," he stressed.
Newspapers yesterday reported that Makna had allocated RM1.1 million to form a mobile cancer screening team that would go house-to-house to help in the early detection of the disease among the people.
Meanwhile, Chua said his ministry was in the final stages of formulating its Cancer Prevention Action Plan which would be presented for Cabinet approval once completed.
The plan covers among others diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and the use of herbs or traditional medicines in the fight against cancer.
Its minister, Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said though the initiative was welcomed, he hoped the non-governmental organisation would first discuss the matter with the ministry to ensure the programme was carried out properly and effectively.
According to Chua, the programme meant for prevention must take into consideration cancer education and also avoid "false positive" tests.
"Besides this, there is also the question of patient confidentiality and medical ethics," he told reporters here Monday.
He said the question of follow-up action should also be considered by Makna.
"What happens if someone is screened to have cancer? It is not just a matter of conducting tests," he stressed.
Newspapers yesterday reported that Makna had allocated RM1.1 million to form a mobile cancer screening team that would go house-to-house to help in the early detection of the disease among the people.
Meanwhile, Chua said his ministry was in the final stages of formulating its Cancer Prevention Action Plan which would be presented for Cabinet approval once completed.
The plan covers among others diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and the use of herbs or traditional medicines in the fight against cancer.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Start lessons on the birds and bees early
Sun2Surf: SUBANG JAYA: Early sex education can help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy and abortions especially among young girls.
Malaysian Federation of Family Planning Associations chairman Dr Kamaruzaman Ali said there is thus a need for the Education Ministry to replan primary and secondary school curriculums to introduce sex education at an earlier age and emphasise more on sex education.
He said if possible the ministry should make sex education a stand alone subject.
"In Hongkong, children start learning sex education from the age of three or four," he said at the close of the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health (APCRSH).
Kamaruzaman, who is the APCRSH local organising committee chairman, said children should start knowing about sex early, but it should be implemented or taught according to the level of their understanding.
He said teachers need also be retrained to effectively impart information to students.
Asked to comment on the Durex sex survey this year which shows 39% of Malaysians practise unprotected sex, he said:
"The point of survey is that youngsters should not be ignorant and need to be given the knowledge that it is dangerous to have unprotected sex."
Kamaruzaman said parents should also understand that "to teach their children sex education at a young age is not teaching them to have sex early."
Last week, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she would meet Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to make sex education a compulsory subject in schools next year.
Malaysian Federation of Family Planning Associations chairman Dr Kamaruzaman Ali said there is thus a need for the Education Ministry to replan primary and secondary school curriculums to introduce sex education at an earlier age and emphasise more on sex education.
He said if possible the ministry should make sex education a stand alone subject.
"In Hongkong, children start learning sex education from the age of three or four," he said at the close of the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health (APCRSH).
Kamaruzaman, who is the APCRSH local organising committee chairman, said children should start knowing about sex early, but it should be implemented or taught according to the level of their understanding.
He said teachers need also be retrained to effectively impart information to students.
Asked to comment on the Durex sex survey this year which shows 39% of Malaysians practise unprotected sex, he said:
"The point of survey is that youngsters should not be ignorant and need to be given the knowledge that it is dangerous to have unprotected sex."
Kamaruzaman said parents should also understand that "to teach their children sex education at a young age is not teaching them to have sex early."
Last week, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she would meet Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to make sex education a compulsory subject in schools next year.
Five schools save charity run
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-five years ago, Terry Fox defied all odds by running across Canada wearing a prosthesis on his right leg to raise funds for cancer research.
Unfazed by his disability – his leg had to be amputated above the knee due to cancer – and unhappy with the lack of work done to find a cure for the disease, he decided to undertake the 5,374km run.
The event raised millions of dollars for cancer research and he become a legend worldwide even before dying at the age of 22.
His legacy lives on in Malaysia, with the annual Terry Fox Run being held here for the 10th time yesterday.
The run was almost cancelled because there were no sponsors, but in the end it saw a turnout of about 1,200 people at the Lake Gardens through a voluntary effort by parents and teachers of five international schools here.
Parent Manisha Willms, who was part of the organising committee, said the international schools had participated actively in previous Terry Fox Runs, so when the word got out that it might not go on this year, they pooled their resources together to make it happen.
The schools, she said, organised the run together with the Canadian Association of Malaysia and Canadian High Commission.
“We also managed to sell about 1,700 T-shirts and received cash donations. All the proceeds will stay in the country and go to the Cancer Research Initiative Foundation,” the mother of two said, adding that the run was also the biggest single one-day fundraising event in the world with 55 countries participating.
The schools were the International School Kuala Lumpur, Alice Smith International School, Mont Kiara International School, Australian International School and French International School.
Association representative Doreen Buchy said the run was unique in that entry was free and participants could roller-blade, bike, walk, jog or run the 4.8km route.
Her son, Logan, started the first Terry Fox Run in Scotland three years ago.
“Being a Canadian, I wanted to do something that really meant a lot. I even received a plaque from Fox's mother thanking me for my efforts,” 16-year-old Logan said, adding that the run he started in Aberdeen had continued after he came to Malaysia last year.
As for 12-year-old William Hollomon, also a Canadian, he really enjoyed the run, which he joined because he wanted to raise money for cancer research.
“My aunt has cancer, so I am dedicating this run to her,” he said.
The organisers are still finalising accounts and the total collected will only be known tonight. Last year RM130,000 was raised.
Unfazed by his disability – his leg had to be amputated above the knee due to cancer – and unhappy with the lack of work done to find a cure for the disease, he decided to undertake the 5,374km run.
The event raised millions of dollars for cancer research and he become a legend worldwide even before dying at the age of 22.
His legacy lives on in Malaysia, with the annual Terry Fox Run being held here for the 10th time yesterday.
The run was almost cancelled because there were no sponsors, but in the end it saw a turnout of about 1,200 people at the Lake Gardens through a voluntary effort by parents and teachers of five international schools here.
Parent Manisha Willms, who was part of the organising committee, said the international schools had participated actively in previous Terry Fox Runs, so when the word got out that it might not go on this year, they pooled their resources together to make it happen.
The schools, she said, organised the run together with the Canadian Association of Malaysia and Canadian High Commission.
“We also managed to sell about 1,700 T-shirts and received cash donations. All the proceeds will stay in the country and go to the Cancer Research Initiative Foundation,” the mother of two said, adding that the run was also the biggest single one-day fundraising event in the world with 55 countries participating.
The schools were the International School Kuala Lumpur, Alice Smith International School, Mont Kiara International School, Australian International School and French International School.
Association representative Doreen Buchy said the run was unique in that entry was free and participants could roller-blade, bike, walk, jog or run the 4.8km route.
Her son, Logan, started the first Terry Fox Run in Scotland three years ago.
“Being a Canadian, I wanted to do something that really meant a lot. I even received a plaque from Fox's mother thanking me for my efforts,” 16-year-old Logan said, adding that the run he started in Aberdeen had continued after he came to Malaysia last year.
As for 12-year-old William Hollomon, also a Canadian, he really enjoyed the run, which he joined because he wanted to raise money for cancer research.
“My aunt has cancer, so I am dedicating this run to her,” he said.
The organisers are still finalising accounts and the total collected will only be known tonight. Last year RM130,000 was raised.
Proposal to make errant motorists pay higher premiums
Star: PETALING JAYA: Hardcore traffic offenders, better think twice if you are still bent on ignoring the law.
You may soon find yourselves facing a hefty loading on your insurance policies for joining the ranks of the accident-prone.
And certain groups of repeat offenders may actually be denied coverage altogether.
The moves come under a proposal the Government is looking at to force motorists who chalk up summonses blithely or refuse to change their attitude even after being hauled to court to think about safety.
It is learnt that the proposal is targeted at those who commit serious offences such as speeding, beating traffic lights, queue cutting, reckless driving and overtaking on double lines.
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh, who confirmed that the Government was mulling over the proposal, said bad drivers must be penalised.
“Eventually, those who flout traffic rules will have to pay the price,” he said, adding that the Government was working with insurers and other relevant groups to implement the proposal as early as next year.
Certain insurance companies now impose loading of between 5% and 150% based on the age of vehicles and frequency of claims but not on the number of offences committed by the insured.
General Insurance Association of Malaysia executive director Lim Chia Fook said the proposal was one of a range of measures being looked at to increase road safety awareness and reduce accidents.
“The insurance industry will support the move as it is a reasonable underwriting procedure to distinguish between high-risk drivers and the safer ones,” he said.
He noted that in the United States, drivers in the high-risk group faced heavier loading if they were involved in accidents.
“Because it becomes expensive if they are reckless, people think about driving safely.”
Traffic offenders who refused to change, he added, must be taken off the road.
According to Lim, underwriters will look at the various types of information available, including the frequency of summonses, the number of compound fines paid and the gravity of the offences.
The proposal, he added, was viable and timely.
“So the various agencies need to sit down and come up with a fair and effective mechanism to implement it to promote a safe driving culture in the country,” he said.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Emran Kadir said his department would gladly supply the names of serious traffic offenders to insurers.
“It is the right of insurance companies to impose loading or even deny serious offenders coverage as they are the ones who pay out when an accident happens,” he added.
The JPJ's online link with insurance companies under the e-insurance cover note system, he said, would allow easy exchange of information on offenders.
However, he added: “I will support this move, but a driver who has repented and stopped committing dangerous offences should not be continuously penalised by insurers.”
You may soon find yourselves facing a hefty loading on your insurance policies for joining the ranks of the accident-prone.
And certain groups of repeat offenders may actually be denied coverage altogether.
The moves come under a proposal the Government is looking at to force motorists who chalk up summonses blithely or refuse to change their attitude even after being hauled to court to think about safety.
It is learnt that the proposal is targeted at those who commit serious offences such as speeding, beating traffic lights, queue cutting, reckless driving and overtaking on double lines.
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh, who confirmed that the Government was mulling over the proposal, said bad drivers must be penalised.
“Eventually, those who flout traffic rules will have to pay the price,” he said, adding that the Government was working with insurers and other relevant groups to implement the proposal as early as next year.
Certain insurance companies now impose loading of between 5% and 150% based on the age of vehicles and frequency of claims but not on the number of offences committed by the insured.
General Insurance Association of Malaysia executive director Lim Chia Fook said the proposal was one of a range of measures being looked at to increase road safety awareness and reduce accidents.
“The insurance industry will support the move as it is a reasonable underwriting procedure to distinguish between high-risk drivers and the safer ones,” he said.
He noted that in the United States, drivers in the high-risk group faced heavier loading if they were involved in accidents.
“Because it becomes expensive if they are reckless, people think about driving safely.”
Traffic offenders who refused to change, he added, must be taken off the road.
According to Lim, underwriters will look at the various types of information available, including the frequency of summonses, the number of compound fines paid and the gravity of the offences.
The proposal, he added, was viable and timely.
“So the various agencies need to sit down and come up with a fair and effective mechanism to implement it to promote a safe driving culture in the country,” he said.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Emran Kadir said his department would gladly supply the names of serious traffic offenders to insurers.
“It is the right of insurance companies to impose loading or even deny serious offenders coverage as they are the ones who pay out when an accident happens,” he added.
The JPJ's online link with insurance companies under the e-insurance cover note system, he said, would allow easy exchange of information on offenders.
However, he added: “I will support this move, but a driver who has repented and stopped committing dangerous offences should not be continuously penalised by insurers.”
Conference Call For Implementation Of Sexual Rights
PETALING JAYA, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health (APCRSH) which ended Sunday called on governments of the world to respect sexual and reproductive rights of their people.
The conference stated that only by respecting sexual and reproductive rights would the society at large be able to address challenges like HIV/AIDS, reducing maternal mortality, improving maternal health, reducing child mortality, promoting gender equality and eradicating poverty.
"The development of health systems and health sector reforms should not deprive people of their rights and access to affordable sexual and reproductive health," said a statement issued by the conference secretariat at the end of the four-day international conference held at the Sunway Convention Centre, here.
"We will advocate for the availability, accessibility and affordability of the widest possible range of contraceptives including emergency contraception. We will strongly promote male and female condoms for dual protection as well as the improved management of sexually transmitted diseases," the statement said.
The conference also noted and welcomed the increasing number of countries that had legalized abortion and were actively promoting safe methods of pregnancy termination.
"Nonetheless women throughout the region remain at risk of illness or death due to unsafe abortion, we will work to promote services to eliminate the harm cased by unsafe abortion while respecting the laws of the countries," the statement said.
The conference also acknowledged the special needs and rights of the marginalized and vulnerable groups including migrants, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to sexual and reproductive health services.
"We will work to end stigma and discrimination and promote social justice for all in each of our country," the statement said.
Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim closed the conference which had attracted more than 1,213 participants from 57 countries.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who delivered the conference keynote address said that education including sex education was basic to any intervention for prevention of HIV/Aids, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions especially among young girls.
The conference stated that only by respecting sexual and reproductive rights would the society at large be able to address challenges like HIV/AIDS, reducing maternal mortality, improving maternal health, reducing child mortality, promoting gender equality and eradicating poverty.
"The development of health systems and health sector reforms should not deprive people of their rights and access to affordable sexual and reproductive health," said a statement issued by the conference secretariat at the end of the four-day international conference held at the Sunway Convention Centre, here.
"We will advocate for the availability, accessibility and affordability of the widest possible range of contraceptives including emergency contraception. We will strongly promote male and female condoms for dual protection as well as the improved management of sexually transmitted diseases," the statement said.
The conference also noted and welcomed the increasing number of countries that had legalized abortion and were actively promoting safe methods of pregnancy termination.
"Nonetheless women throughout the region remain at risk of illness or death due to unsafe abortion, we will work to promote services to eliminate the harm cased by unsafe abortion while respecting the laws of the countries," the statement said.
The conference also acknowledged the special needs and rights of the marginalized and vulnerable groups including migrants, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to sexual and reproductive health services.
"We will work to end stigma and discrimination and promote social justice for all in each of our country," the statement said.
Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim closed the conference which had attracted more than 1,213 participants from 57 countries.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who delivered the conference keynote address said that education including sex education was basic to any intervention for prevention of HIV/Aids, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions especially among young girls.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Complaints about docs who keep mum
Star: PETALING JAYA: Doctors who do not take the trouble to explain to patients about their illness and the medicines they are prescribing has led to complaints of poor service in the profession.
The Malaysian Medical Association said other reasons for the complaints could be that patients “expect the unreasonable from their doctors”.
There were also complaints from unhappy patients who went to different doctors and ended up misinterpreting the different opinions of their ailments.
“Patients must play their role by not doctor-hopping while doctors should improve on their communication skills,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, adding that these could stop people from having a negative view of the profession.
He was responding to complaints on the deteriorating standard of service at clinics.
Dr Teoh said that the cornerstone of medicine was in a strong doctor-patient relationship.
He said doctors had been advised to inform their patients about the type of medicines that they were prescribing.
“Some doctors are apprehensive that patients will self-medicate if they know the names of the medicines.
“However, the policy of the MMA is to have doctors label their medicines.”
The declining standard of service has led to the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency (Fomema) suspending over 100 clinics on its panel to curb irregularities in the examination of foreign workers.
These clinics had not maintained a proper register of medical examinations, and they operated X-ray machines without a licence, submitted identical X-rays for more than one worker and had not kept records of specimens collected.
The Malaysian Medical Association said other reasons for the complaints could be that patients “expect the unreasonable from their doctors”.
There were also complaints from unhappy patients who went to different doctors and ended up misinterpreting the different opinions of their ailments.
“Patients must play their role by not doctor-hopping while doctors should improve on their communication skills,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, adding that these could stop people from having a negative view of the profession.
He was responding to complaints on the deteriorating standard of service at clinics.
Dr Teoh said that the cornerstone of medicine was in a strong doctor-patient relationship.
He said doctors had been advised to inform their patients about the type of medicines that they were prescribing.
“Some doctors are apprehensive that patients will self-medicate if they know the names of the medicines.
“However, the policy of the MMA is to have doctors label their medicines.”
The declining standard of service has led to the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency (Fomema) suspending over 100 clinics on its panel to curb irregularities in the examination of foreign workers.
These clinics had not maintained a proper register of medical examinations, and they operated X-ray machines without a licence, submitted identical X-rays for more than one worker and had not kept records of specimens collected.
21 years of kidney dialysis
Star: KOTA KINABALU: Imagine sitting for four hours as a dialysis machine next to you cleans your blood. You do it three times a week throughout the year.
Pensioner Michael Mojitoh has been doing it for 21 years.
The 63-year-old former Health Department technician is among the oldest kidney patients relying on the machine since his kidney failed in 1984.
“I have gotten used to it,” said Michael who was one of 36 patients seeking treatment at the MAA-Medicare Charity Kidney Dialysis Centre in Tanjung Aru near here recently.
The ailment ended his dream of farming on his 2ha land at Kampung Nambazan in Penampang near here – something he wanted to do when he retired.
“Now I cannot plant padi. But I’m happy just walking among the fruit trees and looking at the fish pond near my house,” he said.
The opening of the MAA-Medicare centre has made it easier for kidney patients to seek treatment.
Prior to this, they had to queue up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here for their turn at the 12 dialysis machines there.
When Michael first suffered kidney failure after a bout of hypertension in 1983, there were no dialysis machines in Kota Kinabalu.
He and two other patients had to be treated at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
They also had to stay there.
It was then that doctors suggested that he go for a transplant but there was no available donor among his family members.
“Now there are more kidney donors and I cannot undergo a transplant as I have been infected with hepatitis C due to blood transfusions,” he said.
Due to his condition, Michael said he has to watch his diet and avoid food high in phosphate and salt.
“So I don’t take things like coffee and durian, all the stuff which I liked,” he said with a smile on his face.
Pensioner Michael Mojitoh has been doing it for 21 years.
The 63-year-old former Health Department technician is among the oldest kidney patients relying on the machine since his kidney failed in 1984.
“I have gotten used to it,” said Michael who was one of 36 patients seeking treatment at the MAA-Medicare Charity Kidney Dialysis Centre in Tanjung Aru near here recently.
The ailment ended his dream of farming on his 2ha land at Kampung Nambazan in Penampang near here – something he wanted to do when he retired.
“Now I cannot plant padi. But I’m happy just walking among the fruit trees and looking at the fish pond near my house,” he said.
The opening of the MAA-Medicare centre has made it easier for kidney patients to seek treatment.
Prior to this, they had to queue up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here for their turn at the 12 dialysis machines there.
When Michael first suffered kidney failure after a bout of hypertension in 1983, there were no dialysis machines in Kota Kinabalu.
He and two other patients had to be treated at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
They also had to stay there.
It was then that doctors suggested that he go for a transplant but there was no available donor among his family members.
“Now there are more kidney donors and I cannot undergo a transplant as I have been infected with hepatitis C due to blood transfusions,” he said.
Due to his condition, Michael said he has to watch his diet and avoid food high in phosphate and salt.
“So I don’t take things like coffee and durian, all the stuff which I liked,” he said with a smile on his face.
World Toilet Day: Looking around
Star: PETALING JAYA: The state of our public toilets may leave much to be desired but on the day set aside as World Toilet Day, we were suddenly flushed with ideas.
It was a day when VIPs, especially local authority officials, were out in full force to do their part. And practically everyone had an idea or two on how to keep public toilets clean.
The first salvo came at the national-level launch in Shah Alam where Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the state of toilets in coffeeshops, restaurants and petrol kiosks could only be described as “below average”.
Lau said the campaign – quaintly themed “Care for the next user” – was aimed at encouraging good sanitary practices.
“Good toilet habits are a good reflection of a gracious society. It is important to have clean toilets because it’s hygienic. People who see a dirty toilet will not want to use it,” he said yesterday.
The Government, he added, was holding discussions with various industries to come up with high-tech devices for toilets to make them cleaner.
In Ipoh, a competition will be held next year to determine which toilet is the cleanest, and the prize for the operators will be a free trip to the next World Toilet Summit in Thailand. And those who cannot keep their toilets clean will be punished.
Though the details have yet to be worked out, Perak Urban and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said: “One immediate penalty is to revoke the contracts of operators.”
Over in Kuala Terengganu, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh delivered a verdict of “not satisfactory” after inspecting the cleanliness of several public toilets.
“I will continue with my crusade of inspecting toilets in future as this is in line with Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), which emphasises cleanliness,” he said.
In Penang, the Penang Municipal Council has allocated RM1mil this year to upgrade its 27 public toilets on the island.
“In view of the expenditure, we may consider awarding cleaning contracts only to professional contractors who have the proper qualifications,” said council president Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
In Malacca, city councillors will “adopt” public toilets to ensure they are clean.
Datuk Bandar Zaini Md Nor, the man behind the adoption scheme, has taken the lead by assuming responsibility for the toilets at Taman Bunga Merdeka in Jalan Kota and the one next to the Memorial Museum.
In Johor Baru, Datuk Bandar Datuk Wahid Dahlan said food outlet operators must have clean toilets or risk having their premises closed down.
“Toilet cleanliness is one of the main conditions for licence renewal,” he added.
It was a day when VIPs, especially local authority officials, were out in full force to do their part. And practically everyone had an idea or two on how to keep public toilets clean.
The first salvo came at the national-level launch in Shah Alam where Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the state of toilets in coffeeshops, restaurants and petrol kiosks could only be described as “below average”.
Lau said the campaign – quaintly themed “Care for the next user” – was aimed at encouraging good sanitary practices.
“Good toilet habits are a good reflection of a gracious society. It is important to have clean toilets because it’s hygienic. People who see a dirty toilet will not want to use it,” he said yesterday.
The Government, he added, was holding discussions with various industries to come up with high-tech devices for toilets to make them cleaner.
In Ipoh, a competition will be held next year to determine which toilet is the cleanest, and the prize for the operators will be a free trip to the next World Toilet Summit in Thailand. And those who cannot keep their toilets clean will be punished.
Though the details have yet to be worked out, Perak Urban and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said: “One immediate penalty is to revoke the contracts of operators.”
Over in Kuala Terengganu, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh delivered a verdict of “not satisfactory” after inspecting the cleanliness of several public toilets.
“I will continue with my crusade of inspecting toilets in future as this is in line with Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), which emphasises cleanliness,” he said.
In Penang, the Penang Municipal Council has allocated RM1mil this year to upgrade its 27 public toilets on the island.
“In view of the expenditure, we may consider awarding cleaning contracts only to professional contractors who have the proper qualifications,” said council president Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
In Malacca, city councillors will “adopt” public toilets to ensure they are clean.
Datuk Bandar Zaini Md Nor, the man behind the adoption scheme, has taken the lead by assuming responsibility for the toilets at Taman Bunga Merdeka in Jalan Kota and the one next to the Memorial Museum.
In Johor Baru, Datuk Bandar Datuk Wahid Dahlan said food outlet operators must have clean toilets or risk having their premises closed down.
“Toilet cleanliness is one of the main conditions for licence renewal,” he added.
Migratory birds no threat
NST: Butterworth: The movement of migratory birds to Malaysia from countries affected by the deadly avian flu, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, does not pose a threat to Malaysians.
National Parks and Wild- life Protection Department (Perhilitan) director-general Musa Nordin, in assuring the public today, said tests on some of the bird species had so far shown that they were free of any disease, including the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Musa said more than 300 samples, taken from over 100 species of birds, had been tested since the first bird flu outbreak in 2003 and all results had come back negative.
"Tests have clearly indicated that the deadly virus can only be passed to humans through local poultry. These migratory birds do not get into contact with our chickens and ducks."
However, he advised the public to immediately report to the authorities if they found cases of birds dying.
"We are not taking any chances. There is still a possibility that some of these birds may bring in the disease.
"Perhilitan together with the Veterinary Services Department will continue to collect blood, saliva as well as bird droppings for testing.
"We will carry out such activities as well as monitor the situation until the migration period (which began last month) ends in March," he said after opening a celebration to welcome the arrival of migratory birds at Dewan Sukan Titi Mukim in Penaga near here today.
The event, sponsored by Shell, was attended by Perhilitan conservation division director Siti Hawa Yatim, Wetlands International- Malaysia director Dr R. Sundari and Penang Malaysian Nature Society chairman K. Kanda.
More than 15,000 birds of over 30 species will make the 3km shoreline in Kuala Muda near here their new home during this period.
National Parks and Wild- life Protection Department (Perhilitan) director-general Musa Nordin, in assuring the public today, said tests on some of the bird species had so far shown that they were free of any disease, including the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Musa said more than 300 samples, taken from over 100 species of birds, had been tested since the first bird flu outbreak in 2003 and all results had come back negative.
"Tests have clearly indicated that the deadly virus can only be passed to humans through local poultry. These migratory birds do not get into contact with our chickens and ducks."
However, he advised the public to immediately report to the authorities if they found cases of birds dying.
"We are not taking any chances. There is still a possibility that some of these birds may bring in the disease.
"Perhilitan together with the Veterinary Services Department will continue to collect blood, saliva as well as bird droppings for testing.
"We will carry out such activities as well as monitor the situation until the migration period (which began last month) ends in March," he said after opening a celebration to welcome the arrival of migratory birds at Dewan Sukan Titi Mukim in Penaga near here today.
The event, sponsored by Shell, was attended by Perhilitan conservation division director Siti Hawa Yatim, Wetlands International- Malaysia director Dr R. Sundari and Penang Malaysian Nature Society chairman K. Kanda.
More than 15,000 birds of over 30 species will make the 3km shoreline in Kuala Muda near here their new home during this period.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Backing for avian flu fund
NST:MALAYSIA strongly backs Canada’s proposal to set up a fund to help poor countries affected by the deadly avian influenza (bird flu) virus.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made the proposal at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) Leaders’ Dialogue with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) here yesterday.
"I strongly support the Canadian Prime Minister’s proposal to set up a fund for the affected countries.
"If breeders in poor countries are forced to cull all their birds (due to avian flu), they could expect to receive some compensation but not necessarily full reimbursement," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Malaysian journalists here yesterday.
Describing the proposal as positive, he said the fund could help support efforts to tackle the threat of avian flu since breeders normally were not willing to destroy the infected birds if there was no offer of compensation.
"Take the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia (in 1998), for example. Although it was not so serious, it involved billions (of ringgit) in compensation. Thus, if we don’t help (poor countries affected by avian flu), the virus may spread to neighbouring countries and continue to move around," he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least 130 people in five Apec countries — China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia — have been diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu, and at least 67 have died.
Abdullah said at an earlier meeting between US President George W. Bush and leaders from seven Asean countries, including Abdullah, the leaders recognised the urgent need for an action plan to tackle avian flu.
"We agreed to work together. To begin with, by exchanging information on the situation in the countries concerned, particularly those in the Asean region, and that any steps taken that have been effective in curbing this virus should be shared among all countries," he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made the proposal at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) Leaders’ Dialogue with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) here yesterday.
"I strongly support the Canadian Prime Minister’s proposal to set up a fund for the affected countries.
"If breeders in poor countries are forced to cull all their birds (due to avian flu), they could expect to receive some compensation but not necessarily full reimbursement," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Malaysian journalists here yesterday.
Describing the proposal as positive, he said the fund could help support efforts to tackle the threat of avian flu since breeders normally were not willing to destroy the infected birds if there was no offer of compensation.
"Take the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia (in 1998), for example. Although it was not so serious, it involved billions (of ringgit) in compensation. Thus, if we don’t help (poor countries affected by avian flu), the virus may spread to neighbouring countries and continue to move around," he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least 130 people in five Apec countries — China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia — have been diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu, and at least 67 have died.
Abdullah said at an earlier meeting between US President George W. Bush and leaders from seven Asean countries, including Abdullah, the leaders recognised the urgent need for an action plan to tackle avian flu.
"We agreed to work together. To begin with, by exchanging information on the situation in the countries concerned, particularly those in the Asean region, and that any steps taken that have been effective in curbing this virus should be shared among all countries," he said.
National clean toilet campaign kicks off
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The answer to nature’s call should be in the toilet bowl and not on the floor.
While we may think that this is common knowledge, a study found that over 2.6 billion people (40% of the world’s population) worldwide were not potty trained.
Today, Malaysia will embark on a nationwide toilet-cleaning exercise to promote social awareness on the importance of clean public toilets.
This exercise will be held in conjunction with World Toilet Day today and will involve presidents and officers of 145 local councils.
Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said yesterday that each municipal council would clean a public toilet under its jurisdiction.
Lau, who is also chairman of the newly established Quality Restroom Association Malaysia (QRAM), will be attending the exercise with the Shah Alam Municipal Council at noon today.
“We will be commissioning a production company to do a news clip on clean toilets,” said Lau.
He said the clip would contain information on toilet cleanliness and would be aired on all local channels.
Lau had also previously mentioned that his ministry and Sirim would be drafting a grading guideline for public toilets.
Hence, the next time nature calls we should “focus” on keeping our toilets clean and “aim” in the right direction.
While we may think that this is common knowledge, a study found that over 2.6 billion people (40% of the world’s population) worldwide were not potty trained.
Today, Malaysia will embark on a nationwide toilet-cleaning exercise to promote social awareness on the importance of clean public toilets.
This exercise will be held in conjunction with World Toilet Day today and will involve presidents and officers of 145 local councils.
Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said yesterday that each municipal council would clean a public toilet under its jurisdiction.
Lau, who is also chairman of the newly established Quality Restroom Association Malaysia (QRAM), will be attending the exercise with the Shah Alam Municipal Council at noon today.
“We will be commissioning a production company to do a news clip on clean toilets,” said Lau.
He said the clip would contain information on toilet cleanliness and would be aired on all local channels.
Lau had also previously mentioned that his ministry and Sirim would be drafting a grading guideline for public toilets.
Hence, the next time nature calls we should “focus” on keeping our toilets clean and “aim” in the right direction.
Expired drugs dumped in rural areas
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Fake or expired medicines and inferior quality beauty products are being dumped in the rural areas, raising concerns over safety.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said unscrupulous parties were dumping such products at sundry shops and mini-markets to avoid detection by the authorities.
“We are very concerned over this trend and will work closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the situation. Stern action will be taken against those responsible,” he told reporters at his ministry’s Hari Raya open house yesterday.
In the urban areas, he said, such problems were less common as medicines and drugs were only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and other licensed premises.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said unscrupulous parties were dumping such products at sundry shops and mini-markets to avoid detection by the authorities.
“We are very concerned over this trend and will work closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the situation. Stern action will be taken against those responsible,” he told reporters at his ministry’s Hari Raya open house yesterday.
In the urban areas, he said, such problems were less common as medicines and drugs were only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and other licensed premises.
Rural areas to get more clinics
Star: JOHOR BARU: The number of rural polyclinics and community clinics will be increased by 5% under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said more mobile clinics would also be set up to serve both urban and rural residents.
“Forty percent of our population are in the rural areas where there are 865 polyclinics and 1,900 community clinics.
“It is undeniable that there are still areas where residents do not get satisfactory medical services,” he told reporters after visiting a polyclinic in Tongkang Pechah, Batu Pahat.
Dr Chua said people in rural areas should also enjoy good medical services, just like those in towns and cities.
“However, many rural polyclinics have not been maintained or upgraded.
“So, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, we want to improve and upgrade the clinics in the rural areas, such as upgrading some community clinics to polyclinics.
“This is because some clinics can no longer cope with the rising number of patients,” he added.
Dr Chua said the Tongkang Pechah polyclinic would receive RM150,000 to improve their services and for such equipment as blood and urine analysers.
However, he said it was pointless to have good facilities without the necessary personnel; many doctors and nurses prefer to be posted in urban areas.
“For example, the positions for doctors in urban areas are 80% filled, but it is only 60% in the rural areas,” he said.
“As such, those who have served in rural areas will be given preference when they apply to further their studies.”
He said more mobile clinics would also be set up to serve both urban and rural residents.
“Forty percent of our population are in the rural areas where there are 865 polyclinics and 1,900 community clinics.
“It is undeniable that there are still areas where residents do not get satisfactory medical services,” he told reporters after visiting a polyclinic in Tongkang Pechah, Batu Pahat.
Dr Chua said people in rural areas should also enjoy good medical services, just like those in towns and cities.
“However, many rural polyclinics have not been maintained or upgraded.
“So, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, we want to improve and upgrade the clinics in the rural areas, such as upgrading some community clinics to polyclinics.
“This is because some clinics can no longer cope with the rising number of patients,” he added.
Dr Chua said the Tongkang Pechah polyclinic would receive RM150,000 to improve their services and for such equipment as blood and urine analysers.
However, he said it was pointless to have good facilities without the necessary personnel; many doctors and nurses prefer to be posted in urban areas.
“For example, the positions for doctors in urban areas are 80% filled, but it is only 60% in the rural areas,” he said.
“As such, those who have served in rural areas will be given preference when they apply to further their studies.”
Work stress causing prisons staff to fall ill
Star: TAIPING: More than 2% of the 11,000 prisons staff members nationwide have developed chronic health conditions over the last 10 years because of their work.
Internal Security Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Abu Seman Yusop said a total of 227 suffered these conditions, with cases of high blood pressure topping the list followed by heart disease.
Abu Seman said AIDS was another health threat to prisons staff although there had been no new cases detected since two prison wardens who contracted HIV from prisoners died in 1990.
“Prisons staff who deal with prisoners with infectious diseases on a regular basis are likely to be exposed to the diseases.
“They are also working under tremendous pressure because it is not easy to handle inmates,” he said yesterday after a ceremony to mark the completion of a basic prison management course by 197 prison officers.
Due to the work pressure faced, Abu Seman said the Government should consider providing a critical allowance to deserving prisons staff.
Prisons Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Osman, who was also present, said the department was preparing a paper to justify the payment of such an allowance.
“We hope to submit the paper to the Government by the end of next month,” he said.
Internal Security Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Abu Seman Yusop said a total of 227 suffered these conditions, with cases of high blood pressure topping the list followed by heart disease.
Abu Seman said AIDS was another health threat to prisons staff although there had been no new cases detected since two prison wardens who contracted HIV from prisoners died in 1990.
“Prisons staff who deal with prisoners with infectious diseases on a regular basis are likely to be exposed to the diseases.
“They are also working under tremendous pressure because it is not easy to handle inmates,” he said yesterday after a ceremony to mark the completion of a basic prison management course by 197 prison officers.
Due to the work pressure faced, Abu Seman said the Government should consider providing a critical allowance to deserving prisons staff.
Prisons Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Osman, who was also present, said the department was preparing a paper to justify the payment of such an allowance.
“We hope to submit the paper to the Government by the end of next month,” he said.
Menglembu pigeons didn’t die of bird flu
Star: IPOH: The pigeons found dead in Menglembu did not die of the dreaded avian flu.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said the carcasses tested negative for the deadly H5N1 virus.
He said the pigeons appeared to have been poisoned but the department had yet to confirm so.
“However, our concern is that the birds did not die of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza,” he said yesterday.
Of late, dead pigeons found in Bidor, Sungai Petani and Menglembu created a stir among residents who were worried that the birds died of avian flu.
In the latest incident in Menglembu last Thursday, more than 40 dead pigeons were found, some on the rooftop of a house in Taman Gamelan.
It is learnt that the Veterinary Research Institute conducted tests on 38 of the dead birds from Menglembu.
Samples were also sent to the Chemistry Department to find out if the birds had been poisoned.
In PENANG, several dead pigeons found at the posh Sri York Condominium area have raised concerns among the residents.
Condominium maintenance officer Koay Keng Soon said six to seven pigeons were found dead at various spots in Block 33 yesterday.
“Residents are worried and we have contacted the state Veterinary Services Department to collect the bird carcasses for examination.
“We have not seen more than three dead birds at any one time in this area before,” said Koay.
The rest of the carcases had been thrown away by cleaners making their rounds before the management took two of them and handed them to the department.
When contacted, a department spokesman said they had just received a report on the matter and would carry out an investigation.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said the carcasses tested negative for the deadly H5N1 virus.
He said the pigeons appeared to have been poisoned but the department had yet to confirm so.
“However, our concern is that the birds did not die of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza,” he said yesterday.
Of late, dead pigeons found in Bidor, Sungai Petani and Menglembu created a stir among residents who were worried that the birds died of avian flu.
In the latest incident in Menglembu last Thursday, more than 40 dead pigeons were found, some on the rooftop of a house in Taman Gamelan.
It is learnt that the Veterinary Research Institute conducted tests on 38 of the dead birds from Menglembu.
Samples were also sent to the Chemistry Department to find out if the birds had been poisoned.
In PENANG, several dead pigeons found at the posh Sri York Condominium area have raised concerns among the residents.
Condominium maintenance officer Koay Keng Soon said six to seven pigeons were found dead at various spots in Block 33 yesterday.
“Residents are worried and we have contacted the state Veterinary Services Department to collect the bird carcasses for examination.
“We have not seen more than three dead birds at any one time in this area before,” said Koay.
The rest of the carcases had been thrown away by cleaners making their rounds before the management took two of them and handed them to the department.
When contacted, a department spokesman said they had just received a report on the matter and would carry out an investigation.
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