Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More people are now aware that Down Syndrome is not infectious and parents with children afflicted by this ailment are no longer keeping them at home.
Toh Puan Ena Ling, patron of Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF), said there is a lot more knowledge about the syndrome today.
“When the foundation was established 18 years ago, it had two objectives – to educate Down Syndrome children from six months to six years of age, and to create public awareness about Down Syndrome,” she said.
Ena Ling was attending the World Down Syndrome Day event held at Pantai Medical Centre (PMC) here organised by KDSF and PMC with the theme “Celebrating Diversity”.
They joined organisations worldwide in paying tribute to the Down Syndrome community. March 21was chosen as it is symbolic in signifying the presence of extra genetic material on the 21st chromosome, which results in Down Syndrome.
About 80 children, parents, caregivers and hospital staff attended the event held at PMC hall.
PMC chief executive officer Choy Wah Wei said the Down Syndrome incidence is one in every 660 live births and although there is no cure, children with the syndrome will benefit from loving homes, early intervention, special education, appropriate medical care and a positive attitude.
The celebrations also included performances from individuals with Down Syndrome. One of them, 10-year-old Hang Chuen Wern, asked , “Do you see me like others?” and 32-year-old Eugene Wong told his life story as a testimony of what a person with Down Syndrome is capable of as he was active in school and is currently working with KDSF.
KDSF National Centre chairman Tee Han Cheong said parents with Down Syndrome children can contact the centre for support, advice and education for their kids at 03-78030179 or visit www.kdsf.org.my
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
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Fake sex pills seized
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: A whopping RM14mil worth of counterfeit sex stimulant pills closely resembling Viagra were seized in Penang on March 13.
It was the biggest seizure of a single drug in Malaysian history.
The Health Ministry's pharmacy enforcement team, together with Customs officers who conducted the bust, sensed something was amiss when the “little blue pills” were labelled as vitamins.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the container from Singapore had 142 boxes of pills called “Miagra,” which were discovered to contain Sildenafil – the active ingredient in Viagra.
“The RM14mil pills were labelled as vitamins but upon closer inspection the drugs were found to be unregistered and illegally brought in.
“It is believed that the pills were for the Malaysian market while some of them could have been for Thailand.
“We are still conducting investigations to identify the company responsible for this,” said Dr Chua, adding that details of the investigations could not yet be revealed.
Chua said that if found guilty, the culprit could face a fine of RM50,000 or be sentenced to three years' jail, or both, under the Drug Sales Act 1952.
Speaking to the press after officiating the Health Ministry Media Awards Night here yesterday, Dr Chua cautioned all men not to use such illegal and unregistered drugs as they could be dangerous.
It was the biggest seizure of a single drug in Malaysian history.
The Health Ministry's pharmacy enforcement team, together with Customs officers who conducted the bust, sensed something was amiss when the “little blue pills” were labelled as vitamins.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the container from Singapore had 142 boxes of pills called “Miagra,” which were discovered to contain Sildenafil – the active ingredient in Viagra.
“The RM14mil pills were labelled as vitamins but upon closer inspection the drugs were found to be unregistered and illegally brought in.
“It is believed that the pills were for the Malaysian market while some of them could have been for Thailand.
“We are still conducting investigations to identify the company responsible for this,” said Dr Chua, adding that details of the investigations could not yet be revealed.
Chua said that if found guilty, the culprit could face a fine of RM50,000 or be sentenced to three years' jail, or both, under the Drug Sales Act 1952.
Speaking to the press after officiating the Health Ministry Media Awards Night here yesterday, Dr Chua cautioned all men not to use such illegal and unregistered drugs as they could be dangerous.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Subang Jaya has highest number of dengue cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Subang Jaya recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the first 11 weeks of the year.
As of last Saturday, the municipality recorded 1,023 suspected dengue cases with five deaths, outstripping Shah Alam, which recorded 711 cases.
Parliamentary secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said that for this year, the number of suspected dengue infections stood at 12,086 cases.
“This number is still high, particularly for areas in Selangor and Federal Territory, which continue to be the hotspots for dengue infections,” he told reporters after a briefing with health and local authority officers at his office here yesterday.
Lee said the Government remained concerned over the lack of effort shown by some residents in the Klang Valley in controlling the spread of the disease and the breeding of aedes mosquitoes.
“For instance, we have had problems with abandoned houses and barred premises, which proved to be obstacles to health officers checking for mosquito breeding.
“Residents must also keep an eye out on houses undergoing renovations. More often than not, these premises are not taken care of and unwanted materials are just dumped outside the compound and clog up drains.
“We can’t fine or compound these property owners even if the rubbish is found to be a breeding ground for aedes because it is outside their premises.
“The neighbours should instead make sure that the rubbish is collected or disposed of properly because if there is any breeding of mosquitoes, they are the ones at risk of contracting dengue,” he said.
Lee said the ministry was also mulling over the possibility of setting up “dengue centres”, like those currently set up by the health officers in the Petaling district.
“Our officers establish a 200m radius around a dengue hotspot and methodically carry out fogging, eradication and education programmes.
“But under the dengue centre system, the residents staying within the area are roped into these programmes and then given a map showing the area where cases have surfaced,” he said.
As of last Saturday, the municipality recorded 1,023 suspected dengue cases with five deaths, outstripping Shah Alam, which recorded 711 cases.
Parliamentary secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said that for this year, the number of suspected dengue infections stood at 12,086 cases.
“This number is still high, particularly for areas in Selangor and Federal Territory, which continue to be the hotspots for dengue infections,” he told reporters after a briefing with health and local authority officers at his office here yesterday.
Lee said the Government remained concerned over the lack of effort shown by some residents in the Klang Valley in controlling the spread of the disease and the breeding of aedes mosquitoes.
“For instance, we have had problems with abandoned houses and barred premises, which proved to be obstacles to health officers checking for mosquito breeding.
“Residents must also keep an eye out on houses undergoing renovations. More often than not, these premises are not taken care of and unwanted materials are just dumped outside the compound and clog up drains.
“We can’t fine or compound these property owners even if the rubbish is found to be a breeding ground for aedes because it is outside their premises.
“The neighbours should instead make sure that the rubbish is collected or disposed of properly because if there is any breeding of mosquitoes, they are the ones at risk of contracting dengue,” he said.
Lee said the ministry was also mulling over the possibility of setting up “dengue centres”, like those currently set up by the health officers in the Petaling district.
“Our officers establish a 200m radius around a dengue hotspot and methodically carry out fogging, eradication and education programmes.
“But under the dengue centre system, the residents staying within the area are roped into these programmes and then given a map showing the area where cases have surfaced,” he said.
Vector-borne diseases a growing threat, says doc
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Deforestation and ever increasing migration numbers are among the reasons for a rise in vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
Researcher and former head of the Institute of Medical Research (IMR)'s Parasitology Unit Dr V. Indra said the cutting down of forests would lead to animals like monkeys being forced to wander into areas inhabited by humans.
“This means the monkeys (who also act as reservoirs) would be carrying whatever parasites they have with them. The mosquitoes that usually feed on the monkeys will also tag along, increasing the risk of vector-borne disease transmission,” she said in a plenary paper at the 43rd annual scientific seminar of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine here yesterday.
Dr Indra said the different vectors for such diseases were present in Malaysia and the country has to ensure it was ready to fight the parasites that can be transmitted.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, in his speech read by IMR director Dr Shahnaz Murad, said there was a need to speed up approaches to combat infectious diseases.
“Our enemy in the form of infectious agents is only one. Diseases that could have been confined to one nation today, due to migration of population, travels and globalisation, possess sufficient potential to be pervasive enough to reach the shores of another,” he added.
Dr Chua said the rise in temperature due to global warming,natural disasters and unhealthy lifestyles have pushed countries into very vulnerable positions.
“Increasing temperatures may be conducive to vector-borne parasite transmission, and this facilitated by floods and unpredictable rains, could pose challenges in the future.”
Researcher and former head of the Institute of Medical Research (IMR)'s Parasitology Unit Dr V. Indra said the cutting down of forests would lead to animals like monkeys being forced to wander into areas inhabited by humans.
“This means the monkeys (who also act as reservoirs) would be carrying whatever parasites they have with them. The mosquitoes that usually feed on the monkeys will also tag along, increasing the risk of vector-borne disease transmission,” she said in a plenary paper at the 43rd annual scientific seminar of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine here yesterday.
Dr Indra said the different vectors for such diseases were present in Malaysia and the country has to ensure it was ready to fight the parasites that can be transmitted.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, in his speech read by IMR director Dr Shahnaz Murad, said there was a need to speed up approaches to combat infectious diseases.
“Our enemy in the form of infectious agents is only one. Diseases that could have been confined to one nation today, due to migration of population, travels and globalisation, possess sufficient potential to be pervasive enough to reach the shores of another,” he added.
Dr Chua said the rise in temperature due to global warming,natural disasters and unhealthy lifestyles have pushed countries into very vulnerable positions.
“Increasing temperatures may be conducive to vector-borne parasite transmission, and this facilitated by floods and unpredictable rains, could pose challenges in the future.”
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Unruly traffic conditions lead to charging for parking at KL hospital
Star: PETALING JAYA: The decision to charge for parking at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital was because of unruly traffic conditions, traffic jams and misuse of the parking facilities by the public, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
"Parking has become a complicated matter and there have been many complaints from staff, doctors and nurses who work at the hospital, that they can't find parking," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"It becomes more dangerous when they are on call and reach the hospital with no place to park their cars.
"The Cabinet has decided that it is time to charge for parking and have a more orderly system where staff get priority. It is not a question of revenue, it is to give better services."
He added that there were instances of the public parking their vehicles at the hospital parking lots for the whole day and only leaving in the night or the next day while others made it their main route causing traffic jams.
Subsequently, he said that from the 1,600 parking lots, 1,300 would be reserved for staff like doctors, nurses and those involved in providing services, especially during emergencies.
Chinese newspapers had reported yesterday that visitors to the hospital have had to drive around looking for parking because the doctors and nurses have taken up most of the lots.
It also voiced complaints from the public that while they have to pay for the parking, they were still unable to find lots to park.
One patient said that he missed his appointment because he could not find parking.
Dr Chua said that the payment charged by the company, which was appointed through an open tender, was minimal.
Among the negotiations with the company was that it would be free for hospital staff, RM2 for the public with no more than RM10 a day, while a flat rate of RM2 was being considered for relatives of patients with chronic diseases.
"Parking has become a complicated matter and there have been many complaints from staff, doctors and nurses who work at the hospital, that they can't find parking," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"It becomes more dangerous when they are on call and reach the hospital with no place to park their cars.
"The Cabinet has decided that it is time to charge for parking and have a more orderly system where staff get priority. It is not a question of revenue, it is to give better services."
He added that there were instances of the public parking their vehicles at the hospital parking lots for the whole day and only leaving in the night or the next day while others made it their main route causing traffic jams.
Subsequently, he said that from the 1,600 parking lots, 1,300 would be reserved for staff like doctors, nurses and those involved in providing services, especially during emergencies.
Chinese newspapers had reported yesterday that visitors to the hospital have had to drive around looking for parking because the doctors and nurses have taken up most of the lots.
It also voiced complaints from the public that while they have to pay for the parking, they were still unable to find lots to park.
One patient said that he missed his appointment because he could not find parking.
Dr Chua said that the payment charged by the company, which was appointed through an open tender, was minimal.
Among the negotiations with the company was that it would be free for hospital staff, RM2 for the public with no more than RM10 a day, while a flat rate of RM2 was being considered for relatives of patients with chronic diseases.
Training manual to tackle sexual issues faced by children with disabilities
Star: PETALING JAYA: A training manual to tackle sexual and reproductive health issues for children and teenagers with disabilities is in its final stages of development by the Health Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the manual would focus on the personal care and safety of the child with special needs to prevent them from getting abused.
"We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to happen," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat. There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially when the person is unable to communicate effectively."
The treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur which hopes to raise RM125,000 to help the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur community service projects.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the most prevalent chromosomal disorder which occurred about one of every 650 births.
This meant, he said that 770 children in Malaysia were born with the disorder yearly and that about 46,200 children and adults have Down Syndrome assuming that the lifespan of a person with the condition is 60 years.
"This figure could even be larger, as no study has been done on the actual situation," he said.
He said that early detection and intervention were important to getting "better outcome" for babies with Down Syndrome adding that more than 90% of deliveries were in hospitals and all babies were examined by doctors before discharge.
Children who have Down Syndrome features will be followed up by the paediatrician and go through check ups for confirmation.
Dr Chua said that child developmental screening is also done at all health clinics, community clinics and mobile clinics throughout Malaysia and any suspected case of delayed development is closely monitored and started on early intervention programme.
There are also 140 health centres, which provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs including Down Syndrome.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the manual would focus on the personal care and safety of the child with special needs to prevent them from getting abused.
"We have to face reality that sexual harassment will continue to happen," he told reporters on Tuesday after the media launch of the 24th Kiwanis Treasure Hunt.
"The manual is to help doctors and people to identify and treat. There are guidelines and procedures to follow especially when the person is unable to communicate effectively."
The treasure hunt is organised by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur which hopes to raise RM125,000 to help the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre here, Joy Training Workshop in Malacca, Kiwanis Orphanage in Batu Pahat and other Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur community service projects.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Chua said that Down Syndrome was the most prevalent chromosomal disorder which occurred about one of every 650 births.
This meant, he said that 770 children in Malaysia were born with the disorder yearly and that about 46,200 children and adults have Down Syndrome assuming that the lifespan of a person with the condition is 60 years.
"This figure could even be larger, as no study has been done on the actual situation," he said.
He said that early detection and intervention were important to getting "better outcome" for babies with Down Syndrome adding that more than 90% of deliveries were in hospitals and all babies were examined by doctors before discharge.
Children who have Down Syndrome features will be followed up by the paediatrician and go through check ups for confirmation.
Dr Chua said that child developmental screening is also done at all health clinics, community clinics and mobile clinics throughout Malaysia and any suspected case of delayed development is closely monitored and started on early intervention programme.
There are also 140 health centres, which provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs including Down Syndrome.
Samy Vellu Explains Cause Of Delay In Building Alor Setar Hospital
KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- A period of up to one year to verify the strength of the foundation of the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar that was built on former soft padi-growing land was partly contributory to the overall delay in the construction of the facility, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday.
"The padi land was soft and the foundation had to go down some 120 feet (36 metres). We needed up to one year to ensure that the foundation was really strong," said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu when replying to a supplementary question from Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong).
Dr Tan had wanted to know the reason for the delay in the construction of several projects of the Works Ministry, including the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.
Samy Vellu said the construction was also delayed by several additions that had to be made to the hospital building because the safety level had to be taken into account at each step of the construction.
"At first, the construction went on as per the time specified in the contract but subsequently there was a request from higher authorities for a hospital such as the National Heart Institute (IJN).
"The padi land was soft and the foundation had to go down some 120 feet (36 metres). We needed up to one year to ensure that the foundation was really strong," said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu when replying to a supplementary question from Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong).
Dr Tan had wanted to know the reason for the delay in the construction of several projects of the Works Ministry, including the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.
Samy Vellu said the construction was also delayed by several additions that had to be made to the hospital building because the safety level had to be taken into account at each step of the construction.
"At first, the construction went on as per the time specified in the contract but subsequently there was a request from higher authorities for a hospital such as the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Monday, March 19, 2007
Your office could be making you sick
NST: PUTRAJAYA: If the building you work in is "sick", there is a likelihood that you too could fall ill.
And you could also fall ill even if you are a long distance away from it.
This is called the Sick Building Syndrome, where the building-related illnesses can be caused by chemical and biological agents in the buildings.
Exposure to them can cause pneumonitis, occupational asthma, tuberculosis and hypersensitivity.
Public Works Department health branch director Datuk Puteh Kamariah Mohamad said individuals could also contract multiple chemical sensitivity or environmental illnesses where they could develop sensitivity to even low levels of certain chemicals, due to extended exposure.
"Why all the concern now?
"People are spending more than 90 per cent of their time indoors," she said in a working paper highlighting that this concern is also related to the fact that humans consume 25,000 litres of air a day.
She classified three kinds of hazardous particles and aerosols that are light enough to be suspended in the air.
These are from construction activities, printing or photocopying.
There are also some chemical reactions in which vapours condense to form particles like dust, smoke, fumes and mist.
Puteh Kamariah said cleaners, adhesives, furnishings and even flooring could produce airborne chemicals.
A Mayo Clinic research showed that 97 per cent of chronic sinusitis cases are caused by moulds.
Highlighting the dangers of these microscopic organisms which grow and produce incessantly, she said they could also be the cause of other problems like asthma and allergies.
The countless spores released end up in the nose and lungs where there is warmth, dampness and nutrients.
Meanwhile, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study on occupants of buildings showed that the occupants suffered a myriad of symptoms, including (in order of frequency) eye irritation, dry throats, head- aches, fatigue, sinus congestion, skin irritation, shortness of breath, coughs, dizziness and nausea.
Puteh Kamariah said the Green Buildings initiative, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday, would help promote buildings that are designed not only to eliminate wastage of energy and natural resources but also provide a healthy environment for people to live and work in.
And you could also fall ill even if you are a long distance away from it.
This is called the Sick Building Syndrome, where the building-related illnesses can be caused by chemical and biological agents in the buildings.
Exposure to them can cause pneumonitis, occupational asthma, tuberculosis and hypersensitivity.
Public Works Department health branch director Datuk Puteh Kamariah Mohamad said individuals could also contract multiple chemical sensitivity or environmental illnesses where they could develop sensitivity to even low levels of certain chemicals, due to extended exposure.
"Why all the concern now?
"People are spending more than 90 per cent of their time indoors," she said in a working paper highlighting that this concern is also related to the fact that humans consume 25,000 litres of air a day.
She classified three kinds of hazardous particles and aerosols that are light enough to be suspended in the air.
These are from construction activities, printing or photocopying.
There are also some chemical reactions in which vapours condense to form particles like dust, smoke, fumes and mist.
Puteh Kamariah said cleaners, adhesives, furnishings and even flooring could produce airborne chemicals.
A Mayo Clinic research showed that 97 per cent of chronic sinusitis cases are caused by moulds.
Highlighting the dangers of these microscopic organisms which grow and produce incessantly, she said they could also be the cause of other problems like asthma and allergies.
The countless spores released end up in the nose and lungs where there is warmth, dampness and nutrients.
Meanwhile, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study on occupants of buildings showed that the occupants suffered a myriad of symptoms, including (in order of frequency) eye irritation, dry throats, head- aches, fatigue, sinus congestion, skin irritation, shortness of breath, coughs, dizziness and nausea.
Puteh Kamariah said the Green Buildings initiative, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday, would help promote buildings that are designed not only to eliminate wastage of energy and natural resources but also provide a healthy environment for people to live and work in.
Alor Star hospital ready soon
Star: THE Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star that was handed over to the Health Ministry by the Works Ministry will be opened in September, Mingguan Malaysia reported.
The hospital project, which took off in August 2000, was supposed to be completed in 2003, it said.
It ran into controversy when Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah showed his displeasure over the delay in his speech during his 79th birthday celebration recently.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican was reported as saying that the ministry needed six months to carry out checks on the hospital before it was fully operational.
He said it was a normal procedure as the ministry wanted to make sure everything ranging from the equipment to the facilities were in order.
“We have received a letter from the Works Ministry on the handing over," he said, adding that the hospital would have 730 beds with 23 normal wards and 11 intensive care units.
The hospital project, which took off in August 2000, was supposed to be completed in 2003, it said.
It ran into controversy when Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah showed his displeasure over the delay in his speech during his 79th birthday celebration recently.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican was reported as saying that the ministry needed six months to carry out checks on the hospital before it was fully operational.
He said it was a normal procedure as the ministry wanted to make sure everything ranging from the equipment to the facilities were in order.
“We have received a letter from the Works Ministry on the handing over," he said, adding that the hospital would have 730 beds with 23 normal wards and 11 intensive care units.
No Fast-food Adverts During Children's Peak Hours Please - Lee
SEREMBAN, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will propose for fast-food advertisements not to be shown on television during children's peak hours to prevent the young from being influenced.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the proposal covered air time between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 12pm on weekends.
This was because most children programmes including cartoons were shown during that period, he told reporters after launching a health camp and exhibition hosted by Gerakan here.
"Besides, fast-food operators should also label the calorie content in the products so that the public know the effects.
"We also hope they will show the amount of calorie needed by the body and the amount contained in the food served so that consumers know how much to take," he said.
Lee said the ministry had met the food operators and they had agreed to the suggestion.
The draft proposal was in the final stage and would be submitted to the Cabinet soon, he said.
It would be up to the Cabinet to decide on the proposed advertisement ban in the electronic media, he added.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the proposal covered air time between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 12pm on weekends.
This was because most children programmes including cartoons were shown during that period, he told reporters after launching a health camp and exhibition hosted by Gerakan here.
"Besides, fast-food operators should also label the calorie content in the products so that the public know the effects.
"We also hope they will show the amount of calorie needed by the body and the amount contained in the food served so that consumers know how much to take," he said.
Lee said the ministry had met the food operators and they had agreed to the suggestion.
The draft proposal was in the final stage and would be submitted to the Cabinet soon, he said.
It would be up to the Cabinet to decide on the proposed advertisement ban in the electronic media, he added.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Internet self-cures dangerous
Star: JOHOR BARU: Better education and technology access are encouraging more people to browse the Internet looking for cures and self-medication, putting themselves at great risk of seriously worsening their health.
In a bid to separate the false promises, myths and facts about heart disease and cancer, the National Committee on Community Services of Malaysian Red Crescent Society and the Parkway Healthcare Group are holding a public seminar on the latest advances in managing and treating these diseases.
According to Parkway Cancer Centre medical director Datuk Dr Ang Peng Tiam, there were cancers such as testicular cancer that had high chances of being treated.
For those concerned with getting bald after undergoing che- motherapy treatment, Dr Ang said there were drugs that could prevent such loss now.
The “Early Detection – The Path To Cure” seminar will be held at The Zon on March 24.
In a bid to separate the false promises, myths and facts about heart disease and cancer, the National Committee on Community Services of Malaysian Red Crescent Society and the Parkway Healthcare Group are holding a public seminar on the latest advances in managing and treating these diseases.
According to Parkway Cancer Centre medical director Datuk Dr Ang Peng Tiam, there were cancers such as testicular cancer that had high chances of being treated.
For those concerned with getting bald after undergoing che- motherapy treatment, Dr Ang said there were drugs that could prevent such loss now.
The “Early Detection – The Path To Cure” seminar will be held at The Zon on March 24.
Physios not keen to work in goverment homes for disabled
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Physiotherapists in Malaysia are not interested in working in government-run homes for the disabled, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk G. Palanivel.
“We have enough physiotherapists in the country, but they don't like to work in the government homes for the disabled.
“And that is a problem,” he told the press after launching the Living and Learning Aids for Handicapped Children project here yesterday.
He said that the positions were available, and the allocations for hiring them were already in place.
“But what is lacking are the therapists.
“We have advertised and called for people to fill these positions, but nobody wants to do it,” he said.
According to the Ministry's Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Rafek Reshidullah, there are 11 homes for the disabled that are in need of physiotherapists.
At the event organised by the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Siemens, 100 children received 100 pairs of hearing aids valued at RM550,000 in total, in the first phase of their project.
Club president David Teh said that in phase two and three of the project, they aimed to help the visually impaired and mentally challenged children by providing aids such as magnifying glasses, talking watches, personal learning tools and balancing tools.
“We have enough physiotherapists in the country, but they don't like to work in the government homes for the disabled.
“And that is a problem,” he told the press after launching the Living and Learning Aids for Handicapped Children project here yesterday.
He said that the positions were available, and the allocations for hiring them were already in place.
“But what is lacking are the therapists.
“We have advertised and called for people to fill these positions, but nobody wants to do it,” he said.
According to the Ministry's Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Rafek Reshidullah, there are 11 homes for the disabled that are in need of physiotherapists.
At the event organised by the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Siemens, 100 children received 100 pairs of hearing aids valued at RM550,000 in total, in the first phase of their project.
Club president David Teh said that in phase two and three of the project, they aimed to help the visually impaired and mentally challenged children by providing aids such as magnifying glasses, talking watches, personal learning tools and balancing tools.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
More using sleeping pills, few complaints
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: While the use of sleeping pills in Malaysia is increasing, there are very few cases of patients suffering from unusual side effects, a psychiatrist said.
Hospital Bahagia Tanjung Rambutan director Dr Suarn Singh said very few people had complained of side effects, such as waking up in the middle of the night or wandering around without having any recollection of it.
"These side effects occur very rarely," the senior consultant psychiatrist told the New Straits Times yesterday.
Dr Suarn was commenting on a report in the NST yesterday on the findings by the US Food and Drug Administration, which claimed that some of the most widely used sleeping pills could cause strange behaviour, like driving and eating while asleep.
He said doctors prescribing common drugs such as zolpidem and midazolam (which are marketed in Malaysia under the brand names Stilnox and Dormicum respectively) would always advise patients and their families about the possible side effects.
"Most general practitioners prescribe these drugs as they give immediate relief to patients who have trouble sleeping.
"These drugs are short-acting, which means they only knock you out for a few hours and you feel fresh and well-rested when you wake up."
Dr Suarn said the increase in the use of sleeping pills among Malaysians could be due to a rising number of people suffering from depression, as insomnia was a symptom of depression.
He said doctors were being trained to identify depression and prescribe the appropriate treatment instead of symptomatic medication.
Sleeping pills, classified as psychotropic drugs, are available on prescription only.
An anaesthetist said he was sceptical about prescribing sleeping pills to patients and only prescribed Dormicum or Valium in rare cases.
"Even then, I only prescribe a maximum of two pills. If they need more, I refer them to a specialist.
"Very often, we can tell if the person is abusing the sleeping pills, by the symptoms they display when asking for the medication."
He said he had prescribed Stilnox before, based on a patient’s request, but had never heard of anyone suffering from side effects after taking it.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang said patients on sleeping medication had to follow the correct dosage, as an overdose could cause unusual side effects.
"While sleeping pills are helpful to those having trouble sleeping, it can be harmful if too many are taken. Patients must listen to their doctors and follow the correct dosage."
He also advised patients not to take sleeping pills with alcohol or other medication.
The Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said there had not been any cases where patients on Stilnox had suffered side effects.
"So far, we have not received any complaints of adverse reaction to this medication," he said.
Quoting the MIMS Reference system, Mohd Zin said anterograde amnesia could occur in patients using Stilnox, and this was already stated on the product label.
Hospital Bahagia Tanjung Rambutan director Dr Suarn Singh said very few people had complained of side effects, such as waking up in the middle of the night or wandering around without having any recollection of it.
"These side effects occur very rarely," the senior consultant psychiatrist told the New Straits Times yesterday.
Dr Suarn was commenting on a report in the NST yesterday on the findings by the US Food and Drug Administration, which claimed that some of the most widely used sleeping pills could cause strange behaviour, like driving and eating while asleep.
He said doctors prescribing common drugs such as zolpidem and midazolam (which are marketed in Malaysia under the brand names Stilnox and Dormicum respectively) would always advise patients and their families about the possible side effects.
"Most general practitioners prescribe these drugs as they give immediate relief to patients who have trouble sleeping.
"These drugs are short-acting, which means they only knock you out for a few hours and you feel fresh and well-rested when you wake up."
Dr Suarn said the increase in the use of sleeping pills among Malaysians could be due to a rising number of people suffering from depression, as insomnia was a symptom of depression.
He said doctors were being trained to identify depression and prescribe the appropriate treatment instead of symptomatic medication.
Sleeping pills, classified as psychotropic drugs, are available on prescription only.
An anaesthetist said he was sceptical about prescribing sleeping pills to patients and only prescribed Dormicum or Valium in rare cases.
"Even then, I only prescribe a maximum of two pills. If they need more, I refer them to a specialist.
"Very often, we can tell if the person is abusing the sleeping pills, by the symptoms they display when asking for the medication."
He said he had prescribed Stilnox before, based on a patient’s request, but had never heard of anyone suffering from side effects after taking it.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang said patients on sleeping medication had to follow the correct dosage, as an overdose could cause unusual side effects.
"While sleeping pills are helpful to those having trouble sleeping, it can be harmful if too many are taken. Patients must listen to their doctors and follow the correct dosage."
He also advised patients not to take sleeping pills with alcohol or other medication.
The Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said there had not been any cases where patients on Stilnox had suffered side effects.
"So far, we have not received any complaints of adverse reaction to this medication," he said.
Quoting the MIMS Reference system, Mohd Zin said anterograde amnesia could occur in patients using Stilnox, and this was already stated on the product label.
Colleges urged to team up for nursing degree courses
Star: IPOH: Colleges offering nursing courses are encouraged to do twinning programmes with local and foreign universities.
Higher Education Ministry deputy director-general Prof Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin said currently only four out of the 27 colleges nationwide offered degree courses.
“It will also make nursing a promising vocation for the youngsters at colleges,” she told reporters after conferring a private institution of higher learning status to Hospital Fatimah’s School of Nursing here yesterday.
Dr Mahani said nursing was in high demand among school leavers and the ministry received a lot of applications to set up new nursing colleges.
“There are a lot of applications but we will not simply approve them. There are many aspects that need to be examined before we can give our approval,” she said.
She also said the ministry was studying the different fee structures imposed by nursing colleges nationwide.
“We cannot understand why there are big differences in the fees imposed by the colleges,” she said, citing one college which charged about RM50,000 for a diploma. “We can’t determine if the RM50,000 fee is reasonable as we realise nursing courses involve a lot of equipment and practical work,” she said.
On a related matter, Dr Mahani urged colleges to encourage more males to take up nursing as a career.
She said the profession needed more male nurses to tend to elderly male or Muslim patients who might be uncomfortable with female nurses.
Higher Education Ministry deputy director-general Prof Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin said currently only four out of the 27 colleges nationwide offered degree courses.
“It will also make nursing a promising vocation for the youngsters at colleges,” she told reporters after conferring a private institution of higher learning status to Hospital Fatimah’s School of Nursing here yesterday.
Dr Mahani said nursing was in high demand among school leavers and the ministry received a lot of applications to set up new nursing colleges.
“There are a lot of applications but we will not simply approve them. There are many aspects that need to be examined before we can give our approval,” she said.
She also said the ministry was studying the different fee structures imposed by nursing colleges nationwide.
“We cannot understand why there are big differences in the fees imposed by the colleges,” she said, citing one college which charged about RM50,000 for a diploma. “We can’t determine if the RM50,000 fee is reasonable as we realise nursing courses involve a lot of equipment and practical work,” she said.
On a related matter, Dr Mahani urged colleges to encourage more males to take up nursing as a career.
She said the profession needed more male nurses to tend to elderly male or Muslim patients who might be uncomfortable with female nurses.
Two weeks for industry to fine-tune plan
Star: PETALING JAYA: The fast food industry has been given two weeks to fine-tune its proposal to the Health Ministry on issues such as dietary labelling and advertisements.
The proposal would be submitted to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
The ministry’s food safety and quality division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad said yesterday the first technical committee meeting on the matter emphasised on the ministry’s needs and social obligation of the fast food industry.
The committee would decide later on the need to have legislation such as banning television advertisements during programmes for children under 12.
The proposal would be submitted to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
The ministry’s food safety and quality division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad said yesterday the first technical committee meeting on the matter emphasised on the ministry’s needs and social obligation of the fast food industry.
The committee would decide later on the need to have legislation such as banning television advertisements during programmes for children under 12.
Handover of Alor Star’s hospital completed
Star: KOTA MARUDU: The controversy over the handing over of Alor Star’s new RM500mil Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah has been resolved. The hospital is now in the hands of the Health Ministry.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday that the letter on the handover had been sent to the Health Ministry.
“The matter is settled. I already called my D-G and the official handover letter was sent on March 15 (Thursday),” he said after a briefing at the district office here.
“We do not have any more problems regarding the land issues.”
The new hospital, which will replace Hospital Alor Star, had initially been scheduled for completion in 2003 but had been delayed several times.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had expressed regret over the delays in the handing over of the hospital.
Samy Vellu, meanwhile, said that the RM330mil works on upgrading the Kota Marudu-Ranau road would be implemented soon.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday that the letter on the handover had been sent to the Health Ministry.
“The matter is settled. I already called my D-G and the official handover letter was sent on March 15 (Thursday),” he said after a briefing at the district office here.
“We do not have any more problems regarding the land issues.”
The new hospital, which will replace Hospital Alor Star, had initially been scheduled for completion in 2003 but had been delayed several times.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had expressed regret over the delays in the handing over of the hospital.
Samy Vellu, meanwhile, said that the RM330mil works on upgrading the Kota Marudu-Ranau road would be implemented soon.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Similar cases reported in Malaysian hospitals
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Sleeping pills have caused unusual side effects in at least three cases in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said the head of its Department of Medicine.
A patient dosed with the sleeping pill, Stilnox, woke up in the middle of the night, and wandered around the general ward, said Datuk Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai.
The patient told the nurse who found him that he was looking for the door to his garden.
The nurse brought him back to his bed, where he quickly fell asleep, said Dr Jeyaindran, who had prescribed the sleeping pill.
"He was in a dream state, and he must have thought he was at home."
The next day, the patient did not remember what had happened the previous night.
His family said that he had not sleep-walked before.
This happened two years ago when the 65-year-old professional was admitted for depression.
"We put him again on the same drug the next day, and he sleep-walked again," he said.
It did not recur when Dr Jeyaindran gave him a different drug.
"It’s not a common side effect but it can happen," he said.
"Doctors should inform patients of such side effects so that family members are more prepared."
Dr Jeyaindran has continued to prescribe Stilnox for patients, and no similar side effects have emerged.
But it is not the only sleeping pill that has caused such side effects.
Another patient, prescribed Dormi- cum, woke up, had a conversation with his wife, did some chores around the house and went back to sleep.
He could not recall any of it the next day, Dr Jeyaindran said.
A third patient, also on Dormicum, woke up and sent emails to friends and colleagues.
Sleeping pills are often prescribed to give temporary relief to those suffering from stress, depression and chronic insomnia.
Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said all drugs carry warnings of adverse effects, which doctors should relay to patients and their family members.
"Many don’t, thinking there will not be any adverse effects."
Sleeping pills, classified as psychotropic drugs, are available on prescription only.
A patient dosed with the sleeping pill, Stilnox, woke up in the middle of the night, and wandered around the general ward, said Datuk Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai.
The patient told the nurse who found him that he was looking for the door to his garden.
The nurse brought him back to his bed, where he quickly fell asleep, said Dr Jeyaindran, who had prescribed the sleeping pill.
"He was in a dream state, and he must have thought he was at home."
The next day, the patient did not remember what had happened the previous night.
His family said that he had not sleep-walked before.
This happened two years ago when the 65-year-old professional was admitted for depression.
"We put him again on the same drug the next day, and he sleep-walked again," he said.
It did not recur when Dr Jeyaindran gave him a different drug.
"It’s not a common side effect but it can happen," he said.
"Doctors should inform patients of such side effects so that family members are more prepared."
Dr Jeyaindran has continued to prescribe Stilnox for patients, and no similar side effects have emerged.
But it is not the only sleeping pill that has caused such side effects.
Another patient, prescribed Dormi- cum, woke up, had a conversation with his wife, did some chores around the house and went back to sleep.
He could not recall any of it the next day, Dr Jeyaindran said.
A third patient, also on Dormicum, woke up and sent emails to friends and colleagues.
Sleeping pills are often prescribed to give temporary relief to those suffering from stress, depression and chronic insomnia.
Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said all drugs carry warnings of adverse effects, which doctors should relay to patients and their family members.
"Many don’t, thinking there will not be any adverse effects."
Sleeping pills, classified as psychotropic drugs, are available on prescription only.
More ready to fight HFMD
Star: MIRI: All hospitals in Sarawak are now equipped with facilities to quickly identify the usually lethal Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
This means the state authorities can move more swiftly to contain any outbreak and hopefully prevent deaths as they need not rely on outside help to identify this dangerous strain.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state government and health authorities had made significant headway in dealing with the HFMD that killed up to 13 people during last year’s outbreak around this time of the year.
“Before this, we had to send samples taken from infected people to Kuala Lumpur and even Australia in order to positively identify the virus.
“Now, Sarawak can identify the EV71 within 72 hours. This is important because EV71 usually brings serious consequences.
“It is very infectious. It can spread from one group of people to another within days, even from one housing estate to the next.
“Now we are better equipped to deal with any such outbreak,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Dr Chan, who is chairman of the State Disaster Relief Committee, said that so far this year the HFMD in the state had not erupted to the level it was during this period last year.
The number of new cases is only about 30 daily and there have been no deaths.
“The number of cases daily has not reached a level that can be considered worrying,” he noted.
To a question, he said the state health department remained baffled as to why the HFMD EV71 strain showed up in a cycle of every three years.
“There are still no results from the studies we have conducted on this aspect (since the January 2006 outbreak),” he said.
On a separate matter concerning the grouses over the state land lease renewal, Dr Chan said the Sarawak United People’s Party had forwarded its input to the state government based on the feedback from members of the public throughout the state.
This means the state authorities can move more swiftly to contain any outbreak and hopefully prevent deaths as they need not rely on outside help to identify this dangerous strain.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state government and health authorities had made significant headway in dealing with the HFMD that killed up to 13 people during last year’s outbreak around this time of the year.
“Before this, we had to send samples taken from infected people to Kuala Lumpur and even Australia in order to positively identify the virus.
“Now, Sarawak can identify the EV71 within 72 hours. This is important because EV71 usually brings serious consequences.
“It is very infectious. It can spread from one group of people to another within days, even from one housing estate to the next.
“Now we are better equipped to deal with any such outbreak,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Dr Chan, who is chairman of the State Disaster Relief Committee, said that so far this year the HFMD in the state had not erupted to the level it was during this period last year.
The number of new cases is only about 30 daily and there have been no deaths.
“The number of cases daily has not reached a level that can be considered worrying,” he noted.
To a question, he said the state health department remained baffled as to why the HFMD EV71 strain showed up in a cycle of every three years.
“There are still no results from the studies we have conducted on this aspect (since the January 2006 outbreak),” he said.
On a separate matter concerning the grouses over the state land lease renewal, Dr Chan said the Sarawak United People’s Party had forwarded its input to the state government based on the feedback from members of the public throughout the state.
Building with fungus and leaky pipes still under warranty
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Ampang Hospital’s contractors will have to rectify the problems in the building as it is still under warranty, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
During yesterday’s visit to Ampang Hospital, which is reportedly infested with fungi in its ceilings and had leaking sewage pipes, Dr Chua said new buildings were expected to have glitches.
“The warranty only expires in September, so all the problems will be repaired,” he told reporters after a briefing with hospital director Dr Zaidah Hussain and Selangor Health director Datin Dr Ang Kim Teng.
The RM404mil hospital, one of four built to reduce congestion at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, was meant to be the national reference centre for haematology cases.
Dr Chua said it was all right for fungi to grow in hospitals as long as it was not in sensitive areas such as the operation theatre, intensive care unit and cardiac care unit.
“We will close the place if there is fungus in sensitive areas, just like we closed Pandan Hospital (in Johor) because there was fungus in the operation theatre,” said Dr Chua, adding that at the moment there was no need to close Ampang Hospital.
He was commenting on two reports in The Star on Tuesday and Wednesday highlighting complaints from staff and patients that the hospital’s ceilings were fungus-ridden and that faeces fell from the sewage pipes.
Dr Chua explained that the ceilings in the paediatric clinic were fungus-ridden because the clinic was located below the intensive care unit, where the air-conditioning was set at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C and turned on24 hours a day compared with the clinic, which has its air conditioning turned on only eight hours a day.
He also urged the public not to have “fungus phobia” as many antibiotics such as penicillin and amphetamine were made from fungus.
During yesterday’s visit to Ampang Hospital, which is reportedly infested with fungi in its ceilings and had leaking sewage pipes, Dr Chua said new buildings were expected to have glitches.
“The warranty only expires in September, so all the problems will be repaired,” he told reporters after a briefing with hospital director Dr Zaidah Hussain and Selangor Health director Datin Dr Ang Kim Teng.
The RM404mil hospital, one of four built to reduce congestion at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, was meant to be the national reference centre for haematology cases.
Dr Chua said it was all right for fungi to grow in hospitals as long as it was not in sensitive areas such as the operation theatre, intensive care unit and cardiac care unit.
“We will close the place if there is fungus in sensitive areas, just like we closed Pandan Hospital (in Johor) because there was fungus in the operation theatre,” said Dr Chua, adding that at the moment there was no need to close Ampang Hospital.
He was commenting on two reports in The Star on Tuesday and Wednesday highlighting complaints from staff and patients that the hospital’s ceilings were fungus-ridden and that faeces fell from the sewage pipes.
Dr Chua explained that the ceilings in the paediatric clinic were fungus-ridden because the clinic was located below the intensive care unit, where the air-conditioning was set at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C and turned on24 hours a day compared with the clinic, which has its air conditioning turned on only eight hours a day.
He also urged the public not to have “fungus phobia” as many antibiotics such as penicillin and amphetamine were made from fungus.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Public hospital for Shah Alam
Star: SHAH ALAM: Selangor's capital will have its first public hospital soon. It will be built on a 12ha piece of land in Section 7 to reduce the congestion at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in neighbouring Klang.
State Health, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng said yesterday that the project was approved by the Health Ministry last year and tenders for the construction have been awarded.
Construction is expected to be completed in two to three years, he added.
The new 300-bed hospital, costing about RM300mil, would be the 12th public hospital in Selangor.
Shah Alam has several private hospitals but no general hospital.
Dr Lim said the new hospital would have an emergency unit and various specialist sections such as paediatric, orthopaedic, ENT (ear, nose and throat), obstetrics and gynaecology, physiology and anaesthesiology.
“The new hospital can provide better services to people here besides reducing the burden on the overloaded Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital,” he said.
State Health, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng said yesterday that the project was approved by the Health Ministry last year and tenders for the construction have been awarded.
Construction is expected to be completed in two to three years, he added.
The new 300-bed hospital, costing about RM300mil, would be the 12th public hospital in Selangor.
Shah Alam has several private hospitals but no general hospital.
Dr Lim said the new hospital would have an emergency unit and various specialist sections such as paediatric, orthopaedic, ENT (ear, nose and throat), obstetrics and gynaecology, physiology and anaesthesiology.
“The new hospital can provide better services to people here besides reducing the burden on the overloaded Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital,” he said.
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