Pyongyang in need of medical aid, says MERCY
The Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) medical relief and humanitarian assessment team to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) returned from their seven-day expedition to Pyongyang, North Korea last Saturday.
The non-profit, non-governmental organisation had established a three-man team comprising team head executive council member Dr Heng Aik Cheng, relief manager Aris Oziar and team photo coordinator Tengku Bahar Idris.
They left Kuala Lumpur on May 7 in response to North Korea’s appeal for international aid following the train explosion at Ryongchon on April 22 of last month.
Some 161 people were killed, 1,300 injured and about 8,000 people rendered homeless.
The MERCY team visited several county, provincial and village hospitals in Ryongchon and Sinuiju in the north-west, and Sunchon just north of Pyongyang, to assess the medical needs in the area.
They were studying the possibility of establishing a longer term humanitarian presence in the country.
Also, RM50,000 worth of medical supplies were sent to aid victims of the explosion which had affected a 10-kilometre radius of Ryongchon.
“From the blast site we saw some 2km worth of flattened land. Buildings from as far as 5km away were destroyed,” said Dr Heng.
Dr Heng also noted that many people at the hospitals suffered from malnutrition and lack of basic health facilities and clean water.
“The hospitals have only minimal medical supplies, much of which are in need of upgrade. In fact, most of the patients in the hospitals suffer greatly from basic health problems like diarrhoea and gastroenteritis due to the lack of clean water supply,” he said.
Some of the blast victims had to have their limbs amputated as there was a lack of medication to treat their infected wounds.
“The medical staff really do their best to keep the hospitals as clean as possible and to provide for their patients. But without the facilities and supplies, there is only so much they can do,” said Dr Heng.
In their quest to establish trust with the DPRK Government, the team met with the DPRK Government officials, United Nations agencies, international NGOs, directors from the Ministry of Public Health and the Flood Disaster Relief Committee.
“We want their trust. With that, we can proceed to working together with the DPRK Government to upgrade their medical facilities and providing for the people of North Korea,” said MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood.
“As the only Asian NGO to give aid in North Korea, we are seeking to open as many doors as possible to help in the health sector. We hope to share our knowledge and work with them in building their capacities, providing basic medical equipment and drugs, infrastructure rehabilitation as well as training of their medical staff,” she said.
MERCY Malaysia appeals to the Malaysian Government, other NGOs and the general public to join hands in their endeavour to provide basic food and health needs to the people of North Korea.
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
Friday, May 21, 2004
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
AIA to spend RM5mil on ad campaign
AMERICAN International Assurance Co Ltd (AIA) will spend up to RM5mil in an aggressive advertising campaign called Protecting Your Future.
The campaign is aimed at reminding customers of the real-life costs and implications of inadequate insurance protection.
Executive vice-president and general manager Richard Bender said in a statement that studies had shown that modern lifestyle had contributed to health risks and was increasingly becoming a major concern.
“The studies cautioned that more people are being hospitalised in their most productive economic year with heart disease as No. 1 killer in Malaysia, while more and more are being afflicted with serious illnesses such as cancer and stroke at young age.
“In total, 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Malaysia. In fact, between 2000 and 2003, 60% of critical illness claims made with AIA were for cancer-related,” he said.
He said AIA hoped to drive home the message that insurance was about protection and not just financial growth and investment. – Bernama
AMERICAN International Assurance Co Ltd (AIA) will spend up to RM5mil in an aggressive advertising campaign called Protecting Your Future.
The campaign is aimed at reminding customers of the real-life costs and implications of inadequate insurance protection.
Executive vice-president and general manager Richard Bender said in a statement that studies had shown that modern lifestyle had contributed to health risks and was increasingly becoming a major concern.
“The studies cautioned that more people are being hospitalised in their most productive economic year with heart disease as No. 1 killer in Malaysia, while more and more are being afflicted with serious illnesses such as cancer and stroke at young age.
“In total, 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Malaysia. In fact, between 2000 and 2003, 60% of critical illness claims made with AIA were for cancer-related,” he said.
He said AIA hoped to drive home the message that insurance was about protection and not just financial growth and investment. – Bernama
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Private wings can make doctors stay back
KUALA LUMPUR: One reason for setting up private wings in public hospitals is to get doctors to continue their service with the Government, said deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad.
He said many health professionals had found jobs in the private sector more lucrative.
“By letting our government specialists become legalised locums, we can be sure they will not leave government hospitals as they will be able to earn extra income by seeing patients in the private wings,” he told reporters after launching World Nurses Day at Hospital Kuala Lumpur here, yesterday.
Dr Abdul Latiff said the ministry welcomed the suggestion for government doctors to use facilities at private hospitals, adding that this created a ‘free-flow’ of skills where government specialists could earn extra and still work for public hospitals.
He said the public health system here was facing problems similar to the British National Health Service. He added, however, “only a Malaysian solution should be found for a Malaysian problem”.
To an opinion voiced by Association of Private Hospitals president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar that the private wings in public hospitals would not necessarily be cheaper than the private hospitals, Dr Abdul Latif said the association had the right to voice its views.
“Of course there will be problems,” he said.
He added: “We are trying to establish the best system for the Malaysian public health establishment as no other country has a system where the public gets excellent health care for as low as RM1.”
KUALA LUMPUR: One reason for setting up private wings in public hospitals is to get doctors to continue their service with the Government, said deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad.
He said many health professionals had found jobs in the private sector more lucrative.
“By letting our government specialists become legalised locums, we can be sure they will not leave government hospitals as they will be able to earn extra income by seeing patients in the private wings,” he told reporters after launching World Nurses Day at Hospital Kuala Lumpur here, yesterday.
Dr Abdul Latiff said the ministry welcomed the suggestion for government doctors to use facilities at private hospitals, adding that this created a ‘free-flow’ of skills where government specialists could earn extra and still work for public hospitals.
He said the public health system here was facing problems similar to the British National Health Service. He added, however, “only a Malaysian solution should be found for a Malaysian problem”.
To an opinion voiced by Association of Private Hospitals president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar that the private wings in public hospitals would not necessarily be cheaper than the private hospitals, Dr Abdul Latif said the association had the right to voice its views.
“Of course there will be problems,” he said.
He added: “We are trying to establish the best system for the Malaysian public health establishment as no other country has a system where the public gets excellent health care for as low as RM1.”
Hepatitis B herbal cure under testing
PENANG: The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) is conducting interim tests on the effects of herbal treatment of Hepatitis B on humans, Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.
He said preliminary tests, using the extract from a certain type of plant, were carried out by the IMR on animals successfully.
“The tests on animals have been carried out for the past two years,” he told reporters after the launching of Penang Hepatitis Day by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the Prangin Mall Atrium A.
Dr Mohd Ismail, who is also the Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) president, said that it would take about five years before the herbal treatment could be commercialised.
“However, if the trial run is good, then we can even look into commercialising the product much earlier,” he added.
He said India, which had conducted tests using a different type of herb, had approached Malaysia to collaborate on the matter but “we have very stringent standard to be complied with”.
Earlier, in his speech, Dr Koh said there was a need for more concrete action to ensure Hepatitis B was contained and the rate of incidence reduced.
He said although the number of Hepatitis B cases had declined over the years, there were still one million Hepatitis B carriers in Malaysia, which was 4% of the population.
He added that although most people were aware of the disease, very few acted to take preventive measures as they would procrastinate until it was too late.
The one-day campaign, jointly organised by the MLF and the state Health Department, saw visitors having their blood tested for Hepatitis A, B and C.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, B and AB were carried out for a special fee.
A public forum was held at the Atrium’s foyer area.
A public exhibition, membership drive, quiz and an organ donation campaign were also held in conjunction with the campaign.
PENANG: The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) is conducting interim tests on the effects of herbal treatment of Hepatitis B on humans, Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.
He said preliminary tests, using the extract from a certain type of plant, were carried out by the IMR on animals successfully.
“The tests on animals have been carried out for the past two years,” he told reporters after the launching of Penang Hepatitis Day by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the Prangin Mall Atrium A.
Dr Mohd Ismail, who is also the Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) president, said that it would take about five years before the herbal treatment could be commercialised.
“However, if the trial run is good, then we can even look into commercialising the product much earlier,” he added.
He said India, which had conducted tests using a different type of herb, had approached Malaysia to collaborate on the matter but “we have very stringent standard to be complied with”.
Earlier, in his speech, Dr Koh said there was a need for more concrete action to ensure Hepatitis B was contained and the rate of incidence reduced.
He said although the number of Hepatitis B cases had declined over the years, there were still one million Hepatitis B carriers in Malaysia, which was 4% of the population.
He added that although most people were aware of the disease, very few acted to take preventive measures as they would procrastinate until it was too late.
The one-day campaign, jointly organised by the MLF and the state Health Department, saw visitors having their blood tested for Hepatitis A, B and C.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, B and AB were carried out for a special fee.
A public forum was held at the Atrium’s foyer area.
A public exhibition, membership drive, quiz and an organ donation campaign were also held in conjunction with the campaign.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Doc: Private wings do not mean cheaper fees
PETALING JAYA: The setting up of private wings in government hospitals will not mean that medical fees would be cheaper compared to private hospitals, said Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar.
He said fees charged would depend on the tests needed by the patients.
He said private wing charges would be different from those at private hospitals due to the cost of machines and efficiency of usage.
“Private hospitals are possibly more efficient in using the machines as the machines are used for more hours compared to those at private wings,” he said.
Dr Ridzwan was commenting on the recent statement by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek that his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of doctors and specialists and follow-up reports that private hospitals were worried about competition from the private wings.
Private wings are available at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Dr Ridzwan, who said the association was not in favour of private wings, said a quick check with the UMMC showed that charges for an abdomen ultrasound scan cost RM110 while a private hospital nearby charged RM10 less.
“This private hospital can give the report within two hours while the quickest UMMC can give the results is overnight,” he said.
Dr Ridzwan said private hospitals welcomed competition from private wings but said a level playing field should be given to all players.
“This means all players must be exposed to the same subsidies and business risks,” he said.
He said the theory private wings would help to retain specialists had yet to be proven as some might use the private wings as a “testing ground” before leaving for the private sector.
He also said the association would propose that specialists in government hospitals be allowed to have limited private practice.
PETALING JAYA: The setting up of private wings in government hospitals will not mean that medical fees would be cheaper compared to private hospitals, said Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar.
He said fees charged would depend on the tests needed by the patients.
He said private wing charges would be different from those at private hospitals due to the cost of machines and efficiency of usage.
“Private hospitals are possibly more efficient in using the machines as the machines are used for more hours compared to those at private wings,” he said.
Dr Ridzwan was commenting on the recent statement by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek that his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of doctors and specialists and follow-up reports that private hospitals were worried about competition from the private wings.
Private wings are available at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Dr Ridzwan, who said the association was not in favour of private wings, said a quick check with the UMMC showed that charges for an abdomen ultrasound scan cost RM110 while a private hospital nearby charged RM10 less.
“This private hospital can give the report within two hours while the quickest UMMC can give the results is overnight,” he said.
Dr Ridzwan said private hospitals welcomed competition from private wings but said a level playing field should be given to all players.
“This means all players must be exposed to the same subsidies and business risks,” he said.
He said the theory private wings would help to retain specialists had yet to be proven as some might use the private wings as a “testing ground” before leaving for the private sector.
He also said the association would propose that specialists in government hospitals be allowed to have limited private practice.
Russian medical options
WHEN it comes to studying medicine, Russia is probably not the first destination that comes to mind. Most students would cite the United Kingdom or even Australia as their top choice.
But before you dismiss Russia on grounds that you simply couldn't possibly master the Russian language or withstand those absolutely freezing temperatures, think again! Studying medicine in Russia might just turn out to be the best option for you if your financial resources are limited.
More and more Malaysians today are looking at Russia for a medical degree. Abdullah Mohd Salleh will tell you that studying medicine in Russia is not without its advantages His daughter, a fourth year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, is not only under the tutelage of some of the finest doctors in the world but has also picked up the Russian language and is actively involved in student life.
''My daughter Nor Azimimah or Azie as I call her, has always wanted to be a doctor. I checked out a few countries such as India and the United Kingdom but the costs were prohibitive. Then I discovered that studying medicine in Russia over a period of six years only costs about US$25,000 (RM95,000), including accommodation. The fees could also be paid in affordable instalments, so I decided to send her there,'' shares the proud father.
Abdullah says Azie was among the pioneer batch of eight Malaysian students who went to Russia in 2000.
''I have no regrets sending her there as she picked up the Russian language and is now very fluent. When my wife and I visited her last December, she impressed us with her command of the language when she took us around.
''She is also the president of the Moscow Malaysian Students' Association and rents an apartment near the metro (Moscow subway system) with two friends,” he adds.
Russia is an interesting option for Malaysian students.
Marik Singh, whose daughter Jaspal Kaur is a third year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, also has no hesitation in recommending Russia as a study destination to anyone.
''Jaspal was doing her 'A' levels in one of the private colleges here in Kuala Lumpur when we found out about Russia. We were impressed by what we were told. The fees were also very affordable. I think we are fortunate that Russia accepts Malaysian students to study medicine there.
''She adapted very well and is very happy,'' he says, adding that he and his wife are planning to visit her soon.
Marik says his daughter needs about RM300 for rental, food, travel and other personal expenses per month.
''Jaspal has learnt to be a good cook and we are very proud of her,'' he adds.
Numbers growing annually
The figures on the popularity of Russia as a destination for medical studies speak for themselves. From a mere 100 students in 2001, the figure has grown six-fold to over 650 students studying medicine in various universities throughout the country.
Although Russia is a relatively new destination for Malaysians wishing to pursue higher education courses, it has long been popular with Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam Vladimir Morozov says Russia has been opening the doors of its universities to youths from many countries for many years.
''Students have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art training and research facilities. The latest laboratories, teaching aids, instruments, simulators and specialised libraries combined with your lectures will help you achieve your dream of becoming a specialist in your chosen field,'' he says when he attended the high tea reception marking the opening of the Kuala Lumpur office of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd last Wednesday.
''We hope that the knowledge and skills our students acquire will help provide high quality medical services to the people in Malaysia,'' he says.
Besides receiving an education of international standing, students will also enjoy the enriching experience of living in a country steeped in culture, history and beauty.
''I hope the students will make new friends and help foster ties to promote better understanding between Russians and Malaysians,” he says.
Studying in Russia
The Public Services Department in Malaysia recognises medical degrees from the Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University and Kursk State Medical University. The six-year medical degree in Russia includes clinical experience.
Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has ranked Moscow Medical Academy and Russian State Medical University as second and third in the world.
Honorary consul of the Russian Federation Teoh Seng Lee says Russian medical universities offer highly affordable medical degrees compared with other countries, without compromising on quality.
A Russian university medical degree costs between RM130,000 to RM180, 000 compared to between M500,000 and RM800,000 in other countries.
''This estimate covers tuition fees, hostel accommodation, use of university facilities, annual return air fare and living expenses,'' he says, adding that costs may vary depending on the city.
Living in Moscow for instance, would be more costly than living in smaller cities like Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod
Although the medium of instruction for medical degree programmes in several Russian universities is English, students need to be able to speak Russian by their fourth year.
Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy surgery department head and vice dean of overseas admissions Dr Vladimir Zagainov explains that students need to speak Russian in order to communicate with patients and clinical staff.
''Besides anatomy and physiology classes in the first year, students will also be taking Russian language classes. They will be meeting patients in hospitals in their fourth year so they should be able to speak the language by then.''
Dr Zagainov says the academy currently has students from 26 countries, with some 80 Malaysian undergraduates.
''Some have difficulty in pronouncing certain words in Russian but Malaysians in general are able to pick up the language,'' he says.
He says the academy is expecting 55 more Malaysians to join the university in September.
Describing Malaysian students as hardworking, Moscow Medical Academy vice-rector for international affairs Prof Renad Alyautdin says they usually obtain good results.
''Although the minimum entry requirement into medicine in Russia are Bs in Science subjects or a CGPA of 3.0, most of the students have As in all subjects,'' he adds.
Prof Alyautdin says the academy has opened a new hostel this year and is currently renovating older hostels.
Volgograd State Medical University vice chancellor Prof Alexander Spasov says there are 170 Malaysians at his university.
''Most stay in the hostels although some have opted to rent apartments in the city with friends,'' he says.
Teoh, who is also the director of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, explains that the company assists Malaysian students in their applications to Russian universities and institutes.
To date, the company, founded in 1996, has successfully assisted over 300 Malaysian students in pursuing tertiary education in Russia.
''We act as a liaison between the Russian institutions and students.
''Russian Resources ensures that applications to institutions, visas, initial travel arrangements and housing arrangements are properly coordinated,'' he says.
He adds that students leaving for the first time to Russia will be accompanied by a company representative and met at the airport, and will also be brought to the university for registration.
Presently, the company represents Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy and Moscow State Aviation Institute.
For more information about studying medicine in Russia, contact Roline Ong at Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, Suite 3.05, 3rd Floor North Block, The Ampwalk, 218 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, or tel 03-2171 1226, or fax 03-2171 2329. You may also contact Ng Ting Ah at The Registrar, Education Russia, Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, 37 Green Hall, 10200 Penang, or tel 04-262 2944, or fax 04-262 4926.
WHEN it comes to studying medicine, Russia is probably not the first destination that comes to mind. Most students would cite the United Kingdom or even Australia as their top choice.
But before you dismiss Russia on grounds that you simply couldn't possibly master the Russian language or withstand those absolutely freezing temperatures, think again! Studying medicine in Russia might just turn out to be the best option for you if your financial resources are limited.
More and more Malaysians today are looking at Russia for a medical degree. Abdullah Mohd Salleh will tell you that studying medicine in Russia is not without its advantages His daughter, a fourth year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, is not only under the tutelage of some of the finest doctors in the world but has also picked up the Russian language and is actively involved in student life.
''My daughter Nor Azimimah or Azie as I call her, has always wanted to be a doctor. I checked out a few countries such as India and the United Kingdom but the costs were prohibitive. Then I discovered that studying medicine in Russia over a period of six years only costs about US$25,000 (RM95,000), including accommodation. The fees could also be paid in affordable instalments, so I decided to send her there,'' shares the proud father.
Abdullah says Azie was among the pioneer batch of eight Malaysian students who went to Russia in 2000.
''I have no regrets sending her there as she picked up the Russian language and is now very fluent. When my wife and I visited her last December, she impressed us with her command of the language when she took us around.
''She is also the president of the Moscow Malaysian Students' Association and rents an apartment near the metro (Moscow subway system) with two friends,” he adds.
Russia is an interesting option for Malaysian students.
Marik Singh, whose daughter Jaspal Kaur is a third year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, also has no hesitation in recommending Russia as a study destination to anyone.
''Jaspal was doing her 'A' levels in one of the private colleges here in Kuala Lumpur when we found out about Russia. We were impressed by what we were told. The fees were also very affordable. I think we are fortunate that Russia accepts Malaysian students to study medicine there.
''She adapted very well and is very happy,'' he says, adding that he and his wife are planning to visit her soon.
Marik says his daughter needs about RM300 for rental, food, travel and other personal expenses per month.
''Jaspal has learnt to be a good cook and we are very proud of her,'' he adds.
Numbers growing annually
The figures on the popularity of Russia as a destination for medical studies speak for themselves. From a mere 100 students in 2001, the figure has grown six-fold to over 650 students studying medicine in various universities throughout the country.
Although Russia is a relatively new destination for Malaysians wishing to pursue higher education courses, it has long been popular with Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam Vladimir Morozov says Russia has been opening the doors of its universities to youths from many countries for many years.
''Students have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art training and research facilities. The latest laboratories, teaching aids, instruments, simulators and specialised libraries combined with your lectures will help you achieve your dream of becoming a specialist in your chosen field,'' he says when he attended the high tea reception marking the opening of the Kuala Lumpur office of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd last Wednesday.
''We hope that the knowledge and skills our students acquire will help provide high quality medical services to the people in Malaysia,'' he says.
Besides receiving an education of international standing, students will also enjoy the enriching experience of living in a country steeped in culture, history and beauty.
''I hope the students will make new friends and help foster ties to promote better understanding between Russians and Malaysians,” he says.
Studying in Russia
The Public Services Department in Malaysia recognises medical degrees from the Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University and Kursk State Medical University. The six-year medical degree in Russia includes clinical experience.
Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has ranked Moscow Medical Academy and Russian State Medical University as second and third in the world.
Honorary consul of the Russian Federation Teoh Seng Lee says Russian medical universities offer highly affordable medical degrees compared with other countries, without compromising on quality.
A Russian university medical degree costs between RM130,000 to RM180, 000 compared to between M500,000 and RM800,000 in other countries.
''This estimate covers tuition fees, hostel accommodation, use of university facilities, annual return air fare and living expenses,'' he says, adding that costs may vary depending on the city.
Living in Moscow for instance, would be more costly than living in smaller cities like Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod
Although the medium of instruction for medical degree programmes in several Russian universities is English, students need to be able to speak Russian by their fourth year.
Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy surgery department head and vice dean of overseas admissions Dr Vladimir Zagainov explains that students need to speak Russian in order to communicate with patients and clinical staff.
''Besides anatomy and physiology classes in the first year, students will also be taking Russian language classes. They will be meeting patients in hospitals in their fourth year so they should be able to speak the language by then.''
Dr Zagainov says the academy currently has students from 26 countries, with some 80 Malaysian undergraduates.
''Some have difficulty in pronouncing certain words in Russian but Malaysians in general are able to pick up the language,'' he says.
He says the academy is expecting 55 more Malaysians to join the university in September.
Describing Malaysian students as hardworking, Moscow Medical Academy vice-rector for international affairs Prof Renad Alyautdin says they usually obtain good results.
''Although the minimum entry requirement into medicine in Russia are Bs in Science subjects or a CGPA of 3.0, most of the students have As in all subjects,'' he adds.
Prof Alyautdin says the academy has opened a new hostel this year and is currently renovating older hostels.
Volgograd State Medical University vice chancellor Prof Alexander Spasov says there are 170 Malaysians at his university.
''Most stay in the hostels although some have opted to rent apartments in the city with friends,'' he says.
Teoh, who is also the director of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, explains that the company assists Malaysian students in their applications to Russian universities and institutes.
To date, the company, founded in 1996, has successfully assisted over 300 Malaysian students in pursuing tertiary education in Russia.
''We act as a liaison between the Russian institutions and students.
''Russian Resources ensures that applications to institutions, visas, initial travel arrangements and housing arrangements are properly coordinated,'' he says.
He adds that students leaving for the first time to Russia will be accompanied by a company representative and met at the airport, and will also be brought to the university for registration.
Presently, the company represents Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy and Moscow State Aviation Institute.
For more information about studying medicine in Russia, contact Roline Ong at Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, Suite 3.05, 3rd Floor North Block, The Ampwalk, 218 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, or tel 03-2171 1226, or fax 03-2171 2329. You may also contact Ng Ting Ah at The Registrar, Education Russia, Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, 37 Green Hall, 10200 Penang, or tel 04-262 2944, or fax 04-262 4926.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Hospitals to raise charges for foreigners
JOHOR BARU: Foreigners seeking treatment in government hospitals will soon have to pay more.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the revised fee would reflect that charged by private hospitals, as the RM2 currently imposed on foreigners was “way too low.”
“We have yet to decide on the amount, but some parties have suggested that they should be charged RM5 or RM10.
“We will have to study the matter and look at what the market is charging before finalising the new fee,” he told reporters after opening the third biennial cardiopulmonary bypass conference yesterday.
Dr Chua declined to comment when asked if the fee imposed on locals seeking treatment at government hospitals and clinics would also be raised but admitted that the RM1 fee was “unreasonably low.”
“Even in Beijing, China, one has to pay the equivalent of RM15 when one seeks treatment from a government hospital whereas in Malaysia, it is only RM1.
“This shows how heavily subsidised the public health sector is, “ he added.
Dr Chua said the ministry received RM6.3bil in allocation last year, which was a four-fold increase compared with the RM1.6bil it was allocated in 1990.
He said the previous time the fee was increased was from 50 sen to RM1 in the 1980s.
On vacancies, Dr Chua said 620 foreign doctors had been recruited recently and another 520 foreign doctors would be recruited to fill current vacancies.
“However, this is only a short-term measure as employing foreign doctors will not solve the problem of shortage,” he said.
On another matter, Dr Chua said the ministry would concentrate on advocating “preventive medicine” under the 9th Malaysia Plan, where promotional programmes on healthy living and lifestyle would be conducted.
He said this was to prevent the public from indulging in sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles and to check the ministry’s budget from escalating
JOHOR BARU: Foreigners seeking treatment in government hospitals will soon have to pay more.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the revised fee would reflect that charged by private hospitals, as the RM2 currently imposed on foreigners was “way too low.”
“We have yet to decide on the amount, but some parties have suggested that they should be charged RM5 or RM10.
“We will have to study the matter and look at what the market is charging before finalising the new fee,” he told reporters after opening the third biennial cardiopulmonary bypass conference yesterday.
Dr Chua declined to comment when asked if the fee imposed on locals seeking treatment at government hospitals and clinics would also be raised but admitted that the RM1 fee was “unreasonably low.”
“Even in Beijing, China, one has to pay the equivalent of RM15 when one seeks treatment from a government hospital whereas in Malaysia, it is only RM1.
“This shows how heavily subsidised the public health sector is, “ he added.
Dr Chua said the ministry received RM6.3bil in allocation last year, which was a four-fold increase compared with the RM1.6bil it was allocated in 1990.
He said the previous time the fee was increased was from 50 sen to RM1 in the 1980s.
On vacancies, Dr Chua said 620 foreign doctors had been recruited recently and another 520 foreign doctors would be recruited to fill current vacancies.
“However, this is only a short-term measure as employing foreign doctors will not solve the problem of shortage,” he said.
On another matter, Dr Chua said the ministry would concentrate on advocating “preventive medicine” under the 9th Malaysia Plan, where promotional programmes on healthy living and lifestyle would be conducted.
He said this was to prevent the public from indulging in sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles and to check the ministry’s budget from escalating
Friday, May 14, 2004
Chua: Give out funds quicke
BANTING: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek wants subsidies and funds to be disbursed faster to kidney patients and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) running haemodialysis centres.
He said it was unacceptable that the subsidies and funds took up to eight months to be approved.
“The patients and the NGOs need the funds urgently because treatment must be administered fast.
“There have been complaints by patients that they needed to wait up to eight months before they received the funding,” he said when opening the Banting Haemodialysis Centre here.
Chua said there was a need to review the entire process of remitting the funds which was presently channelled to the National Kidney Foundation before being dispersed to the approved parties.
“The whole process should be relooked to find out why we need the middleman,” said Chua.
He, however, said he was not questioning the role of NKF in the fund dispensing system.
Chua said presently deserving kidney patients were given a RM50 subsidy for each treatment at an approved NGO centre while the non-profit NGO centres running haemodialysis centres also received grants.
About 2,000 patients are receiving the subsidy from the ministry, which has dispensed close to RM34mil at the end of last year. Eleven NGOs are receiving funds totalling RM2.5mil.
The ministry also has a ringgit-for-ringgit matching scheme given to NGOs to set up haemodialysis centres.
Chua thanked the NGOs for their effort to help make haemodialysis treatments cheaper and more comfortable for patients.
He said the facility provided by the NGOs complemented the 70 treatment centres under the ministry, which is treating 2,500 patients.
“This year, we will be spending about RM30mil to set up such centres in the remaining 45 hospitals that do not have such facilities yet.”
Chua said about 2,400 new patients nationwide were added to the pool of people needing treatment every year, increasing the need for more haemodialysis centres.
Also present were Teluk Datuk assemblyman Datuk Ei Kim Hock; Nanyang Press Foundation trustee Tan Sri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay and foundation chairman Datuk Wong See Wah as well as St John Ambulance Malaysia president Datuk Dr Law Bin Tick.
The centre is the success story of a tripartite partnership. Nanyang Foundation provided the capital cost for the centre; Ei and the Persatuan Penyayang Kuala Langat will sponsor the monthly rentals for the centre for the next three years and St John Ambulance will manage the centre.
BANTING: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek wants subsidies and funds to be disbursed faster to kidney patients and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) running haemodialysis centres.
He said it was unacceptable that the subsidies and funds took up to eight months to be approved.
“The patients and the NGOs need the funds urgently because treatment must be administered fast.
“There have been complaints by patients that they needed to wait up to eight months before they received the funding,” he said when opening the Banting Haemodialysis Centre here.
Chua said there was a need to review the entire process of remitting the funds which was presently channelled to the National Kidney Foundation before being dispersed to the approved parties.
“The whole process should be relooked to find out why we need the middleman,” said Chua.
He, however, said he was not questioning the role of NKF in the fund dispensing system.
Chua said presently deserving kidney patients were given a RM50 subsidy for each treatment at an approved NGO centre while the non-profit NGO centres running haemodialysis centres also received grants.
About 2,000 patients are receiving the subsidy from the ministry, which has dispensed close to RM34mil at the end of last year. Eleven NGOs are receiving funds totalling RM2.5mil.
The ministry also has a ringgit-for-ringgit matching scheme given to NGOs to set up haemodialysis centres.
Chua thanked the NGOs for their effort to help make haemodialysis treatments cheaper and more comfortable for patients.
He said the facility provided by the NGOs complemented the 70 treatment centres under the ministry, which is treating 2,500 patients.
“This year, we will be spending about RM30mil to set up such centres in the remaining 45 hospitals that do not have such facilities yet.”
Chua said about 2,400 new patients nationwide were added to the pool of people needing treatment every year, increasing the need for more haemodialysis centres.
Also present were Teluk Datuk assemblyman Datuk Ei Kim Hock; Nanyang Press Foundation trustee Tan Sri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay and foundation chairman Datuk Wong See Wah as well as St John Ambulance Malaysia president Datuk Dr Law Bin Tick.
The centre is the success story of a tripartite partnership. Nanyang Foundation provided the capital cost for the centre; Ei and the Persatuan Penyayang Kuala Langat will sponsor the monthly rentals for the centre for the next three years and St John Ambulance will manage the centre.
Nursing profession no longer an attraction - Health Minister
BANTING May 13 - Nursing is no longer an attractive profession among girls as the noble values of Malaysian society have changed with priority given to materialism, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Thursday.
In the past there was stiff competition to become nurses but not so now, he said after opening a Hemodialysis Centre here.
"Thirty years ago Malaysian girls in large numbers went as far as England for nurses training. Now there is no such enthusiasm."
"Nursing is no longer the profession of the first choice. It is not easy to look after and care for patients, they say and look for work instead in factories and offices."
Dr Chua said the shortage of nurses was acute.
"The shortage will remain a permanent feature as long as Malaysian women and men do not change their attitude towards nursing as a profession," he said.
IN KOTA BHARU, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the Health Ministry has set up a special committee to review qualifications and allowances for government doctors, nurses and medical workers in efforts to ensure they received commensurate renumeration based on their qualifications and duties.
He said the committee, formed last week, was headed by the ministry's newly appointed Secretary-General Datuk Ismail Adam. The committee will conduct a study on the matter and recommend proposals to the Public Service Department (JPA).
"We support more allowances for medical personnel but they depend on the agreement and approval of the JPA," he told reporters after launching the national-level TB Day at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus, here.
He said this when asked to comment on the reluctance of the younger generation to choose nursing as their career as the ministry did not have a salary grade for nurses with degrees and they were lumped together with diploma holders.
On Wednesday, the Malaysian Nursing Association president, Dayang Annie Abang Narudin said there was now a shortage of 20,000 specialised nurses and the situation became more acute with at least 1,000 nurses either leaving the profession or going on retirement each year.
MEANWHILE in KOTA KINABALU, FOMCA urged the nursing profession in the country to strive to get not only nurses with the right qualification but also those with the right attitude.
Its President of Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan said that this could be done right at the outset when they turn up for the interview to take up nursing courses.
Nurses with the right attitude must be indentified and shortlisted from the beginning... from the interviewing stage. The interviewer should not only look at the aptitude of the candidates concerned but also their attitude as well, Hamdan told Bernama here.
Hamdan said careful selection of candidates for the nursing profession was possible because there was now a large pool of people to select from.
"Today if you called for an interview, there will surely be a large number of people turning up for it...we can shortlist them properly and train them accordingly," he said.
He concurred on the complaints against arrogant civil servants, including nurses and doctors, saying that it was nothing new.
There are those who shout at patients and did not care at all for the sick, he said.
ON the issue of usage of public funds for treatment, the MMA urged the Health Ministry to periodically publish the number and type of cases of needy patients that have been treated with public donations and the outcomes.
This would ensure that the collecting agencies and donating public were aware of the statistics, its president, Datuk Dr. N. Arumugan, said Thursday.
"We feel that this audit is essential information to enable the potential patient and the donating public to make an informed choice," he said in a statement here Thursday.
He said this in welcoming the government's move to allow the National Heath Welfare Fund to be used by all needy patients instead of only the hardcore poor and the media to collect public donations for deserving patients.
He said the media too "must take into consideration that incessant publicity and collection of funds for treatment and procedures available in government hospitals will perpetuate a negative impression and undermine public hospital confidence in the services provided."
"The undue publicity given to doctors and hospitals who are involved in these cases often contravene the Code of Medical Ethics and we feel that the MMA and the Health Ministry can assist and clarify whenever necessary," he said.
BANTING May 13 - Nursing is no longer an attractive profession among girls as the noble values of Malaysian society have changed with priority given to materialism, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Thursday.
In the past there was stiff competition to become nurses but not so now, he said after opening a Hemodialysis Centre here.
"Thirty years ago Malaysian girls in large numbers went as far as England for nurses training. Now there is no such enthusiasm."
"Nursing is no longer the profession of the first choice. It is not easy to look after and care for patients, they say and look for work instead in factories and offices."
Dr Chua said the shortage of nurses was acute.
"The shortage will remain a permanent feature as long as Malaysian women and men do not change their attitude towards nursing as a profession," he said.
IN KOTA BHARU, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the Health Ministry has set up a special committee to review qualifications and allowances for government doctors, nurses and medical workers in efforts to ensure they received commensurate renumeration based on their qualifications and duties.
He said the committee, formed last week, was headed by the ministry's newly appointed Secretary-General Datuk Ismail Adam. The committee will conduct a study on the matter and recommend proposals to the Public Service Department (JPA).
"We support more allowances for medical personnel but they depend on the agreement and approval of the JPA," he told reporters after launching the national-level TB Day at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus, here.
He said this when asked to comment on the reluctance of the younger generation to choose nursing as their career as the ministry did not have a salary grade for nurses with degrees and they were lumped together with diploma holders.
On Wednesday, the Malaysian Nursing Association president, Dayang Annie Abang Narudin said there was now a shortage of 20,000 specialised nurses and the situation became more acute with at least 1,000 nurses either leaving the profession or going on retirement each year.
MEANWHILE in KOTA KINABALU, FOMCA urged the nursing profession in the country to strive to get not only nurses with the right qualification but also those with the right attitude.
Its President of Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan said that this could be done right at the outset when they turn up for the interview to take up nursing courses.
Nurses with the right attitude must be indentified and shortlisted from the beginning... from the interviewing stage. The interviewer should not only look at the aptitude of the candidates concerned but also their attitude as well, Hamdan told Bernama here.
Hamdan said careful selection of candidates for the nursing profession was possible because there was now a large pool of people to select from.
"Today if you called for an interview, there will surely be a large number of people turning up for it...we can shortlist them properly and train them accordingly," he said.
He concurred on the complaints against arrogant civil servants, including nurses and doctors, saying that it was nothing new.
There are those who shout at patients and did not care at all for the sick, he said.
ON the issue of usage of public funds for treatment, the MMA urged the Health Ministry to periodically publish the number and type of cases of needy patients that have been treated with public donations and the outcomes.
This would ensure that the collecting agencies and donating public were aware of the statistics, its president, Datuk Dr. N. Arumugan, said Thursday.
"We feel that this audit is essential information to enable the potential patient and the donating public to make an informed choice," he said in a statement here Thursday.
He said this in welcoming the government's move to allow the National Heath Welfare Fund to be used by all needy patients instead of only the hardcore poor and the media to collect public donations for deserving patients.
He said the media too "must take into consideration that incessant publicity and collection of funds for treatment and procedures available in government hospitals will perpetuate a negative impression and undermine public hospital confidence in the services provided."
"The undue publicity given to doctors and hospitals who are involved in these cases often contravene the Code of Medical Ethics and we feel that the MMA and the Health Ministry can assist and clarify whenever necessary," he said.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Chua: RM2.6m given to needy
UALA LUMPUR: The National Health Welfare Fund has given out RM2.6mil to 76 patients since its inception at the end of 2002.
The fund, which started off with RM5.5mil followed by a RM500,000 dividend, is now down to RM3.4mil.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry must handle the limited amount of money “very properly and professionally” for the benefit of deserving patients.
“There were cases of people who sought treatment in private hospitals and they sent their bills to the ministry to settle from the fund, including one bill amounting to RM100,000.
“We (ministry) cannot simply relax the criteria as this will set a precedent.
“Duly completed applications will be processed within 10 days,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Asked to comment on the case of Saffiyah Khadijah Iskandar, two, who needed another RM65,000 to undergo a liver transplant at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), Dr Chua said the operation could be done at the Selayang Hospital at a lower cost.
At the Selayang Hospital the patient need only pay RM500 because the government subsidises healthcare compared with RM380,000 in SJMC, he said.
He said Saffiyah had been treated at the Kuala Lumpur Paediatric Hospital since September 2002.
The transplant was delayed because Saffiyah’s mother, Nurulhaida Rabu, who was to donate her liver, was found to be pregnant in March last year.
She gave birth in October and was fit to donate her liver beginning March, Dr Chua explained.
As such, he said, claims that the Selayang Hospital did not have the expertise, equipment and facilities for the transplant were baseless.
He said the Selayang Hospital’s liver transplant team had also obtained help from Prof Dr Rusell Strong, who pioneered liver transplants in Australia 15 years ago.
He said the Selayang Hospital could do 12 liver transplants a year now and this would be doubled next year.
Dr Chua also said the Cabinet had agreed to the Health Ministry’s proposal to allow the media to publicise appeals by needy patients and collect funds for them without having to obtain prior approval from the ministry, effective yesterday.
He said the patients must produce their doctors’ confirmation of their illnesses, the type of treatment needed and cost.
The media must get the patients’ approval to raise funds on their behalf, he said.
The money must be placed in a special account set up for the purpose and any excess money upon the patient’s recovery or demise would be passed on to the next deserving patient, he added.
“The fund must be audited by certified auditors, including a representative from the ministry,” said Dr Chua.
UALA LUMPUR: The National Health Welfare Fund has given out RM2.6mil to 76 patients since its inception at the end of 2002.
The fund, which started off with RM5.5mil followed by a RM500,000 dividend, is now down to RM3.4mil.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry must handle the limited amount of money “very properly and professionally” for the benefit of deserving patients.
“There were cases of people who sought treatment in private hospitals and they sent their bills to the ministry to settle from the fund, including one bill amounting to RM100,000.
“We (ministry) cannot simply relax the criteria as this will set a precedent.
“Duly completed applications will be processed within 10 days,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Asked to comment on the case of Saffiyah Khadijah Iskandar, two, who needed another RM65,000 to undergo a liver transplant at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), Dr Chua said the operation could be done at the Selayang Hospital at a lower cost.
At the Selayang Hospital the patient need only pay RM500 because the government subsidises healthcare compared with RM380,000 in SJMC, he said.
He said Saffiyah had been treated at the Kuala Lumpur Paediatric Hospital since September 2002.
The transplant was delayed because Saffiyah’s mother, Nurulhaida Rabu, who was to donate her liver, was found to be pregnant in March last year.
She gave birth in October and was fit to donate her liver beginning March, Dr Chua explained.
As such, he said, claims that the Selayang Hospital did not have the expertise, equipment and facilities for the transplant were baseless.
He said the Selayang Hospital’s liver transplant team had also obtained help from Prof Dr Rusell Strong, who pioneered liver transplants in Australia 15 years ago.
He said the Selayang Hospital could do 12 liver transplants a year now and this would be doubled next year.
Dr Chua also said the Cabinet had agreed to the Health Ministry’s proposal to allow the media to publicise appeals by needy patients and collect funds for them without having to obtain prior approval from the ministry, effective yesterday.
He said the patients must produce their doctors’ confirmation of their illnesses, the type of treatment needed and cost.
The media must get the patients’ approval to raise funds on their behalf, he said.
The money must be placed in a special account set up for the purpose and any excess money upon the patient’s recovery or demise would be passed on to the next deserving patient, he added.
“The fund must be audited by certified auditors, including a representative from the ministry,” said Dr Chua.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
BIM supports MMA's call to review doctors' salary package
KUALA LUMPUR May 11 - The Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) supports the call by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) for a review of the salary package for the doctors in government service, said its Chairman Dr Vellayan Subramaniam.
"This review has to take into consideration the skills, expertise and the professionalism of services provided by the doctors. The condition of the workplace like the government clinics and hospitals, its locality and the number of patients treated daily are vital factors to be emphasised," he said in a press statement here Tuesday.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had recently said that the government was considering a new salary scale for government doctors and specialists while MMA president Datuk Dr N. Arumugam said the government doctors' salaries were tied to the salary scale of civil servants and could not be changed without approval from the cabinet.
According to Dr Vellayan, the basic salary now was incremental but the allowances were fixed at predetermined rates and the salary package was rather outdated because the increased number of patients and longer hours taken for treating or attending to them had not been taken into consideration.
"More doctors are doing overtime work to treat their patients. They put in more than 24 hours of work ... the longer time spent in hospitals and clinics had reduced valuable hours for their family members especially in developing good parenting and families," he added.
He said the doctors were committed to their code of ethics to serve the public professionally and the government should treat them fairly and justifiably.
Looking at the position of the government doctors, he said other government professional staff should also be given the opportunity to enjoy a review of their salary package.
"A proper perspective has to be given on professionalism in line with the government policy to encourage the development of science and technology in this country. Professional services are closely related to science and technology that play a pivotal role in developing Malaysia," he said.
According to him, the review proposed should also avoid the long delay in the promotion exercise of doctors in government service by considering the scale of promotion in the profession based on the years of service and expertise acquired.
"BIM hopes that the current Minister of Health (Chua) will be more passionate to listen to their grievances. Medical services in Malaysia cannot be effective and efficient with the equipment alone without the welfare of the doctors and specialists heightened accordingly," he added. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR May 11 - The Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) supports the call by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) for a review of the salary package for the doctors in government service, said its Chairman Dr Vellayan Subramaniam.
"This review has to take into consideration the skills, expertise and the professionalism of services provided by the doctors. The condition of the workplace like the government clinics and hospitals, its locality and the number of patients treated daily are vital factors to be emphasised," he said in a press statement here Tuesday.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had recently said that the government was considering a new salary scale for government doctors and specialists while MMA president Datuk Dr N. Arumugam said the government doctors' salaries were tied to the salary scale of civil servants and could not be changed without approval from the cabinet.
According to Dr Vellayan, the basic salary now was incremental but the allowances were fixed at predetermined rates and the salary package was rather outdated because the increased number of patients and longer hours taken for treating or attending to them had not been taken into consideration.
"More doctors are doing overtime work to treat their patients. They put in more than 24 hours of work ... the longer time spent in hospitals and clinics had reduced valuable hours for their family members especially in developing good parenting and families," he added.
He said the doctors were committed to their code of ethics to serve the public professionally and the government should treat them fairly and justifiably.
Looking at the position of the government doctors, he said other government professional staff should also be given the opportunity to enjoy a review of their salary package.
"A proper perspective has to be given on professionalism in line with the government policy to encourage the development of science and technology in this country. Professional services are closely related to science and technology that play a pivotal role in developing Malaysia," he said.
According to him, the review proposed should also avoid the long delay in the promotion exercise of doctors in government service by considering the scale of promotion in the profession based on the years of service and expertise acquired.
"BIM hopes that the current Minister of Health (Chua) will be more passionate to listen to their grievances. Medical services in Malaysia cannot be effective and efficient with the equipment alone without the welfare of the doctors and specialists heightened accordingly," he added. - Bernama
Nursing college hit by resignations
SITIAWAN: For over a year, students of a nursing college near here have had their classes disrupted by a series of resignations by lecturers when the college management failed to pay their salaries.
The college's chief executive officer Aminuddin Mohd Nafis Shukri said six lecturers have resigned since the college, which accords government-recognised certificates, was set up by Uji Maju Properties Sdn Bhd in January 2002.
He said the company also delayed in paying the salaries of the administrative staff, adding that he had not been paid his September salary nor for the last three months.
“This has been going on since early last year. There are now three lecturers remaining when there should be seven to 10 at any one time,” he said.
The college now has 148 students, 65 of whom were sponsored by the Health Ministry.
Perak Education, Human Resources and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir advised the company to act quickly in resolving the problems.
He said he would discuss the technical aspects of the matter with the education department and the Health Ministry before the Government takes action.
He said several alternatives would also be discussed, including bringing in lecturers or sending the students to nursing colleges nearby.
“We do not want the students to fail due to reasons beyond their control.
“Institutes of higher learning must ensure students are not victimised or neglected,” he said.
Dr Zambry said this after making a surprise inspection at the college and talking to disgruntled students and staff members yesterday.
The students also complained of poor library resources, lack of adequate security at their hostel and the failure of the management to provide the promised recreational facilities.
One student, Norfazilawati Abd Rani, 21, from Pahang, said her coursemates have seen lecturers teaching for only two or three months before leaving.
Other students said the management had threatened to bar private students who failed to pay their fees from sitting for the semester-end examination.
Dr Zambry said the company owner, who was currently in Indonesia, could not be contact
SITIAWAN: For over a year, students of a nursing college near here have had their classes disrupted by a series of resignations by lecturers when the college management failed to pay their salaries.
The college's chief executive officer Aminuddin Mohd Nafis Shukri said six lecturers have resigned since the college, which accords government-recognised certificates, was set up by Uji Maju Properties Sdn Bhd in January 2002.
He said the company also delayed in paying the salaries of the administrative staff, adding that he had not been paid his September salary nor for the last three months.
“This has been going on since early last year. There are now three lecturers remaining when there should be seven to 10 at any one time,” he said.
The college now has 148 students, 65 of whom were sponsored by the Health Ministry.
Perak Education, Human Resources and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir advised the company to act quickly in resolving the problems.
He said he would discuss the technical aspects of the matter with the education department and the Health Ministry before the Government takes action.
He said several alternatives would also be discussed, including bringing in lecturers or sending the students to nursing colleges nearby.
“We do not want the students to fail due to reasons beyond their control.
“Institutes of higher learning must ensure students are not victimised or neglected,” he said.
Dr Zambry said this after making a surprise inspection at the college and talking to disgruntled students and staff members yesterday.
The students also complained of poor library resources, lack of adequate security at their hostel and the failure of the management to provide the promised recreational facilities.
One student, Norfazilawati Abd Rani, 21, from Pahang, said her coursemates have seen lecturers teaching for only two or three months before leaving.
Other students said the management had threatened to bar private students who failed to pay their fees from sitting for the semester-end examination.
Dr Zambry said the company owner, who was currently in Indonesia, could not be contact
Chua: Private hospitals fear potential competition
KUALA BERANG: Private hospitals fear the competition that may arise from the proposed setting up of private wings in government hospitals, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said some people were worried the move would affect the quality of service in government hospitals.
“We have to strike a balance between the profit-oriented private sector and the Government’s responsibility of providing services at minimal rates.
“These matters would be looked into by the special Health Ministry committee studying the proposal,” he said, after visiting the Hulu Terengganu Hospital here yesterday.
He said the private sector “will always come out with lots of reasons.”
He declined to elaborate.
He had said on Thursday that his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors.
He said a special committee headed by his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad had been formed to look into all aspects of the proposal such as legislation, human resources and fees.
Dr Chua also said no cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) had been reported in the country following the latest outbreak in China last month.
If there were any cases, the ministry would inform the public, he said.
Dr Chua urged the media not to play up the issue.
He was responding to a report in a Malay daily yesterday that said a 61-year-old man who had returned from China recently was being treated in a special SARS ward at Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Baru.
KUALA BERANG: Private hospitals fear the competition that may arise from the proposed setting up of private wings in government hospitals, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said some people were worried the move would affect the quality of service in government hospitals.
“We have to strike a balance between the profit-oriented private sector and the Government’s responsibility of providing services at minimal rates.
“These matters would be looked into by the special Health Ministry committee studying the proposal,” he said, after visiting the Hulu Terengganu Hospital here yesterday.
He said the private sector “will always come out with lots of reasons.”
He declined to elaborate.
He had said on Thursday that his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors.
He said a special committee headed by his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad had been formed to look into all aspects of the proposal such as legislation, human resources and fees.
Dr Chua also said no cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) had been reported in the country following the latest outbreak in China last month.
If there were any cases, the ministry would inform the public, he said.
Dr Chua urged the media not to play up the issue.
He was responding to a report in a Malay daily yesterday that said a 61-year-old man who had returned from China recently was being treated in a special SARS ward at Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Baru.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Third anti-impotence drug on sale in Malaysia to tap 'silent sufferers"
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - A third anti-impotence drug, Levitra, is now on sale in Malaysia where some 90 percent of men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) are "silent sufferers," health experts said.
The new orange pill, marketed by pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline of Britain and Germany's Bayer and launched in US and European markets last year, competes with Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and Cialis by US giant Eli Lilly.
In a statement, GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer said the entry of Levitra into the Malaysian market was aimed at meeting the needs of ED sufferers who "are still silent and untreated."
"In Malaysia, it is estimated that over 90 percent of ED sufferers are silent. This means there is still a huge untapped market of untreated ED sufferers in Malaysia," said local consultant urologist Tan Hui Meng.
Based on research conducted on 351 Malaysian men aged 50 and above, he said 69 percent suffered mild to severe ED and only 7.2 percent had tried a prescription medicine.
Reports previously said there were an estimated 2.2 million men in Malaysia affected by ED.
The statement said some 150 million men worldwide were suffering from ED but this figure was expected to double to 322 million by 2025, of which about 65 percent would be in Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - A third anti-impotence drug, Levitra, is now on sale in Malaysia where some 90 percent of men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) are "silent sufferers," health experts said.
The new orange pill, marketed by pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline of Britain and Germany's Bayer and launched in US and European markets last year, competes with Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and Cialis by US giant Eli Lilly.
In a statement, GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer said the entry of Levitra into the Malaysian market was aimed at meeting the needs of ED sufferers who "are still silent and untreated."
"In Malaysia, it is estimated that over 90 percent of ED sufferers are silent. This means there is still a huge untapped market of untreated ED sufferers in Malaysia," said local consultant urologist Tan Hui Meng.
Based on research conducted on 351 Malaysian men aged 50 and above, he said 69 percent suffered mild to severe ED and only 7.2 percent had tried a prescription medicine.
Reports previously said there were an estimated 2.2 million men in Malaysia affected by ED.
The statement said some 150 million men worldwide were suffering from ED but this figure was expected to double to 322 million by 2025, of which about 65 percent would be in Asia.
Time to tackle obesity
MALAYSIA is fast becoming a fat nation. At last count, three million Malaysians were overweight or obese, according to the Health Ministry. The figure is likely to increase because efforts to create awareness have not been successful.
Professor Mohd Ismail Noor, president of the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity, says a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are contributing to Malaysia having the highest prevalence of obesity in Asia. "Malaysians are eating too much but not getting enough exercise. In urban areas, food outlets are open 24 hours, and this, combined with the sedentary lifestyle of most Malaysians, is a recipe for disaster," he says. "Obesity will escalate unless we get our act together now." People with a body mass index of between 25 and 29.9 are considered to be overweight and those with a BMI of more than 30 are obese. Unfortunately, according to Mohd Ismail, Malaysians are not serious in tackling the issue. Obesity is associated with five of the 10 leading causes of death and disability in Malaysia, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, some forms of cancer as well as hypertension.
It also substantially raises the risk of illness from high cholesterol, gallbladder diseases and arthritis.
More children are also becoming overweight or obese.
In 1990, the prevalence of obesity among children between 13 and 17 was only 0.7 per cent, but in 1997 it had increased to 5.7 per cent.
Mohd Ismail says a UKM/Nestle study of some 11,264 schoolchildren aged between seven and 12 years in four regions of Peninsular Malaysia — north, south, east and central — showed that 10.8 per cent boys and 10.3 per cent girls were overweight. Studies have shown that children who are overweight tend to be overweight adults.
Being an overweight child can have psychological effects such as low self-esteem and a sense of isolation.
Overweight children are also at risk of developing serious health problems in later life, including heart attack and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, and high blood pressure. Mohd Ismail says a critical period for the development of obesity is during childhood, a period referred to as the time of adiposity rebound. The body mass index of an infant increases in the first year of life and decreases subsequently, he says.
At about five years of age, the BMI increases again. Adolescence is another critical period particularly for girls, since 30 per cent of adult obesity among women begins in early adolescence.
This is a period when patterns of fat deposition are determined by hormonal influences besides changes in eating behaviour.
"Childhood obesity is the prelude to a public health disaster that we will have to deal with. The time to act on this problem is now." "Prevention at an early age is important. Children now are eating junk food and are not involved in physical activities. Fifteen per cent of 12,000 Malaysian children are eating fast food every day." Awareness education should not only be for parents but also for teachers. "Parents and teachers should monitor what the children eat and get them to be active," he adds.
Mohd Ismail says that given the magnitude and the complexity of the problem there is an urgent need to enhance the professional understanding of prevention principles and practices.
"This can only be achieved through shared responsibility among the Government, industries and other units.
Mohd Ismail says that the association is drafting guidelines on prevention of obesity in collaboration with the Health Ministry. These will include recommendations to help prevent individuals of normal weight from becoming overweight or obese.
"The guidelines will propose strategies focusing on relevant settings such as individuals, families and communities, schools, health care, media and communication, and even the workplace." The ministry is collaborating with relevant ministries, academia and professional bodies, including the association, on the second national plan of action for nutrition.
One of the objectives of the plan is to enhance and maintain the nutritional well being for all, says Mohd Ismail.
"This includes preventing and controlling nutritional deficiencies and excesses which can cause obesity, as well as diet-related non-communicable chronic diseases."
MALAYSIA is fast becoming a fat nation. At last count, three million Malaysians were overweight or obese, according to the Health Ministry. The figure is likely to increase because efforts to create awareness have not been successful.
Professor Mohd Ismail Noor, president of the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity, says a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are contributing to Malaysia having the highest prevalence of obesity in Asia. "Malaysians are eating too much but not getting enough exercise. In urban areas, food outlets are open 24 hours, and this, combined with the sedentary lifestyle of most Malaysians, is a recipe for disaster," he says. "Obesity will escalate unless we get our act together now." People with a body mass index of between 25 and 29.9 are considered to be overweight and those with a BMI of more than 30 are obese. Unfortunately, according to Mohd Ismail, Malaysians are not serious in tackling the issue. Obesity is associated with five of the 10 leading causes of death and disability in Malaysia, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, some forms of cancer as well as hypertension.
It also substantially raises the risk of illness from high cholesterol, gallbladder diseases and arthritis.
More children are also becoming overweight or obese.
In 1990, the prevalence of obesity among children between 13 and 17 was only 0.7 per cent, but in 1997 it had increased to 5.7 per cent.
Mohd Ismail says a UKM/Nestle study of some 11,264 schoolchildren aged between seven and 12 years in four regions of Peninsular Malaysia — north, south, east and central — showed that 10.8 per cent boys and 10.3 per cent girls were overweight. Studies have shown that children who are overweight tend to be overweight adults.
Being an overweight child can have psychological effects such as low self-esteem and a sense of isolation.
Overweight children are also at risk of developing serious health problems in later life, including heart attack and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, and high blood pressure. Mohd Ismail says a critical period for the development of obesity is during childhood, a period referred to as the time of adiposity rebound. The body mass index of an infant increases in the first year of life and decreases subsequently, he says.
At about five years of age, the BMI increases again. Adolescence is another critical period particularly for girls, since 30 per cent of adult obesity among women begins in early adolescence.
This is a period when patterns of fat deposition are determined by hormonal influences besides changes in eating behaviour.
"Childhood obesity is the prelude to a public health disaster that we will have to deal with. The time to act on this problem is now." "Prevention at an early age is important. Children now are eating junk food and are not involved in physical activities. Fifteen per cent of 12,000 Malaysian children are eating fast food every day." Awareness education should not only be for parents but also for teachers. "Parents and teachers should monitor what the children eat and get them to be active," he adds.
Mohd Ismail says that given the magnitude and the complexity of the problem there is an urgent need to enhance the professional understanding of prevention principles and practices.
"This can only be achieved through shared responsibility among the Government, industries and other units.
Mohd Ismail says that the association is drafting guidelines on prevention of obesity in collaboration with the Health Ministry. These will include recommendations to help prevent individuals of normal weight from becoming overweight or obese.
"The guidelines will propose strategies focusing on relevant settings such as individuals, families and communities, schools, health care, media and communication, and even the workplace." The ministry is collaborating with relevant ministries, academia and professional bodies, including the association, on the second national plan of action for nutrition.
One of the objectives of the plan is to enhance and maintain the nutritional well being for all, says Mohd Ismail.
"This includes preventing and controlling nutritional deficiencies and excesses which can cause obesity, as well as diet-related non-communicable chronic diseases."
Move for thalassaemia register
A National Thalassaemia Registry will be set up to keep track of Malaysians who are carriers of this blood disorder so that marriages among them can be prevented.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said today a task force was in charge of looking into setting up the registry.
"We expect a report to be ready in two months' time and it will then be tabled to the Cabinet to be reviewed.
"Thalassaemia cases can be significantly reduced if we are able to identify the carriers and prevent one from marrying another," he said, adding that such couples have a 25 per cent chance of having a child born with this disease.
"If they insist on getting married, they have to be warned about the risk they are taking," he said.
Dr Chua said premarital screenings were necessary to reduce the number of new cases.
Those targeted for thalassaemia carrier screening include university students, couples planning to get married and pre-natal mothers.
Thalassaemia patients not only suffer the painful effects of the disease their whole lives, they also have to bear the high cost of treatment.
Dr Chua said on average, patients spend RM270 to RM1,080 per month on treatment.
"With an estimated 2,500 transfusion-dependent thalassaemic patients in Malaysia, it will cost the Health Ministry more than RM20 million a year to provide free or subsidised treatment for all of them, and the cost will recur.
"By screening the target groups, we can advise carriers not to get married to each other and lessen the chances of thalassaemic children being born," he said.
Dr Chua cited Iran's experience where proper counselling for couples, who were carriers, resulted in 90 per cent of them opting not to get married for fear of bearing thalassaemic children.
He was speaking at a Press conference after launching the First National Thalassaemia Seminar and International Thalassaemia Day at Corus Hotel.
In his speech earlier, Dr Chua said he was pleased that such an event was held to provide updates on the management of thalassaemia.
Dr Chua also called on the media to play a more active role in highlighting cases of patients seeking public donations to undergo treatment or surgery.
A National Thalassaemia Registry will be set up to keep track of Malaysians who are carriers of this blood disorder so that marriages among them can be prevented.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said today a task force was in charge of looking into setting up the registry.
"We expect a report to be ready in two months' time and it will then be tabled to the Cabinet to be reviewed.
"Thalassaemia cases can be significantly reduced if we are able to identify the carriers and prevent one from marrying another," he said, adding that such couples have a 25 per cent chance of having a child born with this disease.
"If they insist on getting married, they have to be warned about the risk they are taking," he said.
Dr Chua said premarital screenings were necessary to reduce the number of new cases.
Those targeted for thalassaemia carrier screening include university students, couples planning to get married and pre-natal mothers.
Thalassaemia patients not only suffer the painful effects of the disease their whole lives, they also have to bear the high cost of treatment.
Dr Chua said on average, patients spend RM270 to RM1,080 per month on treatment.
"With an estimated 2,500 transfusion-dependent thalassaemic patients in Malaysia, it will cost the Health Ministry more than RM20 million a year to provide free or subsidised treatment for all of them, and the cost will recur.
"By screening the target groups, we can advise carriers not to get married to each other and lessen the chances of thalassaemic children being born," he said.
Dr Chua cited Iran's experience where proper counselling for couples, who were carriers, resulted in 90 per cent of them opting not to get married for fear of bearing thalassaemic children.
He was speaking at a Press conference after launching the First National Thalassaemia Seminar and International Thalassaemia Day at Corus Hotel.
In his speech earlier, Dr Chua said he was pleased that such an event was held to provide updates on the management of thalassaemia.
Dr Chua also called on the media to play a more active role in highlighting cases of patients seeking public donations to undergo treatment or surgery.
Private hospital wings idea won’t fly
Some years back, as part of the government's corporatisation policy, government hospitals were directed to increase the rate of their cost recovery (at the time, patient charges at government hospitals contributed in toto to about 5-10 percent of the hospitals' actual operational costs, i.e. government medical services were being subsidised to the extent of 90-95 percent).
In preparation for corporatisation, government hospitals were instructed to increase their cost recovery, so that the government could reduce its health outlays which would be preferentially allocated to the low-income, while ‘those who could afford to pay more should become less dependent on government subsidies’, or better yet, look to the private sector for their healthcare needs.
(This is the World Bank's favoured ‘targeted approach’ for a rump public sector in healthcare, as privatisation proceeds to create markets for healthcare entrepreneurs, and more generally, a generic template for the privatisation of social services).
Well, in June 2002, the janitor responsible for my building at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang underwent colorectal cancer surgery at the Penang General Hospital. She earns RM500 monthly (no overtime) and receives no hospitalisation benefits from her private concessionaire employer (outpatient treatment expenses are split 50:50 between her and her employer).
When she was discharged from her third-class ward, she was presented with a bill for RM1,662 (for a stapler device to re-join her colon after surgery), and RM141 in ward charges.
Some months later, I brought this up with the hospital director, who in turn replied that this was in line with a government directive to increase cost recovery to about 20 percent of the operational costs of the Health Ministry's hospitals.
It is clear that our underfinanced government healthcare will become even less available to the poor when private wings are set up in government hospitals as human and material resources are reallocated to serve the dictates of the healthcare market rather than the needs of the poor.
Any expectations that private wings will generate revenue for government hospitals for cross subsidies to poorer patients, have been disabused by the same article: "On MMA's complaints of ‘fee splitting’ (where doctors pass on part of their fees to the hospitals they serve), (Health Minister) Dr Chua asked doctors attached to private hospitals to lodge reports with the ministry if this happened. "It is regarded as unethical," he said.
Would it also be unethical for government hospitals to retain a substantial portion of the professional fees earned in private wings?
It is furthermore predictable that private wings will soon be encouraged to service the regional health tourism market as well.
Indeed, this is already the case. At a management conference organised by the Health Ministry in 2002 in Penang, Chow Sang Hoe, a consultant with Ernst & Young, reported on a survey of health tourism prospects commissioned by a group of private hospitals in conjunction with the ministry.
One of the salient points in his talk was that cardiological and cardiothoracic services constituted the largest clinical category (38 percent) of inpatient procedures performed for foreign nationals at the 28 hospitals surveyed (five public, 23 private), and that the Institut Jantung Negara (a corporatised government referral heart hospital) figured prominently in this.
The Citizens' Health Initiative has repeatedly voiced its concern over such developments. We are not against foreign nationals benefitting from our national healthcare capabilities, indeed we can take pride in this.
But we are much concerned when more and more of our local health resources are diverted to serving regional (and national) healthcare priorities as dictated by economic (market) demand, rather than on the basis of need.
The proposal to introduce private wings in government hospitals is an unworthy idea which should be definitively scrapped.
The writer is co-ordinator of the non-governmental organisation Citizens' Health Initiative.
Some years back, as part of the government's corporatisation policy, government hospitals were directed to increase the rate of their cost recovery (at the time, patient charges at government hospitals contributed in toto to about 5-10 percent of the hospitals' actual operational costs, i.e. government medical services were being subsidised to the extent of 90-95 percent).
In preparation for corporatisation, government hospitals were instructed to increase their cost recovery, so that the government could reduce its health outlays which would be preferentially allocated to the low-income, while ‘those who could afford to pay more should become less dependent on government subsidies’, or better yet, look to the private sector for their healthcare needs.
(This is the World Bank's favoured ‘targeted approach’ for a rump public sector in healthcare, as privatisation proceeds to create markets for healthcare entrepreneurs, and more generally, a generic template for the privatisation of social services).
Well, in June 2002, the janitor responsible for my building at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang underwent colorectal cancer surgery at the Penang General Hospital. She earns RM500 monthly (no overtime) and receives no hospitalisation benefits from her private concessionaire employer (outpatient treatment expenses are split 50:50 between her and her employer).
When she was discharged from her third-class ward, she was presented with a bill for RM1,662 (for a stapler device to re-join her colon after surgery), and RM141 in ward charges.
Some months later, I brought this up with the hospital director, who in turn replied that this was in line with a government directive to increase cost recovery to about 20 percent of the operational costs of the Health Ministry's hospitals.
It is clear that our underfinanced government healthcare will become even less available to the poor when private wings are set up in government hospitals as human and material resources are reallocated to serve the dictates of the healthcare market rather than the needs of the poor.
Any expectations that private wings will generate revenue for government hospitals for cross subsidies to poorer patients, have been disabused by the same article: "On MMA's complaints of ‘fee splitting’ (where doctors pass on part of their fees to the hospitals they serve), (Health Minister) Dr Chua asked doctors attached to private hospitals to lodge reports with the ministry if this happened. "It is regarded as unethical," he said.
Would it also be unethical for government hospitals to retain a substantial portion of the professional fees earned in private wings?
It is furthermore predictable that private wings will soon be encouraged to service the regional health tourism market as well.
Indeed, this is already the case. At a management conference organised by the Health Ministry in 2002 in Penang, Chow Sang Hoe, a consultant with Ernst & Young, reported on a survey of health tourism prospects commissioned by a group of private hospitals in conjunction with the ministry.
One of the salient points in his talk was that cardiological and cardiothoracic services constituted the largest clinical category (38 percent) of inpatient procedures performed for foreign nationals at the 28 hospitals surveyed (five public, 23 private), and that the Institut Jantung Negara (a corporatised government referral heart hospital) figured prominently in this.
The Citizens' Health Initiative has repeatedly voiced its concern over such developments. We are not against foreign nationals benefitting from our national healthcare capabilities, indeed we can take pride in this.
But we are much concerned when more and more of our local health resources are diverted to serving regional (and national) healthcare priorities as dictated by economic (market) demand, rather than on the basis of need.
The proposal to introduce private wings in government hospitals is an unworthy idea which should be definitively scrapped.
The writer is co-ordinator of the non-governmental organisation Citizens' Health Initiative.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Occupational health doctors needed
KUALA LUMPUR: There is an urgent need to increase the number of occupational health doctors, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn.
He said these doctors were needed to conduct pre-employment and pre-placement medical surveillance as diagnosis of some occupational diseases was often made at a late stage.
Currently, there are about 380 occupational health doctors registered with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
“A paradigm shift is needed here, where employers must realise the importance of early detection of deviations from health before there are obvious clinical manifestations,” he said after receiving an Honorary Fellowship of The Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, at Legend Hotel here on Friday night.
KUALA LUMPUR: There is an urgent need to increase the number of occupational health doctors, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn.
He said these doctors were needed to conduct pre-employment and pre-placement medical surveillance as diagnosis of some occupational diseases was often made at a late stage.
Currently, there are about 380 occupational health doctors registered with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
“A paradigm shift is needed here, where employers must realise the importance of early detection of deviations from health before there are obvious clinical manifestations,” he said after receiving an Honorary Fellowship of The Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, at Legend Hotel here on Friday night.
Diabetes also afflicting the young
Diabetes is no longer a sickness of those above the age of 30.
It is also hitting the young and hitting them hard.
Many above the age of 20 are already diabetic because of their eating habits and this is causing concern to the health authorities.
"Many of the victims are those aged 30 and above but what is of concern is that young children are also at risk because of their eating habits," the Deputy Director of Disease Control, Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, said today.
He added that many above the age of 20 were already diabetic due to taking drinks with high sugar content and high calorie foods which had less fibre.
Dr Zainal said diabetes and its complications had given rise to social and economic problems for the patients, their families and the country.
Twelve per cent of the Malaysian population were affected by diabetes and it had become the nation's major growing problem, Dr Zainal told The New Straits Times.
More than 50 per cent of the complications and multiple complications of hospital patients were because they were diabetic and it was one of the leading causes of deaths.
Diabetes, which can cause blindness, renal diseases, loss of organs, vascular problems of legs, ulcers and impotency in men, is also a main cause of End State Renal Disease (ESRD) in the country.
The National Renal Registry statistics show that 44 per cent of the ESRD in need of dialysis are diabetic patients.
"Management of diabetes has become a great challenge in the 21st century," said Dr Zainal.
The prevalence of diabetes was found in 6.3 per 100,000 people during the first National Health Morbidity (NHM) survey in 1986 and the number rose to 8.3 per 100,000 people during the second NHM survey in 1996.
"We expect to see a further rise during the third NHM in 2006, especially with the young generation turning to high sugar content soft drinks, fast foods and having less physical activity," he added.
According to Dr Zainal, the highest prevalence of known diabetics by ethnicity was among Indians and it was due to genetic reasons and obesity.
However, he added, that in Malaysia the highest number of people suffering from diabetes were the Malays due their lifestyle and high sugar intake, while the Chinese suffered less due to their high intake of vegetables and fibre.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 150 million people are affected by diabetes worldwide and it is likely to reach at least 300 million by 2025 if successful strategies are not implemented for its prevention and control.
The WHO estimates the prevalence of diabetes in Singapore, Brunei and Philippines to be about six to eight per cent of the adult population, while in Thailand and Indonesia it is four to six per cent and in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos one to three per cent.
"Malaysians rarely self monitor themselves to check if they are diabetic, including Impact Glucose Tolerance," he said, adding that the fact that it was hereditary was another factor and those at risk never took the necessary precautions.
He said diabetes can be prevented or delayed and complications reduced through a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, weight reduction, increased physical activity, not smoking and not consuming alcohol.
Dr Zainal said many Malaysians suffered from diabetes due to obesity, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle in association with urbanisation and industrialisation.
"Regular medical checks and screening will help prevent or control diabetes," he said, adding that people should also monitor their hypertension/blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Health Ministry has already started a cardiovascular risk factor screening programme, combined with diabetes risk factor and opportunistic screening in all its government hospitals and health centres nationwide.
Dr Zainal said when patients came with any form illness, they were also screened for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, Impact Glucose Tolerance and weight.
"If they are found with any of the above problems, they are immediately put on medication and if found to be on borderline, they are sent for targeted programmes provided at the hospital or centres," he added.
At present, Dr Zainal said, they were focussing on monitoring and registering all diabetes cases besides developing a diabetes registry and a diabetes surveillance system.
He added that several diabetes control and prevention programmes had also been put in place nationwide to create awareness among people on diabetes and how it could be prevented and controlled.
Diabetes is no longer a sickness of those above the age of 30.
It is also hitting the young and hitting them hard.
Many above the age of 20 are already diabetic because of their eating habits and this is causing concern to the health authorities.
"Many of the victims are those aged 30 and above but what is of concern is that young children are also at risk because of their eating habits," the Deputy Director of Disease Control, Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, said today.
He added that many above the age of 20 were already diabetic due to taking drinks with high sugar content and high calorie foods which had less fibre.
Dr Zainal said diabetes and its complications had given rise to social and economic problems for the patients, their families and the country.
Twelve per cent of the Malaysian population were affected by diabetes and it had become the nation's major growing problem, Dr Zainal told The New Straits Times.
More than 50 per cent of the complications and multiple complications of hospital patients were because they were diabetic and it was one of the leading causes of deaths.
Diabetes, which can cause blindness, renal diseases, loss of organs, vascular problems of legs, ulcers and impotency in men, is also a main cause of End State Renal Disease (ESRD) in the country.
The National Renal Registry statistics show that 44 per cent of the ESRD in need of dialysis are diabetic patients.
"Management of diabetes has become a great challenge in the 21st century," said Dr Zainal.
The prevalence of diabetes was found in 6.3 per 100,000 people during the first National Health Morbidity (NHM) survey in 1986 and the number rose to 8.3 per 100,000 people during the second NHM survey in 1996.
"We expect to see a further rise during the third NHM in 2006, especially with the young generation turning to high sugar content soft drinks, fast foods and having less physical activity," he added.
According to Dr Zainal, the highest prevalence of known diabetics by ethnicity was among Indians and it was due to genetic reasons and obesity.
However, he added, that in Malaysia the highest number of people suffering from diabetes were the Malays due their lifestyle and high sugar intake, while the Chinese suffered less due to their high intake of vegetables and fibre.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 150 million people are affected by diabetes worldwide and it is likely to reach at least 300 million by 2025 if successful strategies are not implemented for its prevention and control.
The WHO estimates the prevalence of diabetes in Singapore, Brunei and Philippines to be about six to eight per cent of the adult population, while in Thailand and Indonesia it is four to six per cent and in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos one to three per cent.
"Malaysians rarely self monitor themselves to check if they are diabetic, including Impact Glucose Tolerance," he said, adding that the fact that it was hereditary was another factor and those at risk never took the necessary precautions.
He said diabetes can be prevented or delayed and complications reduced through a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, weight reduction, increased physical activity, not smoking and not consuming alcohol.
Dr Zainal said many Malaysians suffered from diabetes due to obesity, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle in association with urbanisation and industrialisation.
"Regular medical checks and screening will help prevent or control diabetes," he said, adding that people should also monitor their hypertension/blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Health Ministry has already started a cardiovascular risk factor screening programme, combined with diabetes risk factor and opportunistic screening in all its government hospitals and health centres nationwide.
Dr Zainal said when patients came with any form illness, they were also screened for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, Impact Glucose Tolerance and weight.
"If they are found with any of the above problems, they are immediately put on medication and if found to be on borderline, they are sent for targeted programmes provided at the hospital or centres," he added.
At present, Dr Zainal said, they were focussing on monitoring and registering all diabetes cases besides developing a diabetes registry and a diabetes surveillance system.
He added that several diabetes control and prevention programmes had also been put in place nationwide to create awareness among people on diabetes and how it could be prevented and controlled.
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Take time to analyse needs
Comment by Soo Ewe Jin
DOCTORS are methodical people. They make a diagnosis to identify the nature of an illness or problem by examining the symptoms. Then they may venture to offer a prognosis, which is a forecast, especially of the likely cause of an illness or problem.
A good doctor normally remains cool even when people get emotional.
And issues related to health often generate a lot of heat.
This is something for the new Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek to bear in mind.
His training as a medical practitioner will naturally give him a doctor’s perspective even if his political responsibilities may require him to see things from many other different aspects.
Despite not having held any federal positions before, Dr Chua has started on the right track.
His approach to some of the issues has been refreshing.
He recently announced a revamp of the ministry whereby the emphasis should be on quality treatment and better medicine with better equipment rather than just building more hospitals.
And while his dialogue with the Malaysian Medical Association yesterday was in an official capacity, it can also be seen as a meeting with his peers to closely examine the state of the nation’s health.
Malaysia’s public healthcare system, despite a few glitches, is in excellent health.
From the biggest city to the smallest kampung, no Malaysian is deprived of access to healthcare.
The private health industry, on the other hand, is concentrated mainly in certain urban parts of the country although its rapid growth has led to increasing pressures on government healthcare.
And certainly one of the biggest issues must be with regard to the brain drain of government doctors and specialists to the private sector, as pointed out by Dr Chua yesterday.
He has suggested the setting up of private wings in government hospitals as practised at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, two hospitals which actually come under the Education Ministry since they are teaching hospitals.
But the proposal must be studied first and it is important that the committee study the plus and minus points of these two examples as well as those from other countries.
And the process must involve feedback not only from the service providers but also more importantly from the patients.
There is no denying that private healthcare is here to stay and will in all likelihood expand further.
But the health ministry must not lose sight of its prime objective of ensuring that healthcare is available to all at affordable charges.
It is too simplistic to say that all doctors in government service are strictly there for a social conviction while doctors in private service are motivated solely by monetary incentives.
When you strip away the external differences between public and private, there is still this common thread of the health practitioners’ desire to heal and live up to the Hippocratic Oath, or “to have a passion to serve the ill,” as Dr Chua puts it.
The patient comes first and the ministry should look into how both the public and private healthcare systems can work symbiotically together.
Opening up private wings may be one way to ensure that government doctors get better incentives to stay on.
But taking away their workload and addressing the issue of a long waiting time may require a different approach.
Take cancer, for example, where statistics show that one in four Malaysians is at risk of getting the disease, which is the same risk as in most developed countries.
Does it mean that every hospital, government or private, should invest in an oncology ward and buy expensive equipment to deal with that many patients?
Should the oncology wards at government hospitals be all transformed into private wings so that the government specialists do not gravitate to the private centres?
There are many cancer patients in some parts of the country who have to travel quite a bit to be treated because not every hospital nearby can afford the facility.
Yet within the Klang Valley, one can have access to many different cancer treatment centres, public or private, within a very tight radius.
Should not the facilities at certain private centres be made available to those who would normally have to go to public wards because they cannot afford private charges?
Once upon a time, only government hospitals could handle radiotherapy and even private patients had to be sent there.
But now that the situation has turned around, why not have both parties work with each other so that while the doctors can remain where they are, the patients can be treated where it is most convenient?
Perhaps the Government can work out a system of charges that will allow private practitioners to help out with government patients at special rates so that a better equilibrium can be achieved.
The Singapore Government has just announced an unprecedented move to allow patients doing liver transplants to pay public hospital rates even if the operation is carried out in a private hospital.
In Britain, the National Health Service turns to the private sector to help deal with long waiting lists, particularly for operations such as hip replacements and cataracts.
The ministry should look at these issues scientifically and quietly and offer us a prognosis only when it is ready.
For instant cures often do not bring about long-term healing.
Comment by Soo Ewe Jin
DOCTORS are methodical people. They make a diagnosis to identify the nature of an illness or problem by examining the symptoms. Then they may venture to offer a prognosis, which is a forecast, especially of the likely cause of an illness or problem.
A good doctor normally remains cool even when people get emotional.
And issues related to health often generate a lot of heat.
This is something for the new Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek to bear in mind.
His training as a medical practitioner will naturally give him a doctor’s perspective even if his political responsibilities may require him to see things from many other different aspects.
Despite not having held any federal positions before, Dr Chua has started on the right track.
His approach to some of the issues has been refreshing.
He recently announced a revamp of the ministry whereby the emphasis should be on quality treatment and better medicine with better equipment rather than just building more hospitals.
And while his dialogue with the Malaysian Medical Association yesterday was in an official capacity, it can also be seen as a meeting with his peers to closely examine the state of the nation’s health.
Malaysia’s public healthcare system, despite a few glitches, is in excellent health.
From the biggest city to the smallest kampung, no Malaysian is deprived of access to healthcare.
The private health industry, on the other hand, is concentrated mainly in certain urban parts of the country although its rapid growth has led to increasing pressures on government healthcare.
And certainly one of the biggest issues must be with regard to the brain drain of government doctors and specialists to the private sector, as pointed out by Dr Chua yesterday.
He has suggested the setting up of private wings in government hospitals as practised at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, two hospitals which actually come under the Education Ministry since they are teaching hospitals.
But the proposal must be studied first and it is important that the committee study the plus and minus points of these two examples as well as those from other countries.
And the process must involve feedback not only from the service providers but also more importantly from the patients.
There is no denying that private healthcare is here to stay and will in all likelihood expand further.
But the health ministry must not lose sight of its prime objective of ensuring that healthcare is available to all at affordable charges.
It is too simplistic to say that all doctors in government service are strictly there for a social conviction while doctors in private service are motivated solely by monetary incentives.
When you strip away the external differences between public and private, there is still this common thread of the health practitioners’ desire to heal and live up to the Hippocratic Oath, or “to have a passion to serve the ill,” as Dr Chua puts it.
The patient comes first and the ministry should look into how both the public and private healthcare systems can work symbiotically together.
Opening up private wings may be one way to ensure that government doctors get better incentives to stay on.
But taking away their workload and addressing the issue of a long waiting time may require a different approach.
Take cancer, for example, where statistics show that one in four Malaysians is at risk of getting the disease, which is the same risk as in most developed countries.
Does it mean that every hospital, government or private, should invest in an oncology ward and buy expensive equipment to deal with that many patients?
Should the oncology wards at government hospitals be all transformed into private wings so that the government specialists do not gravitate to the private centres?
There are many cancer patients in some parts of the country who have to travel quite a bit to be treated because not every hospital nearby can afford the facility.
Yet within the Klang Valley, one can have access to many different cancer treatment centres, public or private, within a very tight radius.
Should not the facilities at certain private centres be made available to those who would normally have to go to public wards because they cannot afford private charges?
Once upon a time, only government hospitals could handle radiotherapy and even private patients had to be sent there.
But now that the situation has turned around, why not have both parties work with each other so that while the doctors can remain where they are, the patients can be treated where it is most convenient?
Perhaps the Government can work out a system of charges that will allow private practitioners to help out with government patients at special rates so that a better equilibrium can be achieved.
The Singapore Government has just announced an unprecedented move to allow patients doing liver transplants to pay public hospital rates even if the operation is carried out in a private hospital.
In Britain, the National Health Service turns to the private sector to help deal with long waiting lists, particularly for operations such as hip replacements and cataracts.
The ministry should look at these issues scientifically and quietly and offer us a prognosis only when it is ready.
For instant cures often do not bring about long-term healing.
Fomca ‘no’ to private wings
PETALING JAYA: Look for other ways to prevent the brain drain of specialists and doctors because the setting up of private wings in government hospitals is not the solution, said Fomca president Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan.
Among the ways he suggested was to pay salaries and bonuses that matched the practitioner’s speciality or extend the contract period for those bonded by government scholarships.
“Why is there a need for private wings? It is just encroaching on the Government. We should leave it to the private sector. It also uses government facilities and setting up such wards would mean taking up the area meant for the general public,” he said yesterday.
He said that those who had received medical scholarships from the Government also had the obligation to “give back to the community”.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said on Thursday his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors.
There are private wings at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
HUKM’s hospital director and consultant endocrinologist Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir said the move was a long awaited one.
Dr Khalid, who set up the private wing at HUKM, added that the trick was to ensure that doctors did not spend too much time in the private wings.
“They are government doctors first and then in their extra time work privately. They must not take time off from their public service,” he said, adding that while the HUKM private wing had not prevented doctors and specialists from leaving, some nevertheless continued working at the hospital.
CAP medical advisor Dr T. Jayabalan said there were also infrastructure issues to consider. “There is a shortage of upper class wards even in public hospitals, so how do we accommodate the influx of patients into the public hospitals? This could lead to depriving the poor patient and converting the beds for the use of privatised wings.”
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar said that a position paper on the matter would be submitted to the Health Ministry.
“In the 1960s, government doctors were allowed to see private patients but this practice was ceased due to various reasons,” he said
PETALING JAYA: Look for other ways to prevent the brain drain of specialists and doctors because the setting up of private wings in government hospitals is not the solution, said Fomca president Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan.
Among the ways he suggested was to pay salaries and bonuses that matched the practitioner’s speciality or extend the contract period for those bonded by government scholarships.
“Why is there a need for private wings? It is just encroaching on the Government. We should leave it to the private sector. It also uses government facilities and setting up such wards would mean taking up the area meant for the general public,” he said yesterday.
He said that those who had received medical scholarships from the Government also had the obligation to “give back to the community”.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said on Thursday his ministry was looking into the feasibility of setting up private wings in government hospitals to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors.
There are private wings at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
HUKM’s hospital director and consultant endocrinologist Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir said the move was a long awaited one.
Dr Khalid, who set up the private wing at HUKM, added that the trick was to ensure that doctors did not spend too much time in the private wings.
“They are government doctors first and then in their extra time work privately. They must not take time off from their public service,” he said, adding that while the HUKM private wing had not prevented doctors and specialists from leaving, some nevertheless continued working at the hospital.
CAP medical advisor Dr T. Jayabalan said there were also infrastructure issues to consider. “There is a shortage of upper class wards even in public hospitals, so how do we accommodate the influx of patients into the public hospitals? This could lead to depriving the poor patient and converting the beds for the use of privatised wings.”
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar said that a position paper on the matter would be submitted to the Health Ministry.
“In the 1960s, government doctors were allowed to see private patients but this practice was ceased due to various reasons,” he said
Friday, May 07, 2004
Selayang Hospital needs first aid
Dr Jacob George
1:55pm Thu May 6th, 2004
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (Cassa) welcomes Health Minister Chua Soi Lek’s statement that his ministry, its agencies and government hospitals will be revamped in line with the objective of providing efficient and quality service to the people.
The minister’s statement is timely and addresses the allegation that there was an obsession in the past in of building expensive hospitals while compromising on the need to channel for primary healthcare, quality treatment and better medicine besides upgrading and maintaining hospital equipment.
Cassa maintains that there is a need to strike a balance between developing infrastructure and capacity building in areas such as manpower, treatment and medical supplies in order to optimise the use of the available resources.
There has been a mismatch of priorities in the past and as a result more expensive hospitals than needed were built, for example the Selayang hospital costing millions of ringgit.
Cassa’s investigations over the weekend at the Selayang hospital revealed extensive construction faults, construction omissions, leakages and equipment badly needing repairs.
The hospital has also been vandalised by thefts of signage and other equipment while its corridors are filled with rubbish and cigarette butts no thanks to irresponsible visitors. The building’ security system is also lax.
Cassa appeals to the health minister to take immediate action against contractors appointed by his ministry to undertake maintenance of the hospital but have failed to do so.
Our investigations have revealed that the main contractors have failed to pay external contractors and as a result, several of the external contractors refuse to continue providing service until they are paid for past services and maintenance.
As a result of all this, the quality of medical service to the patient has been seriously compromised.
To protect public interest, the minister should conduct an immediate review of all contracts awarded to those with a monopoly to protect public interest. Cassa is willing to work closely with the minister by providing him a detailed dossier of its observations.
The writer is Cassa’s president and legal adviser.
Dr Jacob George
1:55pm Thu May 6th, 2004
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (Cassa) welcomes Health Minister Chua Soi Lek’s statement that his ministry, its agencies and government hospitals will be revamped in line with the objective of providing efficient and quality service to the people.
The minister’s statement is timely and addresses the allegation that there was an obsession in the past in of building expensive hospitals while compromising on the need to channel for primary healthcare, quality treatment and better medicine besides upgrading and maintaining hospital equipment.
Cassa maintains that there is a need to strike a balance between developing infrastructure and capacity building in areas such as manpower, treatment and medical supplies in order to optimise the use of the available resources.
There has been a mismatch of priorities in the past and as a result more expensive hospitals than needed were built, for example the Selayang hospital costing millions of ringgit.
Cassa’s investigations over the weekend at the Selayang hospital revealed extensive construction faults, construction omissions, leakages and equipment badly needing repairs.
The hospital has also been vandalised by thefts of signage and other equipment while its corridors are filled with rubbish and cigarette butts no thanks to irresponsible visitors. The building’ security system is also lax.
Cassa appeals to the health minister to take immediate action against contractors appointed by his ministry to undertake maintenance of the hospital but have failed to do so.
Our investigations have revealed that the main contractors have failed to pay external contractors and as a result, several of the external contractors refuse to continue providing service until they are paid for past services and maintenance.
As a result of all this, the quality of medical service to the patient has been seriously compromised.
To protect public interest, the minister should conduct an immediate review of all contracts awarded to those with a monopoly to protect public interest. Cassa is willing to work closely with the minister by providing him a detailed dossier of its observations.
The writer is Cassa’s president and legal adviser.
KL eyeing private wings in govt hospitals
KUALA LUMPUR - The Health Ministry is looking into the feasibility of setting up 'private wings' in government hospitals, to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors to the private sector.
Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said a committee headed by his deputy, Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, had been formed to look into all aspects of the proposal, such as legislation, use of human resources and fees, as well as feasibility.
'I expect a working module to be ready within two months,' he told reporters after a dialogue with the Malaysian Medical Association yesterday.
The government had last year proposed the setting up of private wings in public hospitals to attract more medical specialists and enable serving doctors to enjoy better remuneration while providing treatment at reasonable charges.
The wings would offer facilities such as private rooms with attached bathrooms and television.
A private wing is already available at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, both under the Education Ministry.
Dr Chua said that, should the arrangement be feasible, a working module covering 'issues like how much time a government doctor is allowed to work in the private wing' would be worked out.
He said there were about 3,000 vacancies in the government medical service now. -- The Star/Asia News Network
KUALA LUMPUR - The Health Ministry is looking into the feasibility of setting up 'private wings' in government hospitals, to halt the brain drain of specialists and doctors to the private sector.
Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said a committee headed by his deputy, Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, had been formed to look into all aspects of the proposal, such as legislation, use of human resources and fees, as well as feasibility.
'I expect a working module to be ready within two months,' he told reporters after a dialogue with the Malaysian Medical Association yesterday.
The government had last year proposed the setting up of private wings in public hospitals to attract more medical specialists and enable serving doctors to enjoy better remuneration while providing treatment at reasonable charges.
The wings would offer facilities such as private rooms with attached bathrooms and television.
A private wing is already available at the University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, both under the Education Ministry.
Dr Chua said that, should the arrangement be feasible, a working module covering 'issues like how much time a government doctor is allowed to work in the private wing' would be worked out.
He said there were about 3,000 vacancies in the government medical service now. -- The Star/Asia News Network
Thursday, May 06, 2004
KL's Health Ministry to undergo a revamp
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's Health Ministry, its agencies and government hospitals are to be revamped with two priorities in mind: Keeping up with the public's rising expectations and cutting down on waiting time.
The energetic new Health Minister, Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, announced this in an interview published yesterday.
Today, he will discuss the concerns of medical officers when he meets the Malaysian Medical Association.
It's a busy start for the onetime Johor state councillor, who has only just been elected to Parliament: Datuk Dr Chua inherits the Labis seat once held by Datuk Seri Ling Liong Sik, retired president of the Malaysian Chinese Association.
The medical doctor's speedy takeover at the Health Ministry then unseated another capable Chua, Datuk Chua Jui Meng.
Now he's staking out new ground confidently, saying ministry funds would be channelled towards providing quality treatment, better medicine and upgrading hospital equipment rather than building more hospitals.
'Any mismatch, like building more hospitals than necessary, will be at the expense of the rest,' he explained in a report in The Star.
Dr Chua said the 124 hospitals and more than 4,000 clinics nationwide, which had made health-care facilities available within a 5km radius for all Malaysians, were already adequate to meet the needs of the people.
Similarly, a revamp of the ministry's workforce - which included 1,000 doctors and 27,000 nurses - was to achieve optimal usage of the manpower available.
'Unlike building hospitals, which only takes between three and four years, it takes about seven years to train doctors,' said Dr Chua. 'Many people like to be doctors but not all will qualify or have the passion to serve the ill.'
He said a task force headed by his deputy, Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad, would come up with some solutions at the end of this month on how to bring about more efficient delivery of health-care services.
On Malaysia's continuing shortage of doctors - some 3,000 positions go unfilled - he said the situation had improved.
The shortage of doctors has meant delays in patients being attended to.
But Dr Chua compared the present ratio of one doctor for every 1,200 people with the ratio at Independence of a doctor for every 10,000.
That ratio would be further improved to one for every 650 people between 2015 and 2020.
As for retaining doctors in government service, he said the government cannot match the salaries of the private sector but that doctors enjoyed the highest starting salary compared with other professions in the civil service. -- Bernama, TheStar/Asia News Network
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Preventing stroke
An awareness campaign will be held to make Malaysians more aware of the dangers of stroke, reports MAJORIE CHIEW.
THE National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam) will embark on a nationwide Stroke Awareness Week campaign from this Sunday till May 16. This year’s theme is Let’s Get Physical, because the association hopes to encourage more people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risks of getting stroke.
Janet Yeo, founder and chairman of Nasam, says: “Exercise and a healthy living are the best preventive measures that anyone can take to prevent stroke. Prevention is the best defence because stroke recovery is a long and costly process.”
Nasam’s forthcoming Stroke Awareness Week campaign is the second, after its inaugural one in 2002. The association is taking stroke cases seriously because stroke is the third leading killer disease in Malaysia after heart attack and cancer.
Some people may even be unaware that they had minor strokes and may not even make it to the hospital. Instead, they may visit doctors in clinics or seek traditional treatment. Some recover and carry on with life, not realising that the next stroke may kill, if not debilitate them.
“With a heart attack, one feels the pain,” she says. “And one is likely to rush to the hospital. But in a stroke, one doesn’t feel anything except discomfort and dizziness.”
By learning about the warning signs and symptoms of stroke, one can take precautions to prevent a major stroke.
“It’s cheaper to prevent stroke by knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke and leading a healthy lifestyle,” she emphasises.
She debunks a myth about stroke – some people perceive it as a disease of the sickly and elderly. She warns that stroke can also strike young people!
Nasam was set up eight years ago with a dual mission – to provide stroke care and to educate the public about reducing the risk of stroke.
“We help stroke survivors to believe that there’s life after stroke,” says Yeo.
Only a small percentage of stroke cases have access to rehabilitation facilities. Hence, Nasam deems that public education on stroke prevention, especially in rural areas, is a crucial part of its work.
Nasam has grown from a small support grown set up in November 1996 to an association with over 1,000 members, who are stroke survivors. It provides group physio, occupational and speech therapies for its members. Group therapy sessions are from Mondays to Fridays. Counselling is also provided for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
The association’s long-term mission is to set up community-based Nasam centres in every state. Apart from Nasam House in Petaling Jaya, it also operates centres in Ampang, Penang and Malacca. Plans are underway to open a centre in Ipoh.
Alarming statistics
Nasam founder and chairman Janet Yeo is a stroke survivor.
Statistics on stroke are alarming, whether locally or globally. Stroke can kill and is also the largest cause of disability in most developed countries and in Malaysia.
Malaysia with a population of 20 million, is estimated to record 40,000 new stroke cases annually. Yeo expresses concern over the possibility of rising stroke cases in Malaysia with the spread of Western lifestyles, particularly the fast-food culture.
The World Health Organisation projects that 75% of all stroke deaths by 2020 will occur in developing countries. Yeo cites that 5.5 million people die from stroke each year while 22% to 25% patients die within a year of having their first stroke. Some 8.4% of men and 11% women die from strokes.
A six-month United States study on stroke survivors found that many of them suffered disabilities: 50% had paralysis on one side of the body; 35% had symptoms of depression; 30% couldn’t walk without assistance; 26% needed help with daily activities and 26% were living in nursing homes.
A stroke survivor herself, Yeo’s courage and determination saw her remarkable recovery from the paralysing effects of stroke, inspiring many Malaysian stroke survivors and their families, friends and volunteers.
She says: “If one survives a stroke, it’s a struggle to make it back to leading a normal life!”
Brain attack
Stroke is a brain attack and occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks an artery, which is carrying blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding within or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, causing some cells to become damaged and others to die.
Several factors of stroke include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history and heart disease. However, some patients who have stroke do not have any of these risk factors but probably only minor valve problems or abnormalities in the blood.
Stroke can strike without warning.
“It happens like the wind. That is why we called it (stroke) angin akmar in Malay. It’s a very sudden problem. One day, someone may be well and the next, he or she wakes up with a problem,” says Prof Goh Khean Jin, Associate Prof and consultant neurologist, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
He advises the person who just had a stroke to see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately (if possible within three hours). The medical experts will need to make a diagnosis, assess the severity of the stroke and prepare to monitor the patient. Some people can get worse as their condition deterioratesif they have diabetes.
“In the acute phase, the doctor needs to get a diagnosis and monitor the patient to ensure that his vital signs are stabilised. A lot of stroke patients have difficulty swallowing,” he says.
Prof Goh, who is also president of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and medical adviser for Nasam, says: “Neurologists view stroke as a medical emergency much like a heart attack.”
Mild strokes, he says, should be a warning. Those who have such attacks should prepare themselves not to get a second severe stroke.
Nasam House is at 12 Jalan 7/2, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor (03-79564840 / fax: 03-79542275 / e-mail: nasam@po.jaring.my).
An awareness campaign will be held to make Malaysians more aware of the dangers of stroke, reports MAJORIE CHIEW.
THE National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam) will embark on a nationwide Stroke Awareness Week campaign from this Sunday till May 16. This year’s theme is Let’s Get Physical, because the association hopes to encourage more people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risks of getting stroke.
Janet Yeo, founder and chairman of Nasam, says: “Exercise and a healthy living are the best preventive measures that anyone can take to prevent stroke. Prevention is the best defence because stroke recovery is a long and costly process.”
Nasam’s forthcoming Stroke Awareness Week campaign is the second, after its inaugural one in 2002. The association is taking stroke cases seriously because stroke is the third leading killer disease in Malaysia after heart attack and cancer.
Some people may even be unaware that they had minor strokes and may not even make it to the hospital. Instead, they may visit doctors in clinics or seek traditional treatment. Some recover and carry on with life, not realising that the next stroke may kill, if not debilitate them.
“With a heart attack, one feels the pain,” she says. “And one is likely to rush to the hospital. But in a stroke, one doesn’t feel anything except discomfort and dizziness.”
By learning about the warning signs and symptoms of stroke, one can take precautions to prevent a major stroke.
“It’s cheaper to prevent stroke by knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke and leading a healthy lifestyle,” she emphasises.
She debunks a myth about stroke – some people perceive it as a disease of the sickly and elderly. She warns that stroke can also strike young people!
Nasam was set up eight years ago with a dual mission – to provide stroke care and to educate the public about reducing the risk of stroke.
“We help stroke survivors to believe that there’s life after stroke,” says Yeo.
Only a small percentage of stroke cases have access to rehabilitation facilities. Hence, Nasam deems that public education on stroke prevention, especially in rural areas, is a crucial part of its work.
Nasam has grown from a small support grown set up in November 1996 to an association with over 1,000 members, who are stroke survivors. It provides group physio, occupational and speech therapies for its members. Group therapy sessions are from Mondays to Fridays. Counselling is also provided for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
The association’s long-term mission is to set up community-based Nasam centres in every state. Apart from Nasam House in Petaling Jaya, it also operates centres in Ampang, Penang and Malacca. Plans are underway to open a centre in Ipoh.
Alarming statistics
Nasam founder and chairman Janet Yeo is a stroke survivor.
Statistics on stroke are alarming, whether locally or globally. Stroke can kill and is also the largest cause of disability in most developed countries and in Malaysia.
Malaysia with a population of 20 million, is estimated to record 40,000 new stroke cases annually. Yeo expresses concern over the possibility of rising stroke cases in Malaysia with the spread of Western lifestyles, particularly the fast-food culture.
The World Health Organisation projects that 75% of all stroke deaths by 2020 will occur in developing countries. Yeo cites that 5.5 million people die from stroke each year while 22% to 25% patients die within a year of having their first stroke. Some 8.4% of men and 11% women die from strokes.
A six-month United States study on stroke survivors found that many of them suffered disabilities: 50% had paralysis on one side of the body; 35% had symptoms of depression; 30% couldn’t walk without assistance; 26% needed help with daily activities and 26% were living in nursing homes.
A stroke survivor herself, Yeo’s courage and determination saw her remarkable recovery from the paralysing effects of stroke, inspiring many Malaysian stroke survivors and their families, friends and volunteers.
She says: “If one survives a stroke, it’s a struggle to make it back to leading a normal life!”
Brain attack
Stroke is a brain attack and occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks an artery, which is carrying blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding within or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, causing some cells to become damaged and others to die.
Several factors of stroke include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history and heart disease. However, some patients who have stroke do not have any of these risk factors but probably only minor valve problems or abnormalities in the blood.
Stroke can strike without warning.
“It happens like the wind. That is why we called it (stroke) angin akmar in Malay. It’s a very sudden problem. One day, someone may be well and the next, he or she wakes up with a problem,” says Prof Goh Khean Jin, Associate Prof and consultant neurologist, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
He advises the person who just had a stroke to see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately (if possible within three hours). The medical experts will need to make a diagnosis, assess the severity of the stroke and prepare to monitor the patient. Some people can get worse as their condition deterioratesif they have diabetes.
“In the acute phase, the doctor needs to get a diagnosis and monitor the patient to ensure that his vital signs are stabilised. A lot of stroke patients have difficulty swallowing,” he says.
Prof Goh, who is also president of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and medical adviser for Nasam, says: “Neurologists view stroke as a medical emergency much like a heart attack.”
Mild strokes, he says, should be a warning. Those who have such attacks should prepare themselves not to get a second severe stroke.
Nasam House is at 12 Jalan 7/2, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor (03-79564840 / fax: 03-79542275 / e-mail: nasam@po.jaring.my).
No unusual increase in chicken pox cases
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has not experienced any unusual increase in the number of chicken pox cases but the situation will be monitored closely, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Responding to reports on a chicken pox epidemic in Thailand, he said yesterday that the Disease Control Division under the Public Health Department would step up its monitoring activities whenever such outbreaks were detected in neighbouring countries.
According to a wire report from Bangkok, more than 20,000 people had been infected with chicken pox in Thailand so far.
Disease Control Division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said those infected with chicken pox must be stay at home for at least a week to prevent the disease from spreading.
He added that the people should not share food, drinks and towels as the virus could spread through respiratory tract secretions, adding that it was an airborne disease.
Those down with chicken pox would have a slight fever and flu before rashes begin to appear on the body, he said.
Dr Ramlee added that the public should not to panic because the disease was not dangerous.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has not experienced any unusual increase in the number of chicken pox cases but the situation will be monitored closely, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Responding to reports on a chicken pox epidemic in Thailand, he said yesterday that the Disease Control Division under the Public Health Department would step up its monitoring activities whenever such outbreaks were detected in neighbouring countries.
According to a wire report from Bangkok, more than 20,000 people had been infected with chicken pox in Thailand so far.
Disease Control Division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said those infected with chicken pox must be stay at home for at least a week to prevent the disease from spreading.
He added that the people should not share food, drinks and towels as the virus could spread through respiratory tract secretions, adding that it was an airborne disease.
Those down with chicken pox would have a slight fever and flu before rashes begin to appear on the body, he said.
Dr Ramlee added that the public should not to panic because the disease was not dangerous.
Chinese women live longer than other groups
KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese women live longer than others in Malaysia. They can expect to live up to 82 compared to 77 for men and around 79 for other women.
Doctors and health professionals are not surprised by the figures from the National Statistics Department.
Malaysian Chinese women are generally more health conscious, said Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the human development programme in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
'The Chinese are relatively more conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle,' he noted.
The president of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, Dr Rajbans Singh, also believed this theory.
He said: 'Based on my own observation, the Chinese in general are the most health-conscious group.
'They are very particular about their health, and are active from young to old age.'
He believes that more Malaysian Chinese than Malaysians in the other ethnic groups go for regular medical check-ups and are physically active.
Still, he said that although people are living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, their quality of life is not improving.
'There is an increase in the number of people suffering from stroke, cancer, heart diseases and who are generally more immobile in their old age,' he said.
Malaysian Medical Association member Jayanthi Krishnan said the Chinese community was more hardworking, especially the older generation.
'The older people are more conscious about their health compared to others and tend to exercise, eat healthily and pursue healthy lifestyles.'
Madam Kong Sok Cheng, 83, is one of them. She does not have a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.
Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, has been watching her diet and health after seeing family members and close friends suffer diseases such as cancer. -- New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese women live longer than others in Malaysia. They can expect to live up to 82 compared to 77 for men and around 79 for other women.
Doctors and health professionals are not surprised by the figures from the National Statistics Department.
Malaysian Chinese women are generally more health conscious, said Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the human development programme in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
'The Chinese are relatively more conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle,' he noted.
The president of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, Dr Rajbans Singh, also believed this theory.
He said: 'Based on my own observation, the Chinese in general are the most health-conscious group.
'They are very particular about their health, and are active from young to old age.'
He believes that more Malaysian Chinese than Malaysians in the other ethnic groups go for regular medical check-ups and are physically active.
Still, he said that although people are living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, their quality of life is not improving.
'There is an increase in the number of people suffering from stroke, cancer, heart diseases and who are generally more immobile in their old age,' he said.
Malaysian Medical Association member Jayanthi Krishnan said the Chinese community was more hardworking, especially the older generation.
'The older people are more conscious about their health compared to others and tend to exercise, eat healthily and pursue healthy lifestyles.'
Madam Kong Sok Cheng, 83, is one of them. She does not have a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.
Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, has been watching her diet and health after seeing family members and close friends suffer diseases such as cancer. -- New Straits Times
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Ready to deal with the blues
ARE more Malaysians suffering from depression or developing anxious personalities?
Medical and pharmaceutical professionals say the number of patients seeking treatment for these disorders has increased a hundred-fold over a two-year period.
"The demand for treatment in the form of medication and counselling has increased substantially over the last two years.
This is probably related to the change in our lifestyles with work pressures and the changing environment ," a spokesman for a pharmaceutical company said.
"There is also a greater awareness of the fact that these conditions are treatable. Previously, people thought that anxiety or depression were linked to schizophrenia but now they realise that if they have the ‘blues’ and cannot get out of it, there are treatments available," he said.
Psychiatrist Dr Lee Aik Hoe agreed: "Recent World Health Organisation studies indicate that five out of the 10 biggest illnesses which cause disability are psychiatric in nature, with two related to depression and two as anxiety disorders.
"I would say that the situation in Malaysia is in tandem with the rest of the world.
"The pressures of modern living, with less avenues to reduce stress, is one of the factors that has led to the increase. More people are seeking help because treatment for mental or psychiatric problems has improved.
"In previous times, it was a situation that people lived with," he said, adding that general practitioners had also been taught how to treat depression and anxiety.
"There is definitely an increase in the number of people coming to see me with symptoms of anxiety or depression," said an occupational health physician.
"I prefer counselling as the form of therapy but in severe cases, I have also prescribed drugs," he said, adding that patients were fond of asking for medication to help ease their problems.
One reason for the request for drugs may be related to Malaysians’ proclivity for quick fixes. "We want instant gratification for everything. We want our meals fast and if we are suffering from insomnia, we want sleeping pills to help us.
"Our dependency on drugs is just a symptom of our quick-fix nature," he said.
A medical doctor attached to the private sector said a majority of people seeing her help for anxiety-related disorders cited work pressures as the main cause of the condition.
"There are a greater number of people coming to see me with anxiety disorders and they do so because they cannot cope with the pressure of tight deadlines and so forth.
" I believe that while many of them realise that psychotherapy may help, they are still affected by the stigma associated with it," she said.
She added that many of her patients did recognise counselling as the possible solution to their problems.
"They are unable to opt for this treatment though because of the high cost associated with it. At this point, most companies do not recognise work-related stress as a health problem," she said.
She also said that she prescribed medication for the majority of patients who came to see her with anxiety disorders.
"Unfortunately, because I work in a clinic, I do not have the time to counsel them.
"But before prescribing the medication, I spend a bit of time with them to find out what the problem is and so forth.
"If the problem is work-related, I try to make sure that they come back for follow-up visits," she said, adding that she also recommended visits to a psychiatrist as a part of the treatment.
While recent scientific findings indicate that an anxious or fearful personality may be rooted in genetics, psychiatrists are quick to point out that the reasons for mental disorders are multi-factorial.
Malaysian Psychiatric Association president Professor Dr Hussain Habil said: "We know that conditions such as anxiety and depression are a result of bio-chemical imbalances to the brain.
"Indeed, these imbalances are linked to receptors and neuro-chemical changes, all factors that are closely related to genes."
However, he added that whatever the reason for the symptoms of such conditions, counselling and therapy are still a crucial element in psychiatry.
"Drugs are prescribed on top of counselling and therapy because while drugs may treat the cause of the disorder, it does not treat the effect, in this case the anxiety or depression that may have resulted in an individual," he said.
Dr Salina Abdul Aziz, of Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s Department of Psychiatry, said: "While scientists are beginning to explore the gene that causes anxiety, it still does not explain other factors contributing to such disorders.
"For instance, we do not know why some people have the gene but not the illness or even why the disorder takes so long to manifest as symptoms usually emerge in adulthood."
ARE more Malaysians suffering from depression or developing anxious personalities?
Medical and pharmaceutical professionals say the number of patients seeking treatment for these disorders has increased a hundred-fold over a two-year period.
"The demand for treatment in the form of medication and counselling has increased substantially over the last two years.
This is probably related to the change in our lifestyles with work pressures and the changing environment ," a spokesman for a pharmaceutical company said.
"There is also a greater awareness of the fact that these conditions are treatable. Previously, people thought that anxiety or depression were linked to schizophrenia but now they realise that if they have the ‘blues’ and cannot get out of it, there are treatments available," he said.
Psychiatrist Dr Lee Aik Hoe agreed: "Recent World Health Organisation studies indicate that five out of the 10 biggest illnesses which cause disability are psychiatric in nature, with two related to depression and two as anxiety disorders.
"I would say that the situation in Malaysia is in tandem with the rest of the world.
"The pressures of modern living, with less avenues to reduce stress, is one of the factors that has led to the increase. More people are seeking help because treatment for mental or psychiatric problems has improved.
"In previous times, it was a situation that people lived with," he said, adding that general practitioners had also been taught how to treat depression and anxiety.
"There is definitely an increase in the number of people coming to see me with symptoms of anxiety or depression," said an occupational health physician.
"I prefer counselling as the form of therapy but in severe cases, I have also prescribed drugs," he said, adding that patients were fond of asking for medication to help ease their problems.
One reason for the request for drugs may be related to Malaysians’ proclivity for quick fixes. "We want instant gratification for everything. We want our meals fast and if we are suffering from insomnia, we want sleeping pills to help us.
"Our dependency on drugs is just a symptom of our quick-fix nature," he said.
A medical doctor attached to the private sector said a majority of people seeing her help for anxiety-related disorders cited work pressures as the main cause of the condition.
"There are a greater number of people coming to see me with anxiety disorders and they do so because they cannot cope with the pressure of tight deadlines and so forth.
" I believe that while many of them realise that psychotherapy may help, they are still affected by the stigma associated with it," she said.
She added that many of her patients did recognise counselling as the possible solution to their problems.
"They are unable to opt for this treatment though because of the high cost associated with it. At this point, most companies do not recognise work-related stress as a health problem," she said.
She also said that she prescribed medication for the majority of patients who came to see her with anxiety disorders.
"Unfortunately, because I work in a clinic, I do not have the time to counsel them.
"But before prescribing the medication, I spend a bit of time with them to find out what the problem is and so forth.
"If the problem is work-related, I try to make sure that they come back for follow-up visits," she said, adding that she also recommended visits to a psychiatrist as a part of the treatment.
While recent scientific findings indicate that an anxious or fearful personality may be rooted in genetics, psychiatrists are quick to point out that the reasons for mental disorders are multi-factorial.
Malaysian Psychiatric Association president Professor Dr Hussain Habil said: "We know that conditions such as anxiety and depression are a result of bio-chemical imbalances to the brain.
"Indeed, these imbalances are linked to receptors and neuro-chemical changes, all factors that are closely related to genes."
However, he added that whatever the reason for the symptoms of such conditions, counselling and therapy are still a crucial element in psychiatry.
"Drugs are prescribed on top of counselling and therapy because while drugs may treat the cause of the disorder, it does not treat the effect, in this case the anxiety or depression that may have resulted in an individual," he said.
Dr Salina Abdul Aziz, of Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s Department of Psychiatry, said: "While scientists are beginning to explore the gene that causes anxiety, it still does not explain other factors contributing to such disorders.
"For instance, we do not know why some people have the gene but not the illness or even why the disorder takes so long to manifest as symptoms usually emerge in adulthood."
Malaysian men not health-conscious: Study
KUALA LUMPUR - Educated and affluent older Malaysian men are not as healthy as many Westerners, according to a recent study conducted in the Klang Valley.
It revealed that nearly seven out of 10 men aged above 58 suffered at least two more medical conditions than their Western counterparts. Professor Datuk Tan Hui Meng, a urologist, said: 'Although men in the Klang Valley are supposed to be more health-conscious and have better access to good medical facilities, I find their health to be poor compared to those in the West. Most men here are ignorant about health care.'
They seemed to think urine and blood tests were all they needed. 'This is not true because these tests cannot detect all diseases,' he said at a conference. -- New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR - Educated and affluent older Malaysian men are not as healthy as many Westerners, according to a recent study conducted in the Klang Valley.
It revealed that nearly seven out of 10 men aged above 58 suffered at least two more medical conditions than their Western counterparts. Professor Datuk Tan Hui Meng, a urologist, said: 'Although men in the Klang Valley are supposed to be more health-conscious and have better access to good medical facilities, I find their health to be poor compared to those in the West. Most men here are ignorant about health care.'
They seemed to think urine and blood tests were all they needed. 'This is not true because these tests cannot detect all diseases,' he said at a conference. -- New Straits Times
Sunday, May 02, 2004
Be vigilant for child victims, medical staff told
KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has warned all medical staff to be more vigilant in looking out for suspected child abuse victims and to treat them immediately.
He said the safety of the children was of utmost importance no matter who brought them in for treatment.
“Please use your common sense. Admission of children, if and when needed, must not be rejected just because the people who brought them in are not the parents, guardian or next-of-kin.
Noriszyani: Had injuries to the liver, bruises on the head and pinch marks all over.
“The safety of the children, even if they were brought in by a passer-by, is our top priority under any circumstances,” he said in an interview.
Dr Chua was commenting on a report which quoted Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia president P.H. Wong as saying that the failure of a child-care centre in getting abused two-year-old Noriszyani Amilya Ahmad admitted to the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) was one of the failures in the system in protecting a child.
Wong said UMMC asked the child-care centre for evidence of legal guardianship, without which it said it
would not admit Noriszyani.
Noriszyani died at Sungei Buloh Hospital on Monday.
A post-mortem by UMMC showed that she had injuries to the liver, bruises on the head, pinch marks all over the body and she had also been scalded.
Wong said Noriszyani also had bruises on her back and neck which she suffered in January followed by bruises on the left arm and wrist in February.
She asked why the child, who was bleeding on her lips and had bruises on her ears, could not be admitted.
Dr Chua said admission procedures for children, like the need for consent from parents, guardians or next-of-kin, could always be sorted out later.
He said such requirements were important from the legal and medical aspects, particularly when the children needed to be operated upon. Nevertheless, he stressed that the safety and interests of children must remain the top priority.
Police have questioned at least seven people, including the child’s parents, a 28-year-old former maid, the day-care centre officers, welfare department officers and representatives of the association over the death of Noriszyani, but no arrests have been made.
KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has warned all medical staff to be more vigilant in looking out for suspected child abuse victims and to treat them immediately.
He said the safety of the children was of utmost importance no matter who brought them in for treatment.
“Please use your common sense. Admission of children, if and when needed, must not be rejected just because the people who brought them in are not the parents, guardian or next-of-kin.
Noriszyani: Had injuries to the liver, bruises on the head and pinch marks all over.
“The safety of the children, even if they were brought in by a passer-by, is our top priority under any circumstances,” he said in an interview.
Dr Chua was commenting on a report which quoted Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia president P.H. Wong as saying that the failure of a child-care centre in getting abused two-year-old Noriszyani Amilya Ahmad admitted to the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) was one of the failures in the system in protecting a child.
Wong said UMMC asked the child-care centre for evidence of legal guardianship, without which it said it
would not admit Noriszyani.
Noriszyani died at Sungei Buloh Hospital on Monday.
A post-mortem by UMMC showed that she had injuries to the liver, bruises on the head, pinch marks all over the body and she had also been scalded.
Wong said Noriszyani also had bruises on her back and neck which she suffered in January followed by bruises on the left arm and wrist in February.
She asked why the child, who was bleeding on her lips and had bruises on her ears, could not be admitted.
Dr Chua said admission procedures for children, like the need for consent from parents, guardians or next-of-kin, could always be sorted out later.
He said such requirements were important from the legal and medical aspects, particularly when the children needed to be operated upon. Nevertheless, he stressed that the safety and interests of children must remain the top priority.
Police have questioned at least seven people, including the child’s parents, a 28-year-old former maid, the day-care centre officers, welfare department officers and representatives of the association over the death of Noriszyani, but no arrests have been made.
Anti-ageing medicine to be introduced if effective
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will introduce anti-ageing medicine in hospitals if it is proven to be effective in treating or reversing ageing-related diseases.
Health Ministry Family Health Development director Datuk Dr Narimah Awin said such medicine presented a new perspective and a paradigm shift in the population's healthcare.
“The Government will incorporate it (in the healthcare system) if there is evidence that anti-ageing medicine is good for the Malaysian population,” she said at the First Malaysian Conference on Anti-Ageing Medicine yesterday.
“Ageing and disease affects us as we grow older. Some of the challenges that accompany the ageing population must be seen as opportunities.
“There are several opportunities to enhance the quality of life of older people, and one such opportunity is offered by anti-ageing medicine.
“We need to consider anti-ageing medicine in the light of the Malaysian social and health scenario,” said Dr Narimah, who is also secretary to the Health Ministry's National Council for Anti-Ageing.
Anti-ageing medicine, a RM200bil industry in the United States, is the practice of early detection, prevention and treatment or reversal of ageing-related dysfunctions.
Dr Narimah said there was a need to increase the level of awareness and to determine the health service scope to ensure equal access of the medicine for the ageing population.
While ageing is an inevitable natural process, she added, ill health, discomfort, disabilities in old age should not be seen as inevitable. “You can’t help growing older, but you don’t have to get old,” Dr Narimah said.
Society for Anti-Ageing Medicine Malaysia president Datuk Dr Harnam Singh said anti-ageing medicine would help to delay or reverse the degenerative diseases of ageing.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will introduce anti-ageing medicine in hospitals if it is proven to be effective in treating or reversing ageing-related diseases.
Health Ministry Family Health Development director Datuk Dr Narimah Awin said such medicine presented a new perspective and a paradigm shift in the population's healthcare.
“The Government will incorporate it (in the healthcare system) if there is evidence that anti-ageing medicine is good for the Malaysian population,” she said at the First Malaysian Conference on Anti-Ageing Medicine yesterday.
“Ageing and disease affects us as we grow older. Some of the challenges that accompany the ageing population must be seen as opportunities.
“There are several opportunities to enhance the quality of life of older people, and one such opportunity is offered by anti-ageing medicine.
“We need to consider anti-ageing medicine in the light of the Malaysian social and health scenario,” said Dr Narimah, who is also secretary to the Health Ministry's National Council for Anti-Ageing.
Anti-ageing medicine, a RM200bil industry in the United States, is the practice of early detection, prevention and treatment or reversal of ageing-related dysfunctions.
Dr Narimah said there was a need to increase the level of awareness and to determine the health service scope to ensure equal access of the medicine for the ageing population.
While ageing is an inevitable natural process, she added, ill health, discomfort, disabilities in old age should not be seen as inevitable. “You can’t help growing older, but you don’t have to get old,” Dr Narimah said.
Society for Anti-Ageing Medicine Malaysia president Datuk Dr Harnam Singh said anti-ageing medicine would help to delay or reverse the degenerative diseases of ageing.
Cancer research blueprint a critical need
One in every four Malaysians will die of cancer. This sobering statistic is the reason behind the soon-to-be drafted Cancer Research Blueprint.
There are also plans to set up a National Cancer Institute which will oversee the prevention of the disease, and the treatment and rehabilitation of patients.
The research blueprint will not only detail available information on cancer in the country but also look at making research more relevant and accessible to everyone.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr N. Arumugam has welcomed the drafting of the research blueprint, saying that it would encourage the pooling of limited resources for cancer research in the country.
The committee working on the blueprint will be headed by deputy director-general of Health Datuk Dr Ismail Merican and will comprise professionals and researchers from the Health Ministry, universities, non-governmental organisations and private sector.
Said Dr Ismail: "The blueprint is a must.
"We need to set the pace and direction for cancer research in view of almost 20 per cent of the population expected to suffer at least one form of cancer during their lifetime." There are some other troubling facts: l The National Cancer Society of Malaysia states that between 40,000 and 45,000 cancer cases are reported every year and only one-third survive.
Chinese in Malaysia have the highest incidence of breast cancer, lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Indians suffer from mouth, larynx, oesophagus and tongue cancer and Malays from thyroid cancer, lymphatic leukaemia and lymphoma.
"Our present and future knowledge and understanding of cancer at the genetic, molecular and cellular level will open tremendous opportunities for us to seek new and innovative approaches to not only treat the disease but also prevent its start and progression," Dr Ismail said.
He also noted that cancer research at present was conducted by several individual groups and there was duplication of effort and resources. Hence, there is a need for better and effective research strategies.
On cancer prevention, he said the best way was to follow a healthy diet, quit smoking and reduce exposure to ultra-violet light.
Some 10 million people yearly are diagnosed as suffering from cancer and six million die. The World Cancer Report 2003 predicts 15 million new cases by 2020.
One in every four Malaysians will die of cancer. This sobering statistic is the reason behind the soon-to-be drafted Cancer Research Blueprint.
There are also plans to set up a National Cancer Institute which will oversee the prevention of the disease, and the treatment and rehabilitation of patients.
The research blueprint will not only detail available information on cancer in the country but also look at making research more relevant and accessible to everyone.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr N. Arumugam has welcomed the drafting of the research blueprint, saying that it would encourage the pooling of limited resources for cancer research in the country.
The committee working on the blueprint will be headed by deputy director-general of Health Datuk Dr Ismail Merican and will comprise professionals and researchers from the Health Ministry, universities, non-governmental organisations and private sector.
Said Dr Ismail: "The blueprint is a must.
"We need to set the pace and direction for cancer research in view of almost 20 per cent of the population expected to suffer at least one form of cancer during their lifetime." There are some other troubling facts: l The National Cancer Society of Malaysia states that between 40,000 and 45,000 cancer cases are reported every year and only one-third survive.
Chinese in Malaysia have the highest incidence of breast cancer, lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Indians suffer from mouth, larynx, oesophagus and tongue cancer and Malays from thyroid cancer, lymphatic leukaemia and lymphoma.
"Our present and future knowledge and understanding of cancer at the genetic, molecular and cellular level will open tremendous opportunities for us to seek new and innovative approaches to not only treat the disease but also prevent its start and progression," Dr Ismail said.
He also noted that cancer research at present was conducted by several individual groups and there was duplication of effort and resources. Hence, there is a need for better and effective research strategies.
On cancer prevention, he said the best way was to follow a healthy diet, quit smoking and reduce exposure to ultra-violet light.
Some 10 million people yearly are diagnosed as suffering from cancer and six million die. The World Cancer Report 2003 predicts 15 million new cases by 2020.
Saturday, May 01, 2004
UMMC Probes Claims Victim Turned Away
KUALA LUMPUR: The University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) yesterday started investigations into claims that Norishzyani Amylia Ahmad, a two-year-old child abuse victim who died on Monday, was turned away by the hospital two months ago.
It was reported that the girl was sent to UMMC at 10am on Feb 25 after she was slapped hard by a woman (not a child-minder) at a childcare centre in Petaling Jaya.
The incident left her bleeding from her ears and lips.
The child was then rushed to UMMC's accident and emergency unit at 10am by the minders that day.
They had hoped she would be given treatment and that the hospital would report the matter to the police.
Instead, sources had told The Malay Mail that the UMMC registration department had refused to accept her because those who brought her there were not her guardians.
UMMC staff had also claimed they could not register the girl as there were no Welfare Department officers, who under the law, become guardians for children suspected to be abuse victims. The child was handed back to her parents the same day. The matter was also not reported to the police.
The Malay Mail learnt that the meeting, headed by its director Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin yesterday, was also to identify and reprimand the staff who had acted irresponsibly.
Dr Amin's office was also in touch with the minders who brought the girl to the hospital that day.
UMMC is expected to issue a statement on the matter today.
It was believed that the girl had been subjected to abuse since January as neighbours often heard or spotted her crying.
They had also claimed to have seen her being dragged and manhandled when she walked a little too slowly.
On Wednesday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had said she would get to the bottom of the matter.
She will be meeting Welfare Department officers and the minders who had dealt with the child next Wednesday.
KUALA LUMPUR: The University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) yesterday started investigations into claims that Norishzyani Amylia Ahmad, a two-year-old child abuse victim who died on Monday, was turned away by the hospital two months ago.
It was reported that the girl was sent to UMMC at 10am on Feb 25 after she was slapped hard by a woman (not a child-minder) at a childcare centre in Petaling Jaya.
The incident left her bleeding from her ears and lips.
The child was then rushed to UMMC's accident and emergency unit at 10am by the minders that day.
They had hoped she would be given treatment and that the hospital would report the matter to the police.
Instead, sources had told The Malay Mail that the UMMC registration department had refused to accept her because those who brought her there were not her guardians.
UMMC staff had also claimed they could not register the girl as there were no Welfare Department officers, who under the law, become guardians for children suspected to be abuse victims. The child was handed back to her parents the same day. The matter was also not reported to the police.
The Malay Mail learnt that the meeting, headed by its director Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin yesterday, was also to identify and reprimand the staff who had acted irresponsibly.
Dr Amin's office was also in touch with the minders who brought the girl to the hospital that day.
UMMC is expected to issue a statement on the matter today.
It was believed that the girl had been subjected to abuse since January as neighbours often heard or spotted her crying.
They had also claimed to have seen her being dragged and manhandled when she walked a little too slowly.
On Wednesday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had said she would get to the bottom of the matter.
She will be meeting Welfare Department officers and the minders who had dealt with the child next Wednesday.
Report on long wait at hospitals ready soon
SHAH ALAM: The Health Ministry’s study on the long wait faced by outpatients at government hospitals will be completed next month, said Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek.
He said his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad would be submitting a paper to him on the details of the current situation and proposals on how it could be improved by next month.
The ministry plans to cut waiting time to not more than 90 minutes.
“We will announce to the public the details of how the new system works once we have completed this study,” Dr Chua told the media after attending the ministry’s management conference here yesterday.
“We can understand how patients feel as they are required to wait for registration at the counters and then (for) the hospital staff to retrieve their records.
“The agony continues as they wait to see the doctor, and go for x-rays or urine tests before obtaining the prescriptions and subsequently the medicines,” he said.
Dr Chua said he believed that the long waiting hours could be reduced by efficient management of staff and by a systematic process of handling patients.
“We are not merely looking at increasing the amount of human resources at hospitals to achieve this goal but on ways to optimise their services at work,” he said.
Dr Chua also said the ministry was left with the challenge of equalling the ratio of government doctors between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak.
SHAH ALAM: The Health Ministry’s study on the long wait faced by outpatients at government hospitals will be completed next month, said Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek.
He said his deputy Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad would be submitting a paper to him on the details of the current situation and proposals on how it could be improved by next month.
The ministry plans to cut waiting time to not more than 90 minutes.
“We will announce to the public the details of how the new system works once we have completed this study,” Dr Chua told the media after attending the ministry’s management conference here yesterday.
“We can understand how patients feel as they are required to wait for registration at the counters and then (for) the hospital staff to retrieve their records.
“The agony continues as they wait to see the doctor, and go for x-rays or urine tests before obtaining the prescriptions and subsequently the medicines,” he said.
Dr Chua said he believed that the long waiting hours could be reduced by efficient management of staff and by a systematic process of handling patients.
“We are not merely looking at increasing the amount of human resources at hospitals to achieve this goal but on ways to optimise their services at work,” he said.
Dr Chua also said the ministry was left with the challenge of equalling the ratio of government doctors between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)