Star: What works against Aedes in urban areas does not apply in rural zones.
The Sarawak authorities have found that conventional methods and formulas used to fight the mosquitoes in urban centres have little effect in tackling the dengue scourge in rural areas.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, this is due to the vast difference in environmental settings and the nature of breeding grounds.
“It is going to be very difficult to control the dengue situation now that it has spread into the rural areas of Sarawak.
“In urban centres, fogging using different kinds of chemicals has been effective in killing mosquitoes, but this method will not work in rural places because the areas involved are too huge for fogging to take effect.
“In jungles, the breeding grounds for these mosquitoes are very vast. They can live and multiply everywhere, from treetops to leaves and crevices in any part of the jungle.
“We will have to devise new strategies to deal with the dengue situation there,” he said yesterday.
Dr Chan, who is state Disaster Relief Committee chairman, was commenting on the recent 260 confirmed dengue cases in rural Sarawak, which included those working in timber camps and oil palm plantations in the jungle interior.
Seven people in the state have died of dengue this year, of which six were from rural communities.
“In the rural settlements, dengue can spread very fast. I need to meet all the relevant authorities on how to stop the spread,” he said.
Dr Chan said the authorities were not ready to tackle dengue in rural zones because all this while, the Aedes menace was mainly an urban problem.
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Deadly dengue strain to dominate
NST: A more virulent and deadly strain of dengue is set to take its toll on Malaysians next year.
Den-2, a dengue virus serotype, has infected a few Malaysians since the start of the year.
University Malaya Medical Centre medical microbiology head Prof Dr Suzaly Abu Bakar said the Den-2 virus was making its presence felt.
"Although there is also the Den-3 virus, it will be the Den-2 which will be predominant next year.
"Malaysians must protect themselves against the Aedes mosquitoes. Search and destroy all breeding grounds," Dr Suzaly said.
Those with the highest risk of getting the disease are the obese, diabetic, aged 60 years and older, and children below one.
Dr Suzaly said the most challenging area for doctors was to treat women in their late pregnancies.
"There is no drug to treat them," he said, adding that Malaysia should work towards developing an anti-viral drug and an anti-dengue drug rather than vaccines.
He was unsure, however, whether it would work for nations like Malaysia where dengue was endemic as the viruses could mutate and there were sub-strains.
"Those creating the vaccines should take into consideration all the pitfalls," he said.
He said two major Den-2 outbreaks in the 1990s were the result of a slight mutation of the virus.
In Malaysia, he said, the Den-2 virus was different from that prevalent in Thailand.
"We need to find out if the virus is in Thailand and how severe and virulent it is," he said.
Den-4 used to be a predominant virus in the 1960s and 1970s but is now disappearing.
Den-2, a dengue virus serotype, has infected a few Malaysians since the start of the year.
University Malaya Medical Centre medical microbiology head Prof Dr Suzaly Abu Bakar said the Den-2 virus was making its presence felt.
"Although there is also the Den-3 virus, it will be the Den-2 which will be predominant next year.
"Malaysians must protect themselves against the Aedes mosquitoes. Search and destroy all breeding grounds," Dr Suzaly said.
Those with the highest risk of getting the disease are the obese, diabetic, aged 60 years and older, and children below one.
Dr Suzaly said the most challenging area for doctors was to treat women in their late pregnancies.
"There is no drug to treat them," he said, adding that Malaysia should work towards developing an anti-viral drug and an anti-dengue drug rather than vaccines.
He was unsure, however, whether it would work for nations like Malaysia where dengue was endemic as the viruses could mutate and there were sub-strains.
"Those creating the vaccines should take into consideration all the pitfalls," he said.
He said two major Den-2 outbreaks in the 1990s were the result of a slight mutation of the virus.
In Malaysia, he said, the Den-2 virus was different from that prevalent in Thailand.
"We need to find out if the virus is in Thailand and how severe and virulent it is," he said.
Den-4 used to be a predominant virus in the 1960s and 1970s but is now disappearing.
Pak Lah wants cheaper cancer treatment available
Sun2Surf: KUALA LUMPUR: In memory of his late wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday pledged to ensure cancer treatment is affordable to all.
"This is now my aim and intention ...that cancer treatment should not only be affordable to those with money but also those who earn less. We will work on this.God willing, I will work on this," he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Recalling his ordeal when Endon underwent cancer treatment abroad, Abdullah said: "She told me her illness was too serious and painful to bear (sakitnya amat kuat dan terlalu berat untuk ditanggung) and perhaps there was a lesson to learn for herself, her family and others. The illness had really weakened her.
"But the lesson, I believe, is a stronger feeling among all on the need to fight cancer with greater effort, whether through education, prevention, or having more treatment and types of medicine which we hope can be cheaper or more reasonably priced."
He said Endon told him of several projects that she had initiated and hoped the Prime Minister would ensure such projects would be completed.
"God willing, I, together with the children, will help to ensure the success of the projects," he said.
He also appealed to those involved to continue with their efforts and responsibilities that would benefit the people.
Abdullah said this in response to a motion of condolence tabled in the house by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Abdullah also said he will continue to dedicate himself to his task and duty as Prime Minister.
"I believe this is the hope of my late wife."
The motion of condolence tabled by Najib was supported by the 13 BN component parties, three Opposition parties and a sole independent MP.
Abdullah said Endon had asked him to extend her apperciation to all who had helped her in carrying out her duties, especially in BAKTI, with particular mention of the Deputy Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
"If there were any mistakes and shortcomings, or any act she did or anything she had uttered that had hurt the feelings of her friends or caused difficulty to her friends, then let me on behalf of Endon apologise to them."
Najib, who is also BN Chief Whip, said one of the foremost things contributed by the late Endon was creating public awareness of the dreaded cancer.
"She was the inspiration to other cancer patients due to her strong fighting spirit and her courage in battling the disease," he added.
MIC president Datuk seri S.Samy Vellu seconded the motion and said he would support any move to set up cancer treatment centres in rural areas.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who apologised on behalf of his president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting for not being present because of the demise of Ong's mother on Sunday, said: "Endon's spirited and brave fight against cancer will always be a source of insipration to others facing similar battles."
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said the best way for all Malaysians to remember Endon was to emulate her humility, kindness, grace and quiet courage to stand up for what is right, true and noble.
"As I said to the grieving Prime Minister when I paid my last respects to Endon at Sri Perdana on Thursday morning: Be strong, Endon will want you to be strong. You have my full support."
Rounding up the debate on the motion, BN Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said: "I urge the government to help volunteers providing nursing care to cancer patients."
"This is now my aim and intention ...that cancer treatment should not only be affordable to those with money but also those who earn less. We will work on this.God willing, I will work on this," he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Recalling his ordeal when Endon underwent cancer treatment abroad, Abdullah said: "She told me her illness was too serious and painful to bear (sakitnya amat kuat dan terlalu berat untuk ditanggung) and perhaps there was a lesson to learn for herself, her family and others. The illness had really weakened her.
"But the lesson, I believe, is a stronger feeling among all on the need to fight cancer with greater effort, whether through education, prevention, or having more treatment and types of medicine which we hope can be cheaper or more reasonably priced."
He said Endon told him of several projects that she had initiated and hoped the Prime Minister would ensure such projects would be completed.
"God willing, I, together with the children, will help to ensure the success of the projects," he said.
He also appealed to those involved to continue with their efforts and responsibilities that would benefit the people.
Abdullah said this in response to a motion of condolence tabled in the house by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Abdullah also said he will continue to dedicate himself to his task and duty as Prime Minister.
"I believe this is the hope of my late wife."
The motion of condolence tabled by Najib was supported by the 13 BN component parties, three Opposition parties and a sole independent MP.
Abdullah said Endon had asked him to extend her apperciation to all who had helped her in carrying out her duties, especially in BAKTI, with particular mention of the Deputy Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
"If there were any mistakes and shortcomings, or any act she did or anything she had uttered that had hurt the feelings of her friends or caused difficulty to her friends, then let me on behalf of Endon apologise to them."
Najib, who is also BN Chief Whip, said one of the foremost things contributed by the late Endon was creating public awareness of the dreaded cancer.
"She was the inspiration to other cancer patients due to her strong fighting spirit and her courage in battling the disease," he added.
MIC president Datuk seri S.Samy Vellu seconded the motion and said he would support any move to set up cancer treatment centres in rural areas.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who apologised on behalf of his president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting for not being present because of the demise of Ong's mother on Sunday, said: "Endon's spirited and brave fight against cancer will always be a source of insipration to others facing similar battles."
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said the best way for all Malaysians to remember Endon was to emulate her humility, kindness, grace and quiet courage to stand up for what is right, true and noble.
"As I said to the grieving Prime Minister when I paid my last respects to Endon at Sri Perdana on Thursday morning: Be strong, Endon will want you to be strong. You have my full support."
Rounding up the debate on the motion, BN Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said: "I urge the government to help volunteers providing nursing care to cancer patients."
Monday, October 24, 2005
Worrying drop in organ donors
Star: There have been only seven deceased organ and tissue donors so far this year. But there are far more patients waiting desperately in line to receive the organs and tissues.
National Transplant Resource Centre coordinator Dr Lela Yasmin Mansor is seriously worried.
Among the seven donors this year, only one donated organs.
The other six donated tissues such as cornea and bones.
“All of us (doctors) are worried,” she said in a phone interview yesterday.
To make matters worse, the number of deceased donors or cadaveric donors has dropped sharply after recording a steady increase in the past.
This has dashed expectations among the doctors that the setting up of the resource centre in 1997 and the National Procurement Management Unit in 2001 would lead to more donors.
Last year, there were 16 donors, down from 25 donors in 2003 and 30 donors in 2002.
“We don't understand why we don't get donors as the accidental deaths are high compared to other countries,” Dr Lela Yasmin said.
“This is also demoralising for doctors, nurses and others who are involved in organ transplant,” she said.
The National Heart Institute (IJN) has not been able to carry out any heart transplant for the past two years as there has not been any heart donor, she said.
“One of the worries is that the transplant team's skills may become rusty since it does not get to perform tranplants regularly and new staff are also not familiar with the process.
“It’s like a breakdown in the chain and the momentum has dropped,” she said.
There are eight patients on the waiting list for heart transplants at IJN.
National Transplant Resource Centre coordinator Dr Lela Yasmin Mansor is seriously worried.
Among the seven donors this year, only one donated organs.
The other six donated tissues such as cornea and bones.
“All of us (doctors) are worried,” she said in a phone interview yesterday.
To make matters worse, the number of deceased donors or cadaveric donors has dropped sharply after recording a steady increase in the past.
This has dashed expectations among the doctors that the setting up of the resource centre in 1997 and the National Procurement Management Unit in 2001 would lead to more donors.
Last year, there were 16 donors, down from 25 donors in 2003 and 30 donors in 2002.
“We don't understand why we don't get donors as the accidental deaths are high compared to other countries,” Dr Lela Yasmin said.
“This is also demoralising for doctors, nurses and others who are involved in organ transplant,” she said.
The National Heart Institute (IJN) has not been able to carry out any heart transplant for the past two years as there has not been any heart donor, she said.
“One of the worries is that the transplant team's skills may become rusty since it does not get to perform tranplants regularly and new staff are also not familiar with the process.
“It’s like a breakdown in the chain and the momentum has dropped,” she said.
There are eight patients on the waiting list for heart transplants at IJN.
Bosses against higher medical fees for foreigners
Star: A resounding “no” – that is the response from employers to the move to charge foreigners more at public hospitals from next year.
The Government, they said, should reconsider its decision or risk scaring off investors and foreign workers.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said this move would make Malaysia unpopular and was not good for the country.
“When foreign workers are involved, higher medical fees translate into an increase in business costs, which means reducing Malaysia’s competitiveness,” he said yesterday.
On Saturday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek made the announcement, which will lead to charges for foreigners at public hospitals being increased based on the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) schedule of fees for private practitioners.
Foreigners now pay first-class rates at public hospitals.
The Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association said the move would scare off foreign workers.
President Datuk R. Ramalingam said foreign workers also paid levies when they entered the country and the Government had a responsibility to look after them.
“Where would this country be without the large number of foreign workers that has helped it progress?” he asked.
Malaysian Trade Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said: “It is the employers who should be footing the bill.”
However, MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the body supported the move, which would result in some cost-recovery for the Government.
“The MMA’s schedule of fees is a set of fees that is the closest to cost-recovery for a hospital,” he said.
Dr Teoh added that the announcement was fair, as Malaysians should not have to subsidise foreigners.
The Government, they said, should reconsider its decision or risk scaring off investors and foreign workers.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said this move would make Malaysia unpopular and was not good for the country.
“When foreign workers are involved, higher medical fees translate into an increase in business costs, which means reducing Malaysia’s competitiveness,” he said yesterday.
On Saturday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek made the announcement, which will lead to charges for foreigners at public hospitals being increased based on the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) schedule of fees for private practitioners.
Foreigners now pay first-class rates at public hospitals.
The Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association said the move would scare off foreign workers.
President Datuk R. Ramalingam said foreign workers also paid levies when they entered the country and the Government had a responsibility to look after them.
“Where would this country be without the large number of foreign workers that has helped it progress?” he asked.
Malaysian Trade Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said: “It is the employers who should be footing the bill.”
However, MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the body supported the move, which would result in some cost-recovery for the Government.
“The MMA’s schedule of fees is a set of fees that is the closest to cost-recovery for a hospital,” he said.
Dr Teoh added that the announcement was fair, as Malaysians should not have to subsidise foreigners.
Staying alert in flu country
NST: For the 200 families in Kampung Belian, Sungai Pinang here, the news of the avian flu rearing its head has sent shudders down their spine.
They have become more vigilant keeping an eye on fellow villagers and strangers who bring in chickens and other birds.
It was just a year ago when Kampung Belian made the headlines as one of the two villages in Kelantan where thousands of chickens and birds were culled after scores were infected with the lethal H5N1 avian influenza strain.
Just weeks before that, the country’s first outbreak was discovered among fighting cocks in Kampung Baru, Pasir Pekan, here.
A 10km quarantine was imposed and six people were hospitalised but none tested positive for the flu.
The disease had come through fighting cocks smuggled from neighbouring Thailand.
In Kampung Belian, the situation turned nightmarish as the village was swarmed and guarded round the clock by health and veterinary authorities.
All their poultry and pet birds were culled.
Some lost their prized singing birds, others lost chickens that gave them eggs and a business that kept their families fed.
"It was an expensive lesson for poor people like us as chickens and ducks were our livelihood," said Dollah Yusof, 56.
Dollah said he lost 30 chickens during the culling and only got compensated months later.
"I rear chickens and keep a lookout for strays or strangers bringing fowl into the village," he said.
Malaysia declared itself free of bird flu in January this year.
But the State Veterinary Department has been monitoring the situation here.
"We have seen their vehicles making their rounds every three days," said shopkeeper Ahmad Kais, 44.
Surveillance at the Malay- sia-Thailand border has been stepped up following the death of a 48-year-old man who was infected by the avian flu virus in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, on Wednesday.
Villager Minah Abdullah, 53, said she stopped buying chicken from across the border after the disease surfaced early this year.
They have become more vigilant keeping an eye on fellow villagers and strangers who bring in chickens and other birds.
It was just a year ago when Kampung Belian made the headlines as one of the two villages in Kelantan where thousands of chickens and birds were culled after scores were infected with the lethal H5N1 avian influenza strain.
Just weeks before that, the country’s first outbreak was discovered among fighting cocks in Kampung Baru, Pasir Pekan, here.
A 10km quarantine was imposed and six people were hospitalised but none tested positive for the flu.
The disease had come through fighting cocks smuggled from neighbouring Thailand.
In Kampung Belian, the situation turned nightmarish as the village was swarmed and guarded round the clock by health and veterinary authorities.
All their poultry and pet birds were culled.
Some lost their prized singing birds, others lost chickens that gave them eggs and a business that kept their families fed.
"It was an expensive lesson for poor people like us as chickens and ducks were our livelihood," said Dollah Yusof, 56.
Dollah said he lost 30 chickens during the culling and only got compensated months later.
"I rear chickens and keep a lookout for strays or strangers bringing fowl into the village," he said.
Malaysia declared itself free of bird flu in January this year.
But the State Veterinary Department has been monitoring the situation here.
"We have seen their vehicles making their rounds every three days," said shopkeeper Ahmad Kais, 44.
Surveillance at the Malay- sia-Thailand border has been stepped up following the death of a 48-year-old man who was infected by the avian flu virus in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, on Wednesday.
Villager Minah Abdullah, 53, said she stopped buying chicken from across the border after the disease surfaced early this year.
Koh: Keep it clean to avoid outbreak
NST: The worst of the dengue outbreak in Penang is over.
However, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon reminded the people not to take things for granted and continue to keep places clean. "Bear in mind that the war against dengue is still on. Let us work together and continue with present efforts to destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
"If we relax now, there will certainly be a relapse," he told reporters after presenting hampers in conjunction with the forthcoming Deepa- raya celebrations to more than 50 children at the Penang Hospital's pediatric ward today.
Others present were State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah and hospital director Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain.
Koh said although he was happy that people were beginning to be more conscious of the dangers of dengue, there were still others who "take things easy".
"Everyone has a role to play. While the authorities ensure cleanliness in open areas, the onus is on the people to ensure the cleanliness of their own homes," he said.
Subbaiyah said there was still one dengue victim warded at the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).
The 51-year-old salesman is from Jalan Ru, Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Air Itam. "He is in stable condition and his health is improving."
There are a total of 41 suspected dengue patients warded in several government hospitals in the State, with another 51 in private hospitals.
However, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon reminded the people not to take things for granted and continue to keep places clean. "Bear in mind that the war against dengue is still on. Let us work together and continue with present efforts to destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
"If we relax now, there will certainly be a relapse," he told reporters after presenting hampers in conjunction with the forthcoming Deepa- raya celebrations to more than 50 children at the Penang Hospital's pediatric ward today.
Others present were State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah and hospital director Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain.
Koh said although he was happy that people were beginning to be more conscious of the dangers of dengue, there were still others who "take things easy".
"Everyone has a role to play. While the authorities ensure cleanliness in open areas, the onus is on the people to ensure the cleanliness of their own homes," he said.
Subbaiyah said there was still one dengue victim warded at the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).
The 51-year-old salesman is from Jalan Ru, Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Air Itam. "He is in stable condition and his health is improving."
There are a total of 41 suspected dengue patients warded in several government hospitals in the State, with another 51 in private hospitals.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Antidote For Dengue By 2012?
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The first antidote for dengue, the killer disease which until now has no known cure, will only probably be produced by 2012, though many pharmaceutical companies are carrying out intense research on it.
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Medical Microbiology head of department (HOD), Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar said so far only one company was showing signs that it might be able to produce an anti-dengue vaccine by 2012.
"Many companies are racing to produce a vaccine, but they can't say when it will be available in the market," he told reporters at a seminar on dengue held at UMMC here Sunday.
He said the vaccine, even if it was successfuly produced, would have to be clinically tested before it could be marketed.
"A lot of anti-dengue medicines underwent clinical tests in Western countries where there are less dengue cases. For dengue cure in endemic countries such as Malaysia and Thailand, there should be a detailed studies in these countries to determine the medicines are effective," he said.
Dr Sazaly, who is also Universiti Malaya's Microbiology Department head, said now there were seven or eight antibiotics which could help reduce infection but more detailed studies were still needed to test their effectiveness.
He said medication used in Thailand might not work for patients in Malaysia because of mutation in virus strains.
Meanwhile, when delivering his lecture at the seminar, Dr Sazaly said a study had found that dengue epidemics in Malaysia were cyclical and the next one is expected to recur within three years.
"Dengue is now a global threat, it has entered urban areas from the rurals previously, and it is estimated that 50 million to 100 million people worldwide contract it every year," he added.
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Medical Microbiology head of department (HOD), Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar said so far only one company was showing signs that it might be able to produce an anti-dengue vaccine by 2012.
"Many companies are racing to produce a vaccine, but they can't say when it will be available in the market," he told reporters at a seminar on dengue held at UMMC here Sunday.
He said the vaccine, even if it was successfuly produced, would have to be clinically tested before it could be marketed.
"A lot of anti-dengue medicines underwent clinical tests in Western countries where there are less dengue cases. For dengue cure in endemic countries such as Malaysia and Thailand, there should be a detailed studies in these countries to determine the medicines are effective," he said.
Dr Sazaly, who is also Universiti Malaya's Microbiology Department head, said now there were seven or eight antibiotics which could help reduce infection but more detailed studies were still needed to test their effectiveness.
He said medication used in Thailand might not work for patients in Malaysia because of mutation in virus strains.
Meanwhile, when delivering his lecture at the seminar, Dr Sazaly said a study had found that dengue epidemics in Malaysia were cyclical and the next one is expected to recur within three years.
"Dengue is now a global threat, it has entered urban areas from the rurals previously, and it is estimated that 50 million to 100 million people worldwide contract it every year," he added.
Tamiflu stockpile not enough for country
Star: Malaysia only has 1% of the quantity for Tamiflu – a drug considered a first line of defence against a potential avian flu pandemic – recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the antiviral drug available in the country was only enough for 60,000 people instead of 30% of the population as recommended.
“Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has asked the Cabinet to provide more allocations for national stockpiles in order to meet the WHO recommendation,” he said when breaking fast with orphans and the needy at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru here yesterday.
He said a tablet of the drug cost RM7.80 and one person would have to take at least five, which would cost about RM40 per head.
Earlier at the event, Dr Abdul Latiff presented hampers and cash totalling RM140,000, contributed by the mosque and Titiwangsa MP Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, to the orphans and the needy.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the antiviral drug available in the country was only enough for 60,000 people instead of 30% of the population as recommended.
“Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has asked the Cabinet to provide more allocations for national stockpiles in order to meet the WHO recommendation,” he said when breaking fast with orphans and the needy at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru here yesterday.
He said a tablet of the drug cost RM7.80 and one person would have to take at least five, which would cost about RM40 per head.
Earlier at the event, Dr Abdul Latiff presented hampers and cash totalling RM140,000, contributed by the mosque and Titiwangsa MP Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, to the orphans and the needy.
Dengue surge in Sarawak
Star: While the dengue situation seems to have waned in other states, Sarawak has detected a 126% increase in cases so far this year.
Seven deaths from dengue fever were reported in the state compared to none last year.
What is worrying the state government is the increase in cases in the rural areas.
And Miri, long thought to have the “antidote” to fight the aedes mosquito, is now the most dengue-prone division in the state with the most number of reported cases.
“There is the possibility of the emergence of a strain of Aedes mosquito that is even hardier and more resilient to current control techniques,” Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam told a press conference.
“We (state authorities) are declaring an all-out war on dengue. As of Thursday, there are 989 reported cases and seven deaths.
“The number of reported cases increased by 126.6% and the number of confirmed dengue fever cases rose by 86% compared to last year.
“This is a very worrying development,'' Dr Chan said.
Dr Chan, who is also Sarawak Disaster Relief Committee chairman, said even oil palm plantations and timber logging zones had reported dengue cases.
He noted that Miri Division had 233 cases.
There were four deaths in Marudi town (some 200km from Miri City).
Two people have also died in Bintulu (220km south of Miri) and one in Belaga (400km from Miri).
Next on the list of dengue hotspots in the state are Kuching (217 cases), Sarikei (136 cases) and Bintulu (109 cases).
Dr Chan said another worrying factor was that 26% of dengue cases came from the rural areas.
“We are very worried because it is much tougher to fight aedes mosquito in the jungles where there are huge breeding areas,” he added.
An urgent meeting had been called among representatives of oil palm plantations and timber firms this coming week.
The unpredictable weather pattern in northern Sarawak is also a major concern.
Dr Chan noted that the alternating hot and wet days now being experienced could favour the breeding of the aedes mosquito.
Seven deaths from dengue fever were reported in the state compared to none last year.
What is worrying the state government is the increase in cases in the rural areas.
And Miri, long thought to have the “antidote” to fight the aedes mosquito, is now the most dengue-prone division in the state with the most number of reported cases.
“There is the possibility of the emergence of a strain of Aedes mosquito that is even hardier and more resilient to current control techniques,” Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam told a press conference.
“We (state authorities) are declaring an all-out war on dengue. As of Thursday, there are 989 reported cases and seven deaths.
“The number of reported cases increased by 126.6% and the number of confirmed dengue fever cases rose by 86% compared to last year.
“This is a very worrying development,'' Dr Chan said.
Dr Chan, who is also Sarawak Disaster Relief Committee chairman, said even oil palm plantations and timber logging zones had reported dengue cases.
He noted that Miri Division had 233 cases.
There were four deaths in Marudi town (some 200km from Miri City).
Two people have also died in Bintulu (220km south of Miri) and one in Belaga (400km from Miri).
Next on the list of dengue hotspots in the state are Kuching (217 cases), Sarikei (136 cases) and Bintulu (109 cases).
Dr Chan said another worrying factor was that 26% of dengue cases came from the rural areas.
“We are very worried because it is much tougher to fight aedes mosquito in the jungles where there are huge breeding areas,” he added.
An urgent meeting had been called among representatives of oil palm plantations and timber firms this coming week.
The unpredictable weather pattern in northern Sarawak is also a major concern.
Dr Chan noted that the alternating hot and wet days now being experienced could favour the breeding of the aedes mosquito.
Foreigners to pay more at government hospitals
Star: Foreigners will have to pay much higher charges for medical treatment from next year as the Government moves to provide better healthcare for its citizens.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said foreigners would no longer enjoy health subsidies given to locals and they would be classified as full paying patients.
The new rates, he said, would be based on the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) schedule of fees for private practitioners and hospitals but said the actual charges would be fixed later.
Currently, they pay charges levied on local first class patients, which are much lower, compared to fees in the private sector. Among the first class charges imposed on them since June last year are (third class charges in brackets):
·Outpatient treatment - RM15 (RM1)
· Normal childbirth delivery - RM500 (RM10)
·Caesarean section - RM1,000 (about RM100)
Charges for normal childbirth delivery under MMA schedule is RM800 while caesarean section costs RM2,250.
Dr Chua said the decision to impose full payment was made following the discovery of foreigners cheating to get treatment and also to avoid “flooding” of foreign citizens in government hospitals.
“Last year, we implemented the first class charges for foreigners in government hospitals and the number of outpatients dropped from more than 500,000 to 337,000.
“However, the number of patients warded increased from 50,000 to 64,000 as many of them used false documents and disappeared before settling their bills, making it hard to trace them.
“As many as 26% of foreign inpatients don’t pay up compared to only 10% of our citizens,” Dr Chua said, adding that the new rates would be implemented in stages.
Dr Chua said the Government subsidised 98% of medical costs for Malaysians and it felt only the locals should enjoy the subsidy.
“We don’t want the hospitals to be flooded with foreigners as they make up 20% of patients in the maternity wards in some hospitals in Sabah.
“This is a heavy burden for the Government in terms of human resources and finances,” he told reporters before having a dialogue with Chinese community leaders here yesterday.
Dr Chua said Sabah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor had the most number of foreign patients.
He said revenue collected from foreign citizens rose from RM16.9mil in 2002 to RM31.56mil last year but there was also an increase in the arrears - from RM6.1mil to RM11.33mil.
In June 2004, the Health Ministry had increased the fees for foreigners seeking outpatient treatment from third class charges to first class at government hospitals and clinics.
Dr Chua said the increase was to encourage foreigners to seek treatment at private hospitals as they constituted 3.8% or 1.8 million of the 48 million patients who sought outpatient treatment.
He said the move was also to give Malaysians priority to public healthcare services.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said foreigners would no longer enjoy health subsidies given to locals and they would be classified as full paying patients.
The new rates, he said, would be based on the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) schedule of fees for private practitioners and hospitals but said the actual charges would be fixed later.
Currently, they pay charges levied on local first class patients, which are much lower, compared to fees in the private sector. Among the first class charges imposed on them since June last year are (third class charges in brackets):
·Outpatient treatment - RM15 (RM1)
· Normal childbirth delivery - RM500 (RM10)
·Caesarean section - RM1,000 (about RM100)
Charges for normal childbirth delivery under MMA schedule is RM800 while caesarean section costs RM2,250.
Dr Chua said the decision to impose full payment was made following the discovery of foreigners cheating to get treatment and also to avoid “flooding” of foreign citizens in government hospitals.
“Last year, we implemented the first class charges for foreigners in government hospitals and the number of outpatients dropped from more than 500,000 to 337,000.
“However, the number of patients warded increased from 50,000 to 64,000 as many of them used false documents and disappeared before settling their bills, making it hard to trace them.
“As many as 26% of foreign inpatients don’t pay up compared to only 10% of our citizens,” Dr Chua said, adding that the new rates would be implemented in stages.
Dr Chua said the Government subsidised 98% of medical costs for Malaysians and it felt only the locals should enjoy the subsidy.
“We don’t want the hospitals to be flooded with foreigners as they make up 20% of patients in the maternity wards in some hospitals in Sabah.
“This is a heavy burden for the Government in terms of human resources and finances,” he told reporters before having a dialogue with Chinese community leaders here yesterday.
Dr Chua said Sabah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor had the most number of foreign patients.
He said revenue collected from foreign citizens rose from RM16.9mil in 2002 to RM31.56mil last year but there was also an increase in the arrears - from RM6.1mil to RM11.33mil.
In June 2004, the Health Ministry had increased the fees for foreigners seeking outpatient treatment from third class charges to first class at government hospitals and clinics.
Dr Chua said the increase was to encourage foreigners to seek treatment at private hospitals as they constituted 3.8% or 1.8 million of the 48 million patients who sought outpatient treatment.
He said the move was also to give Malaysians priority to public healthcare services.
Medical students cry foul
NST: Fifty Malaysian students studying medicine in India want to be transferred out immediately. The reason: They claim the teaching and living conditions at the Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore are "unbearable".
They also say they are being treated like children. Any student found not paying attention is asked to stand on the bench.
The students, who are Public Service Department scholarship holders, claim the facilities at the college do not meet international standards and that the PSD has been short- changed.
Another complaint of the students, who registered at the college in August, is that lecturers are conservative in their teaching approach (see graphics).
They sent a memorandum to Higher Education Minister Datuk Shafie Salleh on Oct 13 spelling out their grouses and asking that they be immediately moved to medical colleges in Britain or other countries, or be allowed to do twinning programmes in Malaysia.
Noor Hazin Mohd Zain, the father of one of the students, who visited the college recently, said today the students' meal was rice and gravy for which the PSD paid the college RM120 monthly per student.
If the students wanted meat or fish, they had to pay extra, he added.
He said the female students' hostel was initially located above a mortuary and that the doctors-in-the-making found the stench unbearable.
After complaining for two months, and with the intervention of the PSD, they were moved to air-conditioned rooms a few blocks away.
However, he claimed, the accommodation rate was increased by the college authorities. Noor Hazin claimed the classrooms were too big and students sitting at the back of the classroom could not hear the lecturers who did not use microphones. Some 300 students were in each classroom, he said.
The PSD spends between RM300,000 and RM500,000 on each student for five years. The 50 students are among Ma- laysia's top A-level students. This is the first time Malaysian students have been sent there by the PSD.
Another parent, A. Aziz Maarof, claimed chalk and blackboards were still being used in the classrooms.
"We are in an era where whiteboards are widely used even in primary and secondary schools. We have done away with chalk because it causes health problems."
The parents have sent an appeal to the PSD on behalf of their children.
Aziz said some of the parents met Shafie on Oct 4 and were waiting for action to be taken.
Meanwhile, a PSD spokesman said a team of PSD officers visited the college last month and had attended to some of the problems raised by the students, including being given better rooms.
He said PSD officers did not visit the college before sending the students there.
He said the college had promised to look into the food being provided to the students.
"We pay the students a living allowance which they can use to buy food," he said, adding that the students would not be transferred to another college.
They also say they are being treated like children. Any student found not paying attention is asked to stand on the bench.
The students, who are Public Service Department scholarship holders, claim the facilities at the college do not meet international standards and that the PSD has been short- changed.
Another complaint of the students, who registered at the college in August, is that lecturers are conservative in their teaching approach (see graphics).
They sent a memorandum to Higher Education Minister Datuk Shafie Salleh on Oct 13 spelling out their grouses and asking that they be immediately moved to medical colleges in Britain or other countries, or be allowed to do twinning programmes in Malaysia.
Noor Hazin Mohd Zain, the father of one of the students, who visited the college recently, said today the students' meal was rice and gravy for which the PSD paid the college RM120 monthly per student.
If the students wanted meat or fish, they had to pay extra, he added.
He said the female students' hostel was initially located above a mortuary and that the doctors-in-the-making found the stench unbearable.
After complaining for two months, and with the intervention of the PSD, they were moved to air-conditioned rooms a few blocks away.
However, he claimed, the accommodation rate was increased by the college authorities. Noor Hazin claimed the classrooms were too big and students sitting at the back of the classroom could not hear the lecturers who did not use microphones. Some 300 students were in each classroom, he said.
The PSD spends between RM300,000 and RM500,000 on each student for five years. The 50 students are among Ma- laysia's top A-level students. This is the first time Malaysian students have been sent there by the PSD.
Another parent, A. Aziz Maarof, claimed chalk and blackboards were still being used in the classrooms.
"We are in an era where whiteboards are widely used even in primary and secondary schools. We have done away with chalk because it causes health problems."
The parents have sent an appeal to the PSD on behalf of their children.
Aziz said some of the parents met Shafie on Oct 4 and were waiting for action to be taken.
Meanwhile, a PSD spokesman said a team of PSD officers visited the college last month and had attended to some of the problems raised by the students, including being given better rooms.
He said PSD officers did not visit the college before sending the students there.
He said the college had promised to look into the food being provided to the students.
"We pay the students a living allowance which they can use to buy food," he said, adding that the students would not be transferred to another college.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Private Clinics Should Adhere To Guidelines On Methadone Prescription
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- All private clinics involved in drug rehabilitation treatment programmes using methadone should adhere to the guidelines issued by the Health Minister beginning Friday, said its minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said this was because investigations by the ministry found that 90 per cent of the private doctors involved in the programmes did not adhere to the guidelines.
"We found that there are some private doctors who only think of making profits," he told reporters after launching the National Level Drug Substitution Therapy with Methadone at Kuala Lumpur Hospital here today.
He said currently, there were 279 private clinics offering the therapy and they should adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Drug Substitution Therapy set by his ministry beginning Friday, if they wanted to continue to offer the service.
Dr Chua said those who defied the guidelines could be fined RM10,000 or face two years' imprisonment or both according to the Poison Act 1989.
The guidelines stated that only registered doctors who had undergone the Drug Substitution Therapy (DST) course could be allowed to offer the service.
Methadone could only be administered in liquid form by a doctor trained in DST and the drug addict should take the drug in front of the doctor for a duration of four to six weeks.
Besides that, the doctors involved could only provide DST treatment to not more than 20 new patients every month and should record all the patients' treatment details, including the urine sample test analysis.
"They (addicts) could not bring back methadone and should be under direct observation for three months," he said.
Hence, the private clinics offering the service are asked to contact the Health Ministry and adhere to the guidelines set by the ministry to prevent legal actions being taken against them.
On the National Level Drug Substitution Therapy with Methadone launched Friday, Dr Chua said it would be implemented in four zones (northern, eastern, central and south) nationwide, involving 1,200 addicts for six months beginning Friday.
The drug addicts would be given methadone in the liquid form in the selected government hospitals and health clinics including some private hospitals.
The government hospitals are Alor Star Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Melaka Hospital Permai Johor Hospital, Temerloh Hospital and Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital Kota Baharu.
The government health clinics are Pendang Health Clinic and AU2 Health Clinic, Keramat.
Among the selected private clinics included Klinik Sakinah (Alor Star), Klinik Xavier (Butterworth), Klinik Dr Khafidz (Kajang), Poliklinik Mawar (Ayer Molek, Melaka), Poliklinik Fernandez (Johor Bahru), Klinik Sulaiman (Jengka Pahang) and Klinik Rusli (Kota Baharu).
Dr Chua said the programme would be expanded to the whole country following the completion of the six-month pioneering project.
The Drug Substitution Therapy Programme with Methadone is part of the Harm Reduction Programme approach which also includes the exchange of old syringes for new syringes and free condoms distribution to selected drug addicts in efforts to curb the increasing HIV infection rate in the country.
The syringe exchange programme and free condoms distribution to the selected drug addicts would begin in January next year.
He said this was because investigations by the ministry found that 90 per cent of the private doctors involved in the programmes did not adhere to the guidelines.
"We found that there are some private doctors who only think of making profits," he told reporters after launching the National Level Drug Substitution Therapy with Methadone at Kuala Lumpur Hospital here today.
He said currently, there were 279 private clinics offering the therapy and they should adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Drug Substitution Therapy set by his ministry beginning Friday, if they wanted to continue to offer the service.
Dr Chua said those who defied the guidelines could be fined RM10,000 or face two years' imprisonment or both according to the Poison Act 1989.
The guidelines stated that only registered doctors who had undergone the Drug Substitution Therapy (DST) course could be allowed to offer the service.
Methadone could only be administered in liquid form by a doctor trained in DST and the drug addict should take the drug in front of the doctor for a duration of four to six weeks.
Besides that, the doctors involved could only provide DST treatment to not more than 20 new patients every month and should record all the patients' treatment details, including the urine sample test analysis.
"They (addicts) could not bring back methadone and should be under direct observation for three months," he said.
Hence, the private clinics offering the service are asked to contact the Health Ministry and adhere to the guidelines set by the ministry to prevent legal actions being taken against them.
On the National Level Drug Substitution Therapy with Methadone launched Friday, Dr Chua said it would be implemented in four zones (northern, eastern, central and south) nationwide, involving 1,200 addicts for six months beginning Friday.
The drug addicts would be given methadone in the liquid form in the selected government hospitals and health clinics including some private hospitals.
The government hospitals are Alor Star Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Melaka Hospital Permai Johor Hospital, Temerloh Hospital and Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital Kota Baharu.
The government health clinics are Pendang Health Clinic and AU2 Health Clinic, Keramat.
Among the selected private clinics included Klinik Sakinah (Alor Star), Klinik Xavier (Butterworth), Klinik Dr Khafidz (Kajang), Poliklinik Mawar (Ayer Molek, Melaka), Poliklinik Fernandez (Johor Bahru), Klinik Sulaiman (Jengka Pahang) and Klinik Rusli (Kota Baharu).
Dr Chua said the programme would be expanded to the whole country following the completion of the six-month pioneering project.
The Drug Substitution Therapy Programme with Methadone is part of the Harm Reduction Programme approach which also includes the exchange of old syringes for new syringes and free condoms distribution to selected drug addicts in efforts to curb the increasing HIV infection rate in the country.
The syringe exchange programme and free condoms distribution to the selected drug addicts would begin in January next year.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Set Up Medical Faculty At Darul Iman Varsity - Idris
JERTIH, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Government will ask the Higher Education Ministry to consider setting up a medical faculty at the Darul Iman University expected to start operations in June next year, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said Friday.
He said the move was to provide more opportunities to locals, especially Malay students, to take up medical courses as Bumiputera students were lacking in the medical field.
"In fact, it is the dream of the Terengganu people to see a medical faculty in the state with the setting up of the Darul Iman Universiti," he told reporters after giving food hampers to patients at Besut Hospital.
Idris said Terengganu needed many doctors to ensure the people received the best medical treatment.
Based on Health Department statistics, he said, Terengganu was facing 40 per shortage of doctors to be posted to government hospitals and health clinics.
Despite the shortage, Idris said he was satisfied with the standard of health services in the state.
He said the move was to provide more opportunities to locals, especially Malay students, to take up medical courses as Bumiputera students were lacking in the medical field.
"In fact, it is the dream of the Terengganu people to see a medical faculty in the state with the setting up of the Darul Iman Universiti," he told reporters after giving food hampers to patients at Besut Hospital.
Idris said Terengganu needed many doctors to ensure the people received the best medical treatment.
Based on Health Department statistics, he said, Terengganu was facing 40 per shortage of doctors to be posted to government hospitals and health clinics.
Despite the shortage, Idris said he was satisfied with the standard of health services in the state.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Campaign showing results as number of Penang cases drops
Star: After a month of intensive anti-aedes operations by the authorities and aggressive campaigns to get the people involved in the war against mosquitoes, Penang too is seeing a decline in the number of dengue cases.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah said 34 confirmed cases were reported in the first week of the month and 37 cases last week – against 90 in the last week of September.
On dengue hotspots, he said there were 11 in the southwest district at present, compared with 24 last week.
“Of the 11 hotspots, we are very concerned over Persiaran Mayang Pasir and Kampung Sungai Batu because of the high number of suspected cases reported there,” he told newsmen after a meeting with health officials yesterday.
He said the number of hotspots in the northeast district remained at seven, adding that Seberang Jaya was also declared a hotspot.
The state executive councillor said a factory in Bayan Lepas and two construction sites in the northeast district were fined RM500 each for having aedes breeding grounds.
Since last month, eight schools, two colleges, one private hospital, five factories and 30 construction sites in Penang had been booked.
Despite the positive signs, Subbaiyah said, Penangites should continue to work with the authorities to eradicate aedes.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah said 34 confirmed cases were reported in the first week of the month and 37 cases last week – against 90 in the last week of September.
On dengue hotspots, he said there were 11 in the southwest district at present, compared with 24 last week.
“Of the 11 hotspots, we are very concerned over Persiaran Mayang Pasir and Kampung Sungai Batu because of the high number of suspected cases reported there,” he told newsmen after a meeting with health officials yesterday.
He said the number of hotspots in the northeast district remained at seven, adding that Seberang Jaya was also declared a hotspot.
The state executive councillor said a factory in Bayan Lepas and two construction sites in the northeast district were fined RM500 each for having aedes breeding grounds.
Since last month, eight schools, two colleges, one private hospital, five factories and 30 construction sites in Penang had been booked.
Despite the positive signs, Subbaiyah said, Penangites should continue to work with the authorities to eradicate aedes.
Dengue war showing results
Star: Positive signs can be seen on the dengue battlefront. There has been a drop in the percentage of confirmed patients among suspected cases.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said of the 1,172 suspected cases reported last week (29 cases fewer than the previous week), 23% or 270 cases were confirmed to be dengue.
Compare that percentage with the total 31,037 suspected cases reported this year, of which 28.6% or 8,889 cases were confirmed to be dengue, and there was reason to be optimistic, he said.
“We hope this positive trend will continue. We believe that beefing up monitoring and collaborating with the public in cleaning up areas has helped to keep the number of cases down,” he said at the weekly dengue update yesterday.
He attributed the drop to eradication of mosquito breeding grounds and fogging.
However, the dengue death toll has increased by two to 78 casualties.
A 21-year-old male contract worker from Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor had fever on Oct 9 and was admitted to hospital on Oct 12. He died the next day.
An eight-year-old girl from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, died on Aug 18 at the Kota Baru Hospital but her death was only reported to the ministry last week.
Selangor saw a 50% reduction in the number of suspected cases reported in Kajang – one of the three dengue hotspots in the state –over the past few weeks.
The state government however cautions against complacency in view of the current rainy season.
State Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng reminded local councils and other authorities, and the people to maintain diligence in the war against aedes by ensuring there was no stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed.
Dr Lim, who is chairman of the State Health Committee, said the state was keeping vigil on the three hotspots: Kajang (which averaged 50 suspected cases a week), Subang (also 50) and Shah Alam (30).
More than 30 suspected cases a week reported in a municipality warranted intense aedes search and destroy missions, he said.
“We want to keep reported cases below 10 per week in a municipality. There can never be a zero-case scenario for the time being.
“We need to be vigilant during the rainy season. Dengue will usually taper off a few weeks into the dry season,” he said.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said of the 1,172 suspected cases reported last week (29 cases fewer than the previous week), 23% or 270 cases were confirmed to be dengue.
Compare that percentage with the total 31,037 suspected cases reported this year, of which 28.6% or 8,889 cases were confirmed to be dengue, and there was reason to be optimistic, he said.
“We hope this positive trend will continue. We believe that beefing up monitoring and collaborating with the public in cleaning up areas has helped to keep the number of cases down,” he said at the weekly dengue update yesterday.
He attributed the drop to eradication of mosquito breeding grounds and fogging.
However, the dengue death toll has increased by two to 78 casualties.
A 21-year-old male contract worker from Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor had fever on Oct 9 and was admitted to hospital on Oct 12. He died the next day.
An eight-year-old girl from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, died on Aug 18 at the Kota Baru Hospital but her death was only reported to the ministry last week.
Selangor saw a 50% reduction in the number of suspected cases reported in Kajang – one of the three dengue hotspots in the state –over the past few weeks.
The state government however cautions against complacency in view of the current rainy season.
State Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng reminded local councils and other authorities, and the people to maintain diligence in the war against aedes by ensuring there was no stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed.
Dr Lim, who is chairman of the State Health Committee, said the state was keeping vigil on the three hotspots: Kajang (which averaged 50 suspected cases a week), Subang (also 50) and Shah Alam (30).
More than 30 suspected cases a week reported in a municipality warranted intense aedes search and destroy missions, he said.
“We want to keep reported cases below 10 per week in a municipality. There can never be a zero-case scenario for the time being.
“We need to be vigilant during the rainy season. Dengue will usually taper off a few weeks into the dry season,” he said.
Malaysia's First Mechanical Heart Recipient Undergoes Minor Surgery
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Muhammad Fikri Nor Azmi, Malaysia's first recipient of an Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (IVAD) or better known as mechanical heart, underwent a minor surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to shortness of breath.
Muhammad Fikri, 15, developed sporadic episodes of shortness of breath after his home leave on Oct 10 and it was noticed by the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) team, IJN said in a statement, Tuesday.
It said initial investigations showed the mechanical heart was functioning well and Muhammad Fikri's cardiac status was stable.
"However, routine chest x-rays showed he had a collection of air pockets surrounding the left lung. As a precautionary measure, the VAD team decided to explore the left chest surgically and the two-hour operation was performed at 5pm yesterday," it said.
The surgery was successful and no problems were encountered, it said.
"Muhammad Fikri is now recuperating well at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and he will be discharged to the ward in the next few days.
"The team is hopeful and anticipated that he will be able to spend his Hari Raya with family, the statement said.
Muhammad Fikri was on the heart donor waiting list since March and in July he went for IVAD.
He has been responding well to treatments and medications while waiting to undergo a heart transplant surgery, it added.
Muhammad Fikri, 15, developed sporadic episodes of shortness of breath after his home leave on Oct 10 and it was noticed by the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) team, IJN said in a statement, Tuesday.
It said initial investigations showed the mechanical heart was functioning well and Muhammad Fikri's cardiac status was stable.
"However, routine chest x-rays showed he had a collection of air pockets surrounding the left lung. As a precautionary measure, the VAD team decided to explore the left chest surgically and the two-hour operation was performed at 5pm yesterday," it said.
The surgery was successful and no problems were encountered, it said.
"Muhammad Fikri is now recuperating well at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and he will be discharged to the ward in the next few days.
"The team is hopeful and anticipated that he will be able to spend his Hari Raya with family, the statement said.
Muhammad Fikri was on the heart donor waiting list since March and in July he went for IVAD.
He has been responding well to treatments and medications while waiting to undergo a heart transplant surgery, it added.
Contingency Plan Against Bird Flu
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Ministry has put in place a contingency plan in the event of another bird flu outbreak in the country.
Its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry had learnt valuable lessons from the last outbreak in Kelantan and specific measures had been taken to prevent re-occurrence.
"As such, we hope the public will report if there are abnormal poultry deaths to the authorities quickly so that we can zero in on the cause and implement countermeasures if necessary," he said when winding up debate on the 2006 Supply Bill for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Muhyiddin said everyone should be aware of the dangers of the disease to humans as more people are expected to die throughout the world if the pandemic is not stopped.
On agricultural development in the country, Muhyiddin said only Bank Negara had responded positively to helping the industry.
He said banks were still reluctant to come forward and help the industry for fear of encountering losses.
Its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry had learnt valuable lessons from the last outbreak in Kelantan and specific measures had been taken to prevent re-occurrence.
"As such, we hope the public will report if there are abnormal poultry deaths to the authorities quickly so that we can zero in on the cause and implement countermeasures if necessary," he said when winding up debate on the 2006 Supply Bill for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Muhyiddin said everyone should be aware of the dangers of the disease to humans as more people are expected to die throughout the world if the pandemic is not stopped.
On agricultural development in the country, Muhyiddin said only Bank Negara had responded positively to helping the industry.
He said banks were still reluctant to come forward and help the industry for fear of encountering losses.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Dengue death toll climbs to 78 nationwide
NST: THE national dengue death toll has climbed to 78, with the latest fatalities being an eight-year-old schoolgirl in Kelantan and a 21-year-old plumber in Selangor.
The schoolgirl, from Pengkalan Chepa, died of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Kota Baru Hospital on Aug 18, eight days after being hospitalised.
The Health Ministry was notified of her death only last week, its disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said today.
The second victim came down with the fever on Oct 9, was admitted to the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital on Oct 12, and died the following day of DHF.
The schoolgirl, from Pengkalan Chepa, died of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Kota Baru Hospital on Aug 18, eight days after being hospitalised.
The Health Ministry was notified of her death only last week, its disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said today.
The second victim came down with the fever on Oct 9, was admitted to the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital on Oct 12, and died the following day of DHF.
Smoking-related diseases eating up Malaysia health budget: report
TodayOnlineMalaysia is being hit hard by the financial burden of smoking-related diseases, with healthcare costs linked to the habit absorbing nearly half the health ministry's budget, a report said.
A study on the healthcare implications of smoking showed that related heart and lung cost 3.1 billion ringgit (821.45 million dollars) in 2004, some 44.3 percent of the health ministry's budget, said the Edge financial newspaper.
The recent study by three Malaysian universities and two tobacco-control bodies said the sum was equivalent to 17.2 percent of total national healthcare spending, and that costs were on the rise.
The research only took into account three major heart and lung smoking-related diseases, so the total costs could be much higher, said the study's authors.
"The research findings are actually very conservative because it only looks at three diseases. There are more than 150 diseases associated with smoking that are caused by the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco," health economics expert Syed Mohamed Al Junid was quoted as saying.
The study, to be published next year by the UN's World Health Organisation, looked at healthcare costs for 200 smokers in government hospitals between December 2003 and May this year.
Experts said that the cost of treating patients in private hospitals and other factors such as loss of productivity from illness and premature deaths had not been included in the study.
The number of Malaysians taking up cigarette smoking is on the rise despite high-profile government campaigns to curb the habit.
A National Health Survey last year showed 23.2 percent of adult Malaysians smoked, while separate surveys have shown nearly 25 percent of young people smoke. — AFP
A study on the healthcare implications of smoking showed that related heart and lung cost 3.1 billion ringgit (821.45 million dollars) in 2004, some 44.3 percent of the health ministry's budget, said the Edge financial newspaper.
The recent study by three Malaysian universities and two tobacco-control bodies said the sum was equivalent to 17.2 percent of total national healthcare spending, and that costs were on the rise.
The research only took into account three major heart and lung smoking-related diseases, so the total costs could be much higher, said the study's authors.
"The research findings are actually very conservative because it only looks at three diseases. There are more than 150 diseases associated with smoking that are caused by the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco," health economics expert Syed Mohamed Al Junid was quoted as saying.
The study, to be published next year by the UN's World Health Organisation, looked at healthcare costs for 200 smokers in government hospitals between December 2003 and May this year.
Experts said that the cost of treating patients in private hospitals and other factors such as loss of productivity from illness and premature deaths had not been included in the study.
The number of Malaysians taking up cigarette smoking is on the rise despite high-profile government campaigns to curb the habit.
A National Health Survey last year showed 23.2 percent of adult Malaysians smoked, while separate surveys have shown nearly 25 percent of young people smoke. — AFP
Survey: Young M’sians prefer private healthcare
The Star:If provisions for medical expenses are all taken care of, the younger generation of Malaysians is most likely to opt for private healthcare services, the AIA Life Matters Survey 2005 reveals.
“This trend is generally made evident by the rising affluence and education levels of society,” executive vice-president and general manager of American International Assurance Company, Ltd (AIA Malaysia), Richard Bender said.
“It is always the younger generation that leads the way in any trend, Particularly with developing countries, the younger generation is more educated compared with the older generation, and with more education comes more awareness of risks, including health risks,” he said in a statement on the findings of the survey.
Bender said the key factor for the result of the survey was “Having a protection plan”.
Respondents were asked, for selected treatments, their preference between private and public medical services if they had to pay out of their own pockets as opposed to if all medical expenses were covered for example, by a protection plan.
If respondents had to pay their own way, only between 29% and 38% said they would opt for private healthcare.
On the other hand, if all expenses were covered, the picture changed drastically, with between 53% and 61% of respondents saying they would choose private healthcare, Bender said.
“This trend is generally made evident by the rising affluence and education levels of society,” executive vice-president and general manager of American International Assurance Company, Ltd (AIA Malaysia), Richard Bender said.
“It is always the younger generation that leads the way in any trend, Particularly with developing countries, the younger generation is more educated compared with the older generation, and with more education comes more awareness of risks, including health risks,” he said in a statement on the findings of the survey.
Bender said the key factor for the result of the survey was “Having a protection plan”.
Respondents were asked, for selected treatments, their preference between private and public medical services if they had to pay out of their own pockets as opposed to if all medical expenses were covered for example, by a protection plan.
If respondents had to pay their own way, only between 29% and 38% said they would opt for private healthcare.
On the other hand, if all expenses were covered, the picture changed drastically, with between 53% and 61% of respondents saying they would choose private healthcare, Bender said.
Prepare for a flu pandemic
Star: Schools closed. Employees not showing up for work, calling in sick. Shopping malls deserted. Frightened people stay home, behind barricaded doors and windows.
Essential items become scarce, sending the prices of goods soaring. The economy grinds to a halt.
A sniffle is viewed with suspicion. Vaccines, in short supply to begin with, have run out. Hospitals overcrowded with the medical staff stretched to breaking point.
This is the bleak but very likely scenario, should the deadly H5N1 virus mutate into a strain that can be transmitted from person to person.
When that happens, half of those infected could die because we don’t have natural immunity to fight back.
Asia Pacific Society for Medical Virology president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said as many as 20% of the world’s population could contract the flu. Many would not survive.
“One has to look at the facts. There have been more than 100 cases and over half of them have died.
“When there is human-to-human infection, the scenario could be pretty horrible even if the virus does not change in virulence. Hopefully, the mortality rate will be lower.
“There is no telling when this will happen. We have to take advantage of this window of opportunity and be prepared,” said Dr Lam, who headed the team that discovered the Nipah virus.
The World Health Organisation warned last month that bird flu could mutate into a form that could be passed between humans, and that the world was on the brink of a pandemic.
Dr Lam believes that “self-discipline and self-quarantine” must be practised to reduce exposure in the event of such a crisis.
He said the authorities should provide guidelines for home nursing and prevention among family members, and advise the people when to take a patient to hospital to avoid taxing health facilities.
By then, health services would be overwhelmed and no country would be able to provide enough hospital beds, he said.
At the same time, he said, essential services such as electricity, water, transport and food supply, should be maintained.
On the worldwide shortage of Tamiflu as a result of countries stockpiling the antiviral drug, Dr Lam said all nations should pool and share resources to tackle the scourge.
In the meantime, surveillance for respiratory diseases must be stepped up, and any increase of flu-like cases must be investigated, he said.
Essential items become scarce, sending the prices of goods soaring. The economy grinds to a halt.
A sniffle is viewed with suspicion. Vaccines, in short supply to begin with, have run out. Hospitals overcrowded with the medical staff stretched to breaking point.
This is the bleak but very likely scenario, should the deadly H5N1 virus mutate into a strain that can be transmitted from person to person.
When that happens, half of those infected could die because we don’t have natural immunity to fight back.
Asia Pacific Society for Medical Virology president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said as many as 20% of the world’s population could contract the flu. Many would not survive.
“One has to look at the facts. There have been more than 100 cases and over half of them have died.
“When there is human-to-human infection, the scenario could be pretty horrible even if the virus does not change in virulence. Hopefully, the mortality rate will be lower.
“There is no telling when this will happen. We have to take advantage of this window of opportunity and be prepared,” said Dr Lam, who headed the team that discovered the Nipah virus.
The World Health Organisation warned last month that bird flu could mutate into a form that could be passed between humans, and that the world was on the brink of a pandemic.
Dr Lam believes that “self-discipline and self-quarantine” must be practised to reduce exposure in the event of such a crisis.
He said the authorities should provide guidelines for home nursing and prevention among family members, and advise the people when to take a patient to hospital to avoid taxing health facilities.
By then, health services would be overwhelmed and no country would be able to provide enough hospital beds, he said.
At the same time, he said, essential services such as electricity, water, transport and food supply, should be maintained.
On the worldwide shortage of Tamiflu as a result of countries stockpiling the antiviral drug, Dr Lam said all nations should pool and share resources to tackle the scourge.
In the meantime, surveillance for respiratory diseases must be stepped up, and any increase of flu-like cases must be investigated, he said.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Dr Arumugam Elected To Lead World Medical Association
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian doctor Datuk Dr N. Arumugam has made the country proud by being elected as president (elect) of the World Medical Association (WMA).
Dr Arumugam, who is the immediate past-president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), defeated nominees from Hungary and Belgium over two rounds of close voting by delegates from the national medical associations during the WMA's General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, recently.
"I feel this is indeed a great honour for Malaysia on the world medical stage," MMA President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said in a statement Monday.
Dr Teoh said Dr Arumugam would assume the post of president-elect immediately and would be installed at the WMA General Assembly in South Africa next year.
Dr Arumugam would hold the post for a year and would lead the WMA delegation to the annual World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Geneva, he added.
Formed 1948, the WMA represents about five million physicians from more than 90 countries.
Dr Arumugam, who is the immediate past-president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), defeated nominees from Hungary and Belgium over two rounds of close voting by delegates from the national medical associations during the WMA's General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, recently.
"I feel this is indeed a great honour for Malaysia on the world medical stage," MMA President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said in a statement Monday.
Dr Teoh said Dr Arumugam would assume the post of president-elect immediately and would be installed at the WMA General Assembly in South Africa next year.
Dr Arumugam would hold the post for a year and would lead the WMA delegation to the annual World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Geneva, he added.
Formed 1948, the WMA represents about five million physicians from more than 90 countries.
Profiling dangerous drivers
NST: A new approach — identifying motorists who are accident-prone — is being taken by the authorities to reduce road fatalities.
The information will then be used to target specific groups, thus making safety campaigns more effective.
Called the "Fatality Index", it will be used to evaluate the driving pattern of motorists according to their age, occupation and gender.
"It will also help identify the right type of road safety campaigns for different categories of motorists," said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre director Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.
He said a random survey would be carried out to profile motorists according to their race and monthly income.
"It will also detail the mileage made per year."
Recently, the research centre completed a three-month survey of 1,430 drivers in Selangor.
It showed that drivers living in urban areas travelled an average of 30,255km per year, while motorcyclists travelled at least 19,276km a year.
"Motorcyclists and those who travel a lot are still in the highest risk group," he said.
He said the survey also showed that men travelled more than women.
"The index will also be introduced to other States in Malaysia. It will evaluate the effectiveness of road safety campaigns in each State."
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh said the index would act as an additional indicator in studying accident rates in Malaysia.
"The index has been successfully used by most developed countries and helps them know the safety level in each place," he said.
The index is based on fatalities over one billion vehicle kilometres travelled. It covers car occupants and motorcyclists based on their travel exposure, which is based on vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT).
At present, two indicators are used to assess road fatalities in the country: Fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and fatalities per 100,000 population.
Radin said: "These two indicators are commonly used in developing and less developed countries. But they are not so accurate as they are subject to the increase of vehicle ownership and population which fluctuates drastically over time."
In addition, a few vehicles can be owned by one person and an increase in vehicles does not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
"Vehicle ownership and population do not necessarily indicate the real amount of accident exposure in a country."
Due to this disadvantage, Suret said a better indicator accepted by most developed countries — the Fatality Index — would be adopted.
Last year, Malaysia recorded more than 6,000 fatalities while most developed countries had recorded about 2,000 fatalities.
The overall fatality index for Malaysia is 18.5 fatalities per billion VKT. In developed countries, it is below 10 fatalities per billion VKT.
"It basically still adds up to 4.5 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles while in developed countries, the figure comes to less than two fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles." said Radin.
"But the new index will give us an accurate travelling exposure of each group," he added.
The information will then be used to target specific groups, thus making safety campaigns more effective.
Called the "Fatality Index", it will be used to evaluate the driving pattern of motorists according to their age, occupation and gender.
"It will also help identify the right type of road safety campaigns for different categories of motorists," said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre director Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.
He said a random survey would be carried out to profile motorists according to their race and monthly income.
"It will also detail the mileage made per year."
Recently, the research centre completed a three-month survey of 1,430 drivers in Selangor.
It showed that drivers living in urban areas travelled an average of 30,255km per year, while motorcyclists travelled at least 19,276km a year.
"Motorcyclists and those who travel a lot are still in the highest risk group," he said.
He said the survey also showed that men travelled more than women.
"The index will also be introduced to other States in Malaysia. It will evaluate the effectiveness of road safety campaigns in each State."
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh said the index would act as an additional indicator in studying accident rates in Malaysia.
"The index has been successfully used by most developed countries and helps them know the safety level in each place," he said.
The index is based on fatalities over one billion vehicle kilometres travelled. It covers car occupants and motorcyclists based on their travel exposure, which is based on vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT).
At present, two indicators are used to assess road fatalities in the country: Fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and fatalities per 100,000 population.
Radin said: "These two indicators are commonly used in developing and less developed countries. But they are not so accurate as they are subject to the increase of vehicle ownership and population which fluctuates drastically over time."
In addition, a few vehicles can be owned by one person and an increase in vehicles does not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
"Vehicle ownership and population do not necessarily indicate the real amount of accident exposure in a country."
Due to this disadvantage, Suret said a better indicator accepted by most developed countries — the Fatality Index — would be adopted.
Last year, Malaysia recorded more than 6,000 fatalities while most developed countries had recorded about 2,000 fatalities.
The overall fatality index for Malaysia is 18.5 fatalities per billion VKT. In developed countries, it is below 10 fatalities per billion VKT.
"It basically still adds up to 4.5 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles while in developed countries, the figure comes to less than two fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles." said Radin.
"But the new index will give us an accurate travelling exposure of each group," he added.
Nurses@Home to promote services more aggressively
BT: Home nursing specialist Nurses@Home expects to see a five-fold jump in revenue within the next 12 months as the concept and the brand is promoted more aggressively among Malaysian consumers.
This organised integrated nursing service, provided as an alternative to prolonged hospital stays and effective post-discharge care, is provided by Sun City Bhd’s 51 per cent unit, Sunmed@ Home Sdn Bhd.
Sunmed@Home, which was set up with a initial paid-up capital of RM350,000, is currently making an average of RM30,000 in revenue a month.
“Our nurses make 200 to 300 visits each month ... or 10 visits a day,” Sunmed@Home managing director Asok Nair said.
“We expect to grow by 400 per cent in revenue over the next 12 months,” Nair told Business Times.
Patients are charged between RM65 and RM100 per visit.
This would mean that the company, which delivers nursing service cost-effectively in the comfort of ones’ home, is likely to rake in over RM120,000 in revenue by next September 2005.
Assuming that it maintains revenue at RM120,000 in the second year, the revenue potential for the company is about RM1.44 million.
Sunmed@Home expects to break even within the next 18 to 24 months and be profitable starting from year three onwards.
According to Nair, the company’s optimism is supported by a survey which revealed that 40 per cent of the patients in hospitals do not need to be there in the first place.
And the reason these patients continue to stay for prolonged periods in the hospitals is because they are either not aware of the home nursing services and/or the majority of insurance policies cover hospitalisation and not post-acute healthcare services at home.
“This large portion are our potential clients,” Nair said.
It is believed that is only one other player in the market offering similar services, while the remaining business is handled by individual nurses who are recommended by word-of-mouth.
Nair explained that this service of providing healthcare and nursing services for patients at their homes was in fact, a department within the Sunway Medical Centre which was functioning for about two years.
After some negotiations, this division was incorporated as a separate business. The remaining 49 per cent stake is with privately-held Citarasa Kombinasi Sdn Bhd.
Nair said Nurses@ Home is looking at creating awareness among the end-users (patients) and medical and insurance players to develop home nursing as an integral part of post-treatment.
To this end, it is currently in negotiations with four insurance players in the industry to incorporate the plan into their health policy.
Also in the pipeline are plans to work with government agencies or institutions to recognise the Nurses@ Home concept as a viable nursing aid.
This organised integrated nursing service, provided as an alternative to prolonged hospital stays and effective post-discharge care, is provided by Sun City Bhd’s 51 per cent unit, Sunmed@ Home Sdn Bhd.
Sunmed@Home, which was set up with a initial paid-up capital of RM350,000, is currently making an average of RM30,000 in revenue a month.
“Our nurses make 200 to 300 visits each month ... or 10 visits a day,” Sunmed@Home managing director Asok Nair said.
“We expect to grow by 400 per cent in revenue over the next 12 months,” Nair told Business Times.
Patients are charged between RM65 and RM100 per visit.
This would mean that the company, which delivers nursing service cost-effectively in the comfort of ones’ home, is likely to rake in over RM120,000 in revenue by next September 2005.
Assuming that it maintains revenue at RM120,000 in the second year, the revenue potential for the company is about RM1.44 million.
Sunmed@Home expects to break even within the next 18 to 24 months and be profitable starting from year three onwards.
According to Nair, the company’s optimism is supported by a survey which revealed that 40 per cent of the patients in hospitals do not need to be there in the first place.
And the reason these patients continue to stay for prolonged periods in the hospitals is because they are either not aware of the home nursing services and/or the majority of insurance policies cover hospitalisation and not post-acute healthcare services at home.
“This large portion are our potential clients,” Nair said.
It is believed that is only one other player in the market offering similar services, while the remaining business is handled by individual nurses who are recommended by word-of-mouth.
Nair explained that this service of providing healthcare and nursing services for patients at their homes was in fact, a department within the Sunway Medical Centre which was functioning for about two years.
After some negotiations, this division was incorporated as a separate business. The remaining 49 per cent stake is with privately-held Citarasa Kombinasi Sdn Bhd.
Nair said Nurses@ Home is looking at creating awareness among the end-users (patients) and medical and insurance players to develop home nursing as an integral part of post-treatment.
To this end, it is currently in negotiations with four insurance players in the industry to incorporate the plan into their health policy.
Also in the pipeline are plans to work with government agencies or institutions to recognise the Nurses@ Home concept as a viable nursing aid.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Acute shortage of paediatric heart surgeons
NST:MALAYSIA is facing an acute shortage of paediatric heart surgeons, Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said in Penang today.
He said statistics showed at least 1,500 children seek such treatment annually. Now Malaysia only has 22 surgeons, in the public and private healthcare sectors.
Lee said there are seven such surgeons at the National Heart Institute (IJN), four in University Hospital, four in Government hospitals and the rest in private hospitals.
"The ministry is taking all the necessary steps to increase the number of these surgeons.
"However, we are also mindful that it is not going to be easy as it takes about 15 years for one to sub-specialise in a certain medical field," he said after paying a visit to five heart patients at the Penang Adventist Hospital here.
He said statistics showed at least 1,500 children seek such treatment annually. Now Malaysia only has 22 surgeons, in the public and private healthcare sectors.
Lee said there are seven such surgeons at the National Heart Institute (IJN), four in University Hospital, four in Government hospitals and the rest in private hospitals.
"The ministry is taking all the necessary steps to increase the number of these surgeons.
"However, we are also mindful that it is not going to be easy as it takes about 15 years for one to sub-specialise in a certain medical field," he said after paying a visit to five heart patients at the Penang Adventist Hospital here.
Public apathy at dengue hotspot upsets MP
Star: It is one major dengue hotspot and the organisers had expected thousands to attend the anti-Aedes fight and exhibition.
However, when Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Tan Chai Ho arrived at 10am to launch the function in Desa Tun Razak in Cheras, only about a dozen residents were there to greet him.
The peeved organisers then made an impassioned plea through the public address system, urging residents to attend the function. But after 40 minutes, there were only 20 residents.
As Tan started speaking on how disappointed he was with the turnout, the crowd began to grow gradually and when the event was over at 11.30am there were 50 people listening to Tan and City Hall officials on how to fight and keep the Aedes mosquito at bay.
All in all, less than 1% of the total number of residents in the area turned up.
Tan was visibly upset as he said 48 resident from the flats there were infected with dengue in the first nine months of the year.
“I cannot understand the attitude of the residents as they don't seem to be taking our efforts to educate them on the dengue danger seriously.
“City Hall officials had gone around yesterday informing them of the gathering but they are not bothered,” he told reporters.
Tan, who is also known as the “people's representative,” did not let his disappointment deter him.
When the speeches were over, he took fogging equipment and walked around high-rise flats in the area for more than half-an-hour.
However, when Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Tan Chai Ho arrived at 10am to launch the function in Desa Tun Razak in Cheras, only about a dozen residents were there to greet him.
The peeved organisers then made an impassioned plea through the public address system, urging residents to attend the function. But after 40 minutes, there were only 20 residents.
As Tan started speaking on how disappointed he was with the turnout, the crowd began to grow gradually and when the event was over at 11.30am there were 50 people listening to Tan and City Hall officials on how to fight and keep the Aedes mosquito at bay.
All in all, less than 1% of the total number of residents in the area turned up.
Tan was visibly upset as he said 48 resident from the flats there were infected with dengue in the first nine months of the year.
“I cannot understand the attitude of the residents as they don't seem to be taking our efforts to educate them on the dengue danger seriously.
“City Hall officials had gone around yesterday informing them of the gathering but they are not bothered,” he told reporters.
Tan, who is also known as the “people's representative,” did not let his disappointment deter him.
When the speeches were over, he took fogging equipment and walked around high-rise flats in the area for more than half-an-hour.
Dengue Updates: Doctors told to follow guidelines
NST: Be on the alert for symptoms of dengue fever.
This is Health Ministry disease control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat’s advice to all government doctors in the wake of allegations of a misdiagnosis of a patient who died a day after treatment.
He said the doctors should adhere strictly to guidelines on the management of dengue cases.
"Doctors should be more alert to dengue symptoms and victims diagnosed must be admitted immediately," he said on the death of Murgayah Narayanan, 21, in Kuala Kubu Baru on Thursday.
His mother, Mageswari Munian, alleged that the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital’s indifference contributed to her son’s death.
The plumber was taken to the hospital on Tuesday with fever, dizziness and vomiting but was sent home with an injection and some medicines by a medical attendant.
The medical assistant said Murgayah was suffering from fever.
Mageswari said her son’s condition worsened on Wednesday with the family taking him to the hospital later that day.
A doctor took blood samples, confirmed he was suffering from dengue and admitted him.
On Thursday, his condition worsened and he died before he could be sent to the Selayang Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said an investigation into the incident was being conducted by the ministry’s Hospital Division and Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng.
"I hope hospitals will be more alert, especially with the dengue outbreak," he said.
Dr Ang said Murgayah was not sent to the Selayang Hospital as Kuala Kubu Baru hospital doctors tried to stabilise his condition.
"Although we have classified the death as dengue shock syndrome, we are investigating if there were other complications leading to his death," she said.
Dr Ang said she was investigating why Murgayah was not treated by a doctor on Tuesday.
"I have asked the hospital director for a detailed account of the incident," she said.
Between Jan 1 and last Thursday, a total of 30,544 suspected dengue cases were reported to the ministry with 1,558 being dengue haemorrhagic fever cases. There were 76 deaths over the period.
The worst-hit areas with a high Aedes index are the Timur Laut district in Penang, Kajang, Penang, Klang and Subang Jaya municipal councils, the Shah Alam city council, Setapak and Johor.
This is Health Ministry disease control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat’s advice to all government doctors in the wake of allegations of a misdiagnosis of a patient who died a day after treatment.
He said the doctors should adhere strictly to guidelines on the management of dengue cases.
"Doctors should be more alert to dengue symptoms and victims diagnosed must be admitted immediately," he said on the death of Murgayah Narayanan, 21, in Kuala Kubu Baru on Thursday.
His mother, Mageswari Munian, alleged that the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital’s indifference contributed to her son’s death.
The plumber was taken to the hospital on Tuesday with fever, dizziness and vomiting but was sent home with an injection and some medicines by a medical attendant.
The medical assistant said Murgayah was suffering from fever.
Mageswari said her son’s condition worsened on Wednesday with the family taking him to the hospital later that day.
A doctor took blood samples, confirmed he was suffering from dengue and admitted him.
On Thursday, his condition worsened and he died before he could be sent to the Selayang Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said an investigation into the incident was being conducted by the ministry’s Hospital Division and Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng.
"I hope hospitals will be more alert, especially with the dengue outbreak," he said.
Dr Ang said Murgayah was not sent to the Selayang Hospital as Kuala Kubu Baru hospital doctors tried to stabilise his condition.
"Although we have classified the death as dengue shock syndrome, we are investigating if there were other complications leading to his death," she said.
Dr Ang said she was investigating why Murgayah was not treated by a doctor on Tuesday.
"I have asked the hospital director for a detailed account of the incident," she said.
Between Jan 1 and last Thursday, a total of 30,544 suspected dengue cases were reported to the ministry with 1,558 being dengue haemorrhagic fever cases. There were 76 deaths over the period.
The worst-hit areas with a high Aedes index are the Timur Laut district in Penang, Kajang, Penang, Klang and Subang Jaya municipal councils, the Shah Alam city council, Setapak and Johor.
Mercy boss: Learn to deal with disasters
Star: Whenever Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood checks into a hotel, the first thing she does is to find out where the emergency exit or fire extinguisher is.
Knowing the location of the exit or extinguisher was a simple precaution that everyone should practise before a disaster strikes, she said.
Referring to the same concept of taking early precautions, she said the public should be educated on ways to cope when hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes occur.
“Disaster results from hazards. We cannot stop hazards but we can lessen the impact of hazards,” she said, adding that everyone could reduce vulnerability to reduce disaster.
She pointed out that among the preventive measures were hazard mapping, analysing the risks and setting up early warning systems.
“We can internalise the concept of living with risks by educating those staying by the coastal areas, putting up signboards of tsunami escape routes, ringing bells or sirens when a hazard occurs,” she said.
While speaking on Total Disaster Risk Management at a public forum organised by the Force of Nature Aid Foundation yesterday, Dr Jemilah said it was vital for NGOs to cooperate when managing disaster relief.
Among the speakers at the forum was Sisters in Islam programme manager and chief trainer Zaitun Mohamed Kasim, who said natural disasters had a huge impact on women.
She said 70% of the tsunami victims who died in Aceh were women.
She also said women who survived the aftermath had to endure difficulties such as lack of proper clothing, shelter, food and privacy.
Knowing the location of the exit or extinguisher was a simple precaution that everyone should practise before a disaster strikes, she said.
Referring to the same concept of taking early precautions, she said the public should be educated on ways to cope when hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes occur.
“Disaster results from hazards. We cannot stop hazards but we can lessen the impact of hazards,” she said, adding that everyone could reduce vulnerability to reduce disaster.
She pointed out that among the preventive measures were hazard mapping, analysing the risks and setting up early warning systems.
“We can internalise the concept of living with risks by educating those staying by the coastal areas, putting up signboards of tsunami escape routes, ringing bells or sirens when a hazard occurs,” she said.
While speaking on Total Disaster Risk Management at a public forum organised by the Force of Nature Aid Foundation yesterday, Dr Jemilah said it was vital for NGOs to cooperate when managing disaster relief.
Among the speakers at the forum was Sisters in Islam programme manager and chief trainer Zaitun Mohamed Kasim, who said natural disasters had a huge impact on women.
She said 70% of the tsunami victims who died in Aceh were women.
She also said women who survived the aftermath had to endure difficulties such as lack of proper clothing, shelter, food and privacy.
Fasting for AIDS awareness
NST: It is all for a good cause. Some 40 students in two schools here today began a 30-hour fast to raise funds for HIV/AIDS education programmes.
Themed "The Power of Hunger", the social education-cum-fund-raising event is organised annually by World Vision Malaysia (WVM), an international humanitarian and relief organisation.
The event allows participants to experience in a small way what millions of people who are victims of war, poverty and natural catastrophes go through worldwide.
This year’s 30-hour fast focuses on HIV/AIDS.
The students are from the Methodist Boys School in Jalan Air Hitam and Uplands, an international school, in Persiaran Gurney.
During the fast, the participants will broaden their understanding of HIV/AIDS and the people living with the disease through presentations, question and answer sessions, and games.
Funds raised will be channelled to HIV education programmes for children and adults in Hebei, China, and local HIV/AIDS organisations through the Malaysia AIDS Council and Dignity and Services, an organisation that helps people with learning disabilities.
This is the first time the event is held simultaneously in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The participants will go without solid food and are only allowed to drink plain water from noon today until 6pm tomorrow.
WVM international programme director Goh Po Ean said the main aim of the fast was education and advocacy. "We pass on the message that fasting can be used as a catalyst to bring about social changes.
"By volunteering to raise funds via fasting, participants get a glimpse of how their act of self-sacrifice can help those in need."
So far, they have managed to raise over RM2,000.
Jonathan Case, 16, from Uplands, said this was the first time he was going on a 30-hour fast. "I thought this is a good cause as it instils a lot of discipline," said the Sixth former of Canadian-Chinese parentage.
For American Chris Voss, 15, also from Uplands, it was an exciting experience. "While we are grateful for the many things we have, we should also be mindful of the sufferings of others in the world."
Themed "The Power of Hunger", the social education-cum-fund-raising event is organised annually by World Vision Malaysia (WVM), an international humanitarian and relief organisation.
The event allows participants to experience in a small way what millions of people who are victims of war, poverty and natural catastrophes go through worldwide.
This year’s 30-hour fast focuses on HIV/AIDS.
The students are from the Methodist Boys School in Jalan Air Hitam and Uplands, an international school, in Persiaran Gurney.
During the fast, the participants will broaden their understanding of HIV/AIDS and the people living with the disease through presentations, question and answer sessions, and games.
Funds raised will be channelled to HIV education programmes for children and adults in Hebei, China, and local HIV/AIDS organisations through the Malaysia AIDS Council and Dignity and Services, an organisation that helps people with learning disabilities.
This is the first time the event is held simultaneously in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The participants will go without solid food and are only allowed to drink plain water from noon today until 6pm tomorrow.
WVM international programme director Goh Po Ean said the main aim of the fast was education and advocacy. "We pass on the message that fasting can be used as a catalyst to bring about social changes.
"By volunteering to raise funds via fasting, participants get a glimpse of how their act of self-sacrifice can help those in need."
So far, they have managed to raise over RM2,000.
Jonathan Case, 16, from Uplands, said this was the first time he was going on a 30-hour fast. "I thought this is a good cause as it instils a lot of discipline," said the Sixth former of Canadian-Chinese parentage.
For American Chris Voss, 15, also from Uplands, it was an exciting experience. "While we are grateful for the many things we have, we should also be mindful of the sufferings of others in the world."
Iran's Success In Using Free Condoms, Needles To Stem AIDS A Cue For Us
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysians should take the cue from Iran's success in reducing its HIV and AIDS cases through the distribution of free syringes and condoms, Malaysian Aids Foundation chairman Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said.
She proposed that the government send people, especially the ulama, prison officers, police and representatives from non-governmental organisations to Iran to learn how the Islamic country successfully implemented the programme.
Marina said the Iranian government had long practised the move, especially in prisons, and they had successfully reduced the risk of the spread of HIV and AIDS among prisoners.
"I have met them (delegates from Iran) when attending a conference on AIDS in Melbourne in 2003. They are not only proud of the programme's success but invited us to visit them," she said.
She told reporters this after launching a charity programme to help famine victims, jointly organised by Help University College (Help) and an international charitable body, World Vision Malaysia here Saturday.
The free syringes and condoms campaign is expected to be implemented by the government in January next year.
However, it received mixed reactions, with some parties coming out strongly against it, claiming the move could be interpreted as the government encourging promiscous behavior.
She proposed that the government send people, especially the ulama, prison officers, police and representatives from non-governmental organisations to Iran to learn how the Islamic country successfully implemented the programme.
Marina said the Iranian government had long practised the move, especially in prisons, and they had successfully reduced the risk of the spread of HIV and AIDS among prisoners.
"I have met them (delegates from Iran) when attending a conference on AIDS in Melbourne in 2003. They are not only proud of the programme's success but invited us to visit them," she said.
She told reporters this after launching a charity programme to help famine victims, jointly organised by Help University College (Help) and an international charitable body, World Vision Malaysia here Saturday.
The free syringes and condoms campaign is expected to be implemented by the government in January next year.
However, it received mixed reactions, with some parties coming out strongly against it, claiming the move could be interpreted as the government encourging promiscous behavior.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Sabah Air, SMC Team Up To Improve Medical Evacuation
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- State-owned Sabah Air and the Sabah Medical Centre (SMC) are combining their resources to improve medical evacuation by helicopter, especially from the remote areas.
The newly opened SMC eight-storey building in Luyang here is designed to handle medical evacuation by air. It has a rooftop helipad and an exclusive lift to the ground-floor emergency room.
SMC Project Director Chu Chee Kuen said here Saturday that the joint project would cater for patients especially from remote areas like Tawau, Tenom and Keningau.
He spoke to reporters after a mock evacuation by a Sabah Air Bell 206 helicopter to test the reliability of the landing deck and to provide the helicopter company with a taste of what it took to land a helicopter with a patient on the rooftop.
Sabah Air has been handling medical emergencies for many years and has six helicopters, comprising the four-seater Bell 206 and 15-seater Bell 212.
Sabah Air General Manager Tony Liew said all Sabah Air aircraft were equipped with stretchers, and experienced staff handled the transport of patients.
He also said that he was impressed with the capability of SMC staff in transporting a patient from the aircraft to the hospital in one minute and 15 seconds during the mock exercise.
Liew recalled that landing at the previous SMC building in Teluk Likas was more cumbersome because the landing area was the hospital's car park, which meant that cars needed to be moved before landing was possible and patients needed to be carried longer distances.
"With the rooftop helideck, the chopper and stretcher are just yards away. And, with an exclusive lift, the patient can be in the emergency room in a jiffy," he said.
He also said that the helipad was well equipped for such a task, with spotlights and a windsock to guide the pilot during landing and take-off.
The newly opened SMC eight-storey building in Luyang here is designed to handle medical evacuation by air. It has a rooftop helipad and an exclusive lift to the ground-floor emergency room.
SMC Project Director Chu Chee Kuen said here Saturday that the joint project would cater for patients especially from remote areas like Tawau, Tenom and Keningau.
He spoke to reporters after a mock evacuation by a Sabah Air Bell 206 helicopter to test the reliability of the landing deck and to provide the helicopter company with a taste of what it took to land a helicopter with a patient on the rooftop.
Sabah Air has been handling medical emergencies for many years and has six helicopters, comprising the four-seater Bell 206 and 15-seater Bell 212.
Sabah Air General Manager Tony Liew said all Sabah Air aircraft were equipped with stretchers, and experienced staff handled the transport of patients.
He also said that he was impressed with the capability of SMC staff in transporting a patient from the aircraft to the hospital in one minute and 15 seconds during the mock exercise.
Liew recalled that landing at the previous SMC building in Teluk Likas was more cumbersome because the landing area was the hospital's car park, which meant that cars needed to be moved before landing was possible and patients needed to be carried longer distances.
"With the rooftop helideck, the chopper and stretcher are just yards away. And, with an exclusive lift, the patient can be in the emergency room in a jiffy," he said.
He also said that the helipad was well equipped for such a task, with spotlights and a windsock to guide the pilot during landing and take-off.
Wear white to avoid being bitten
Star: How do you avoid mosquito bites?
Several websites recommend wearing light-colour clothes, besides the usual insect repellent.
Staying away from areas with a high mosquito population is a no-brainer, but avoiding the use of soap, shampoo and lotion with fragrance is a more helpful tip.
A deejay on the 988 Chinese radio station told listeners that mosquitoes prefer dim light and dark hues like blue and black.
“So change your dressing. Go for white,” he said, adding that it helps if you are clad in a long-sleeved top and long pants.
The deejay said mosquitoes are also attracted to body odour, so it is advisable to stay fresh and clean.
Mosquitoes also dislike reddish-orange tones, so having such light at home may keep them at bay.
A deejay who is a wannabe entomologist, one may think, but websites on mosquito information concur with his advice.
All these measures aside, the best bet is still to keep your premises free of mosquito breeding grounds.
Several websites recommend wearing light-colour clothes, besides the usual insect repellent.
Staying away from areas with a high mosquito population is a no-brainer, but avoiding the use of soap, shampoo and lotion with fragrance is a more helpful tip.
A deejay on the 988 Chinese radio station told listeners that mosquitoes prefer dim light and dark hues like blue and black.
“So change your dressing. Go for white,” he said, adding that it helps if you are clad in a long-sleeved top and long pants.
The deejay said mosquitoes are also attracted to body odour, so it is advisable to stay fresh and clean.
Mosquitoes also dislike reddish-orange tones, so having such light at home may keep them at bay.
A deejay who is a wannabe entomologist, one may think, but websites on mosquito information concur with his advice.
All these measures aside, the best bet is still to keep your premises free of mosquito breeding grounds.
Second killer species found
Star: The Aedes albopictus mosquito, which breeds outdoors and is found in abundance at jungle fringes, has also been transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever.
According to Disease Control Department director Dr Ramlee Rahmat, cases reported in rural areas and Felda schemes led to the finding that besides the Aedes aegypti, the principal carrier, the albopictus was also spreading dengue.
“We are getting reports of dengue cases from sub-urban areas and small towns like Jempol in Negri Sembilan as well as from Felda schemes.
“We are concentrating on fogging, as the albopictus breeds outside homes in places that have trees and leaves,” he told a press briefing here yesterday on the dengue situation in the country.
However, he said, fogging would only be carried out if there were known dengue cases in the area, as too much fogging could cause the mosquito to build up resistance to the chemical.
Dr Ramlee said 724 new cases were reported over the last five days, putting the total number of confirmed cases this year at 30,544, with 76 deaths.
The department will seek the views of botanists and relevant groups on the viability of having the serai wangi (citronella) in people’s homes and their immediate surroundings as a mosquito repellent.
Theoretically, he said, the approach should work because citronella oil was used in balms, sprays and pellets to repel insects, including mosquitoes.
Dr Ramlee said his department had sought the help of local entomologists, scientists, research facilities and universities to come up with more ways to deal with the dengue problem.
“We also met with the construction industry players on Thursday to seek their cooperation in ensuring that building sites are free of aedes breeding grounds,” he said.
According to Disease Control Department director Dr Ramlee Rahmat, cases reported in rural areas and Felda schemes led to the finding that besides the Aedes aegypti, the principal carrier, the albopictus was also spreading dengue.
“We are getting reports of dengue cases from sub-urban areas and small towns like Jempol in Negri Sembilan as well as from Felda schemes.
“We are concentrating on fogging, as the albopictus breeds outside homes in places that have trees and leaves,” he told a press briefing here yesterday on the dengue situation in the country.
However, he said, fogging would only be carried out if there were known dengue cases in the area, as too much fogging could cause the mosquito to build up resistance to the chemical.
Dr Ramlee said 724 new cases were reported over the last five days, putting the total number of confirmed cases this year at 30,544, with 76 deaths.
The department will seek the views of botanists and relevant groups on the viability of having the serai wangi (citronella) in people’s homes and their immediate surroundings as a mosquito repellent.
Theoretically, he said, the approach should work because citronella oil was used in balms, sprays and pellets to repel insects, including mosquitoes.
Dr Ramlee said his department had sought the help of local entomologists, scientists, research facilities and universities to come up with more ways to deal with the dengue problem.
“We also met with the construction industry players on Thursday to seek their cooperation in ensuring that building sites are free of aedes breeding grounds,” he said.
Another hospital among 27 sites fined
Star: Another hospital, this time in the private sector, has been found having breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito.
The hospital, fined RM150, was among 27 places found with mosquito breeding grounds in the past two weeks.
A total of nearly RM10,000 in fines were collected.
The others were 12 construction sites, two institutions of higher learning, eight schools and four factories.
Last week, six government hospitals and five schools throughout the country were booked for having Aedes mosquito breeding grounds within their premises.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah said the authorities would from now on impose the maximum fine of RM500 on offenders for each Aedes mosquito breeding ground found.
“A second-time offender will be taken to court and be fined up to RM10,000 or be jailed up to two years or both,” he said during the official launch of fogging teams at the Sungai Dua MCA service centre yesterday.
Subbaiyah said that from Jan 1 until yesterday, 756 dengue cases had been reported in Penang.
There were 23 reported dengue cases from Sunday to yesterday, while 60 people were admitted to hospitals on Thursday and yesterday for suspected dengue, he said.
The hospital, fined RM150, was among 27 places found with mosquito breeding grounds in the past two weeks.
A total of nearly RM10,000 in fines were collected.
The others were 12 construction sites, two institutions of higher learning, eight schools and four factories.
Last week, six government hospitals and five schools throughout the country were booked for having Aedes mosquito breeding grounds within their premises.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah said the authorities would from now on impose the maximum fine of RM500 on offenders for each Aedes mosquito breeding ground found.
“A second-time offender will be taken to court and be fined up to RM10,000 or be jailed up to two years or both,” he said during the official launch of fogging teams at the Sungai Dua MCA service centre yesterday.
Subbaiyah said that from Jan 1 until yesterday, 756 dengue cases had been reported in Penang.
There were 23 reported dengue cases from Sunday to yesterday, while 60 people were admitted to hospitals on Thursday and yesterday for suspected dengue, he said.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Natural foe to check Aedes spread
Star: Fight fire with fire. Bring in a bigger mosquito from the jungle to feed on the young of its city cousins.
The larvae of one jungle variety, the Toxorhynchites splendens, consume larvae of other mosquito species, particularly the Aedes aegypti.
These cannibalistic mosquitoes are bigger in size but they do not attack people because they are not blood-suckers.
The adult Toxorhynchites splendens subsists on nectar and other natural carbohydrates.
USM Vector Control Research Unit coordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal said the Toxorhynchites splendens breeds in tree crevices.
He suggested the mosquitoes be introduced in areas where they do not naturally occur, such as urban zones.
“Introducing the mosquito in the city may help check the breeding of Aedes in trees. It is not a long term measure but it can help in a small way,” he told The Star.
In a scientific paper on the Toxorhynchites, USM associate professor Dr Yap Han Heng wrote: “We believe we have a vegetarian which does no harm to any human being, and is at the same time a deadly foe to the young of other kinds of the genus (mosquitoes).”
As the Toxorhynchites splendens is a natural predator of Aedes larvae, Prof Zairi said, it would be a suitable agent to help fight the menace of dengue.
“The mosquito will not bite humans and will not transmit any disease. We can breed the larvae and introduce them into tree holes or bring in adult mosquitoes for them to reproduce,” he said.
There are dozens of species of Toxorhynchites around the world and they share a similar trait – their larvae have a voracious appetite for the young of other mosquitoes.
The larvae of one jungle variety, the Toxorhynchites splendens, consume larvae of other mosquito species, particularly the Aedes aegypti.
These cannibalistic mosquitoes are bigger in size but they do not attack people because they are not blood-suckers.
The adult Toxorhynchites splendens subsists on nectar and other natural carbohydrates.
USM Vector Control Research Unit coordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal said the Toxorhynchites splendens breeds in tree crevices.
He suggested the mosquitoes be introduced in areas where they do not naturally occur, such as urban zones.
“Introducing the mosquito in the city may help check the breeding of Aedes in trees. It is not a long term measure but it can help in a small way,” he told The Star.
In a scientific paper on the Toxorhynchites, USM associate professor Dr Yap Han Heng wrote: “We believe we have a vegetarian which does no harm to any human being, and is at the same time a deadly foe to the young of other kinds of the genus (mosquitoes).”
As the Toxorhynchites splendens is a natural predator of Aedes larvae, Prof Zairi said, it would be a suitable agent to help fight the menace of dengue.
“The mosquito will not bite humans and will not transmit any disease. We can breed the larvae and introduce them into tree holes or bring in adult mosquitoes for them to reproduce,” he said.
There are dozens of species of Toxorhynchites around the world and they share a similar trait – their larvae have a voracious appetite for the young of other mosquitoes.
Aedes breed in plastic bags and styrofoam packs, too
Star: Clogged drains and rain gutters may be the obvious items to check for stagnant water, but don’t discount the rubbish.
Used styrofoam food boxes and plastic bags can easily trap rain water and provide the right conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
“We have to drastically reduce the amount of rubbish strewn indiscriminately,” said Universiti Sains Malaysia Vector Control Research Unit co-ordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal.
“We have to tackle the problem at the grassroots, especially the way we dispose of rubbish like styrofoam lunch packs and containers which are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“Mosquitoes even find their way into teh tarik plastic bags left behind by people,” he said.
Prof Zairi said abandoned construction sites on the island were one of the major sources of the dengue outbreak in the state, while other potential breeding grounds include waterlogged patches in football fields.
USM entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad urged the people not to shut their windows and doors when local authorities carry out fogging in the neighbourhood.
“People have a tendency to close all their windows and doors when the authorities fog their area. By doing so, the mosquitoes indoors will not be affected,” he said.
Prof Abu Hasan said that for safety’s sake, the people should bear with the smell from the fogging.
He said the chemicals used in the fogging were harmless to people.
Used styrofoam food boxes and plastic bags can easily trap rain water and provide the right conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
“We have to drastically reduce the amount of rubbish strewn indiscriminately,” said Universiti Sains Malaysia Vector Control Research Unit co-ordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal.
“We have to tackle the problem at the grassroots, especially the way we dispose of rubbish like styrofoam lunch packs and containers which are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“Mosquitoes even find their way into teh tarik plastic bags left behind by people,” he said.
Prof Zairi said abandoned construction sites on the island were one of the major sources of the dengue outbreak in the state, while other potential breeding grounds include waterlogged patches in football fields.
USM entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad urged the people not to shut their windows and doors when local authorities carry out fogging in the neighbourhood.
“People have a tendency to close all their windows and doors when the authorities fog their area. By doing so, the mosquitoes indoors will not be affected,” he said.
Prof Abu Hasan said that for safety’s sake, the people should bear with the smell from the fogging.
He said the chemicals used in the fogging were harmless to people.
Dengue Updates: Seven warded at UMMC daily
NST: An average of seven dengue victims a day have been admitted to the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) over the past two months.
Many more with dengue symptoms have been treated at the hospital’s out-patient department.
UMMC Infectious Disease specialist Dr Tan Lian Huat said most of the patients now were adults, unlike early this year when most were children.
The hospital has a special ward for dengue patients.
"What’s important is early diagnosis of the disease and admission to reduce fatality rates," he said.
"Many people seek treatment after suffering from dengue fever symptoms for at least five days or more."
Dengue symptoms are high fever, severe headache, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes.
Dr Tan said the rash may appear over most parts of the body three to four days after the fever. A second rash may appear later in the course of the disease.
"Bed rest and proper treatment is advisable during the acute febrile phase. Aspirin and Ponstan should be avoided since they can cause gastritis, bleeding and acidosis. Paracetamol is preferable," said Dr Tan, adding that heart patients can continue with their aspirin intake.
Analgesics or mild sedatives may be required for patients with severe pain.
Dr Tan said more fluids and electrolyte therapy were recommended for patients with excessive sweating or vomiting.
"Our main concern is for patients suffering from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The prognosis of DHF depends on early recognition of plasma leakage. This can be achieved by frequent monitoring for a drop in the platelet count," he said.
Early DHF symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint aches, malaise, decreased appetite and vomiting. The acute phase symptoms include breathing difficulty, shock-like state, sweating (diaphoretic), cold and restlessness.
Dr Tan said physical examination may reveal low blood pressure, rapid pulse, rash, red eyes, red throat, swollen glands and an enlarged liver.
"Because DHF is caused by a virus, there is no known cure or vaccine and the only treatment is to treat the symptoms," he said.
Many more with dengue symptoms have been treated at the hospital’s out-patient department.
UMMC Infectious Disease specialist Dr Tan Lian Huat said most of the patients now were adults, unlike early this year when most were children.
The hospital has a special ward for dengue patients.
"What’s important is early diagnosis of the disease and admission to reduce fatality rates," he said.
"Many people seek treatment after suffering from dengue fever symptoms for at least five days or more."
Dengue symptoms are high fever, severe headache, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes.
Dr Tan said the rash may appear over most parts of the body three to four days after the fever. A second rash may appear later in the course of the disease.
"Bed rest and proper treatment is advisable during the acute febrile phase. Aspirin and Ponstan should be avoided since they can cause gastritis, bleeding and acidosis. Paracetamol is preferable," said Dr Tan, adding that heart patients can continue with their aspirin intake.
Analgesics or mild sedatives may be required for patients with severe pain.
Dr Tan said more fluids and electrolyte therapy were recommended for patients with excessive sweating or vomiting.
"Our main concern is for patients suffering from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The prognosis of DHF depends on early recognition of plasma leakage. This can be achieved by frequent monitoring for a drop in the platelet count," he said.
Early DHF symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint aches, malaise, decreased appetite and vomiting. The acute phase symptoms include breathing difficulty, shock-like state, sweating (diaphoretic), cold and restlessness.
Dr Tan said physical examination may reveal low blood pressure, rapid pulse, rash, red eyes, red throat, swollen glands and an enlarged liver.
"Because DHF is caused by a virus, there is no known cure or vaccine and the only treatment is to treat the symptoms," he said.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Cabinet Approves Contingency Plan To Fight Bird Flu
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet Wednesday approved the contingency plan to fight bird flu proposed by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, which includes action to deal with a hypothetical epidemic.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the contingency plan, to be implemented by the ministry, was ready to take off.
"The Cabinet was satisfied with the various aspects of the plan, such as the workforce to be deployed," he told reporters after chairing his ministry's post-Cabinet meeting.
He said the plan included the type of action to be taken if the disease spread to a wide area and the steps to be taken in the event of an epidemic, including the destruction of the infected fowls.
An operation room and an action committee at the ministry and state levels and the financial commitment were also proposed in the plan, he added.
Several laboratories such the Animal Research Institute in Ipoh and the veterinary laboratories at Bukit Tengah would carry out diagnosis and tests.
Muhyiddin said if the disease struck, the affected areas would be cordoned off to facilitate efforts to fight the disease.
He also said the ministry would not issue any import permits for animals or birds and would step up cooperation with the relevant agencies, especially at the entry points into the country.
"We will also step up cooperation with neighbouring countries to face the problem," he said.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the contingency plan, to be implemented by the ministry, was ready to take off.
"The Cabinet was satisfied with the various aspects of the plan, such as the workforce to be deployed," he told reporters after chairing his ministry's post-Cabinet meeting.
He said the plan included the type of action to be taken if the disease spread to a wide area and the steps to be taken in the event of an epidemic, including the destruction of the infected fowls.
An operation room and an action committee at the ministry and state levels and the financial commitment were also proposed in the plan, he added.
Several laboratories such the Animal Research Institute in Ipoh and the veterinary laboratories at Bukit Tengah would carry out diagnosis and tests.
Muhyiddin said if the disease struck, the affected areas would be cordoned off to facilitate efforts to fight the disease.
He also said the ministry would not issue any import permits for animals or birds and would step up cooperation with the relevant agencies, especially at the entry points into the country.
"We will also step up cooperation with neighbouring countries to face the problem," he said.
Radicare To Appraise Contractors Following Aedes Find
KOTA BAHARU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Radicare (M) Sdn Bhd which provides non-clinical support services to hospitals, plans to conduct a performance assessment on its 2,000 contractors after aedes mosquitoes were found breeding in the premises of three hospitals in its service.
Its executive director Datuk Abdul Rahman Hamzah said the appraisal would begin this year on all its contractors, 90 per cent of whom were bumiputeras.
Action would be taken against those who did not provide satisfactory service, he said after the breaking of fast and presenting school uniforms to 136 orphans here yesterday evening.
"This is to ensure the contractors enhance their quality of service after actions were taken on hospitals in Tanah Merah, Kuantan and Jerantut for allowing their premises to be aedes breeding grounds recently," he said.
Radicare, which began its operations in 1997, currently provides services to 47 hospitals and health institutions in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor and the Federal Territories.
"We have plans to expand our coverage to other states", Abdul Rahman said.
Its executive director Datuk Abdul Rahman Hamzah said the appraisal would begin this year on all its contractors, 90 per cent of whom were bumiputeras.
Action would be taken against those who did not provide satisfactory service, he said after the breaking of fast and presenting school uniforms to 136 orphans here yesterday evening.
"This is to ensure the contractors enhance their quality of service after actions were taken on hospitals in Tanah Merah, Kuantan and Jerantut for allowing their premises to be aedes breeding grounds recently," he said.
Radicare, which began its operations in 1997, currently provides services to 47 hospitals and health institutions in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor and the Federal Territories.
"We have plans to expand our coverage to other states", Abdul Rahman said.
Eggs of aedes are hardy, say experts
Star: The aedes aegypti mosquito which used to breed indoors is now laying eggs outdoors, according to studies by Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad said the eggs had been found in tree crevices.
The aedes albopictus, another dengue carrier, also lays its eggs in tree crevices that are water-logged.
According to USM Vector Control Research Unit coordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal, 90% of the aedes albopictus lay their eggs in trees.
“The eggs are hardy and can withstand dry conditions for up to six months,” he said, adding that the dried eggs would hatch faster than fresh eggs upon contact with water.
“Dried eggs hatch faster because they are highly stressed. Our lab tests have shown that when dried eggs are put in water and the air vacuumed out, they hatch within four minutes,” Prof Zairi said.
Both experts said the aedes aegypti, which is native to Africa, was the deadlier of the two species.
Aedes mosquitoes tend to feed in the evening when the sun goes down. The insect feeds on several people at one time, unlike the Anopheles (associated with malaria) that usually feeds on one victim.
“Mosquitoes are moving into suburban areas and no longer thrive only in urban zones,” said Prof Zairi.
“We have found the aedes aegypti even in Teluk Kumbar (in Penang), and that area is suburban.”
Uncontrolled development, he said, was one of the main causes for the change in the mosquito breeding pattern.
Prof Abu Hassan warned that dengue was here to stay. “There is no way to wipe out dengue locally or globally. The only way to combat the menace is to tackle public apathy.”
He said it was very important to reduce mosquito breeding sites, as fogging only killed the adult mosquito.
And draining water containers is not enough. The people must also clean out the containers.
“The mosquito eggs are stuck to the sides of the containers even when the water is drained. They can survive for six months without water and when they come into contact with water, they will hatch,” he said.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad said the eggs had been found in tree crevices.
The aedes albopictus, another dengue carrier, also lays its eggs in tree crevices that are water-logged.
According to USM Vector Control Research Unit coordinator Assoc Prof Zairi Jaal, 90% of the aedes albopictus lay their eggs in trees.
“The eggs are hardy and can withstand dry conditions for up to six months,” he said, adding that the dried eggs would hatch faster than fresh eggs upon contact with water.
“Dried eggs hatch faster because they are highly stressed. Our lab tests have shown that when dried eggs are put in water and the air vacuumed out, they hatch within four minutes,” Prof Zairi said.
Both experts said the aedes aegypti, which is native to Africa, was the deadlier of the two species.
Aedes mosquitoes tend to feed in the evening when the sun goes down. The insect feeds on several people at one time, unlike the Anopheles (associated with malaria) that usually feeds on one victim.
“Mosquitoes are moving into suburban areas and no longer thrive only in urban zones,” said Prof Zairi.
“We have found the aedes aegypti even in Teluk Kumbar (in Penang), and that area is suburban.”
Uncontrolled development, he said, was one of the main causes for the change in the mosquito breeding pattern.
Prof Abu Hassan warned that dengue was here to stay. “There is no way to wipe out dengue locally or globally. The only way to combat the menace is to tackle public apathy.”
He said it was very important to reduce mosquito breeding sites, as fogging only killed the adult mosquito.
And draining water containers is not enough. The people must also clean out the containers.
“The mosquito eggs are stuck to the sides of the containers even when the water is drained. They can survive for six months without water and when they come into contact with water, they will hatch,” he said.
Traditional medicine with a dash of Viagra
Star: A manufacturer dealing in traditional medicine capsules has been found to have made and sold products that included scheduled poisons, including Viagra.
This was uncovered by the Health Ministry's pharmaceutical enforcement branch recently.
The manufacturer had applied to register its various traditional medicines with the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Division some six years ago, said the enforcement branch's deputy director Dr Ahmad Mahmud.
“However, the moment it received the approval and registration number, it added scheduled poisons – including sildenafil (Viagra), painkillers and anti-histamines – to some of its products.
“It is illegal, but for many companies, it is a trend now to market their medicine as sex stimulants to increase their sales.”
Dr Ahmad said if a product was registered as traditional medicine, it must remain that; and nothing else should be added to it.
“Following tip-offs from the public, we decided to raid all 12 premises where the capsules are stored in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Pahang,” Dr Ahmad told a press conference yesterday.
“Initial investigations showed that one of the products did have sildenafil in it,” he said, adding that the company sold the medicine via direct selling.
Eleven of the 12 premises belonged to distributors.
The raid focused on the manufacturer's production facility, at a shoplot in the Klang Valley.
Authorities seized about RM300,000 worth of capsules.
According to Dr Ahmad, offenders could be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed up to three years or both for the first offence; and fined up to RM50,000 or jailed up to five years or both for the second and subsequent offences under the Drug and Cosmetics Control Regulation 1984.
The company involved can also be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence or fined up to RM100,000 for the second and subsequent offences.
This was uncovered by the Health Ministry's pharmaceutical enforcement branch recently.
The manufacturer had applied to register its various traditional medicines with the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Division some six years ago, said the enforcement branch's deputy director Dr Ahmad Mahmud.
“However, the moment it received the approval and registration number, it added scheduled poisons – including sildenafil (Viagra), painkillers and anti-histamines – to some of its products.
“It is illegal, but for many companies, it is a trend now to market their medicine as sex stimulants to increase their sales.”
Dr Ahmad said if a product was registered as traditional medicine, it must remain that; and nothing else should be added to it.
“Following tip-offs from the public, we decided to raid all 12 premises where the capsules are stored in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Pahang,” Dr Ahmad told a press conference yesterday.
“Initial investigations showed that one of the products did have sildenafil in it,” he said, adding that the company sold the medicine via direct selling.
Eleven of the 12 premises belonged to distributors.
The raid focused on the manufacturer's production facility, at a shoplot in the Klang Valley.
Authorities seized about RM300,000 worth of capsules.
According to Dr Ahmad, offenders could be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed up to three years or both for the first offence; and fined up to RM50,000 or jailed up to five years or both for the second and subsequent offences under the Drug and Cosmetics Control Regulation 1984.
The company involved can also be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence or fined up to RM100,000 for the second and subsequent offences.
All poultry may be culled
NST: The worst-case scenario on bird flu would compel the authorities to cull all poultry nationwide or embark on a mammoth vaccination campaign.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said either of these would be done if the bird flu spread too rapidly or could not be contained.
He said culling was still the most effective way of containing its spread.
Vaccination was an alternative but its success depended on the availability of vaccine.
Dr Hawari said the initial measures to be taken in the event of infection was rapid destruction of all infected or exposed birds, proper disposal of carcasses, quarantining and rigorous disinfection of farms.
"We will also impose restrictions on the movement of poultry within the country," he added.
Dr Hawari said the department would try to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals and humans.
Avian influenza has led to 65 deaths in Asia, most of them in Vietnam and Thailand.
While there have been no known cases of person-to-person transmission, World Health Organisation officials and other experts have warned the virus could mutate into a form that spreads easily among people. Three influenza pandemics have occurred over the last century.
Dr Hawari said the department was also monitoring the possibility of direct or indirect contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory waterfowl.
He said humans could become infected by contact with discharge from infected birds, especially faeces and respiratory secretions.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said either of these would be done if the bird flu spread too rapidly or could not be contained.
He said culling was still the most effective way of containing its spread.
Vaccination was an alternative but its success depended on the availability of vaccine.
Dr Hawari said the initial measures to be taken in the event of infection was rapid destruction of all infected or exposed birds, proper disposal of carcasses, quarantining and rigorous disinfection of farms.
"We will also impose restrictions on the movement of poultry within the country," he added.
Dr Hawari said the department would try to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals and humans.
Avian influenza has led to 65 deaths in Asia, most of them in Vietnam and Thailand.
While there have been no known cases of person-to-person transmission, World Health Organisation officials and other experts have warned the virus could mutate into a form that spreads easily among people. Three influenza pandemics have occurred over the last century.
Dr Hawari said the department was also monitoring the possibility of direct or indirect contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory waterfowl.
He said humans could become infected by contact with discharge from infected birds, especially faeces and respiratory secretions.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Need To Address Mental Health Issues At Workplace
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye ion Wednesday called for urgent steps be taken to address mental health issue at the workplace.
Lee said neglecting mental health and psychological factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects efficiency, effectiveness and output of the enterprise.
"Employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees' mental health status.
"Mental health problems are not merely confined to those in mental institutions but also affect common people. No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high," he said in a statement.
Lee said mental health is not just about mental illness but covers areas such as feeling of well-being, the ability to cope with life's challenges and to have a positive attitude towards oneself.
Therefore, he said mental health should no longer be ignored in the community. On the contrary, it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems, he added.
Lee said neglecting mental health and psychological factors at the workplace is not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects efficiency, effectiveness and output of the enterprise.
"Employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees' mental health status.
"Mental health problems are not merely confined to those in mental institutions but also affect common people. No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high," he said in a statement.
Lee said mental health is not just about mental illness but covers areas such as feeling of well-being, the ability to cope with life's challenges and to have a positive attitude towards oneself.
Therefore, he said mental health should no longer be ignored in the community. On the contrary, it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems, he added.
Super resistant aedes evolving
Star: Bad news. The aedes mosquito, the source of the dengue fever across the country, has evolved into a super resistant menace.
Even its eggs can survive for a long period in very harsh and tough conditions without water.
Findings by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad showed the eggs of the aedes mosquito can withstand extremely dry conditions.
And they are able to survive in these conditions for up to six months.
However, said Prof Abu Hassan, the eggs would need to be laid in water first.
“Our lab tests have shown that the eggs can survive for four months and we are sure they can even last up to six months without a drop of water.
“We have had a very long dry spell and in the last month we’ve had rain.
“With the onset of rain, the eggs will hatch and the larvae will find their way into waterlogged areas,” he told The Star.
Prof Abu Hassan spent more than 20 years studying mosquitoes, and nearly lost his life to dengue eight years ago.
He said fogging would only kill the adult mosquitoes but would not affect the eggs that had been laid.
“The eggs are laid in tree crevices, drains and containers when water collects there.
“It is impossible to destroy the eggs totally.
“Our efforts should be to drastically reduce the number of adult mosquitoes,” he added.
In Sarawak, studies by the Miri City Council’s health and environment department found these astonishing and unexpected characteristics of the aedes mosquito:
# THE eggs have a very strong shell that cannot dry or crack for as long as they are incubating in mud, soil, damp leaves or wet sand;
# THE eggs can survive for a long period under such conditions and will hatch when the next round of rain comes, forming a small pool of water to enable the larvae to swim out;
# CONTINUOUS fogging with the same chemical will, in a short time, result in a change in the immune system of the aedes mosquito, enabling the insect to adapt to the chemical and shield itself from poisonous effects;
# THE mosquitoes can breed in all types of water, even in clean water in bath tanks or any storage tank.
“These studies have helped us formulate new fogging components to kill the adult mosquitoes,” said city Mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen.
“We have to keep changing the mixture of chemicals by using different varieties at regular intervals.
“We are also conducting ‘search and destroy’ missions in all open spaces, even where there is no stagnant or clean water,” he said.
So far this year, Miri has recorded 60 confirmed cases of dengue, but there has been no death.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that the Government had started to use larvicidal biological control Bti (bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) in the fogging of dengue-prone areas since August.
Even its eggs can survive for a long period in very harsh and tough conditions without water.
Findings by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entomologist Prof Abu Hassan Ahmad showed the eggs of the aedes mosquito can withstand extremely dry conditions.
And they are able to survive in these conditions for up to six months.
However, said Prof Abu Hassan, the eggs would need to be laid in water first.
“Our lab tests have shown that the eggs can survive for four months and we are sure they can even last up to six months without a drop of water.
“We have had a very long dry spell and in the last month we’ve had rain.
“With the onset of rain, the eggs will hatch and the larvae will find their way into waterlogged areas,” he told The Star.
Prof Abu Hassan spent more than 20 years studying mosquitoes, and nearly lost his life to dengue eight years ago.
He said fogging would only kill the adult mosquitoes but would not affect the eggs that had been laid.
“The eggs are laid in tree crevices, drains and containers when water collects there.
“It is impossible to destroy the eggs totally.
“Our efforts should be to drastically reduce the number of adult mosquitoes,” he added.
In Sarawak, studies by the Miri City Council’s health and environment department found these astonishing and unexpected characteristics of the aedes mosquito:
# THE eggs have a very strong shell that cannot dry or crack for as long as they are incubating in mud, soil, damp leaves or wet sand;
# THE eggs can survive for a long period under such conditions and will hatch when the next round of rain comes, forming a small pool of water to enable the larvae to swim out;
# CONTINUOUS fogging with the same chemical will, in a short time, result in a change in the immune system of the aedes mosquito, enabling the insect to adapt to the chemical and shield itself from poisonous effects;
# THE mosquitoes can breed in all types of water, even in clean water in bath tanks or any storage tank.
“These studies have helped us formulate new fogging components to kill the adult mosquitoes,” said city Mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen.
“We have to keep changing the mixture of chemicals by using different varieties at regular intervals.
“We are also conducting ‘search and destroy’ missions in all open spaces, even where there is no stagnant or clean water,” he said.
So far this year, Miri has recorded 60 confirmed cases of dengue, but there has been no death.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that the Government had started to use larvicidal biological control Bti (bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) in the fogging of dengue-prone areas since August.
Dengue Update: Weather conducive to Aedes
NST: For the second consecutive week, the number of new dengue cases exceeded 1,000.
And even more are expected in the next few weeks given weather conditions.
The Government had earlier said that an epidemic would be declared if the number of dengue cases surpassed 1,000 a week.
Last week, there were 1,201 cases with four deaths; up by 178 from the previous week’s 1,023 with two deaths.
The Health Ministry’s disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said the current weather, alternating between heat and rain, was conducive to the breeding of Aedes.
He warned that if the authorities and homeowners did not clear collected rainwater and dispose of rubbish and containers, more people would be hospitalised with dengue.
Last week’s toll brought the number of dengue cases between Jan 1 and Oct 8 to 29,820, with 76 people dead. In the same period last year, there were 28,290 cases with 73 deaths.
The latest victim was a 30-year-old production executive with BASF Petronas in Gebeng, Kuantan, who died of dengue haemorrhagic fever on Saturday at the Kuantan Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said the executive had gone for a holiday in Kuala Langat, Selangor, and upon his return fell ill on Oct 4 and was hospitalised the following day at the Kuantan Medical Centre.
On Oct 8, when his condition worsened, he was transferred to the Kuantan Hospital where he died the same day.
In Seremban, Bernama reports that the hospital here cancelled the contract of a company for allowing the premises to become a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito.
Seremban Hospital director Dr Zailan Adnan said the company had been engaged to build a new wing.
He was commenting on the summons issued to the hospital on June 2 after it was found to be a breeding ground for the mosquito.
And even more are expected in the next few weeks given weather conditions.
The Government had earlier said that an epidemic would be declared if the number of dengue cases surpassed 1,000 a week.
Last week, there were 1,201 cases with four deaths; up by 178 from the previous week’s 1,023 with two deaths.
The Health Ministry’s disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said the current weather, alternating between heat and rain, was conducive to the breeding of Aedes.
He warned that if the authorities and homeowners did not clear collected rainwater and dispose of rubbish and containers, more people would be hospitalised with dengue.
Last week’s toll brought the number of dengue cases between Jan 1 and Oct 8 to 29,820, with 76 people dead. In the same period last year, there were 28,290 cases with 73 deaths.
The latest victim was a 30-year-old production executive with BASF Petronas in Gebeng, Kuantan, who died of dengue haemorrhagic fever on Saturday at the Kuantan Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said the executive had gone for a holiday in Kuala Langat, Selangor, and upon his return fell ill on Oct 4 and was hospitalised the following day at the Kuantan Medical Centre.
On Oct 8, when his condition worsened, he was transferred to the Kuantan Hospital where he died the same day.
In Seremban, Bernama reports that the hospital here cancelled the contract of a company for allowing the premises to become a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito.
Seremban Hospital director Dr Zailan Adnan said the company had been engaged to build a new wing.
He was commenting on the summons issued to the hospital on June 2 after it was found to be a breeding ground for the mosquito.
Malaria: Five under watch
NST: Five Indian nationals were admitted to the Ipoh Hospital with malaria recently, with one of them identified as a carrier of the disease.
Health Ministry Disease Control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the five, all of whom worked at the same quarry, were released on Friday but were being kept under observation for signs of relapse.
"Our investigations revealed that one of them, who returned from India after a three-month holiday, was the carrier.
"He was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday after developing symptoms of malaria," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Ramlee said four of the 40-year-old’s colleagues at the quarry in Simpang Pulai were admitted the following day with the same symptoms, and blood tests confirmed they had contracted malaria.
Health Ministry Disease Control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the five, all of whom worked at the same quarry, were released on Friday but were being kept under observation for signs of relapse.
"Our investigations revealed that one of them, who returned from India after a three-month holiday, was the carrier.
"He was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday after developing symptoms of malaria," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Ramlee said four of the 40-year-old’s colleagues at the quarry in Simpang Pulai were admitted the following day with the same symptoms, and blood tests confirmed they had contracted malaria.
Equipment To Detect Breast Cancer Painlessly To Make Debut
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- A Russian-made equipment to detect breast cancer will be introduced at an awareness campaign here on Nov 5 and 6.
The campaign, organised by the MCA Wanita divisions of Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Titiwangsa, Batu and Bukit Bintang with the cooperation of Chinese herbal medicine dealer Eu Yan Sang, will be held from 11am to 8pm on the two days at the Eu Yan Sang head office in Shaw Parade, Jalan Thamby Dollah.
The equipment, named Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), is painless to the user unlike the mammogram procedure.
"The pain experienced during the mammogram procedure is one of the reasons why many women do not go for periodic checks," said Parliamentary Secretary in the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Chew Mei Fun.
Women who took the EIT scan during the campaign would need to pay only half the cost of RM120 with the other half sponsored by Eu Yan Sang, she told a news conference, Monday.
Chew, who is the MCA Wanita deputy chief, said the EIT could also be used to prevent breast cancer as it could detect damaged tissue that might lead to breast cancer, which would enable the patient to seek early treatment.
Bio Impedance Sdn Bhd, the supplier of the equipment, said it could be used by women aged from 15 years, unlike the mammogram procedure which was only suitable for women aged 40 and above.
Bio Impedance's business development director Jailani Abdul Rahman said a scan using the EIT would take between 12 and 20 minutes, and the result would be known immediately.
The campaign, organised by the MCA Wanita divisions of Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Titiwangsa, Batu and Bukit Bintang with the cooperation of Chinese herbal medicine dealer Eu Yan Sang, will be held from 11am to 8pm on the two days at the Eu Yan Sang head office in Shaw Parade, Jalan Thamby Dollah.
The equipment, named Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), is painless to the user unlike the mammogram procedure.
"The pain experienced during the mammogram procedure is one of the reasons why many women do not go for periodic checks," said Parliamentary Secretary in the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Chew Mei Fun.
Women who took the EIT scan during the campaign would need to pay only half the cost of RM120 with the other half sponsored by Eu Yan Sang, she told a news conference, Monday.
Chew, who is the MCA Wanita deputy chief, said the EIT could also be used to prevent breast cancer as it could detect damaged tissue that might lead to breast cancer, which would enable the patient to seek early treatment.
Bio Impedance Sdn Bhd, the supplier of the equipment, said it could be used by women aged from 15 years, unlike the mammogram procedure which was only suitable for women aged 40 and above.
Bio Impedance's business development director Jailani Abdul Rahman said a scan using the EIT would take between 12 and 20 minutes, and the result would be known immediately.
Major boost for higher education
NST: This is the news that Malaysian parents have been waiting to hear: Malaysia is going to be home to a top-class medical university and business management institution, modelled on the famous Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Besides providing more places for locals otherwise forced to venture abroad, these two institutions will also give the country’s ambitions of becoming a regional education hub a major fillip.
It also signals a move by the administration to aggressively chase tie-ups with brand- name foreign universities.
Special Envoy to the Higher Education Ministry Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi said the Government planned to set up a business management institute and a medical university.
He said the medical university could be a collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. The college of surgeons dates back to 1784 while the college of physicians was established in 1654.
Effendi said a team from the ministry visited Ireland recently and he had several discussions with Irish ambassador to Malaysia Daniel Mulhall on the matter.
"All I can say now is that it has been very encouraging," he added.
A top-class medical university would satisfy the twin needs of meeting the demand for places to study medicine for Malaysians and also attracting students from Indonesia and other countries in the region to study here.
At present, Malaysian students wanting to obtain a medical degree from a reputable university in Britain or Ireland have to spend up to RM1 million.
Effendi said the business management institution will involve a tie-up with Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, one of eight Ivy League nstitutions in the United States.
"We need an institution to develop human capital here which will not only serve the private but the public sector as well... the business institution will be an independent body and Wharton School will be one of our partners," he said, adding that he is personally looking into the setting up of the institute.
One of his chief tasks as a Special Envoy is to persuade top-notch universities to either set-up branch campuses here or work with other institutions here.
Besides providing more places for locals otherwise forced to venture abroad, these two institutions will also give the country’s ambitions of becoming a regional education hub a major fillip.
It also signals a move by the administration to aggressively chase tie-ups with brand- name foreign universities.
Special Envoy to the Higher Education Ministry Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi said the Government planned to set up a business management institute and a medical university.
He said the medical university could be a collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. The college of surgeons dates back to 1784 while the college of physicians was established in 1654.
Effendi said a team from the ministry visited Ireland recently and he had several discussions with Irish ambassador to Malaysia Daniel Mulhall on the matter.
"All I can say now is that it has been very encouraging," he added.
A top-class medical university would satisfy the twin needs of meeting the demand for places to study medicine for Malaysians and also attracting students from Indonesia and other countries in the region to study here.
At present, Malaysian students wanting to obtain a medical degree from a reputable university in Britain or Ireland have to spend up to RM1 million.
Effendi said the business management institution will involve a tie-up with Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, one of eight Ivy League nstitutions in the United States.
"We need an institution to develop human capital here which will not only serve the private but the public sector as well... the business institution will be an independent body and Wharton School will be one of our partners," he said, adding that he is personally looking into the setting up of the institute.
One of his chief tasks as a Special Envoy is to persuade top-notch universities to either set-up branch campuses here or work with other institutions here.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
An eTHIS solution for Gleneagles
TechCentral: Kompakar Inc Bhd’s healthcare solutions unit, Kompakar eHealth Tech Sdn Bhd, has signed a RM1.5mil deal to implement its Total Hospital Information System (eTHIS) at Gleneagles Medical Centre, Penang.
The venture is Kompakar’s first with the Gleneagles hospital chain, owned by Singapore’s Parkway Holdings Ltd. The deal comes on the back of some RM20mil in contracts from hospitals in Malaysia, according to company officials.
Looi Kien Leong, Kompakar deputy executive chairman, said these hospitals included the Pantai Group of Hospitals, the Putrajaya Hospital and Putrajaya Clinic.
"Kompakar currently has a growing presence in the implementation of hospital information systems in private hospitals nationwide," he said.
Ronald Koh, general manager of Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang, said the hospital selected Kompakar's eTHIS solution because of its solid track record and internationally recognised software development capabilities.
eTHIS is designed to enhance patient care process. Its messaging mechanism simplifies administrative process and provides secure patient data retrieval solution that will assist medical practitioners to attend to patients more effciently, said Looi.
Looi said Kompakar eHealth Tech has also implemented eTHIS at hospitals in Singapore, Thailand, China and Indonesia
The venture is Kompakar’s first with the Gleneagles hospital chain, owned by Singapore’s Parkway Holdings Ltd. The deal comes on the back of some RM20mil in contracts from hospitals in Malaysia, according to company officials.
Looi Kien Leong, Kompakar deputy executive chairman, said these hospitals included the Pantai Group of Hospitals, the Putrajaya Hospital and Putrajaya Clinic.
"Kompakar currently has a growing presence in the implementation of hospital information systems in private hospitals nationwide," he said.
Ronald Koh, general manager of Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang, said the hospital selected Kompakar's eTHIS solution because of its solid track record and internationally recognised software development capabilities.
eTHIS is designed to enhance patient care process. Its messaging mechanism simplifies administrative process and provides secure patient data retrieval solution that will assist medical practitioners to attend to patients more effciently, said Looi.
Looi said Kompakar eHealth Tech has also implemented eTHIS at hospitals in Singapore, Thailand, China and Indonesia
1,200 suspected dengue cases reported last week in Malaysia
Star: More than 1,200 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported in Malaysia last week, the Health Ministry said Tuesday, with the death toll from the mosquito-borne disease reaching 76 so far this year.
Officials have escalated efforts to curb the disease by inspecting construction sites and residential areas where mosquitoes might thrive in stagnant water, said Ramlee Rahmat, the director of the health ministry's disease control division.
The number of suspected dengue cases nationwide climbed to 1,201 last week, compared to 1,023 in the previous week, Ramlee said.
However, he added that many suspected infections often turn out to be false alarms after tests are conducted.
Two more people died of dengue, bringing this year's number of deaths to 76, Ramlee said.
Between January and the first week of October, 29,820 suspected dengue cases were recorded, an increase of nearly 30 percent from the 23,163 cases in the same period last year, Ramlee said.
More than 8,200 of those cases have been confirmed to be dengue.
Ramlee urged construction companies to voluntarily check their premises for stagnant water.
"It has to be a community effort," Ramlee said.
Dengue, which is endemic to this region, causes joint pains, high fevers, nausea and a rash. In severe cases, it causes internal bleeding and leads to death.
Several Southeast Asian countries have reported higher-than-usual infections this year.
Officials have escalated efforts to curb the disease by inspecting construction sites and residential areas where mosquitoes might thrive in stagnant water, said Ramlee Rahmat, the director of the health ministry's disease control division.
The number of suspected dengue cases nationwide climbed to 1,201 last week, compared to 1,023 in the previous week, Ramlee said.
However, he added that many suspected infections often turn out to be false alarms after tests are conducted.
Two more people died of dengue, bringing this year's number of deaths to 76, Ramlee said.
Between January and the first week of October, 29,820 suspected dengue cases were recorded, an increase of nearly 30 percent from the 23,163 cases in the same period last year, Ramlee said.
More than 8,200 of those cases have been confirmed to be dengue.
Ramlee urged construction companies to voluntarily check their premises for stagnant water.
"It has to be a community effort," Ramlee said.
Dengue, which is endemic to this region, causes joint pains, high fevers, nausea and a rash. In severe cases, it causes internal bleeding and leads to death.
Several Southeast Asian countries have reported higher-than-usual infections this year.
Monitor Suspected Breeding Grounds For Aedes, Says MMA
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Members of the public should be proactive in reporting suspected breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
President of Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, said members of the public should be encouraged to help monitor areas around their residence or workplace.
"MMA feels strongly that the eradication of the dengue problem can be achieved if the public work closely with all the relevant government authorities," he said in a statement Tuesday.
He welcomed the move by the Ministry of Health to penalise hospitals and schools, which were found to be the breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
"This action is long overdue. It is common knowledge that dengue is as much an environmental sector issue as a health issue.
"There are many areas under local authorities especially abandoned construction sites and unkempt public areas, which are often overlooked," he stressed.
Recently, Seremban Hospital was popular for the wrong reason when Aedes mosquitoes were breeding in several old tyres at the hospital guardhouse.
Besides the Seremban Hospital, five other hospitals and five schools were fined this year for breeding mosquitoes.
President of Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, said members of the public should be encouraged to help monitor areas around their residence or workplace.
"MMA feels strongly that the eradication of the dengue problem can be achieved if the public work closely with all the relevant government authorities," he said in a statement Tuesday.
He welcomed the move by the Ministry of Health to penalise hospitals and schools, which were found to be the breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
"This action is long overdue. It is common knowledge that dengue is as much an environmental sector issue as a health issue.
"There are many areas under local authorities especially abandoned construction sites and unkempt public areas, which are often overlooked," he stressed.
Recently, Seremban Hospital was popular for the wrong reason when Aedes mosquitoes were breeding in several old tyres at the hospital guardhouse.
Besides the Seremban Hospital, five other hospitals and five schools were fined this year for breeding mosquitoes.
More falling prey to chronic diseases
NST: The trend is frightening. More and more young people are falling prey to chronic diseases.Studies show that more than five million young Malaysians could become victims of diabetes, hypertension, heart ailments and stroke next year.
And if the young do not change their lifestyles, eating habits and quit smoking, by 2020 the figure will rise to 10 million.
The study indicates that some 2.3 million smokers, 420,200 obese people, 1.5 million overweight people, 8.4 million who are physically inactive, 410,650 who have impaired glucose tolerance and 2.1 million who consume alcohol are at risk of chronic diseases.
One study conducted between the year 2000 and 2003 by the Health Ministry, for instance, showed young men below 29 being hospitalised with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke.
The situation is bad enough without this trend: Every day, about 110 Malaysians suffer a stroke, the country’s third killer after cancer and heart attack. More than 40,000 new cases are reported annually.
The need to come to grips with this trend is the reason why the Health Ministry is targeting those above 18 years in its planned National Health and Morbidity Study 2006.
Public Health Specialist Association president Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, said: "We need to know what diseases are afflicting youngsters."
Dr Zainal said many young men were also becoming victims to chronic diseases in their most productive years due to smoking, intake of food containing high levels of cholesterol, saturated fat and salt, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
"Smokers have a higher risk of developing a number of chronic disorders," he said.
It is learnt that women who smoke and use oral contraceptives greatly increase their risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, compared with non-smoking women who use oral contraceptives.
Dr Zainal said Malaysians were blessed with a lot of rich food which was, unfortunately, high in cholesterol, fat and salt.
"Malaysians must learn to reduce the intake of food high in cholesterol, including nasi lemak and fast food," added Dr Zainal.
"Many of those suffering from heart disease and stroke are between the age of 30 and 49, the productive age, which is affecting individuals, families and the nation," said Dr Zainal, adding 25,756 people were hospitalised with IHD and 7,747 with stroke between 2000 and 2003 in government hospitals.
And if the young do not change their lifestyles, eating habits and quit smoking, by 2020 the figure will rise to 10 million.
The study indicates that some 2.3 million smokers, 420,200 obese people, 1.5 million overweight people, 8.4 million who are physically inactive, 410,650 who have impaired glucose tolerance and 2.1 million who consume alcohol are at risk of chronic diseases.
One study conducted between the year 2000 and 2003 by the Health Ministry, for instance, showed young men below 29 being hospitalised with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke.
The situation is bad enough without this trend: Every day, about 110 Malaysians suffer a stroke, the country’s third killer after cancer and heart attack. More than 40,000 new cases are reported annually.
The need to come to grips with this trend is the reason why the Health Ministry is targeting those above 18 years in its planned National Health and Morbidity Study 2006.
Public Health Specialist Association president Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, said: "We need to know what diseases are afflicting youngsters."
Dr Zainal said many young men were also becoming victims to chronic diseases in their most productive years due to smoking, intake of food containing high levels of cholesterol, saturated fat and salt, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
"Smokers have a higher risk of developing a number of chronic disorders," he said.
It is learnt that women who smoke and use oral contraceptives greatly increase their risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, compared with non-smoking women who use oral contraceptives.
Dr Zainal said Malaysians were blessed with a lot of rich food which was, unfortunately, high in cholesterol, fat and salt.
"Malaysians must learn to reduce the intake of food high in cholesterol, including nasi lemak and fast food," added Dr Zainal.
"Many of those suffering from heart disease and stroke are between the age of 30 and 49, the productive age, which is affecting individuals, families and the nation," said Dr Zainal, adding 25,756 people were hospitalised with IHD and 7,747 with stroke between 2000 and 2003 in government hospitals.
More dengue hotspots now
Star: PENANG: There’s good news and bad news concerning the dengue situation in the state.
First, the bad news. There are now 30 hotspots on the island – nine more than previously reported.
The good news is, the number of confirmed dengue cases dropped to 19 last week, from 90 the week before.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah, however, cautioned that the number of cases could rise again when the rainy season starts.
“Don’t be too optimistic as the worst could yet come,” he said yesterday.
Subbaiyah said a 50-year-old housewife from Bukit Mertajam was the latest case. She was admitted on Sunday to the Penang Hospital intensive care unit. This brought to three the number of dengue patients in intensive care. All are reported to be in stable condition.
There are 117 dengue patients in the state at present; 48 at private hospitals.
“We are requesting Rela and Civil Defence members to assist in anti-dengue operations now that five health teams from Perak have returned home,” said Subbaiyah.
He also urged factories to clean up their premises to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.
On the appeal for blood in view of the dengue situation, Subbaiyah said that with 1,119 pints at the Penang Hospital blood bank, there should be sufficient stock.
First, the bad news. There are now 30 hotspots on the island – nine more than previously reported.
The good news is, the number of confirmed dengue cases dropped to 19 last week, from 90 the week before.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah, however, cautioned that the number of cases could rise again when the rainy season starts.
“Don’t be too optimistic as the worst could yet come,” he said yesterday.
Subbaiyah said a 50-year-old housewife from Bukit Mertajam was the latest case. She was admitted on Sunday to the Penang Hospital intensive care unit. This brought to three the number of dengue patients in intensive care. All are reported to be in stable condition.
There are 117 dengue patients in the state at present; 48 at private hospitals.
“We are requesting Rela and Civil Defence members to assist in anti-dengue operations now that five health teams from Perak have returned home,” said Subbaiyah.
He also urged factories to clean up their premises to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.
On the appeal for blood in view of the dengue situation, Subbaiyah said that with 1,119 pints at the Penang Hospital blood bank, there should be sufficient stock.
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