Star: KOTA KINABALU: Imagine sitting for four hours as a dialysis machine next to you cleans your blood. You do it three times a week throughout the year.
Pensioner Michael Mojitoh has been doing it for 21 years.
The 63-year-old former Health Department technician is among the oldest kidney patients relying on the machine since his kidney failed in 1984.
“I have gotten used to it,” said Michael who was one of 36 patients seeking treatment at the MAA-Medicare Charity Kidney Dialysis Centre in Tanjung Aru near here recently.
The ailment ended his dream of farming on his 2ha land at Kampung Nambazan in Penampang near here – something he wanted to do when he retired.
“Now I cannot plant padi. But I’m happy just walking among the fruit trees and looking at the fish pond near my house,” he said.
The opening of the MAA-Medicare centre has made it easier for kidney patients to seek treatment.
Prior to this, they had to queue up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here for their turn at the 12 dialysis machines there.
When Michael first suffered kidney failure after a bout of hypertension in 1983, there were no dialysis machines in Kota Kinabalu.
He and two other patients had to be treated at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
They also had to stay there.
It was then that doctors suggested that he go for a transplant but there was no available donor among his family members.
“Now there are more kidney donors and I cannot undergo a transplant as I have been infected with hepatitis C due to blood transfusions,” he said.
Due to his condition, Michael said he has to watch his diet and avoid food high in phosphate and salt.
“So I don’t take things like coffee and durian, all the stuff which I liked,” he said with a smile on his face.
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
Sunday, November 20, 2005
World Toilet Day: Looking around
Star: PETALING JAYA: The state of our public toilets may leave much to be desired but on the day set aside as World Toilet Day, we were suddenly flushed with ideas.
It was a day when VIPs, especially local authority officials, were out in full force to do their part. And practically everyone had an idea or two on how to keep public toilets clean.
The first salvo came at the national-level launch in Shah Alam where Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the state of toilets in coffeeshops, restaurants and petrol kiosks could only be described as “below average”.
Lau said the campaign – quaintly themed “Care for the next user” – was aimed at encouraging good sanitary practices.
“Good toilet habits are a good reflection of a gracious society. It is important to have clean toilets because it’s hygienic. People who see a dirty toilet will not want to use it,” he said yesterday.
The Government, he added, was holding discussions with various industries to come up with high-tech devices for toilets to make them cleaner.
In Ipoh, a competition will be held next year to determine which toilet is the cleanest, and the prize for the operators will be a free trip to the next World Toilet Summit in Thailand. And those who cannot keep their toilets clean will be punished.
Though the details have yet to be worked out, Perak Urban and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said: “One immediate penalty is to revoke the contracts of operators.”
Over in Kuala Terengganu, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh delivered a verdict of “not satisfactory” after inspecting the cleanliness of several public toilets.
“I will continue with my crusade of inspecting toilets in future as this is in line with Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), which emphasises cleanliness,” he said.
In Penang, the Penang Municipal Council has allocated RM1mil this year to upgrade its 27 public toilets on the island.
“In view of the expenditure, we may consider awarding cleaning contracts only to professional contractors who have the proper qualifications,” said council president Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
In Malacca, city councillors will “adopt” public toilets to ensure they are clean.
Datuk Bandar Zaini Md Nor, the man behind the adoption scheme, has taken the lead by assuming responsibility for the toilets at Taman Bunga Merdeka in Jalan Kota and the one next to the Memorial Museum.
In Johor Baru, Datuk Bandar Datuk Wahid Dahlan said food outlet operators must have clean toilets or risk having their premises closed down.
“Toilet cleanliness is one of the main conditions for licence renewal,” he added.
It was a day when VIPs, especially local authority officials, were out in full force to do their part. And practically everyone had an idea or two on how to keep public toilets clean.
The first salvo came at the national-level launch in Shah Alam where Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the state of toilets in coffeeshops, restaurants and petrol kiosks could only be described as “below average”.
Lau said the campaign – quaintly themed “Care for the next user” – was aimed at encouraging good sanitary practices.
“Good toilet habits are a good reflection of a gracious society. It is important to have clean toilets because it’s hygienic. People who see a dirty toilet will not want to use it,” he said yesterday.
The Government, he added, was holding discussions with various industries to come up with high-tech devices for toilets to make them cleaner.
In Ipoh, a competition will be held next year to determine which toilet is the cleanest, and the prize for the operators will be a free trip to the next World Toilet Summit in Thailand. And those who cannot keep their toilets clean will be punished.
Though the details have yet to be worked out, Perak Urban and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said: “One immediate penalty is to revoke the contracts of operators.”
Over in Kuala Terengganu, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh delivered a verdict of “not satisfactory” after inspecting the cleanliness of several public toilets.
“I will continue with my crusade of inspecting toilets in future as this is in line with Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), which emphasises cleanliness,” he said.
In Penang, the Penang Municipal Council has allocated RM1mil this year to upgrade its 27 public toilets on the island.
“In view of the expenditure, we may consider awarding cleaning contracts only to professional contractors who have the proper qualifications,” said council president Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
In Malacca, city councillors will “adopt” public toilets to ensure they are clean.
Datuk Bandar Zaini Md Nor, the man behind the adoption scheme, has taken the lead by assuming responsibility for the toilets at Taman Bunga Merdeka in Jalan Kota and the one next to the Memorial Museum.
In Johor Baru, Datuk Bandar Datuk Wahid Dahlan said food outlet operators must have clean toilets or risk having their premises closed down.
“Toilet cleanliness is one of the main conditions for licence renewal,” he added.
Migratory birds no threat
NST: Butterworth: The movement of migratory birds to Malaysia from countries affected by the deadly avian flu, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, does not pose a threat to Malaysians.
National Parks and Wild- life Protection Department (Perhilitan) director-general Musa Nordin, in assuring the public today, said tests on some of the bird species had so far shown that they were free of any disease, including the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Musa said more than 300 samples, taken from over 100 species of birds, had been tested since the first bird flu outbreak in 2003 and all results had come back negative.
"Tests have clearly indicated that the deadly virus can only be passed to humans through local poultry. These migratory birds do not get into contact with our chickens and ducks."
However, he advised the public to immediately report to the authorities if they found cases of birds dying.
"We are not taking any chances. There is still a possibility that some of these birds may bring in the disease.
"Perhilitan together with the Veterinary Services Department will continue to collect blood, saliva as well as bird droppings for testing.
"We will carry out such activities as well as monitor the situation until the migration period (which began last month) ends in March," he said after opening a celebration to welcome the arrival of migratory birds at Dewan Sukan Titi Mukim in Penaga near here today.
The event, sponsored by Shell, was attended by Perhilitan conservation division director Siti Hawa Yatim, Wetlands International- Malaysia director Dr R. Sundari and Penang Malaysian Nature Society chairman K. Kanda.
More than 15,000 birds of over 30 species will make the 3km shoreline in Kuala Muda near here their new home during this period.
National Parks and Wild- life Protection Department (Perhilitan) director-general Musa Nordin, in assuring the public today, said tests on some of the bird species had so far shown that they were free of any disease, including the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Musa said more than 300 samples, taken from over 100 species of birds, had been tested since the first bird flu outbreak in 2003 and all results had come back negative.
"Tests have clearly indicated that the deadly virus can only be passed to humans through local poultry. These migratory birds do not get into contact with our chickens and ducks."
However, he advised the public to immediately report to the authorities if they found cases of birds dying.
"We are not taking any chances. There is still a possibility that some of these birds may bring in the disease.
"Perhilitan together with the Veterinary Services Department will continue to collect blood, saliva as well as bird droppings for testing.
"We will carry out such activities as well as monitor the situation until the migration period (which began last month) ends in March," he said after opening a celebration to welcome the arrival of migratory birds at Dewan Sukan Titi Mukim in Penaga near here today.
The event, sponsored by Shell, was attended by Perhilitan conservation division director Siti Hawa Yatim, Wetlands International- Malaysia director Dr R. Sundari and Penang Malaysian Nature Society chairman K. Kanda.
More than 15,000 birds of over 30 species will make the 3km shoreline in Kuala Muda near here their new home during this period.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Backing for avian flu fund
NST:MALAYSIA strongly backs Canada’s proposal to set up a fund to help poor countries affected by the deadly avian influenza (bird flu) virus.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made the proposal at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) Leaders’ Dialogue with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) here yesterday.
"I strongly support the Canadian Prime Minister’s proposal to set up a fund for the affected countries.
"If breeders in poor countries are forced to cull all their birds (due to avian flu), they could expect to receive some compensation but not necessarily full reimbursement," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Malaysian journalists here yesterday.
Describing the proposal as positive, he said the fund could help support efforts to tackle the threat of avian flu since breeders normally were not willing to destroy the infected birds if there was no offer of compensation.
"Take the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia (in 1998), for example. Although it was not so serious, it involved billions (of ringgit) in compensation. Thus, if we don’t help (poor countries affected by avian flu), the virus may spread to neighbouring countries and continue to move around," he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least 130 people in five Apec countries — China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia — have been diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu, and at least 67 have died.
Abdullah said at an earlier meeting between US President George W. Bush and leaders from seven Asean countries, including Abdullah, the leaders recognised the urgent need for an action plan to tackle avian flu.
"We agreed to work together. To begin with, by exchanging information on the situation in the countries concerned, particularly those in the Asean region, and that any steps taken that have been effective in curbing this virus should be shared among all countries," he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made the proposal at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) Leaders’ Dialogue with the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) here yesterday.
"I strongly support the Canadian Prime Minister’s proposal to set up a fund for the affected countries.
"If breeders in poor countries are forced to cull all their birds (due to avian flu), they could expect to receive some compensation but not necessarily full reimbursement," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Malaysian journalists here yesterday.
Describing the proposal as positive, he said the fund could help support efforts to tackle the threat of avian flu since breeders normally were not willing to destroy the infected birds if there was no offer of compensation.
"Take the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia (in 1998), for example. Although it was not so serious, it involved billions (of ringgit) in compensation. Thus, if we don’t help (poor countries affected by avian flu), the virus may spread to neighbouring countries and continue to move around," he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least 130 people in five Apec countries — China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia — have been diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu, and at least 67 have died.
Abdullah said at an earlier meeting between US President George W. Bush and leaders from seven Asean countries, including Abdullah, the leaders recognised the urgent need for an action plan to tackle avian flu.
"We agreed to work together. To begin with, by exchanging information on the situation in the countries concerned, particularly those in the Asean region, and that any steps taken that have been effective in curbing this virus should be shared among all countries," he said.
National clean toilet campaign kicks off
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The answer to nature’s call should be in the toilet bowl and not on the floor.
While we may think that this is common knowledge, a study found that over 2.6 billion people (40% of the world’s population) worldwide were not potty trained.
Today, Malaysia will embark on a nationwide toilet-cleaning exercise to promote social awareness on the importance of clean public toilets.
This exercise will be held in conjunction with World Toilet Day today and will involve presidents and officers of 145 local councils.
Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said yesterday that each municipal council would clean a public toilet under its jurisdiction.
Lau, who is also chairman of the newly established Quality Restroom Association Malaysia (QRAM), will be attending the exercise with the Shah Alam Municipal Council at noon today.
“We will be commissioning a production company to do a news clip on clean toilets,” said Lau.
He said the clip would contain information on toilet cleanliness and would be aired on all local channels.
Lau had also previously mentioned that his ministry and Sirim would be drafting a grading guideline for public toilets.
Hence, the next time nature calls we should “focus” on keeping our toilets clean and “aim” in the right direction.
While we may think that this is common knowledge, a study found that over 2.6 billion people (40% of the world’s population) worldwide were not potty trained.
Today, Malaysia will embark on a nationwide toilet-cleaning exercise to promote social awareness on the importance of clean public toilets.
This exercise will be held in conjunction with World Toilet Day today and will involve presidents and officers of 145 local councils.
Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said yesterday that each municipal council would clean a public toilet under its jurisdiction.
Lau, who is also chairman of the newly established Quality Restroom Association Malaysia (QRAM), will be attending the exercise with the Shah Alam Municipal Council at noon today.
“We will be commissioning a production company to do a news clip on clean toilets,” said Lau.
He said the clip would contain information on toilet cleanliness and would be aired on all local channels.
Lau had also previously mentioned that his ministry and Sirim would be drafting a grading guideline for public toilets.
Hence, the next time nature calls we should “focus” on keeping our toilets clean and “aim” in the right direction.
Expired drugs dumped in rural areas
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Fake or expired medicines and inferior quality beauty products are being dumped in the rural areas, raising concerns over safety.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said unscrupulous parties were dumping such products at sundry shops and mini-markets to avoid detection by the authorities.
“We are very concerned over this trend and will work closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the situation. Stern action will be taken against those responsible,” he told reporters at his ministry’s Hari Raya open house yesterday.
In the urban areas, he said, such problems were less common as medicines and drugs were only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and other licensed premises.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said unscrupulous parties were dumping such products at sundry shops and mini-markets to avoid detection by the authorities.
“We are very concerned over this trend and will work closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the situation. Stern action will be taken against those responsible,” he told reporters at his ministry’s Hari Raya open house yesterday.
In the urban areas, he said, such problems were less common as medicines and drugs were only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and other licensed premises.
Rural areas to get more clinics
Star: JOHOR BARU: The number of rural polyclinics and community clinics will be increased by 5% under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said more mobile clinics would also be set up to serve both urban and rural residents.
“Forty percent of our population are in the rural areas where there are 865 polyclinics and 1,900 community clinics.
“It is undeniable that there are still areas where residents do not get satisfactory medical services,” he told reporters after visiting a polyclinic in Tongkang Pechah, Batu Pahat.
Dr Chua said people in rural areas should also enjoy good medical services, just like those in towns and cities.
“However, many rural polyclinics have not been maintained or upgraded.
“So, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, we want to improve and upgrade the clinics in the rural areas, such as upgrading some community clinics to polyclinics.
“This is because some clinics can no longer cope with the rising number of patients,” he added.
Dr Chua said the Tongkang Pechah polyclinic would receive RM150,000 to improve their services and for such equipment as blood and urine analysers.
However, he said it was pointless to have good facilities without the necessary personnel; many doctors and nurses prefer to be posted in urban areas.
“For example, the positions for doctors in urban areas are 80% filled, but it is only 60% in the rural areas,” he said.
“As such, those who have served in rural areas will be given preference when they apply to further their studies.”
He said more mobile clinics would also be set up to serve both urban and rural residents.
“Forty percent of our population are in the rural areas where there are 865 polyclinics and 1,900 community clinics.
“It is undeniable that there are still areas where residents do not get satisfactory medical services,” he told reporters after visiting a polyclinic in Tongkang Pechah, Batu Pahat.
Dr Chua said people in rural areas should also enjoy good medical services, just like those in towns and cities.
“However, many rural polyclinics have not been maintained or upgraded.
“So, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, we want to improve and upgrade the clinics in the rural areas, such as upgrading some community clinics to polyclinics.
“This is because some clinics can no longer cope with the rising number of patients,” he added.
Dr Chua said the Tongkang Pechah polyclinic would receive RM150,000 to improve their services and for such equipment as blood and urine analysers.
However, he said it was pointless to have good facilities without the necessary personnel; many doctors and nurses prefer to be posted in urban areas.
“For example, the positions for doctors in urban areas are 80% filled, but it is only 60% in the rural areas,” he said.
“As such, those who have served in rural areas will be given preference when they apply to further their studies.”
Work stress causing prisons staff to fall ill
Star: TAIPING: More than 2% of the 11,000 prisons staff members nationwide have developed chronic health conditions over the last 10 years because of their work.
Internal Security Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Abu Seman Yusop said a total of 227 suffered these conditions, with cases of high blood pressure topping the list followed by heart disease.
Abu Seman said AIDS was another health threat to prisons staff although there had been no new cases detected since two prison wardens who contracted HIV from prisoners died in 1990.
“Prisons staff who deal with prisoners with infectious diseases on a regular basis are likely to be exposed to the diseases.
“They are also working under tremendous pressure because it is not easy to handle inmates,” he said yesterday after a ceremony to mark the completion of a basic prison management course by 197 prison officers.
Due to the work pressure faced, Abu Seman said the Government should consider providing a critical allowance to deserving prisons staff.
Prisons Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Osman, who was also present, said the department was preparing a paper to justify the payment of such an allowance.
“We hope to submit the paper to the Government by the end of next month,” he said.
Internal Security Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Abu Seman Yusop said a total of 227 suffered these conditions, with cases of high blood pressure topping the list followed by heart disease.
Abu Seman said AIDS was another health threat to prisons staff although there had been no new cases detected since two prison wardens who contracted HIV from prisoners died in 1990.
“Prisons staff who deal with prisoners with infectious diseases on a regular basis are likely to be exposed to the diseases.
“They are also working under tremendous pressure because it is not easy to handle inmates,” he said yesterday after a ceremony to mark the completion of a basic prison management course by 197 prison officers.
Due to the work pressure faced, Abu Seman said the Government should consider providing a critical allowance to deserving prisons staff.
Prisons Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Osman, who was also present, said the department was preparing a paper to justify the payment of such an allowance.
“We hope to submit the paper to the Government by the end of next month,” he said.
Menglembu pigeons didn’t die of bird flu
Star: IPOH: The pigeons found dead in Menglembu did not die of the dreaded avian flu.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said the carcasses tested negative for the deadly H5N1 virus.
He said the pigeons appeared to have been poisoned but the department had yet to confirm so.
“However, our concern is that the birds did not die of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza,” he said yesterday.
Of late, dead pigeons found in Bidor, Sungai Petani and Menglembu created a stir among residents who were worried that the birds died of avian flu.
In the latest incident in Menglembu last Thursday, more than 40 dead pigeons were found, some on the rooftop of a house in Taman Gamelan.
It is learnt that the Veterinary Research Institute conducted tests on 38 of the dead birds from Menglembu.
Samples were also sent to the Chemistry Department to find out if the birds had been poisoned.
In PENANG, several dead pigeons found at the posh Sri York Condominium area have raised concerns among the residents.
Condominium maintenance officer Koay Keng Soon said six to seven pigeons were found dead at various spots in Block 33 yesterday.
“Residents are worried and we have contacted the state Veterinary Services Department to collect the bird carcasses for examination.
“We have not seen more than three dead birds at any one time in this area before,” said Koay.
The rest of the carcases had been thrown away by cleaners making their rounds before the management took two of them and handed them to the department.
When contacted, a department spokesman said they had just received a report on the matter and would carry out an investigation.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said the carcasses tested negative for the deadly H5N1 virus.
He said the pigeons appeared to have been poisoned but the department had yet to confirm so.
“However, our concern is that the birds did not die of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza,” he said yesterday.
Of late, dead pigeons found in Bidor, Sungai Petani and Menglembu created a stir among residents who were worried that the birds died of avian flu.
In the latest incident in Menglembu last Thursday, more than 40 dead pigeons were found, some on the rooftop of a house in Taman Gamelan.
It is learnt that the Veterinary Research Institute conducted tests on 38 of the dead birds from Menglembu.
Samples were also sent to the Chemistry Department to find out if the birds had been poisoned.
In PENANG, several dead pigeons found at the posh Sri York Condominium area have raised concerns among the residents.
Condominium maintenance officer Koay Keng Soon said six to seven pigeons were found dead at various spots in Block 33 yesterday.
“Residents are worried and we have contacted the state Veterinary Services Department to collect the bird carcasses for examination.
“We have not seen more than three dead birds at any one time in this area before,” said Koay.
The rest of the carcases had been thrown away by cleaners making their rounds before the management took two of them and handed them to the department.
When contacted, a department spokesman said they had just received a report on the matter and would carry out an investigation.
Group out to promote safe sex
NST: While young people their age spend weekends at the movies or at nightclubs, a group of 20-somethings has a more important thing on their mind — sex. And for good reason.
They are joining Family Planning Associations (FPAs) to train and advise their peers about safe and responsible sex.
While some may argue that ignorance is bliss, when it comes to sex issues, these young people feel ignorance is damning.
Twenty-year-old Loh Yat Hong trains youths to be peer educators to provide advice and counselling to other young people on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. He also gives talks in schools.
"I advise them to think carefully and on precautions to take, including contraceptives," said insurance agent Loh who joined the Perak FPA four years ago and became a youth leader a year later.
He joined the FPA when he saw the mindset of his friends regarding these issues and because sex had always been regarded as a taboo subject.
In a month, he speaks to some five to 10 people, mostly young people.
James Seow Kim Ong, 22, a store owner in Malacca, joined the state FPA in 1999.
"I sympathise with many adolescents who have the wrong concept of sex. Parents don’t talk to you, and when you ask your teachers, they say ‘I don’t know’. We always get it wrong, and it turns into something else," he said.
His parents were pretty sporting about his involvement in the association, he said, saying that as long as he was doing volunteer work, they were happy as it would make him a better person.
In January, Loh and youths like him formed the Movement of Adolescents in Sex and Reproductive Health, or Movah, under the Japanese Organisation for International Co-operation in Family Planning and the United Nations Population Fund.
The eight members from Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Bangladesh, between the ages of 19 and 24, advocate SRH issues and network with other similar bodies.
Loh and Seow are part of a new generation of youth leaders health professionals wish were a bigger number.
Prof Sarinah Low Wah Yun, head of the Health Research Development Unit at the University Malaya Medical Centre, explained the need to have youth-friendly clinics that would allow young people access to information on sexual health.
Federation of Family Planning Associations head of programme services, Piaro Kaur, said clinics were making an effort to be more youth-friendly.
They are joining Family Planning Associations (FPAs) to train and advise their peers about safe and responsible sex.
While some may argue that ignorance is bliss, when it comes to sex issues, these young people feel ignorance is damning.
Twenty-year-old Loh Yat Hong trains youths to be peer educators to provide advice and counselling to other young people on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. He also gives talks in schools.
"I advise them to think carefully and on precautions to take, including contraceptives," said insurance agent Loh who joined the Perak FPA four years ago and became a youth leader a year later.
He joined the FPA when he saw the mindset of his friends regarding these issues and because sex had always been regarded as a taboo subject.
In a month, he speaks to some five to 10 people, mostly young people.
James Seow Kim Ong, 22, a store owner in Malacca, joined the state FPA in 1999.
"I sympathise with many adolescents who have the wrong concept of sex. Parents don’t talk to you, and when you ask your teachers, they say ‘I don’t know’. We always get it wrong, and it turns into something else," he said.
His parents were pretty sporting about his involvement in the association, he said, saying that as long as he was doing volunteer work, they were happy as it would make him a better person.
In January, Loh and youths like him formed the Movement of Adolescents in Sex and Reproductive Health, or Movah, under the Japanese Organisation for International Co-operation in Family Planning and the United Nations Population Fund.
The eight members from Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Bangladesh, between the ages of 19 and 24, advocate SRH issues and network with other similar bodies.
Loh and Seow are part of a new generation of youth leaders health professionals wish were a bigger number.
Prof Sarinah Low Wah Yun, head of the Health Research Development Unit at the University Malaya Medical Centre, explained the need to have youth-friendly clinics that would allow young people access to information on sexual health.
Federation of Family Planning Associations head of programme services, Piaro Kaur, said clinics were making an effort to be more youth-friendly.
Sosco docs under fire
NST: Thousands of workers are losing out on Socso benefits due to under-diagnosis of occupational diseases by panel doctors.
Some of the 4,690 doctors have taken it upon themselves to limit investigations leading to a negligible number of workers being identified with such diseases.
Workers have lost out in medical treatment, compensation and possibly, disability benefits.
Most of the cases referred to Socso involved noise pollution with occupational diseases that went undiagnosed, including skin and lung-related diseases and muscular skeletal disorder.
Using the United Kingdom standard of one worker with an occupational disease to every industrial accident, Malaysia should have registered 69,132 workers with occupational diseases.
But only 183 cases of workers with occupational diseases were recorded last year.
Socso recorded 1,247 cases of occupational disease in 1995; 1,089 in 1996; 832 in 1997; 178 in 1998;192 in 1999; 278 in 2000; 204 in 2001; 216 in 2002 and 189 in 2003.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, disappointed with the poor performance of Sosco doctors, wants them to give workers their rightful benefits.
"Occupational diseases are grossly under-reported for the Malaysian worker population and something has to be done about this," he told the New Straits Times.
An occupational disease is defined as any abnormal condition or disorder with the exception of occupational injuries, caused by exposure to factors associated with employment.
Fong felt that some Socso doctors failed to adequately investigate cases.
"They should check if diseases suffered by workers were related to their nature of work, the machines they worked with, chemicals they handled and if their places of work had noise or dust pollution."
He said medical statistics showed that three out of 10 asthma cases could be work-related.
"There could be more workers suffering from musculo-skeletal disorders and skin diseases linked to occupational hazards."
Fong said workers, especially those in small and medium industries, should be made aware of occupational diseases and their prevention.
It is in this regard that the doctors have been required, since January this year, to attend occupational disease training courses, something which only 680 or 14.49 per cent did.
"I had given them a year to do so but few have complied. I am giving them another six months, failing which they may be struck off the panel."
The doctors have until Dec 31 to attend the courses.
They can do so at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia or in a six-month diploma level twinning programme for Occupational Medicine with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The doctors also have the option of doing so at other local universities offering courses in occupational medicine.
On occupational diseases like contact dermatitis, asthma, pneumoconioses (caused by asbestosis), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, inhalation fever and heavy metal poisoning, he said they were preventable.
Diseases that affected the blood, liver and nervous system were usually the result of industrial spills or confined-space accidents.
There are 48 occupational diseases on the Socso list.
Some of the 4,690 doctors have taken it upon themselves to limit investigations leading to a negligible number of workers being identified with such diseases.
Workers have lost out in medical treatment, compensation and possibly, disability benefits.
Most of the cases referred to Socso involved noise pollution with occupational diseases that went undiagnosed, including skin and lung-related diseases and muscular skeletal disorder.
Using the United Kingdom standard of one worker with an occupational disease to every industrial accident, Malaysia should have registered 69,132 workers with occupational diseases.
But only 183 cases of workers with occupational diseases were recorded last year.
Socso recorded 1,247 cases of occupational disease in 1995; 1,089 in 1996; 832 in 1997; 178 in 1998;192 in 1999; 278 in 2000; 204 in 2001; 216 in 2002 and 189 in 2003.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, disappointed with the poor performance of Sosco doctors, wants them to give workers their rightful benefits.
"Occupational diseases are grossly under-reported for the Malaysian worker population and something has to be done about this," he told the New Straits Times.
An occupational disease is defined as any abnormal condition or disorder with the exception of occupational injuries, caused by exposure to factors associated with employment.
Fong felt that some Socso doctors failed to adequately investigate cases.
"They should check if diseases suffered by workers were related to their nature of work, the machines they worked with, chemicals they handled and if their places of work had noise or dust pollution."
He said medical statistics showed that three out of 10 asthma cases could be work-related.
"There could be more workers suffering from musculo-skeletal disorders and skin diseases linked to occupational hazards."
Fong said workers, especially those in small and medium industries, should be made aware of occupational diseases and their prevention.
It is in this regard that the doctors have been required, since January this year, to attend occupational disease training courses, something which only 680 or 14.49 per cent did.
"I had given them a year to do so but few have complied. I am giving them another six months, failing which they may be struck off the panel."
The doctors have until Dec 31 to attend the courses.
They can do so at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia or in a six-month diploma level twinning programme for Occupational Medicine with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The doctors also have the option of doing so at other local universities offering courses in occupational medicine.
On occupational diseases like contact dermatitis, asthma, pneumoconioses (caused by asbestosis), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, inhalation fever and heavy metal poisoning, he said they were preventable.
Diseases that affected the blood, liver and nervous system were usually the result of industrial spills or confined-space accidents.
There are 48 occupational diseases on the Socso list.
Health Ministry Still Awaiting Confirmation On HSI's Reopening
BATU PAHAT, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry is still awaiting confirmation from the Works Ministry whether the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) in Johor Baharu, which had been closed since Sept 29, last year due to fungus problems, is now safe to be reopened.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said his ministry was prepared to reopen the more than RM500 million hospital if the Public Works Department (PWD) decided it would be safe to accommodate patients.
"We are still waiting (for PWD's confirmation). As soon as PWD hands it over to us, we will accept if the ministry is satisfied with the condition. However, up till now, there are no reports from PWD," he told reporters after visiting Tongkang Pecah Health Clinic here Friday.
The hospital in Pandan, Johor Baharu, was closed immediately after two months of operation following a fungus infestation which affected hospital equipment and walls, endangering the safety of its patients and staff.
The problem prompted the Works Ministry to order the contractor who built the hospital to carry out repair works before it was returned to the Health Ministry.
Prior to that, the construction of the 704-bed hospital, which acted as a referral centre for cancer patients in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, had been delayed several times since its construction began in 1999.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said his ministry was prepared to reopen the more than RM500 million hospital if the Public Works Department (PWD) decided it would be safe to accommodate patients.
"We are still waiting (for PWD's confirmation). As soon as PWD hands it over to us, we will accept if the ministry is satisfied with the condition. However, up till now, there are no reports from PWD," he told reporters after visiting Tongkang Pecah Health Clinic here Friday.
The hospital in Pandan, Johor Baharu, was closed immediately after two months of operation following a fungus infestation which affected hospital equipment and walls, endangering the safety of its patients and staff.
The problem prompted the Works Ministry to order the contractor who built the hospital to carry out repair works before it was returned to the Health Ministry.
Prior to that, the construction of the 704-bed hospital, which acted as a referral centre for cancer patients in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, had been delayed several times since its construction began in 1999.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Condom now a necessary protection
Star: PETALING JAYA: When her son left for his studies overseas at the age of 19, she told him to use condoms.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said she only wanted her son to be safe.
“I told him that I was not condoning him having premarital sex but just think of it as protection. I said as a mother, I would cry if you get AIDS,” she said.
Dr Ng said that parents should tell their children about safe sex.
“Teach your children how to use a condom,” she told a press conference at the Third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health yesterday.
According to Dr Ng, many youths did not realise that pregnancy and infection would occur with just a single intercourse.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said she only wanted her son to be safe.
“I told him that I was not condoning him having premarital sex but just think of it as protection. I said as a mother, I would cry if you get AIDS,” she said.
Dr Ng said that parents should tell their children about safe sex.
“Teach your children how to use a condom,” she told a press conference at the Third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health yesterday.
According to Dr Ng, many youths did not realise that pregnancy and infection would occur with just a single intercourse.
Chua: Fake Tamiflu could be in the market
Star: JOHOR BARU: There is no stock of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu left in the country and those in the market could be fakes, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He advised people not to panic and purchase the drug.
“Because of rumours and media reports, the people are anxious and worry about the avian flu and want to stock up on Tamiflu.
“I am afraid this demand may lead to the production of fake medicine.
“I want to state again, so far there are no avian flu cases in Malaysia and the ministry will be very transparent in the event that there is one,” said Dr Chua after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new building at SJK(C) Woon Hwa here yesterday.
He said the ministry would hand out pamphlets next month to educate the public on how the flu spreads, preventive measures to take, and what should be done if there was a suspected case.
“Many people are confused, as this is a new disease and a lot of people are concerned about it.
“This pamphlet is to educate the public on the different aspects of the disease, including ways of transmission and how to avoid being infected,” he said.
He advised people not to panic and purchase the drug.
“Because of rumours and media reports, the people are anxious and worry about the avian flu and want to stock up on Tamiflu.
“I am afraid this demand may lead to the production of fake medicine.
“I want to state again, so far there are no avian flu cases in Malaysia and the ministry will be very transparent in the event that there is one,” said Dr Chua after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new building at SJK(C) Woon Hwa here yesterday.
He said the ministry would hand out pamphlets next month to educate the public on how the flu spreads, preventive measures to take, and what should be done if there was a suspected case.
“Many people are confused, as this is a new disease and a lot of people are concerned about it.
“This pamphlet is to educate the public on the different aspects of the disease, including ways of transmission and how to avoid being infected,” he said.
60 undergo endoscopic procedures at workshop
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Patients with abdominal problems were flown or brought here by ambulance from as far away as Alor Star and Kota Kinabalu to undergo endoscopic procedures in front of 320 people.
The procedures involving 60 patients suffering from stomach, colon and bladder ailments were performed before participants of the Fifth International Advanced Endoscopy Workshop yesterday.
Among the techniques highlighted at the two-day workshop in Selayang Hospital were electronic radial echoendoscopy, novel therapies and double balloon enteroscopy as well as new devices in colonoscopy.
Selayang Hospital Endoscopy Unit director Dr Ryan Ponnudurai said the theme for the event, The Thinking Endoscopist, stressed the importance of thought processes behind performing the technically challenging procedures.
The hospital, he said, was in the forefront of performing endoscopic ultrasound in Malaysia.
The service is also available at the Alor Star General Hospital, Kota Kinabalu Hospital and Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
The procedures involving 60 patients suffering from stomach, colon and bladder ailments were performed before participants of the Fifth International Advanced Endoscopy Workshop yesterday.
Among the techniques highlighted at the two-day workshop in Selayang Hospital were electronic radial echoendoscopy, novel therapies and double balloon enteroscopy as well as new devices in colonoscopy.
Selayang Hospital Endoscopy Unit director Dr Ryan Ponnudurai said the theme for the event, The Thinking Endoscopist, stressed the importance of thought processes behind performing the technically challenging procedures.
The hospital, he said, was in the forefront of performing endoscopic ultrasound in Malaysia.
The service is also available at the Alor Star General Hospital, Kota Kinabalu Hospital and Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Rankings issue arose from error
Star: PETALING JAYA: The good news is that two Malaysian universities did not really drop significantly in the world university rankings.
But the bad news is that Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) should never have been ranked so high to start with.
Their misleading positions last year in the World University Rankings were due to a case of “mistaken identity”.
Chinese and Indians at the public universities were wrongly categorised as foreign students, which resulted in UM and USM doing well in this ranking criterion.
The mistake in their international enrolment was, however, rectified this year, resulting in a drastic drop in the latest rankings.
UM and USM made it to 89th and 111th spot, respectively, last year but fell sharply this year, raising concerns of a drop in standards at the universities.
UM plunged to 169th position while USM dropped out of the top 200 universities.
Nunzio Quacquarelli, managing director of QS Quacquarelli Symonds which compiled the rankings, clarified that the mistake occurred because they were not aware of Malaysia’s racial composition.
“Last year, the Chinese and Indian students were classified as foreign nationals; this resulted in Malaysia getting very high marks under the international students category.
“However, once the marks were adjusted this year, there was a big change of position for both universities,” he said here yesterday.
Quacquarelli said that despite the sharp fall in its overall position, UM had improved tremendously.
“If you look at peer review, which accounts for 40% of the marks, UM rose 41 places to 80.”
UM was placed among the top 100 universities in three out of five categories – Arts and Humanities (45th place), Biomedicine (82nd) and Social Science (83rd). The other two categories are Science and Technology.
He said QS came up with the rankings, which are published in The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES), to provide information to prospective students so that they would be able to make more informed decisions.
But the bad news is that Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) should never have been ranked so high to start with.
Their misleading positions last year in the World University Rankings were due to a case of “mistaken identity”.
Chinese and Indians at the public universities were wrongly categorised as foreign students, which resulted in UM and USM doing well in this ranking criterion.
The mistake in their international enrolment was, however, rectified this year, resulting in a drastic drop in the latest rankings.
UM and USM made it to 89th and 111th spot, respectively, last year but fell sharply this year, raising concerns of a drop in standards at the universities.
UM plunged to 169th position while USM dropped out of the top 200 universities.
Nunzio Quacquarelli, managing director of QS Quacquarelli Symonds which compiled the rankings, clarified that the mistake occurred because they were not aware of Malaysia’s racial composition.
“Last year, the Chinese and Indian students were classified as foreign nationals; this resulted in Malaysia getting very high marks under the international students category.
“However, once the marks were adjusted this year, there was a big change of position for both universities,” he said here yesterday.
Quacquarelli said that despite the sharp fall in its overall position, UM had improved tremendously.
“If you look at peer review, which accounts for 40% of the marks, UM rose 41 places to 80.”
UM was placed among the top 100 universities in three out of five categories – Arts and Humanities (45th place), Biomedicine (82nd) and Social Science (83rd). The other two categories are Science and Technology.
He said QS came up with the rankings, which are published in The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES), to provide information to prospective students so that they would be able to make more informed decisions.
Right to describe own gender
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities should seriously consider whether people have the right to describe their own gender so that no individual is denied his or her human or civil rights, said a panel comprising a doctor, a judge and an activist.
They said this after discussing the legal and psychological hurdles a transsexual faces, at the session on Gender Issues – Gender Reassignment on the second day of the 13th Malaysian Law Conference yesterday.
Malaysian Medical Association Ethics Committee chairman Dr Ravindran Jegasothy, High Court Justice Datuk V. Thiripurasingam and Honey Tan of the Women’s Centre for Change spoke on this.
Dr Ravindran, in pointing out a medico-legal anomaly, said: “Although sex change operations and therapy for transsexuals are legal in Malaysia, there is no law that allows the sex on the identification documents of the individuals to be changed.
“Appropriate changes in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1957 can be made after an evaluation and certification by an identified team of multidisciplinary medical practitioners to prevent abuse.”
He said the medical community would also support a review of the Minor Offences Act 1955 that interpreted cross-dressing as indecent behaviour.
“Transsexuals dress according to their gender identity for a medical reason and not for crossing swords with society.”
Justice Thiripurasingam called on legal institutions to see if the law should continue to rely on traditional sex criteria to define one’s legal sex or if these factors should be subordinated to self-identified sex.
Justice Thiripurasingam said: “No principle of justice will be undermined if the courts adopt a more flexible approach that includes 'intersexuality' as a sex classification and allows transgenders to self-identify their sex, provided there is a legislation to regularise this category of people.”
Tan said the experiences of transsexuals with the law had mostly been in the negative.
Citing a 2001 study on male transsexuals in Malaysia, she said the reasons for the arrests were cross-dressing (33%), indecent dressing (18%), prostitution (16%), failing drug tests (13%), picked up in police raids (10%) and loitering (6%).
They said this after discussing the legal and psychological hurdles a transsexual faces, at the session on Gender Issues – Gender Reassignment on the second day of the 13th Malaysian Law Conference yesterday.
Malaysian Medical Association Ethics Committee chairman Dr Ravindran Jegasothy, High Court Justice Datuk V. Thiripurasingam and Honey Tan of the Women’s Centre for Change spoke on this.
Dr Ravindran, in pointing out a medico-legal anomaly, said: “Although sex change operations and therapy for transsexuals are legal in Malaysia, there is no law that allows the sex on the identification documents of the individuals to be changed.
“Appropriate changes in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1957 can be made after an evaluation and certification by an identified team of multidisciplinary medical practitioners to prevent abuse.”
He said the medical community would also support a review of the Minor Offences Act 1955 that interpreted cross-dressing as indecent behaviour.
“Transsexuals dress according to their gender identity for a medical reason and not for crossing swords with society.”
Justice Thiripurasingam called on legal institutions to see if the law should continue to rely on traditional sex criteria to define one’s legal sex or if these factors should be subordinated to self-identified sex.
Justice Thiripurasingam said: “No principle of justice will be undermined if the courts adopt a more flexible approach that includes 'intersexuality' as a sex classification and allows transgenders to self-identify their sex, provided there is a legislation to regularise this category of people.”
Tan said the experiences of transsexuals with the law had mostly been in the negative.
Citing a 2001 study on male transsexuals in Malaysia, she said the reasons for the arrests were cross-dressing (33%), indecent dressing (18%), prostitution (16%), failing drug tests (13%), picked up in police raids (10%) and loitering (6%).
Schools to have sex education
NST: Sex education may be introduced in schools as early as next year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will meet Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to push for the subject to be included in the syllabus.
"It is up to the Education Ministry when it will be introduced, but we hope it will be next year," she said.
Speaking to the Press after opening the third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre today, she said the proposed syllabus was being finalised.
Conference patron Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, in her keynote address, also spoke on the issue of whether sex education should be taught in schools.
"We adults fear that when children are provided with information and knowledge on sex education, they will engage in sexual practices.
"But we also forget the positive effects that children will be more responsible and careful when given the timely information and guidance," she said.
She stressed that there was scientific evidence to prove the argument and there was a need for a collective voice to advocate good sex education and counselling.
Dr Siti Hasmah also touched at length on the abortion debate, which she said could not be ignored any longer.
She said the debate had raised diverse political and religious views which caused a divide among and within families and countries.
"The fact that we need to provide options and best choices for women is often not available to those in need," she said.
Many countries have legislation that outlaw abortions, she said.
Dr Siti Hasmah drew attention to unsafe abortions, saying that 40 per cent of abortions were unsafe while half of all abortions in the world occurred in Asia.
"Surely it makes sense to put appropriate legislation and policies in place and to provide for services and appropriate technology so that lives of these unfortunate women and girls can be saved," she said.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will meet Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to push for the subject to be included in the syllabus.
"It is up to the Education Ministry when it will be introduced, but we hope it will be next year," she said.
Speaking to the Press after opening the third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre today, she said the proposed syllabus was being finalised.
Conference patron Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, in her keynote address, also spoke on the issue of whether sex education should be taught in schools.
"We adults fear that when children are provided with information and knowledge on sex education, they will engage in sexual practices.
"But we also forget the positive effects that children will be more responsible and careful when given the timely information and guidance," she said.
She stressed that there was scientific evidence to prove the argument and there was a need for a collective voice to advocate good sex education and counselling.
Dr Siti Hasmah also touched at length on the abortion debate, which she said could not be ignored any longer.
She said the debate had raised diverse political and religious views which caused a divide among and within families and countries.
"The fact that we need to provide options and best choices for women is often not available to those in need," she said.
Many countries have legislation that outlaw abortions, she said.
Dr Siti Hasmah drew attention to unsafe abortions, saying that 40 per cent of abortions were unsafe while half of all abortions in the world occurred in Asia.
"Surely it makes sense to put appropriate legislation and policies in place and to provide for services and appropriate technology so that lives of these unfortunate women and girls can be saved," she said.
Halfway houses for mental patients
NST: Halfway houses for mental patients to interact with family members and others would be established to ascertain the patients' true condition before they are released to society.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said two more mental hospitals would be built to cater for the increasing number of people suffering from mental problems.
The two hospitals, which would incorporate the halfway houses, would be located in Tampoi, Johor, and Alor Star, Kedah, and would be built at the cost of RM700 million each. They are expected to be completed in 2009.
The proposed hospital in Tampoi would have 1,100 beds, of which 800 are for in-patient treatment, and 300 beds for the halfway house. They would be ready in 2010.
With the two hospitals, the number of psychiatric institutions in the country will be increased to six.
The current ones are Hospital Permai in Johor, Hospital Bahagia in Perak, Hospital Sentosa in Sarawak and Hospital Bukit Padang in Sabah.
Dr Chua said the halfway houses were to reduce society's negative perception of mental illness as currently, patients discharged from psychiatric institutions faced numerous problems.
"A recovering patient who is on the verge of being released will be housed there. Rehabilitation programmes will be conducted for patients to relearn social skills and adjust to the outside world.
"Their families will also be able to stay with them to give moral support," he said after launching the Psychology Notebook by consultant clinical psychologist Leong Huey Mei.
Malaysia has 165 psychiatrists and 33 clinical psychiatrists but to effectively serve the people, the nation needs 884 psychiatrists and 364 clinical psychiatrists.
Dr Chua attributed the low number of psychiatrists in the country to lack of interest in this field.
He also said it was estimated that 2.6 million Malaysians aged five and above suffered some form of psychological problem.
However, the number of people who seek treatment is believed to be less than 20 per cent, as they do not want society to label them as a "mental patient".
"Their reluctance is also due to lack of understanding that mental problems could be solved through counselling and treatment."
Dr Chua said society's perception that all mental patients were "crazy" and "aggressive" was incorrect.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said two more mental hospitals would be built to cater for the increasing number of people suffering from mental problems.
The two hospitals, which would incorporate the halfway houses, would be located in Tampoi, Johor, and Alor Star, Kedah, and would be built at the cost of RM700 million each. They are expected to be completed in 2009.
The proposed hospital in Tampoi would have 1,100 beds, of which 800 are for in-patient treatment, and 300 beds for the halfway house. They would be ready in 2010.
With the two hospitals, the number of psychiatric institutions in the country will be increased to six.
The current ones are Hospital Permai in Johor, Hospital Bahagia in Perak, Hospital Sentosa in Sarawak and Hospital Bukit Padang in Sabah.
Dr Chua said the halfway houses were to reduce society's negative perception of mental illness as currently, patients discharged from psychiatric institutions faced numerous problems.
"A recovering patient who is on the verge of being released will be housed there. Rehabilitation programmes will be conducted for patients to relearn social skills and adjust to the outside world.
"Their families will also be able to stay with them to give moral support," he said after launching the Psychology Notebook by consultant clinical psychologist Leong Huey Mei.
Malaysia has 165 psychiatrists and 33 clinical psychiatrists but to effectively serve the people, the nation needs 884 psychiatrists and 364 clinical psychiatrists.
Dr Chua attributed the low number of psychiatrists in the country to lack of interest in this field.
He also said it was estimated that 2.6 million Malaysians aged five and above suffered some form of psychological problem.
However, the number of people who seek treatment is believed to be less than 20 per cent, as they do not want society to label them as a "mental patient".
"Their reluctance is also due to lack of understanding that mental problems could be solved through counselling and treatment."
Dr Chua said society's perception that all mental patients were "crazy" and "aggressive" was incorrect.
New approach may give hope to cancer patients
NST: A novel approach to cancer treatment will be undertaken for the first time in Malaysia.
Cancer vaccines which mobilise the immune system to target malignant cancer cells have been developed by the Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Cuba.
This new approach, as opposed to traditional treatments which target the cancerous cells themselves, has been carried out on lung cancer patients with great success by CIM which has been developing the vaccines for the last 10 years.
Head of CIM, cancer vaccine specialist Dr Gisela Gonzalez, who is in Malaysia to design the protocol for the second phase of the clinical trial with a group of local oncologists and clinical researchers, said that clinical trials carried out in two phases in Cuba, Canada and the United Kingdom have resulted in double life expectancy for patients who responded to the vaccine.
"The clinical trials carried out have demonstrated that 70 per cent of patients vaccinated develop specific antibodies that target known cancer cell proliferation agents," she said.
Cell proliferation agents - the EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), TGF (Transdermal Growth Factor) and Her-1 (Herceptin) - normally bind themselves to direct cells to multiply. However, in cancer cells, this process becomes unregulated, resulting in uncontrolled cell multiplication or proliferation.
Dr Gonzalez said that some patients who responded to the vaccine have lived for up to three to four years as opposed to the five to seven months diagnosed before taking the vaccine.
"This is significant because most lung cancer patients at such stages are terminal cases who do not usually live beyond a few months."
She said that unlike chemotherapy, the vaccinations do not affect the patients' immune system, therefore patients experience a better quality of life in their final years.
In some cases, the size of cancerous tumours have also been reduced. In one patient, the tumour completely disappeared.
Cancer vaccines which mobilise the immune system to target malignant cancer cells have been developed by the Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Cuba.
This new approach, as opposed to traditional treatments which target the cancerous cells themselves, has been carried out on lung cancer patients with great success by CIM which has been developing the vaccines for the last 10 years.
Head of CIM, cancer vaccine specialist Dr Gisela Gonzalez, who is in Malaysia to design the protocol for the second phase of the clinical trial with a group of local oncologists and clinical researchers, said that clinical trials carried out in two phases in Cuba, Canada and the United Kingdom have resulted in double life expectancy for patients who responded to the vaccine.
"The clinical trials carried out have demonstrated that 70 per cent of patients vaccinated develop specific antibodies that target known cancer cell proliferation agents," she said.
Cell proliferation agents - the EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), TGF (Transdermal Growth Factor) and Her-1 (Herceptin) - normally bind themselves to direct cells to multiply. However, in cancer cells, this process becomes unregulated, resulting in uncontrolled cell multiplication or proliferation.
Dr Gonzalez said that some patients who responded to the vaccine have lived for up to three to four years as opposed to the five to seven months diagnosed before taking the vaccine.
"This is significant because most lung cancer patients at such stages are terminal cases who do not usually live beyond a few months."
She said that unlike chemotherapy, the vaccinations do not affect the patients' immune system, therefore patients experience a better quality of life in their final years.
In some cases, the size of cancerous tumours have also been reduced. In one patient, the tumour completely disappeared.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Sex education in schools soon
NST: Sex education may be introduced in schools as early as next year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will hold a meeting with Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to push for the subject to be included in the syllabus soon.
"It is up to the Education Ministry when it will be introduced, but we hope it will be next year," she said.
Speaking at a Press conference after opening the third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre today the proposed syllabus was being finalised.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will hold a meeting with Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to push for the subject to be included in the syllabus soon.
"It is up to the Education Ministry when it will be introduced, but we hope it will be next year," she said.
Speaking at a Press conference after opening the third Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre today the proposed syllabus was being finalised.
CCTVs for nurses hostels after rape case
Sun2Surf: KUALA LUMPUR: More closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) will be installed in Kuala Lumpur Hospital (KLH) to beef up security following the rape of a nurse in her dormitory on Tuesday.
"Presently, 90% of the CCTVs have been installed in the hospital's main building. The rest will be up in the few days.
"Security surveillance will also be stepped up," said Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon in Parliament lobby.
He said the rape is regrettable, and for it to happen to a health staff, but "maintaining security at the hospital is not easy".
"We have a 7,000 health workforce on duty at the hospital for 24 hours and some 10,000 vistors and patients daily.
"The hospital comprises many building blocks with many access roads. To enforce strict visitation restriction will mean the public will not have easy access ... there must be a balance," he added.
Lee said the ministry would extend assistance to the rape victim and co-operate with the police.
"With her testimony, we hope the culprit will be caught soon," he said, adding that new hospitals were already equipped with CCTVs whereas old establishments have yet to be upgraded.
"We are identifying areas that urgently require security installations," he said.
Lee said as part of efforts to improve security at health facilities nationwide, a comprehensive security system is currently being implemented and piloted at KLH.
"Apart from installing more CCTVs, surveillance will be further tightened in addition to the installation of security-coded door," said Lee, adding that the budget would be worked out soonest.
"We have to look at hospitals nationwide. We must do it one by one," he added.
Lee said security plans would cover not only hospital buildings but also nusring colleges, hostels, car parks and others on hospital grounds.
"Having CCTVs is just one aspect. We need more people for monitoring and more guards to check those walking in and out of hospitals," he said.
"Presently, 90% of the CCTVs have been installed in the hospital's main building. The rest will be up in the few days.
"Security surveillance will also be stepped up," said Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon in Parliament lobby.
He said the rape is regrettable, and for it to happen to a health staff, but "maintaining security at the hospital is not easy".
"We have a 7,000 health workforce on duty at the hospital for 24 hours and some 10,000 vistors and patients daily.
"The hospital comprises many building blocks with many access roads. To enforce strict visitation restriction will mean the public will not have easy access ... there must be a balance," he added.
Lee said the ministry would extend assistance to the rape victim and co-operate with the police.
"With her testimony, we hope the culprit will be caught soon," he said, adding that new hospitals were already equipped with CCTVs whereas old establishments have yet to be upgraded.
"We are identifying areas that urgently require security installations," he said.
Lee said as part of efforts to improve security at health facilities nationwide, a comprehensive security system is currently being implemented and piloted at KLH.
"Apart from installing more CCTVs, surveillance will be further tightened in addition to the installation of security-coded door," said Lee, adding that the budget would be worked out soonest.
"We have to look at hospitals nationwide. We must do it one by one," he added.
Lee said security plans would cover not only hospital buildings but also nusring colleges, hostels, car parks and others on hospital grounds.
"Having CCTVs is just one aspect. We need more people for monitoring and more guards to check those walking in and out of hospitals," he said.
Star anise not linked to Tamiflu deaths: Scientist
Sun2Surf: PETALING JAYA: The reported abnormal behaviour and subsequent deaths of two Japanese students medicated with the Tamiflu anti-viral drug is not likely due to shikimic acid derived from a common household spice.
Tamiflu is formulated from Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), or commonly known as bunga lawang, and is used as flavouring in meat dishes.
Assoc Prof Dr Mustaffa Ali Mohd of Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Medicine (Department of Pharmacology) told theSun yesterday that shikimic acid is not known to have any side-effect nor medicinal value.
He said even when it is used in Tamiflu, shikimic acid is no longer "shikimic acid" but a totally new compound.
Mustaffa, who also heads the Shimadzu-UMMC Centre for Xenobiotic studies, explained that shikimic acid has no known medicinal value nor curative properties.
"It is not used in Tamiflu as a therapeutic agent but only provides a molecular structure for the formulation of the drug," he said.
Mustaffa said this when he was shown an advisory issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2003 advising the public not to consume teas brewed from star anise.
The FDA advisory cautioned that teas brewed out of star anise have been associated with illnesses affecting about 40 individuals including 15 infants.
The illnesses which occurred over the last two years prior to 2003 ranged from serious neurological effects such as seizure, vomiting, jitteriness and rapid eye movement.
The agency said: "Although labelling of teas containing star anise does not make claims for the product, FDA understands that these products are popularly believed to help against colic in infants.
However, the FDA said it is unaware of scientific evidence to support benefits from teas brewed from star anise and given that fact, consumers should not use them or give them to infants and children.
It also said it has not identified the specific type of star anise associated with the illnesses.
"For this reason, the agency is issuing this advisory as an interim measure while it continues to gather additional information, including that from certain European countries that have reported similar outbreaks of seizures and jitteriness in individuals who have consumed tea brewed from star anise."
FDA also expressed concern that commonly available Chinese star anise, a product it considers as Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) may contain Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which has long been recognised as toxic in many countries and which is used for decorative purposes only.
Mustaffa said there could be other "elements" in star anise which may have brought on such adverse conditions in the US experience but shikimic acid is itself not known to be toxic.
He also reiterated that people should not stock up star anise with the intention to consume it in the event of a major avian flu outbreak.
"It does not work that way, but only in the way it is formulated in Tamiflu," said Mustaffa.
Tamiflu is formulated from Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), or commonly known as bunga lawang, and is used as flavouring in meat dishes.
Assoc Prof Dr Mustaffa Ali Mohd of Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Medicine (Department of Pharmacology) told theSun yesterday that shikimic acid is not known to have any side-effect nor medicinal value.
He said even when it is used in Tamiflu, shikimic acid is no longer "shikimic acid" but a totally new compound.
Mustaffa, who also heads the Shimadzu-UMMC Centre for Xenobiotic studies, explained that shikimic acid has no known medicinal value nor curative properties.
"It is not used in Tamiflu as a therapeutic agent but only provides a molecular structure for the formulation of the drug," he said.
Mustaffa said this when he was shown an advisory issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2003 advising the public not to consume teas brewed from star anise.
The FDA advisory cautioned that teas brewed out of star anise have been associated with illnesses affecting about 40 individuals including 15 infants.
The illnesses which occurred over the last two years prior to 2003 ranged from serious neurological effects such as seizure, vomiting, jitteriness and rapid eye movement.
The agency said: "Although labelling of teas containing star anise does not make claims for the product, FDA understands that these products are popularly believed to help against colic in infants.
However, the FDA said it is unaware of scientific evidence to support benefits from teas brewed from star anise and given that fact, consumers should not use them or give them to infants and children.
It also said it has not identified the specific type of star anise associated with the illnesses.
"For this reason, the agency is issuing this advisory as an interim measure while it continues to gather additional information, including that from certain European countries that have reported similar outbreaks of seizures and jitteriness in individuals who have consumed tea brewed from star anise."
FDA also expressed concern that commonly available Chinese star anise, a product it considers as Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) may contain Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which has long been recognised as toxic in many countries and which is used for decorative purposes only.
Mustaffa said there could be other "elements" in star anise which may have brought on such adverse conditions in the US experience but shikimic acid is itself not known to be toxic.
He also reiterated that people should not stock up star anise with the intention to consume it in the event of a major avian flu outbreak.
"It does not work that way, but only in the way it is formulated in Tamiflu," said Mustaffa.
Pay rural docs extra, urges MMA Sabah
Daily Express: Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sabah branch Tuesday urged the Health Ministry to seriously look into improving the welfare of doctors serving in rural areas such as by increasing their critical allowance.
Its Chairman, Dr J S Sidhu, said while requiring new doctors recruited by the Government to work in the rural areas for at least one year was a good idea, "...the Government should also give them a little bit more attention".
"The Government ought to consider paying extra to doctors serving in the rural areas for the hardship that they have to go through," he said, when commenting on a statement by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek on Monday.
Earlier, on Nov 12, during the Sabah MMA annual-cum-installation dinner, Dr Sidhu had proposed that doctors serving in Sabah have their critical allowance increased to 50 per cent of their base salary or a minimum of RM1,000 from the 10 per cent of their base salary or the minimum of RM500 that they receive now.
He said this would be justified in the face of their hardship and higher cost of living.
"Most of the doctors have a heavier workload and face higher costs of returning home. Currently, doctors get only one return air-ticket every two years," he said, adding the authorities have not done enough to attract doctors to come and serve in Sabah.
He said there appears to be a perception among government doctors that as long as they stay in Sabah or accept transfer to Sabah, the chance of securing a place for post-graduate training or of securing a promotion is poor.
Dr Sidhu also said the Government needed to address the issue fast by providing incentives to doctors serving in the rural areas such as offering them more places for post-graduate studies.
"In fact, their one-year stint in the rural area should also count towards their service for consideration for promotion or further studies.
"We don't want to see the situation where doctors are sent to the rural areas and be completely forgotten," he said.
Consumers Association of Sabah (Cash) President, Datuk Patrick Sindu, had also concurred with Sidhu's comment, saying the Government ought to seriously consider increasing doctors' salaries and allowances considering many of them are "overworked". He said if the situation was not improved, the trend of doctors leaving for private practice would continue.
On Dr Chua's statement, Dr Sidhu said it is relevant in order for doctors to learn how to serve the community better through a one-year stint in rural areas.
"Personally, I agree with the idea since the rural population are also citizens of the country and entitled to similar health service and benefits just like the others," he said.
Dr Chua had said he wants all states to ensure that new doctors recruited by the Government must work in rural areas for at least one year.
He said the move would help reduce the shortage of doctors in rural areas and could also expose the new doctors to conditions away from the cities. Currently, only Perak had imposed this condition.
According to Dr Chua, currently only 60 per cent of medical officers' posts at 860 health clinics and 1,900 rural clinics throughout the country had been filled.
He also said the Ministry had applied for a RM1 billion allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to upgrade and acquire more equipment for all government clinics in the rural areas.
Its Chairman, Dr J S Sidhu, said while requiring new doctors recruited by the Government to work in the rural areas for at least one year was a good idea, "...the Government should also give them a little bit more attention".
"The Government ought to consider paying extra to doctors serving in the rural areas for the hardship that they have to go through," he said, when commenting on a statement by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek on Monday.
Earlier, on Nov 12, during the Sabah MMA annual-cum-installation dinner, Dr Sidhu had proposed that doctors serving in Sabah have their critical allowance increased to 50 per cent of their base salary or a minimum of RM1,000 from the 10 per cent of their base salary or the minimum of RM500 that they receive now.
He said this would be justified in the face of their hardship and higher cost of living.
"Most of the doctors have a heavier workload and face higher costs of returning home. Currently, doctors get only one return air-ticket every two years," he said, adding the authorities have not done enough to attract doctors to come and serve in Sabah.
He said there appears to be a perception among government doctors that as long as they stay in Sabah or accept transfer to Sabah, the chance of securing a place for post-graduate training or of securing a promotion is poor.
Dr Sidhu also said the Government needed to address the issue fast by providing incentives to doctors serving in the rural areas such as offering them more places for post-graduate studies.
"In fact, their one-year stint in the rural area should also count towards their service for consideration for promotion or further studies.
"We don't want to see the situation where doctors are sent to the rural areas and be completely forgotten," he said.
Consumers Association of Sabah (Cash) President, Datuk Patrick Sindu, had also concurred with Sidhu's comment, saying the Government ought to seriously consider increasing doctors' salaries and allowances considering many of them are "overworked". He said if the situation was not improved, the trend of doctors leaving for private practice would continue.
On Dr Chua's statement, Dr Sidhu said it is relevant in order for doctors to learn how to serve the community better through a one-year stint in rural areas.
"Personally, I agree with the idea since the rural population are also citizens of the country and entitled to similar health service and benefits just like the others," he said.
Dr Chua had said he wants all states to ensure that new doctors recruited by the Government must work in rural areas for at least one year.
He said the move would help reduce the shortage of doctors in rural areas and could also expose the new doctors to conditions away from the cities. Currently, only Perak had imposed this condition.
According to Dr Chua, currently only 60 per cent of medical officers' posts at 860 health clinics and 1,900 rural clinics throughout the country had been filled.
He also said the Ministry had applied for a RM1 billion allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to upgrade and acquire more equipment for all government clinics in the rural areas.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Tamiflu fears
Sun2surf: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will go ahead with the purchase of RM4 million worth of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu despite safety fears expressed by European medicines regulators.
The Europeans have ordered a safety check on Tamiflu following reports that two teenage boys died in Japan in apparent suicides after taking the drug.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican told theSun yesterday the government will buy the drug despite the safety concerns.
"The deaths could be isolated cases," he said. "Proper findings have to be documented on the cause of the boys' deaths before a conclusion could be made on Tamiflu."
Ismail said Malaysia will go ahead with its plan to acquire the first batch of Tamiflu, enough to treat some 60,000 patients, in case of an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 bird flu.
"We will monitor and study any further reports. If need be, we will review the decision," he said.
The government has decided to stockpile enough of the drug to treat at least 10% of the population in the event of a bird flu epidemic.
According to a report by The Independent of London on Monday, the deaths of the two Japanese boys have raised safety fears about the only weapon the world possesses to counter a threatened pandemic of avian flu.
The deaths are not linked and occurred a year apart.
The report said the Japanese health ministry issued a warning in June 2004 about psychological and neurological disorders linked with Tamiflu, with an instruction that doctors should be alerted.
Tamiflu is made by Roche, the Swiss-based phar maceutical company.
The report quoted a spokeswoman for Roche as saying: "We shared the information (about the Japanese deaths) with drug regulatory authorities around the world and they did not think it warranted any change in the product information."
In a statement, the company said it continued to monitor the safety of the drug and reported any adverse events to regulatory authorities.
"Tamiflu has been shown in clinical studies and in routine clinical use to have a good safety profile. It has been used by over 30 million people worldwide," the statement added.
According to The Independent, a spokesman for the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, which licenses drugs in the European Union, including the UK, said the agency had been aware of the first death but not the second.
"The company (Roche) has been asked to closely follow reports of psychological disorders, delusional states and abnormal behaviour linked with the drug," the spokesman said.
"At the moment, there is no warning (about this) in Europe and we need to establish if there is any link."
The spokesman said the effects of the drug had to be distinguished from the effects of the flu.
"Influenza can itself cause confusion and it can be difficult to tell whether (the mental state) is the effect of the Tamiflu or of the illness."
The Phar maceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan has received reports of 64 cases of psychological disorders linked to the drug between 2000 and 2004, according to the Tokyo news agency Kyodo.
The two Japanese boys who died in separate accidents were reported to have exhibited abnormal behaviour after taking the drug, ending in their deaths.
In the first case, a 17-year-old student, who was at home alone, ran out of the house and jumped over a railing into the path of a truck in February 2004 shortly after taking the medicine.
In the second case, a junior high school student fell from the ninth floor of his apartment building in February 2005.
Chugai Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the Japanese operating company for Roche, said: "We reported these cases to the health ministry as a link between the deaths and the drug could not be ruled out."
The Independent said that in the UK, Tamiflu has been little used since its launch in 2003 and there have been only 41 "yellow card" reports of adverse reactions involving 161 separate sideeffects linked with it.
One case was of agitation and two were of "confusional state".
Under the yellow card system, doctors record any symptoms that could be linked with a drug.
The reports are intended to provide early warning of possible problems with a drug and do not show a causal link.
The Europeans have ordered a safety check on Tamiflu following reports that two teenage boys died in Japan in apparent suicides after taking the drug.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican told theSun yesterday the government will buy the drug despite the safety concerns.
"The deaths could be isolated cases," he said. "Proper findings have to be documented on the cause of the boys' deaths before a conclusion could be made on Tamiflu."
Ismail said Malaysia will go ahead with its plan to acquire the first batch of Tamiflu, enough to treat some 60,000 patients, in case of an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 bird flu.
"We will monitor and study any further reports. If need be, we will review the decision," he said.
The government has decided to stockpile enough of the drug to treat at least 10% of the population in the event of a bird flu epidemic.
According to a report by The Independent of London on Monday, the deaths of the two Japanese boys have raised safety fears about the only weapon the world possesses to counter a threatened pandemic of avian flu.
The deaths are not linked and occurred a year apart.
The report said the Japanese health ministry issued a warning in June 2004 about psychological and neurological disorders linked with Tamiflu, with an instruction that doctors should be alerted.
Tamiflu is made by Roche, the Swiss-based phar maceutical company.
The report quoted a spokeswoman for Roche as saying: "We shared the information (about the Japanese deaths) with drug regulatory authorities around the world and they did not think it warranted any change in the product information."
In a statement, the company said it continued to monitor the safety of the drug and reported any adverse events to regulatory authorities.
"Tamiflu has been shown in clinical studies and in routine clinical use to have a good safety profile. It has been used by over 30 million people worldwide," the statement added.
According to The Independent, a spokesman for the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, which licenses drugs in the European Union, including the UK, said the agency had been aware of the first death but not the second.
"The company (Roche) has been asked to closely follow reports of psychological disorders, delusional states and abnormal behaviour linked with the drug," the spokesman said.
"At the moment, there is no warning (about this) in Europe and we need to establish if there is any link."
The spokesman said the effects of the drug had to be distinguished from the effects of the flu.
"Influenza can itself cause confusion and it can be difficult to tell whether (the mental state) is the effect of the Tamiflu or of the illness."
The Phar maceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan has received reports of 64 cases of psychological disorders linked to the drug between 2000 and 2004, according to the Tokyo news agency Kyodo.
The two Japanese boys who died in separate accidents were reported to have exhibited abnormal behaviour after taking the drug, ending in their deaths.
In the first case, a 17-year-old student, who was at home alone, ran out of the house and jumped over a railing into the path of a truck in February 2004 shortly after taking the medicine.
In the second case, a junior high school student fell from the ninth floor of his apartment building in February 2005.
Chugai Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the Japanese operating company for Roche, said: "We reported these cases to the health ministry as a link between the deaths and the drug could not be ruled out."
The Independent said that in the UK, Tamiflu has been little used since its launch in 2003 and there have been only 41 "yellow card" reports of adverse reactions involving 161 separate sideeffects linked with it.
One case was of agitation and two were of "confusional state".
Under the yellow card system, doctors record any symptoms that could be linked with a drug.
The reports are intended to provide early warning of possible problems with a drug and do not show a causal link.
Anti-dengue efforts pay off as number of cases drops
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Concerted efforts by health authorities and the public to fight the dengue menace have paid off. The number of cases is on the decline less than two months after an alert on the disease was raised.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said that if the trend continued he expected the number of suspected cases weekly to dip to about 300 “possibly by the end of the year.”
“We managed to bring down the number of cases in five weeks. This is certainly a success but we will not rest on our laurels,” he told a press conference yesterday.
“Monitoring, surveillance, enforcement and preventive action, including gotong-royong, will continue.”
Dr Ramlee said these measures were important because Aedes breeding grounds had to be eradicated and adult mosquitoes killed to eliminate the dengue cycle.
He said that between Nov 6 and 12, there were 751 suspected cases reported nationwide.
It had been reported that there were more than 1,100 suspected dengue cases nationwide last month.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said that if the trend continued he expected the number of suspected cases weekly to dip to about 300 “possibly by the end of the year.”
“We managed to bring down the number of cases in five weeks. This is certainly a success but we will not rest on our laurels,” he told a press conference yesterday.
“Monitoring, surveillance, enforcement and preventive action, including gotong-royong, will continue.”
Dr Ramlee said these measures were important because Aedes breeding grounds had to be eradicated and adult mosquitoes killed to eliminate the dengue cycle.
He said that between Nov 6 and 12, there were 751 suspected cases reported nationwide.
It had been reported that there were more than 1,100 suspected dengue cases nationwide last month.
Over 60 new drug addicts detected daily
Star: PENANG: An average of 60 new drug addicts are detected nationwide daily and something must be done to reduce the number, said National Anti-Drug Agency (NDA) director-general Datuk Hamzah Abdullah.
“Up till September this year, there were already more than 20,000 addicts on record. We expect the number this year to remain in the vicinity of 22,000 like last year.
“What’s also worrying is the increase in amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) addicts. Last year, they only accounted for 4% of the addicts but, to date, the percentage has increased five-fold to about 20%,” he said.
ATS, such as ecstasy and syabu (methamphetamine crystals), which is also known as ice, are popular among the youths and these synthetic drugs are usually taken in dance clubs,” he said.
Hamzah was speaking to reporters after opening the State NDA’s new office at the Bangunan Persekutuan in Anson Road here yesterday. Also present was state director Akmar Omar.
He said ATS was mainly made in China and smuggled into Malaysia via Thailand before being distributed to other countries, like Australia.
“Our checks revealed that ATS packages are sent here using courier companies. We randomly scanned packages arriving at the KL International Airport."
Hamzah said he just returned from a drug conference in Hanoi last week where it was agreed that all countries work closely to fight the scourge.
“Up till September this year, there were already more than 20,000 addicts on record. We expect the number this year to remain in the vicinity of 22,000 like last year.
“What’s also worrying is the increase in amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) addicts. Last year, they only accounted for 4% of the addicts but, to date, the percentage has increased five-fold to about 20%,” he said.
ATS, such as ecstasy and syabu (methamphetamine crystals), which is also known as ice, are popular among the youths and these synthetic drugs are usually taken in dance clubs,” he said.
Hamzah was speaking to reporters after opening the State NDA’s new office at the Bangunan Persekutuan in Anson Road here yesterday. Also present was state director Akmar Omar.
He said ATS was mainly made in China and smuggled into Malaysia via Thailand before being distributed to other countries, like Australia.
“Our checks revealed that ATS packages are sent here using courier companies. We randomly scanned packages arriving at the KL International Airport."
Hamzah said he just returned from a drug conference in Hanoi last week where it was agreed that all countries work closely to fight the scourge.
Endoscopic workshop for doctors
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Fifth International Advanced Endoscopic workshop will be held for two days in Selayang Hospital beginning tomorrow.
Doctors from the United States, Italy, Canada and the Asian region will be here for the workshop which would highlight electronic radial echoendoscopy, novel therapies, GERD therapy, double balloon enteroscopy and new devices in colonoscopy, among others.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican will open the workshop at 8.30am today.
Registration fees for Malaysian doctors are RM300 and nurses RM150. Those interested can call the secretariat at 03-5638 8814 or e-mail chandrak@streamyx.com
Doctors from the United States, Italy, Canada and the Asian region will be here for the workshop which would highlight electronic radial echoendoscopy, novel therapies, GERD therapy, double balloon enteroscopy and new devices in colonoscopy, among others.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican will open the workshop at 8.30am today.
Registration fees for Malaysian doctors are RM300 and nurses RM150. Those interested can call the secretariat at 03-5638 8814 or e-mail chandrak@streamyx.com
Experts to study transgender issue
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The help of local universities and experts will be sought to conduct research on transgender issues to enable the Government to deal with issues affecting this group of people.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the time was right to make a thorough study of the problems and issues affecting the transgender group, such as homosexuality, bisexuality and same-sex marriage.
She said it was important to first understand why people resorted to sex change or were attracted to the same sex.
Research papers on transgender issues done overseas would be studied, she added.
“There must be a reason why such things happen. Currently, we do not have studies on this. We need the facts and figures. We must first understand how they turned out the way they are,” she said after opening the third Asean senior officials meeting at Istana Hotel yesterday.
Shahrizat said such matters could not be swept under the carpet and while the ministry was prepared to assist any marginalised group, the issue at hand was delicate and sensitive as there was a religious perspective to it.
“It also has great social impact and, personally, I believe we should not punish or discriminate against anybody,” she said.
“The ministry is not here to pass judgments on people in this group. We have to look at the problems they face. I think they need support and help.”
She was asked to comment on the decision by the Home Ministry and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship not to recognise the marriage between Joshua Beh and Jessie Chung, a male who had a sex change operation three years ago.
The wedding reception in Kuching last Saturday was presided over by three Christian pastors from Bountiful Harvest, Shepherds Centre and Assembly of Love.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid had said Malaysian laws did not allow its citizens to change their gender in their identity cards even though they had undergone a sex operation.
Meanwhile, Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) secretary-general Dr Herman Sastri clarified that CCM did not encourage the practice of sex change and same-sex marriages.
“If a person comes to the church claiming that he or she has had a sex change, we do not discriminate against the person or cast the person out.
“We help the person by understanding his predicament through counselling, seeking the views of the parents and doctors on why the sex change was carried out,” he said in a statement.
He said the CCM would help the person find happiness through faith in God and acceptance in the Church.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the time was right to make a thorough study of the problems and issues affecting the transgender group, such as homosexuality, bisexuality and same-sex marriage.
She said it was important to first understand why people resorted to sex change or were attracted to the same sex.
Research papers on transgender issues done overseas would be studied, she added.
“There must be a reason why such things happen. Currently, we do not have studies on this. We need the facts and figures. We must first understand how they turned out the way they are,” she said after opening the third Asean senior officials meeting at Istana Hotel yesterday.
Shahrizat said such matters could not be swept under the carpet and while the ministry was prepared to assist any marginalised group, the issue at hand was delicate and sensitive as there was a religious perspective to it.
“It also has great social impact and, personally, I believe we should not punish or discriminate against anybody,” she said.
“The ministry is not here to pass judgments on people in this group. We have to look at the problems they face. I think they need support and help.”
She was asked to comment on the decision by the Home Ministry and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship not to recognise the marriage between Joshua Beh and Jessie Chung, a male who had a sex change operation three years ago.
The wedding reception in Kuching last Saturday was presided over by three Christian pastors from Bountiful Harvest, Shepherds Centre and Assembly of Love.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid had said Malaysian laws did not allow its citizens to change their gender in their identity cards even though they had undergone a sex operation.
Meanwhile, Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) secretary-general Dr Herman Sastri clarified that CCM did not encourage the practice of sex change and same-sex marriages.
“If a person comes to the church claiming that he or she has had a sex change, we do not discriminate against the person or cast the person out.
“We help the person by understanding his predicament through counselling, seeking the views of the parents and doctors on why the sex change was carried out,” he said in a statement.
He said the CCM would help the person find happiness through faith in God and acceptance in the Church.
Centre for abused men shuts down
NST: Nobody, it appears, cares for abused men. And abused men themselves are too ashamed to talk about being beaten up or manhandled by women. They see it as a further bruising to their battered ego.
That, perhaps, explains the closing down today of the only centre established to help abused and abusive men.
Only six men sought help with the Men to Men (M2M) centre since its establishment in 2003. And that too, they telephoned to seek counsel - they were too ashamed to come personally.
Dr Rohana Ariffin, the founder of M2M, said she could no longer operate the centre as there was a lack of funds.
"I am simply tired of going round asking for funds. People are just not appreciative of what the centre has to offer so it is shutting down," she told the New Straits Times.
Rohana, a former lecturer in the School of Social Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said she set up the centre on her own initiative after realising there were no avenues for men with problems to seek counselling.
She said there were cases involving men who suffered spousal abuse but such cases were often not highlighted.
The centre was set up in January 2003 to provide shelter and counselling for abused and abusive men. It was also intended for research purposes as well as to conduct workshops to educate men about spousal abuse.
However, Rohana said her target group was simply not interested or unwilling to be educated about the matter.
"It could be an ego problem but men facing abuse or those who are abusive just don't seem to be interested to be counselled.
"We provided an avenue for them to seek help but there was no response.There is nothing more we can do," she said.
Rohana said the project would have been introduced in other states had it been successful here.
According to Rohana, the centre only handled six cases since it was set up - all of them minor domestic problems which were solved through counselling over the telephone.
Rohana said she and several volunteers had been operating from a makeshift office at the USM.
She said the centre had previously sought help from the State Government for some space at the Caring Society Complex but this was rejected.
She added that funding, whether from well-wishers or the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, was also not forthcoming.
Rohana said she had written twice to the ministry seeking some form of grant or financial support but there was no reply.
That, perhaps, explains the closing down today of the only centre established to help abused and abusive men.
Only six men sought help with the Men to Men (M2M) centre since its establishment in 2003. And that too, they telephoned to seek counsel - they were too ashamed to come personally.
Dr Rohana Ariffin, the founder of M2M, said she could no longer operate the centre as there was a lack of funds.
"I am simply tired of going round asking for funds. People are just not appreciative of what the centre has to offer so it is shutting down," she told the New Straits Times.
Rohana, a former lecturer in the School of Social Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said she set up the centre on her own initiative after realising there were no avenues for men with problems to seek counselling.
She said there were cases involving men who suffered spousal abuse but such cases were often not highlighted.
The centre was set up in January 2003 to provide shelter and counselling for abused and abusive men. It was also intended for research purposes as well as to conduct workshops to educate men about spousal abuse.
However, Rohana said her target group was simply not interested or unwilling to be educated about the matter.
"It could be an ego problem but men facing abuse or those who are abusive just don't seem to be interested to be counselled.
"We provided an avenue for them to seek help but there was no response.There is nothing more we can do," she said.
Rohana said the project would have been introduced in other states had it been successful here.
According to Rohana, the centre only handled six cases since it was set up - all of them minor domestic problems which were solved through counselling over the telephone.
Rohana said she and several volunteers had been operating from a makeshift office at the USM.
She said the centre had previously sought help from the State Government for some space at the Caring Society Complex but this was rejected.
She added that funding, whether from well-wishers or the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, was also not forthcoming.
Rohana said she had written twice to the ministry seeking some form of grant or financial support but there was no reply.
Eleven-Year-old Boy From Pahang Latest Victim Of Dengue
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- An 11-year-old boy from Kuala Medang in Kuala Lipis, Pahang died of dengue on Saturday. His was the only death caused by the deadly disease last week.
Health Ministry's Director of Disease Control, Dr Ramlee Rahmat said suspected dengue cases also recorded an increase last week from 542 cases the week before to 751 cases, a rise of 208 cases.
Of the total, 712 were normal dengue cases while 39 were of the hemorrhagic type which can lead to death, he told a press conference held weekly to update on the dengue outbreak at the ministry here Tuesday.
Dr Ramlee said the increase was expected as many cases were not reported during the festive holiday break as many people had been on leave.
Until Saturday, cumulative dengue cases for the year was 34,485 and which resulted in 86 deaths. For the same period last year it totalled 26,870 cases with 84 fatalities.
Dr Ramlee said Selangor recorded the most cases (11,367 and 24 deaths) followed by the Federal Territory (5,027 cases, 14 fatal) and Penang (3,129 with seven people succumbing to the disease).
Meanwhile, he said two factories in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan had been charged in court for failing to pay compound fines after their premises had been found to be breeding grounds of the Aedes mosquito, the vector of the disease.
Health Ministry's Director of Disease Control, Dr Ramlee Rahmat said suspected dengue cases also recorded an increase last week from 542 cases the week before to 751 cases, a rise of 208 cases.
Of the total, 712 were normal dengue cases while 39 were of the hemorrhagic type which can lead to death, he told a press conference held weekly to update on the dengue outbreak at the ministry here Tuesday.
Dr Ramlee said the increase was expected as many cases were not reported during the festive holiday break as many people had been on leave.
Until Saturday, cumulative dengue cases for the year was 34,485 and which resulted in 86 deaths. For the same period last year it totalled 26,870 cases with 84 fatalities.
Dr Ramlee said Selangor recorded the most cases (11,367 and 24 deaths) followed by the Federal Territory (5,027 cases, 14 fatal) and Penang (3,129 with seven people succumbing to the disease).
Meanwhile, he said two factories in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan had been charged in court for failing to pay compound fines after their premises had been found to be breeding grounds of the Aedes mosquito, the vector of the disease.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Rural postings good for new doctors
Star: State health directors should send new medical officers to rural health clinics because the experience there could make them better doctors.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said posting such medical officers to rural areas was a policy, but not all state health directors had implemented it.
Only the Perak Health Department required new doctors to serve one year at health clinics as part of the three-year compulsory service programme, he said.
He said rural postings made better doctors of the interns, as they would be treating patients with diseases and ailments found only in such areas.
“Patients with diseases like malaria cannot be found in general or district hospitals anymore. It can be seen only in rural areas.
“Doctors must have a good sampling of postings before they talk about specialisation in Malaysia,” Dr Chua said yesterday after visiting the Langkap health clinic, about 30km from here.
He added that since state directors had been given the power to post medical officers to various areas, they should make an effort to do so.
Extolling the other benefits of serving in rural areas, he said doctors there had a lighter workload than those serving in big hospitals.
They were also entitled to mileage claims of 60 sen per km as well as on-call allowance, Dr Chua said.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said posting such medical officers to rural areas was a policy, but not all state health directors had implemented it.
Only the Perak Health Department required new doctors to serve one year at health clinics as part of the three-year compulsory service programme, he said.
He said rural postings made better doctors of the interns, as they would be treating patients with diseases and ailments found only in such areas.
“Patients with diseases like malaria cannot be found in general or district hospitals anymore. It can be seen only in rural areas.
“Doctors must have a good sampling of postings before they talk about specialisation in Malaysia,” Dr Chua said yesterday after visiting the Langkap health clinic, about 30km from here.
He added that since state directors had been given the power to post medical officers to various areas, they should make an effort to do so.
Extolling the other benefits of serving in rural areas, he said doctors there had a lighter workload than those serving in big hospitals.
They were also entitled to mileage claims of 60 sen per km as well as on-call allowance, Dr Chua said.
Facial deformity experts coming to Malaysia soon
Star: Children with disfigured faces will now have a chance to look good – thanks to the Australian Craniofacial Institute.
Over the next 12 months, a medical team from ACFI will make four trips to Malaysia to perform surgeries and provide treatment and consultation, as well as train local doctors.
The team, comprising craniofacial surgeon and ACFI executive director Professor David J. David, anaesthetist Dr Ian Wall and a nurse, will be flown in by Malaysia Airlines.
Until Nov 26, Prof David and Dr Wall will be going to private and government clinics to look at patients with very complex facial disfigurations.
Prof David said there were many reasons why children had disfigured faces, one being facial tumour.
He and his team have been working closely with the Health Ministry over the last three decades, training local craniofacial surgeons and flying very serious cases (for the poor) to Australia for treatment.
MAS sales, distribution and marketing senior general manager Datuk Rashid Khan said even though the company was trying to contain costs, it would not neglect sponsorship requests that were deserving.
Over the next 12 months, a medical team from ACFI will make four trips to Malaysia to perform surgeries and provide treatment and consultation, as well as train local doctors.
The team, comprising craniofacial surgeon and ACFI executive director Professor David J. David, anaesthetist Dr Ian Wall and a nurse, will be flown in by Malaysia Airlines.
Until Nov 26, Prof David and Dr Wall will be going to private and government clinics to look at patients with very complex facial disfigurations.
Prof David said there were many reasons why children had disfigured faces, one being facial tumour.
He and his team have been working closely with the Health Ministry over the last three decades, training local craniofacial surgeons and flying very serious cases (for the poor) to Australia for treatment.
MAS sales, distribution and marketing senior general manager Datuk Rashid Khan said even though the company was trying to contain costs, it would not neglect sponsorship requests that were deserving.
Diabetes made me an invalid
NST: A retired senior police officer today described how, in five years, diabetes ravaged his body, leaving him unable to walk. And he is almost blind.
From his wheelchair, former superintendent of police Samad Daud, 65, told guests at the World Diabetes Day launch at the Kuching Waterfront that apathy and ignorance played a large part in reducing him from a "fit, tennis-player" to a blind invalid.
Diagnosed with the disease in 1985, he said he did nothing about it.
"I ate and drank just about everything. I would drink up to three glasses of Ribena-7UP after a game of tennis," he said.
In 2000, the first sign of his deteriorating health problem became apparent.
He had to undergo an eye operation as the disease had damaged the blood vessels. The operation was not a success. Now his right eye is blind and the other has blurred vision.
Two years later, the disease brought about a heart complication and Samad had major heart surgery. Fortunately, that was a success.
However, the following year the left leg had to be amputated at the knee because it was gangrenous.
Now, Samad has to rely on his wife to do most things. Samad's elder sister is also a diabetic.
It is estimated there are between 180,000 and 190,000 diabetics in Sarawak. The number is projected to reach 300,000 in 10 years.
From his wheelchair, former superintendent of police Samad Daud, 65, told guests at the World Diabetes Day launch at the Kuching Waterfront that apathy and ignorance played a large part in reducing him from a "fit, tennis-player" to a blind invalid.
Diagnosed with the disease in 1985, he said he did nothing about it.
"I ate and drank just about everything. I would drink up to three glasses of Ribena-7UP after a game of tennis," he said.
In 2000, the first sign of his deteriorating health problem became apparent.
He had to undergo an eye operation as the disease had damaged the blood vessels. The operation was not a success. Now his right eye is blind and the other has blurred vision.
Two years later, the disease brought about a heart complication and Samad had major heart surgery. Fortunately, that was a success.
However, the following year the left leg had to be amputated at the knee because it was gangrenous.
Now, Samad has to rely on his wife to do most things. Samad's elder sister is also a diabetic.
It is estimated there are between 180,000 and 190,000 diabetics in Sarawak. The number is projected to reach 300,000 in 10 years.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Motorists have Jekyll and Hyde personality
Star: Malaysians, usually courteous and loving, become “possessed” when they get behind the steering wheel, says a University Kebangsaan Malaysia psychologist.
“The moment they get into their cars, they become somebody else.
“They seem to develop a personality different from their usual self – they have, what I would call, a split personality,” said lecturer Dr Rozmi Ismail of the UKM's Psychology and Human Development Studies Centre.
“Outside of our vehicles, we are nice, exemplary workers and loving fathers. But behind the wheel, we change suddenly.
“We become impatient, quick to anger and prone to racing with others,” he said in an interview with Mingguan Malaysia.
For this reason, he added, road safety campaigns had not been effective.
However, he does not think this personality change is due to a stressful lifestyle.
Dr Rozmi, who has made several studies on the behaviour of road users and acknowledged as an expert on motorist psychology, said the essence of the problem is the attitude and mindset of the individual driver.
If this is not changed, the problem would haunt the nation to no end, he said.
He told the paper that his studies indicated that the risk of accidents among Malaysians, regardless of whether one was a driver or not, was around 10% to 15%.
“Among drivers, the risk is even higher – at 40% to 45%.
“Those aged between 20 to 30 face even higher risks. The ratio of risk between women and men is 1 to 2 as there are more men drivers and, secondly, women pay more attention to rules.
In another interview related to road safety, Berita Minggu quoted Road Transport Department director Solah Mat Hassan as saying the department hopes to come up with a year-long campaign instead of just the occasional Ops Sikap drive during festive seasons.
The department, he said, know its limitation in terms of staff and budget as well as the rising costs resulting from 24-hour monitoring.
However, Solah added, it would consider placing enforcement officers at high risk areas or places with bad traffic flow, instead of stationing them along highways.
“The moment they get into their cars, they become somebody else.
“They seem to develop a personality different from their usual self – they have, what I would call, a split personality,” said lecturer Dr Rozmi Ismail of the UKM's Psychology and Human Development Studies Centre.
“Outside of our vehicles, we are nice, exemplary workers and loving fathers. But behind the wheel, we change suddenly.
“We become impatient, quick to anger and prone to racing with others,” he said in an interview with Mingguan Malaysia.
For this reason, he added, road safety campaigns had not been effective.
However, he does not think this personality change is due to a stressful lifestyle.
Dr Rozmi, who has made several studies on the behaviour of road users and acknowledged as an expert on motorist psychology, said the essence of the problem is the attitude and mindset of the individual driver.
If this is not changed, the problem would haunt the nation to no end, he said.
He told the paper that his studies indicated that the risk of accidents among Malaysians, regardless of whether one was a driver or not, was around 10% to 15%.
“Among drivers, the risk is even higher – at 40% to 45%.
“Those aged between 20 to 30 face even higher risks. The ratio of risk between women and men is 1 to 2 as there are more men drivers and, secondly, women pay more attention to rules.
In another interview related to road safety, Berita Minggu quoted Road Transport Department director Solah Mat Hassan as saying the department hopes to come up with a year-long campaign instead of just the occasional Ops Sikap drive during festive seasons.
The department, he said, know its limitation in terms of staff and budget as well as the rising costs resulting from 24-hour monitoring.
However, Solah added, it would consider placing enforcement officers at high risk areas or places with bad traffic flow, instead of stationing them along highways.
Disease that can be fatal for 48,000
NST: It is an inherited disease but many people are not aware of it.
Inherited Cholesterol Disorder (ICD) is a disease that can prove fatal if left untreated and an estimated 48,000 Malaysians are believed to be affected.
"The disease is uncommon and most people don’t know they have it. The good news is that it is highly treatable," said consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin.
The more common form of ICD or Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is Heterozygous FH, caused by an abnormal gene in one or both parents which is then passed down to their child.
The cholesterol level of those affected is double that of a healthy person. It affects one in 400 people and leads to coronary artery disease.
Men will experience their first heart attack sometime between the age of 40 and 45 while women, between 50 and 55.
It’s a one in a million chance for someone to have the rare Homozygous FH but two children in Malaysia died from the disease about seven years ago.
"If left untreated, all will die. Children with the Homozygous gene will have their first heart attack around the age of 10 and will die before they are 20 or 30," Dr Khoo said.
When two heterozygous gene carriers get married and one of their children inherits the FH gene, the child will have the Homozygous FH form, where the cholesterol level is four times that of a normal person.
As most people are not aware they carry the gene, the only warning is when fat deposits develop on certain parts of the body including at the elbows, knees, ankles and buttocks.
"In Homozygous carriers, the lumps develop by the time the child is one or two. In Heterozygous, the lumps normally develop after puberty," said Dr Khoo.
He advised people to feel their archilles tendon to see whether it has thickened as this is where cholesterol is deposited.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Suren Thuraisingham said there was also a large number of people who had high cholesterol but did not have Homozygous FH or Heterozegous FH.
"What is important for the public to know is that if they see no difference in their condition after diet and lifestyle changes then they have to go on drugs for the rest of their lives," he said.
Inherited Cholesterol Disorder (ICD) is a disease that can prove fatal if left untreated and an estimated 48,000 Malaysians are believed to be affected.
"The disease is uncommon and most people don’t know they have it. The good news is that it is highly treatable," said consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin.
The more common form of ICD or Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is Heterozygous FH, caused by an abnormal gene in one or both parents which is then passed down to their child.
The cholesterol level of those affected is double that of a healthy person. It affects one in 400 people and leads to coronary artery disease.
Men will experience their first heart attack sometime between the age of 40 and 45 while women, between 50 and 55.
It’s a one in a million chance for someone to have the rare Homozygous FH but two children in Malaysia died from the disease about seven years ago.
"If left untreated, all will die. Children with the Homozygous gene will have their first heart attack around the age of 10 and will die before they are 20 or 30," Dr Khoo said.
When two heterozygous gene carriers get married and one of their children inherits the FH gene, the child will have the Homozygous FH form, where the cholesterol level is four times that of a normal person.
As most people are not aware they carry the gene, the only warning is when fat deposits develop on certain parts of the body including at the elbows, knees, ankles and buttocks.
"In Homozygous carriers, the lumps develop by the time the child is one or two. In Heterozygous, the lumps normally develop after puberty," said Dr Khoo.
He advised people to feel their archilles tendon to see whether it has thickened as this is where cholesterol is deposited.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Suren Thuraisingham said there was also a large number of people who had high cholesterol but did not have Homozygous FH or Heterozegous FH.
"What is important for the public to know is that if they see no difference in their condition after diet and lifestyle changes then they have to go on drugs for the rest of their lives," he said.
Second look at rejected cases
NST: There is good news for thousands of workers whose applications for various benefits were rejected by Socso.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn has ordered that they be reviewed as he felt that there may be genuine cases which were rejected due to incomplete or unclear information in the application forms.
This, he said could be due to the applicants not understanding the procedures.
"I want to know on what grounds the applications were rejected," he told the New Straits Times.
Up till December last year, Socso paid out RM824 million in claims to 255,000 workers from its RM12 billion fund.
Fong said although the annual sum paid out was high, he felt that the rejected cases must be studied as he wanted genuine cases to benefit from Socso.
"I have directed Socso to act with prudence while handling its funds and at the same time adopt a humanitarian approach when dealing with cases."
"When something happens to a worker, his family and children are affected."
Socso has 11 million members of whom 4.7 million are active.
It is learnt that more than 5,000 applications for benefits for commuting accidents, temporary disablement, permanent disablement and invalidity pension were rejected.
For invalidity pension alone, in 2003, the total number of applications received was 6,624 but only 2,481 (or 37.5 per cent) were accepted.
Last year, there were 7,961 applicants but only 2,770 (28.5 per cent) were successful.
Every year, Socso receives about 20,000 commuting accident cases.
Many are rejected because the information and details furnished are incomplete.
The compensation paid out annually for commuting accidents is about RM120 million.
Fong said it was the duty of all Socso officers to help workers fill up application forms.
"There are many workers who still need assistance.
"They need to be told about the procedures and about the documents required.
"Genuine cases should not be rejected."
Fong said he had personally met people whose applications were rejected.
He was puzzled why the medical boards appointed by Socso had rejected the applications.
"I met a woman in Taiping who suffered from severe Parkinson’s disease.
"Because of her illness, her company terminated her service.
"She had applied to Socso for her entitlement a few years ago but her application was rejected."
Fong also cited the case of a 17-year-old stall worker from Ipoh, Lai Jiun Wei, who suffered serious injuries to his right hand after an accident involving a sugarcane machine last Dec 24.
After Fong’s intervention, the youth was paid temporary disablement benefits for 126 days of medical leave totalling RM2,520.
His case was brought to the Socso medical board on July 11 for total loss of the right hand and he was compensated RM24,227, based on his last drawn salary.
He was also given a monthly payment of RM993.60 between May 1 and July 31.
Fong said the youth would be given a life-long payment rated at RM13.50 per day.
Socso is also getting him an artificial hand.
Besides scrutinising the rejected cases, Fong said he had also directed Socso to look into the 700 applications that had been awaiting decisions by the medical boards nationwide for more than six months.
"I want all applications to be heard and processed fast," he said, adding that those who need rehabilitation should be referred so that they can undergo the programmes designed for them to enable them to go back to work upon recovery.
Socso is also in the midst of employing case managers for the return-to-work planning and management of injured workers.
Fong said the case managers would develop and implement return-to-work pro- grammes, educate the workforce, keep injury and return-to-work statistics and develop policies to improve systems.
"We have already drafted the duties of the case managers which, among others, is to maintain contact with affected workers, offer advice, counselling and help them through the rehabilitation programme," he said.
Fong said they would also be engaging health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation counsellors, nurses or psychologists with occupational rehabilitation experience as return-to- work co-ordinators.
It is hoped that at least four could be recruited as co-ordinators in all major States, like Federal Territory, Selangor, Johor, Penang and two each in other States.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn has ordered that they be reviewed as he felt that there may be genuine cases which were rejected due to incomplete or unclear information in the application forms.
This, he said could be due to the applicants not understanding the procedures.
"I want to know on what grounds the applications were rejected," he told the New Straits Times.
Up till December last year, Socso paid out RM824 million in claims to 255,000 workers from its RM12 billion fund.
Fong said although the annual sum paid out was high, he felt that the rejected cases must be studied as he wanted genuine cases to benefit from Socso.
"I have directed Socso to act with prudence while handling its funds and at the same time adopt a humanitarian approach when dealing with cases."
"When something happens to a worker, his family and children are affected."
Socso has 11 million members of whom 4.7 million are active.
It is learnt that more than 5,000 applications for benefits for commuting accidents, temporary disablement, permanent disablement and invalidity pension were rejected.
For invalidity pension alone, in 2003, the total number of applications received was 6,624 but only 2,481 (or 37.5 per cent) were accepted.
Last year, there were 7,961 applicants but only 2,770 (28.5 per cent) were successful.
Every year, Socso receives about 20,000 commuting accident cases.
Many are rejected because the information and details furnished are incomplete.
The compensation paid out annually for commuting accidents is about RM120 million.
Fong said it was the duty of all Socso officers to help workers fill up application forms.
"There are many workers who still need assistance.
"They need to be told about the procedures and about the documents required.
"Genuine cases should not be rejected."
Fong said he had personally met people whose applications were rejected.
He was puzzled why the medical boards appointed by Socso had rejected the applications.
"I met a woman in Taiping who suffered from severe Parkinson’s disease.
"Because of her illness, her company terminated her service.
"She had applied to Socso for her entitlement a few years ago but her application was rejected."
Fong also cited the case of a 17-year-old stall worker from Ipoh, Lai Jiun Wei, who suffered serious injuries to his right hand after an accident involving a sugarcane machine last Dec 24.
After Fong’s intervention, the youth was paid temporary disablement benefits for 126 days of medical leave totalling RM2,520.
His case was brought to the Socso medical board on July 11 for total loss of the right hand and he was compensated RM24,227, based on his last drawn salary.
He was also given a monthly payment of RM993.60 between May 1 and July 31.
Fong said the youth would be given a life-long payment rated at RM13.50 per day.
Socso is also getting him an artificial hand.
Besides scrutinising the rejected cases, Fong said he had also directed Socso to look into the 700 applications that had been awaiting decisions by the medical boards nationwide for more than six months.
"I want all applications to be heard and processed fast," he said, adding that those who need rehabilitation should be referred so that they can undergo the programmes designed for them to enable them to go back to work upon recovery.
Socso is also in the midst of employing case managers for the return-to-work planning and management of injured workers.
Fong said the case managers would develop and implement return-to-work pro- grammes, educate the workforce, keep injury and return-to-work statistics and develop policies to improve systems.
"We have already drafted the duties of the case managers which, among others, is to maintain contact with affected workers, offer advice, counselling and help them through the rehabilitation programme," he said.
Fong said they would also be engaging health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation counsellors, nurses or psychologists with occupational rehabilitation experience as return-to- work co-ordinators.
It is hoped that at least four could be recruited as co-ordinators in all major States, like Federal Territory, Selangor, Johor, Penang and two each in other States.
Activists Say Tak Nak Campaign Hampered By Mixed Signals
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The first round of the anti-smoking "Tak Nak" (Don't Want) media campaign last year has managed to increase awareness of the dangers of smoking but is undermined by what anti-tobacco activists describe as " conflicting signals".
Health Ministry sources said this year's campaign will focus more on how to quit smoking, with the help of a stronger network of government Quit Smoking Clinics and a new hotline.
But anti-tobacco activists say the campaign is threatened by the conflicting signals sent out by postponing a ban on small packs of cigarettes to the year 2010 and allowing TABINFO 2005, billed as the "largest Asian tobacco show ever", to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 14 to 16.
The "Tak Nak" campaign, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in February last year, is due to spend a total of RM20 million on anti-smoking promotions and education over five years.
The Prime Minister also signed the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in New York in September this year. This treaty agrees to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship on radio, television, the print media and the Internet within five years, and also bans tobacco company sponsorship of international events and activities.
The Health Ministry is in the process of appointing an advertising agency for this year's "Tak Nak" campaign, which it hopes to hold by year-end.
A comprehensive evaluation of the 2004 campaign by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) found that awareness of the anti-smoking messages after the campaign was quite high.
This year's campaign will target the factors affecting smokers' behaviour, he said. In addition to the existing Quitline at USM's National Poison Centre (04-6572924), the ministry is launching its own hotline for smokers who want to quit (03-88894876).
The number of government Quit Smoking Clinics has been increased from 167 last year to over 200 this year while about 280 staff have been trained to assess, counsel and treat smokers who want to quit.
Smokers with low dependency will be motivated to quit while an option for those who are moderate or heavy smokers will be nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum, patches and inhalers. But non-governmental organisations (NGOs) worry that delaying the ban on small packs of cigarettes, which was supposed to be enforced last year, then this year, then next year and finally has been postponed to 2010, will send a different message.
"Any measure which makes smoking affordable promotes smoking among the poor and the youth," warned Assoc Prof Dr Lekhraj Rampal, chairman of the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) committee under the Malaysian Medical Association.
Calling on the Cabinet to reconsider the decision, he pointed out that under the Food Act 1983, cigarettes must be sold in unopened packets containing at least 20 cigarettes.
"We were all looking forward to the banning of the so-called "kiddie pack" because that pack is more affordable to young people," said president of the Malaysian Thoracic Society, consultant respiratory physician Prof Liam Chong Kin.
"The delay in the ban will allow more young people to take up smoking," he said.
Article 16(3) of the FCTC says, "Each party shall endeavour to prohibit the sale of cigarettes individually or in small packets which increase the affordability of such products to minors," noted another Health Ministry source.
"The postponement would inevitably send ambiguous message about tobacco control in Malaysia," the source said.
"Efforts made through "Tak Nak" to persuade the general public against smoking, especially among children and youths, may be nullified by this postponement...In order for tobacco control to be effective, it must be comprehensive," the source added.
The anti-tobacco lobby also criticised the TABINFO 2005 tobacco show hosted in Kuala Lumpur while a Health Ministry source said this would "transmit unclear signals about commitment for effective tobacco control."
"The government is spending millions on the Tak Nak campaign, showing that it is serious about reducing smoking in the community," said Rampal. "Allowing Malaysia to be used as grounds for promotion doesn't make sense," he said. "By allowing the conference to go on, we are contradicting the FCTC ban on tobacco advertising and promotion," said Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control president Prof Syed Mohamed Aljunid.
"Since we are party to the FCTC, we should not allow it to be held in our country. If we allow people to advertise and promote tobacco, it will nullify the effect of the Tak Nak campaign to create awareness on the danger of smoking," he said.
USM and 28 other NGOs and institutions have collected about 50,000 signatures opposing the exhibition and they plan to deliver them to the Prime Minister, he said.
The professor called for anti-smoking promotions in Malaysia to be funded by "sin taxes" on cigarettes, as Thailand had done.
Rampal also asked the government to be transparent about the objectives and strategies of the Tak Nak campaign and tell the NGOs and community how they could help.
"We need to be much more active and consistent, showing a united message to the public and showing that we are doing everything possible to reduce the problem of smoking," he added.
Health Ministry sources said this year's campaign will focus more on how to quit smoking, with the help of a stronger network of government Quit Smoking Clinics and a new hotline.
But anti-tobacco activists say the campaign is threatened by the conflicting signals sent out by postponing a ban on small packs of cigarettes to the year 2010 and allowing TABINFO 2005, billed as the "largest Asian tobacco show ever", to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 14 to 16.
The "Tak Nak" campaign, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in February last year, is due to spend a total of RM20 million on anti-smoking promotions and education over five years.
The Prime Minister also signed the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in New York in September this year. This treaty agrees to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship on radio, television, the print media and the Internet within five years, and also bans tobacco company sponsorship of international events and activities.
The Health Ministry is in the process of appointing an advertising agency for this year's "Tak Nak" campaign, which it hopes to hold by year-end.
A comprehensive evaluation of the 2004 campaign by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) found that awareness of the anti-smoking messages after the campaign was quite high.
This year's campaign will target the factors affecting smokers' behaviour, he said. In addition to the existing Quitline at USM's National Poison Centre (04-6572924), the ministry is launching its own hotline for smokers who want to quit (03-88894876).
The number of government Quit Smoking Clinics has been increased from 167 last year to over 200 this year while about 280 staff have been trained to assess, counsel and treat smokers who want to quit.
Smokers with low dependency will be motivated to quit while an option for those who are moderate or heavy smokers will be nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum, patches and inhalers. But non-governmental organisations (NGOs) worry that delaying the ban on small packs of cigarettes, which was supposed to be enforced last year, then this year, then next year and finally has been postponed to 2010, will send a different message.
"Any measure which makes smoking affordable promotes smoking among the poor and the youth," warned Assoc Prof Dr Lekhraj Rampal, chairman of the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) committee under the Malaysian Medical Association.
Calling on the Cabinet to reconsider the decision, he pointed out that under the Food Act 1983, cigarettes must be sold in unopened packets containing at least 20 cigarettes.
"We were all looking forward to the banning of the so-called "kiddie pack" because that pack is more affordable to young people," said president of the Malaysian Thoracic Society, consultant respiratory physician Prof Liam Chong Kin.
"The delay in the ban will allow more young people to take up smoking," he said.
Article 16(3) of the FCTC says, "Each party shall endeavour to prohibit the sale of cigarettes individually or in small packets which increase the affordability of such products to minors," noted another Health Ministry source.
"The postponement would inevitably send ambiguous message about tobacco control in Malaysia," the source said.
"Efforts made through "Tak Nak" to persuade the general public against smoking, especially among children and youths, may be nullified by this postponement...In order for tobacco control to be effective, it must be comprehensive," the source added.
The anti-tobacco lobby also criticised the TABINFO 2005 tobacco show hosted in Kuala Lumpur while a Health Ministry source said this would "transmit unclear signals about commitment for effective tobacco control."
"The government is spending millions on the Tak Nak campaign, showing that it is serious about reducing smoking in the community," said Rampal. "Allowing Malaysia to be used as grounds for promotion doesn't make sense," he said. "By allowing the conference to go on, we are contradicting the FCTC ban on tobacco advertising and promotion," said Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control president Prof Syed Mohamed Aljunid.
"Since we are party to the FCTC, we should not allow it to be held in our country. If we allow people to advertise and promote tobacco, it will nullify the effect of the Tak Nak campaign to create awareness on the danger of smoking," he said.
USM and 28 other NGOs and institutions have collected about 50,000 signatures opposing the exhibition and they plan to deliver them to the Prime Minister, he said.
The professor called for anti-smoking promotions in Malaysia to be funded by "sin taxes" on cigarettes, as Thailand had done.
Rampal also asked the government to be transparent about the objectives and strategies of the Tak Nak campaign and tell the NGOs and community how they could help.
"We need to be much more active and consistent, showing a united message to the public and showing that we are doing everything possible to reduce the problem of smoking," he added.
Warning On Canned Food Containing Malachite Green
PENANG, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The government has confirmed that canned food and preserved fish that are mostly imported from China contain a chemical known as "malachite green" that can cause cancer.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has advised the public not to consume canned food or preserved fish containing the chemical until the government has issued a guideline on its permissible level of content.
He said several countries had banned the chemical but some allowed its usage provided that its level of content was not more than two percentage points per billion litres.
"Malaysia has not set the rate of percentage permitted or banned the chemical," he said, adding that the Health Ministry was working with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry and the Chemistry Department to set the permissible level of content of the chemical.
Dr Chua spoke to reporters after attending a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Frozen Food Producers Association here Saturday night.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has advised the public not to consume canned food or preserved fish containing the chemical until the government has issued a guideline on its permissible level of content.
He said several countries had banned the chemical but some allowed its usage provided that its level of content was not more than two percentage points per billion litres.
"Malaysia has not set the rate of percentage permitted or banned the chemical," he said, adding that the Health Ministry was working with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry and the Chemistry Department to set the permissible level of content of the chemical.
Dr Chua spoke to reporters after attending a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Frozen Food Producers Association here Saturday night.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Enlightening the young on cancer
Star: THE National Cancer Society of Malaysia is putting in more efforts to boost awareness on early detection among the youth.
NCSM secretary Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said being young did not automatically protect one from cancer.
“A lot of people associate cancer with middle-aged people. We want to change this perception," she said.
”We are going to the young people now to make sure that they know what cancer is and how important it is to detect it at an early age.”
Dr Saunthari said the association was now focusing on schoolchildren who were in their teens and adults below 30 years old. Dr Saunthari said, though there were signs that one could look for and early detection could save lives, information ought to be shared and understood to address the lack of awareness about the disease.
She said while the international rate of survival for cancer was 80%, the figure was lower in the country.
“In Malaysia the survival rate is only 50% because Malaysians still associate cancer with death and so they do not do anything about it, such as seeking treatment early,” she said.
Dr Saunthari was speaking to the press during a visit by ntv7's Trio cast to NCSM in Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.
Actresses Anita Baharom, Nurul Akma Afida Che Mat and Hani Kahusar toured the premises and were shown the Mammogram Centre, Bone Scanning Room, Resource and Wellness Centre and Children's Home of Hope. They also attended a short talk on breast cancer.
The stars will be leading a breast cancer awareness drive called “Trio and Friends - Take Charge!” which will take place at 1-Utama shopping complex (new wing) from Nov 18 to 20.
Established in 1966, NCSM is dedicated to saving lives from cancer, preventing cancer and improving the quality of life for sufferers and their families. Its operations are dependent on contributions from the public and corporate sector.
NCSM secretary Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said being young did not automatically protect one from cancer.
“A lot of people associate cancer with middle-aged people. We want to change this perception," she said.
”We are going to the young people now to make sure that they know what cancer is and how important it is to detect it at an early age.”
Dr Saunthari said the association was now focusing on schoolchildren who were in their teens and adults below 30 years old. Dr Saunthari said, though there were signs that one could look for and early detection could save lives, information ought to be shared and understood to address the lack of awareness about the disease.
She said while the international rate of survival for cancer was 80%, the figure was lower in the country.
“In Malaysia the survival rate is only 50% because Malaysians still associate cancer with death and so they do not do anything about it, such as seeking treatment early,” she said.
Dr Saunthari was speaking to the press during a visit by ntv7's Trio cast to NCSM in Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.
Actresses Anita Baharom, Nurul Akma Afida Che Mat and Hani Kahusar toured the premises and were shown the Mammogram Centre, Bone Scanning Room, Resource and Wellness Centre and Children's Home of Hope. They also attended a short talk on breast cancer.
The stars will be leading a breast cancer awareness drive called “Trio and Friends - Take Charge!” which will take place at 1-Utama shopping complex (new wing) from Nov 18 to 20.
Established in 1966, NCSM is dedicated to saving lives from cancer, preventing cancer and improving the quality of life for sufferers and their families. Its operations are dependent on contributions from the public and corporate sector.
Of men in Subang Jaya
The Star: MALE. Above 40. Residing in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
If the above description fits you, you may have received a letter from the Malaysian Society of Andrology and The Study of the Aging Male (MSASAM) inviting you to participate in the Subang Men’s Health Research.
Have you tossed the letter aside? Don’t be so quick to dismiss it – this is a very important study that will influence your health, and that of future generations of Malaysian men.
What is the study?
This is a community-based, randomised men’s health study to find out about Malaysian men’s disease burden and their health concerns.
This study is conducted by the MSASAM and the Asia-Pacific Society for the Study of the Ageing Male, together with the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, and endorsed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
The study will be looking at certain cornerstones of men’s health. The first area of study looks at cardiovascular risk – whether the men have, or at risk of developing, diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
These conditions are all tied in to the metabolic syndrome, which is now recognised as an important predictor of heart disease risk.
The other important area of the study pertains to specific men’s health problems, including erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.
Datuk Dr Tan Hui Meng, consultant urologist and adjunct professor at University Malaya, understands that some men may be wary of sharing information about their sexual health, which they deem to be a private matter. However, he urges them to overcome their embarrassment, as certain problems may be important clues to their overall health.
For example, two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction have coronary heart disease – which means that most men may not even be aware that they are ticking time bombs!
Lastly, the study will also look at men’s lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. “Nobody in this country has ever done this. This is a very important and vital study ? to study a community and their disease burden properly,” says Dr Tan, who is the chief researcher in the study.
Who are they looking for?
The study will be recruiting men between the age of 40 and 80, of all races, from the Subang Jaya community in the Klang Valley.
In explaining why that particular suburb was chosen, Dr Tan says that these men, being fairly affluent and well-educated, will give an indication of what men’s attitudes are towards health and disease.
Dr Tan and his team of investigators are hoping to recruit 4,000 men to participate in this study.
If you are surprised at how the researchers have obtained your name and contact details, do not be alarmed, as all this information is taken from the Subang Jaya electoral roll.
All the information and results collected from this study will be kept strictly confidential and used for research purpose only.
Why should I do this?
You may think that you are only one person, but to Dr Tan and the rest of the researchers, everyone counts.
“You are very important to us,” says Dr Tan. “We need to know your health and what determines your health. Studying the health status of men now can help us know the health status of future generations,” he says.
The results of the study will help doctors understand men’s health problems in Malaysia and provide better quality of care for men. The data will have far-reaching implications and will provide scientific evidence to our policy-makers, health planners and health financiers to make crucial decisions on health policies.
Dr Tan even implores Malaysians to think about what they are doing for their country. “Contribute to science in Malaysia! We need local data. You are helping the community and the progress of science.”
Hopefully, this study and the valuable information obtained from it, will pave the way for more of such studies in Malaysia.
What do I have to do?
If you become a participant in this study, all you have to do is undergo a simple blood test and answer two questionnaires.
You will have to schedule a date and time to visit any of the participating centres (Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Megah Medical Centre or 30 GP clinics around Petaling Jaya, Selangor).
Before your scheduled appointment, you will be required to fast for 10 hours. On the day itself, when you arrive at the clinic or hospital, you will have your blood taken and a simple physical examination comprising: blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference. Then you will be asked to fill up two short questionnaires and personally interviewed by one of the doctors on your health status.
“It just takes a little time, only 10 minutes,” says Dr Tan.
Recognising that most people have busy schedules, Dr Tan and his researchers have taken every effort to ensure that participation in this study will be as easy as possible.
The staff at the participating hospitals and clinics have been trained to carry out the procedures quickly and smoothly when you arrive at your scheduled time.
For the convenience of working people, the 30 participating clinics will also be open on Sundays.
A reminder letter will be sent to all eligible participants in mid-November. If you receive the letter and decide to participate in the study, call 03-79545140.
Alternatively, Dr Tan’s team of volunteers will call or visit you to gauge your response.
Note: As this study is only conducted within the Subang Jaya community, those living outside of Subang Jaya will not be eligible for the study.
If the above description fits you, you may have received a letter from the Malaysian Society of Andrology and The Study of the Aging Male (MSASAM) inviting you to participate in the Subang Men’s Health Research.
Have you tossed the letter aside? Don’t be so quick to dismiss it – this is a very important study that will influence your health, and that of future generations of Malaysian men.
What is the study?
This is a community-based, randomised men’s health study to find out about Malaysian men’s disease burden and their health concerns.
This study is conducted by the MSASAM and the Asia-Pacific Society for the Study of the Ageing Male, together with the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, and endorsed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
The study will be looking at certain cornerstones of men’s health. The first area of study looks at cardiovascular risk – whether the men have, or at risk of developing, diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
These conditions are all tied in to the metabolic syndrome, which is now recognised as an important predictor of heart disease risk.
The other important area of the study pertains to specific men’s health problems, including erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.
Datuk Dr Tan Hui Meng, consultant urologist and adjunct professor at University Malaya, understands that some men may be wary of sharing information about their sexual health, which they deem to be a private matter. However, he urges them to overcome their embarrassment, as certain problems may be important clues to their overall health.
For example, two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction have coronary heart disease – which means that most men may not even be aware that they are ticking time bombs!
Lastly, the study will also look at men’s lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. “Nobody in this country has ever done this. This is a very important and vital study ? to study a community and their disease burden properly,” says Dr Tan, who is the chief researcher in the study.
Who are they looking for?
The study will be recruiting men between the age of 40 and 80, of all races, from the Subang Jaya community in the Klang Valley.
In explaining why that particular suburb was chosen, Dr Tan says that these men, being fairly affluent and well-educated, will give an indication of what men’s attitudes are towards health and disease.
Dr Tan and his team of investigators are hoping to recruit 4,000 men to participate in this study.
If you are surprised at how the researchers have obtained your name and contact details, do not be alarmed, as all this information is taken from the Subang Jaya electoral roll.
All the information and results collected from this study will be kept strictly confidential and used for research purpose only.
Why should I do this?
You may think that you are only one person, but to Dr Tan and the rest of the researchers, everyone counts.
“You are very important to us,” says Dr Tan. “We need to know your health and what determines your health. Studying the health status of men now can help us know the health status of future generations,” he says.
The results of the study will help doctors understand men’s health problems in Malaysia and provide better quality of care for men. The data will have far-reaching implications and will provide scientific evidence to our policy-makers, health planners and health financiers to make crucial decisions on health policies.
Dr Tan even implores Malaysians to think about what they are doing for their country. “Contribute to science in Malaysia! We need local data. You are helping the community and the progress of science.”
Hopefully, this study and the valuable information obtained from it, will pave the way for more of such studies in Malaysia.
What do I have to do?
If you become a participant in this study, all you have to do is undergo a simple blood test and answer two questionnaires.
You will have to schedule a date and time to visit any of the participating centres (Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Megah Medical Centre or 30 GP clinics around Petaling Jaya, Selangor).
Before your scheduled appointment, you will be required to fast for 10 hours. On the day itself, when you arrive at the clinic or hospital, you will have your blood taken and a simple physical examination comprising: blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference. Then you will be asked to fill up two short questionnaires and personally interviewed by one of the doctors on your health status.
“It just takes a little time, only 10 minutes,” says Dr Tan.
Recognising that most people have busy schedules, Dr Tan and his researchers have taken every effort to ensure that participation in this study will be as easy as possible.
The staff at the participating hospitals and clinics have been trained to carry out the procedures quickly and smoothly when you arrive at your scheduled time.
For the convenience of working people, the 30 participating clinics will also be open on Sundays.
A reminder letter will be sent to all eligible participants in mid-November. If you receive the letter and decide to participate in the study, call 03-79545140.
Alternatively, Dr Tan’s team of volunteers will call or visit you to gauge your response.
Note: As this study is only conducted within the Subang Jaya community, those living outside of Subang Jaya will not be eligible for the study.
Chua: No proof people are carriers of bird flu
Star: There is no need to ban the entry of visitors from countries affected by the avian flu as there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted from human to human, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said Malaysians must have the right picture of the H5N1 avian flu virus and not be influenced by rumours.
“Many people ask me why the ministry still allows people from avian flu infected countries such as China, Vietnam and Indonesia to come into Malaysia.
“It must be understood that these people are not carriers and there is no need to ban them,” said Dr Chua.
Dr Chua, who is also MCA vice-president and Johor MCA liaison chairman, was speaking to reporters after the Wanita MCA's central committee meeting here yesterday.
He added that what was more important was that the Health Ministry, Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry, Veterinary Department and other related parties were working closely to ensure that Malaysian poultry was free from the H5N1 virus.
“Protection is not done by banning people. If poultry is found to be affected by the virus, there will be culling and surveillance of the people involved.
“This is more effective than banning. If we declare a ban on visitors from affected countries, there will not be many visitors left who can come to Malaysia,” he said.
On the issue of migratory birds bringing in the virus, Dr Chua said there was “no way to ban such birds,” adding that the only thing to do was to monitor them.
He added that the Wildlife and National Parks Department was already doing random sampling on the birds. So far, tests for avian flu were negative.
“I hope that people will not panic and continue to eat poultry. All preventive measures have been taken to ensure that the meat is safe for consumption,” he added.
Dr Chua said Malaysians must have the right picture of the H5N1 avian flu virus and not be influenced by rumours.
“Many people ask me why the ministry still allows people from avian flu infected countries such as China, Vietnam and Indonesia to come into Malaysia.
“It must be understood that these people are not carriers and there is no need to ban them,” said Dr Chua.
Dr Chua, who is also MCA vice-president and Johor MCA liaison chairman, was speaking to reporters after the Wanita MCA's central committee meeting here yesterday.
He added that what was more important was that the Health Ministry, Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry, Veterinary Department and other related parties were working closely to ensure that Malaysian poultry was free from the H5N1 virus.
“Protection is not done by banning people. If poultry is found to be affected by the virus, there will be culling and surveillance of the people involved.
“This is more effective than banning. If we declare a ban on visitors from affected countries, there will not be many visitors left who can come to Malaysia,” he said.
On the issue of migratory birds bringing in the virus, Dr Chua said there was “no way to ban such birds,” adding that the only thing to do was to monitor them.
He added that the Wildlife and National Parks Department was already doing random sampling on the birds. So far, tests for avian flu were negative.
“I hope that people will not panic and continue to eat poultry. All preventive measures have been taken to ensure that the meat is safe for consumption,” he added.
Woman, 106, among the forgotten ones
NST: Lim (not her real name) is 106 years old and the oldest mental patient in the country.
She has been at the Permai Hospital since 1956 and has had no contact with her family for decades.
Chew (not her real name), 85, has been a resident since 1952 and is the longest-staying inmate.
They need full-time care because of their age and attendant illnesses.
At the forensic ward, the longest-staying patient is 74-year-old Lai (not her real name) who was admitted in January 1956.
She was convicted of causing grievous injury to another person. Lim, Lai and Chew are only three of the hundreds who are staying in mental hospitals for more than 25 years.
The long-staying patients are spread over four psychiatric institutions — Hospital Permai and Hospital Bahagia (Perak); Hospital Sentosa (Sarawak); and Hospital Bukit Padang (Sabah).
There are also more than 200 long-staying inmates at the Sungai Buloh leprosarium who have been there for more than 30 years.
Despite the fact that many have recovered, they remain at these institutions as their families have declined to accept them.
But help is on the way.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has ordered a review of their cases with a view to possibly re-uniting them with their families.
He said it was a sad reflection of the times that family members disassociated themselves from immediate relatives who had recovered from mental illness.
"The family has totally neglected them. They passed the buck to hospital staff and left."
Dr Chua said many patients had been given a clean bill of health and were ready to rejoin society.
He said another problem hospitals faced was tracing the family of patients who had moved or had given false addresses.
The plight of mental patients forgotten by their families came to light when Sentosa Mental Hospital director Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar highlighted the cases of four inmates.
Two were released last month while the others are slated to enjoy freedom as soon as the courts rule in their favour on the hospital’s recommendation.
Chang Kui Hing, 76, better known to inmates as Ong Nga, was released on Oct 5 and Lai Oi Shin, 31, eight days later.
Ong Nga, who had been at the hospital for 44 years after being accused of killing his wife in Bandar Sri Aman on Dec 24, 1961, was granted a discharge on Sept 30.
He has elected to remain at the hospital, the only home he has known for four decades. Hospital authorities have allowed him to do so.
Lai, who is mentally impaired, was committed to the hospital in 1993 for a month for planting an unwanted kiss on a 19-year-old girl. The month stretched to 12 years with freedom coming only on Oct 13.
Two other inmates expected to be released soon are a 66- year-old woman, who has been in the hospital for 44 years, and a 42-year-old man, who has been there for 16 years.
The woman was sent to the facility after being accused of poisoning her husband while the man had been accused of rape and murder.
If they had not been mentally ill and had pleaded guilty, they would have walked out of prison within 12 years, the maximum sentence for manslaughter.
Dr Chua said Hospital Bahagia, which began operations in November 1911 as the country’s first mental asylum, had more than 2,000 inmates of whom at least 25 per cent had been staying for more than 25 years.
He added the situation was the same at other mental institutions.
She has been at the Permai Hospital since 1956 and has had no contact with her family for decades.
Chew (not her real name), 85, has been a resident since 1952 and is the longest-staying inmate.
They need full-time care because of their age and attendant illnesses.
At the forensic ward, the longest-staying patient is 74-year-old Lai (not her real name) who was admitted in January 1956.
She was convicted of causing grievous injury to another person. Lim, Lai and Chew are only three of the hundreds who are staying in mental hospitals for more than 25 years.
The long-staying patients are spread over four psychiatric institutions — Hospital Permai and Hospital Bahagia (Perak); Hospital Sentosa (Sarawak); and Hospital Bukit Padang (Sabah).
There are also more than 200 long-staying inmates at the Sungai Buloh leprosarium who have been there for more than 30 years.
Despite the fact that many have recovered, they remain at these institutions as their families have declined to accept them.
But help is on the way.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has ordered a review of their cases with a view to possibly re-uniting them with their families.
He said it was a sad reflection of the times that family members disassociated themselves from immediate relatives who had recovered from mental illness.
"The family has totally neglected them. They passed the buck to hospital staff and left."
Dr Chua said many patients had been given a clean bill of health and were ready to rejoin society.
He said another problem hospitals faced was tracing the family of patients who had moved or had given false addresses.
The plight of mental patients forgotten by their families came to light when Sentosa Mental Hospital director Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar highlighted the cases of four inmates.
Two were released last month while the others are slated to enjoy freedom as soon as the courts rule in their favour on the hospital’s recommendation.
Chang Kui Hing, 76, better known to inmates as Ong Nga, was released on Oct 5 and Lai Oi Shin, 31, eight days later.
Ong Nga, who had been at the hospital for 44 years after being accused of killing his wife in Bandar Sri Aman on Dec 24, 1961, was granted a discharge on Sept 30.
He has elected to remain at the hospital, the only home he has known for four decades. Hospital authorities have allowed him to do so.
Lai, who is mentally impaired, was committed to the hospital in 1993 for a month for planting an unwanted kiss on a 19-year-old girl. The month stretched to 12 years with freedom coming only on Oct 13.
Two other inmates expected to be released soon are a 66- year-old woman, who has been in the hospital for 44 years, and a 42-year-old man, who has been there for 16 years.
The woman was sent to the facility after being accused of poisoning her husband while the man had been accused of rape and murder.
If they had not been mentally ill and had pleaded guilty, they would have walked out of prison within 12 years, the maximum sentence for manslaughter.
Dr Chua said Hospital Bahagia, which began operations in November 1911 as the country’s first mental asylum, had more than 2,000 inmates of whom at least 25 per cent had been staying for more than 25 years.
He added the situation was the same at other mental institutions.
Dengue situation improving in Penang
NST:The dengue situation in Penang has improved in recent weeks, with only 43 people still warded in hospitals.
Another good news was the decrease from 27 to four the number of mosquito breeding grounds detected, said State Health Committee chairman P. K. Subbaiyah.
He attributed the success to consistent efforts by government agencies and increased public awareness on the dangers of the disease.
"We hope to contain the outbreak by the end of next month. However, it all depends on efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds," he said after attending a briefing on cleanliness and quality of food in school canteens here today.
Subbaiyah said those still warded were in stable condition. A total of 296 people were admitted to several hospitals in the State at the peak of the outbreak
Subaiyyah said Jalan Pantai Jerjak and Jalan Permatang Damar Laut in the South-West district and Taman Lip Sin Garden and Jalan Rhu in Farlim in the North-East district of Penang island remained the four dengue hot spots in the State.
Another good news was the decrease from 27 to four the number of mosquito breeding grounds detected, said State Health Committee chairman P. K. Subbaiyah.
He attributed the success to consistent efforts by government agencies and increased public awareness on the dangers of the disease.
"We hope to contain the outbreak by the end of next month. However, it all depends on efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds," he said after attending a briefing on cleanliness and quality of food in school canteens here today.
Subbaiyah said those still warded were in stable condition. A total of 296 people were admitted to several hospitals in the State at the peak of the outbreak
Subaiyyah said Jalan Pantai Jerjak and Jalan Permatang Damar Laut in the South-West district and Taman Lip Sin Garden and Jalan Rhu in Farlim in the North-East district of Penang island remained the four dengue hot spots in the State.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Hotline for desperate mums being set up
Star: A special hotline will be set up to help women and girls with unwanted pregnancies in a bid to stop baby dumping.
State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said some of the dumping cases had led to the death of some babies.
She said the cases could be prevented if those affected discussed their problems with someone on ways to have the baby adopted.
“We are very concerned about reports of newborn babies being abandoned, thrown into rivers, left at dumping sites or flushed down toilet bowls,” she said, adding that Telekom Malaysia would expedite the setting up of the hotline.
“Such irresponsible actions are criminal and cruel, and we want to help women or girls with unwanted pregnancies give their babies up for adoption,” she said at her Hari Raya open house here yesterday.
She said the Welfare Department could assist the adoption process in a discreet manner, and there were even families willing to bear the delivery, hospitalisation and other costs.
“We will set up the hotline soon. Meanwhile, we ask welfare officers to help those with unwanted pregnancies,” she added.
Dr Robia said she was glad that the baby who was found in a travelling bag at a dump site near Tanjung Agas here last month had been adopted.
“I hope the family will take good care of the baby,” she said.
State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said some of the dumping cases had led to the death of some babies.
She said the cases could be prevented if those affected discussed their problems with someone on ways to have the baby adopted.
“We are very concerned about reports of newborn babies being abandoned, thrown into rivers, left at dumping sites or flushed down toilet bowls,” she said, adding that Telekom Malaysia would expedite the setting up of the hotline.
“Such irresponsible actions are criminal and cruel, and we want to help women or girls with unwanted pregnancies give their babies up for adoption,” she said at her Hari Raya open house here yesterday.
She said the Welfare Department could assist the adoption process in a discreet manner, and there were even families willing to bear the delivery, hospitalisation and other costs.
“We will set up the hotline soon. Meanwhile, we ask welfare officers to help those with unwanted pregnancies,” she added.
Dr Robia said she was glad that the baby who was found in a travelling bag at a dump site near Tanjung Agas here last month had been adopted.
“I hope the family will take good care of the baby,” she said.
No sign of bird flu in Sarawak
Star: As of yesterday, Sarawak health and veterinary authorities have examined nearly 6,000 chickens and, so far, the results show the state is free of bird flu.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said security and ground preparations have been put in place in view of possible contamination from neighbouring Kalimantan.
Measures to combat the disease include:
·EXTENDING the ban on the import of live animals from the Indonesian province to include freshly slaughtered as well as frozen meat;
·SECURING the help of the police and the army to conduct operations at border regions against the smuggling of poultry and livestock from Kalimantan;
·ESTABLISHING specialised teams to deal with bird flu and to direct daily health inspections at border checkpoints;
·PREPARING its own stock of Tamiflu tablets and getting the laboratory at the Kuching general hospital to conduct swift tests to identify the H5N1 virus ; and
·ALLOCATING protective gear and equipment to all hospitals.
Dr Chan, who is also the state disaster relief committee chairman, added: “The state government has also warned farms to report unusual deaths of poultry and livestock.
“We are drawing up a ground zoning contingency plan for culling, quarantine and isolation procedures as well as imposing tougher health directives in wet markets.”
He has met both Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over Sarawak's preparations.
“If we have any farm in the state infected by the virus, we will cull every animal within a 1km radius, all birds within 2km and impose health checks on all animals and humans within 10km.
“We are worried that because of the size of the state, it may be possible that a few areas would be infected at a time,” Dr Chan told a press conference here yesterday.
“The Federal Government has assured that it will give all the help we need,” he said, adding that the state have since acquired 250 doses of Tamiflu.
Dr Chan said Sarawak’s past experience with the Nipah virus and Coxsackie outbreak is now being put to good use, and the state is ready for any eventuality.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said security and ground preparations have been put in place in view of possible contamination from neighbouring Kalimantan.
Measures to combat the disease include:
·EXTENDING the ban on the import of live animals from the Indonesian province to include freshly slaughtered as well as frozen meat;
·SECURING the help of the police and the army to conduct operations at border regions against the smuggling of poultry and livestock from Kalimantan;
·ESTABLISHING specialised teams to deal with bird flu and to direct daily health inspections at border checkpoints;
·PREPARING its own stock of Tamiflu tablets and getting the laboratory at the Kuching general hospital to conduct swift tests to identify the H5N1 virus ; and
·ALLOCATING protective gear and equipment to all hospitals.
Dr Chan, who is also the state disaster relief committee chairman, added: “The state government has also warned farms to report unusual deaths of poultry and livestock.
“We are drawing up a ground zoning contingency plan for culling, quarantine and isolation procedures as well as imposing tougher health directives in wet markets.”
He has met both Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over Sarawak's preparations.
“If we have any farm in the state infected by the virus, we will cull every animal within a 1km radius, all birds within 2km and impose health checks on all animals and humans within 10km.
“We are worried that because of the size of the state, it may be possible that a few areas would be infected at a time,” Dr Chan told a press conference here yesterday.
“The Federal Government has assured that it will give all the help we need,” he said, adding that the state have since acquired 250 doses of Tamiflu.
Dr Chan said Sarawak’s past experience with the Nipah virus and Coxsackie outbreak is now being put to good use, and the state is ready for any eventuality.
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