NST: MOST of us know asam gelugor or asam keping as a sour relish in asam laksa and asam pedas.
But the kampung folk have another use for it. They have been using it as a weight loss remedy.
Yes, our kampung folk are really on to something, confirm researchers at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
Despite its extreme acidity, asam gelugor has been found to be an effective appetite suppressant.
Dr Rasadah Mat Ali, director of FRIM’s Medicinal Plants Programme, said hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in asam gelugor, increases fatty acid oxidation in the pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle cells which results in a decrease in appetite.
It also stimulates glycogen synthesis in the liver and inhibits the uptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to further appetite suppression and feelings of satiety.
In addition, hydroxycitric acid also inhibits lipogenesis, the metabolic process that changes carbohydrate into fat. It has been shown to lower blood lipid levels.
Known by the scientific name Fructus garcinia atroviridis, asam gelugor trees are endemic to the northern region of the peninsula and grow up to 20 metres in height.
So, forget about all those expensive weight loss products that could be harmful to your health. Just buy some asam gelugor.
"We have done toxicology studies," said Rasadah. "It’s very safe. It is plant-based and there are no harmful appetite suppressant steroids. The only people who shouldn’t take it are pregnant women."
Those who do not fancy the sour taste of asam gelugor will soon be able to purchase asam gelugor tablets.
FRIM has licensed a local company to produce a standardised extract of asam gelugor containing 15 per cent hydroxycitric acid.
For its research work in asam gelugor extract, FRIM received an Innovative Product Award at the recent 17th International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition.
The exhibition, organised by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society, was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 19 to 21.
It’s not just asam gelugor that is exciting news in FRIM.
Rasadah said researchers from FRIM, in collaboration with Sirim, have also extracted a standardised citronella oil from the leaves of serai wangi — Cymbopogon nardus (L.) rendle.
This citronella oil has anti-dandruff, anti-microbial and insect repellent properties. Because it has a pleasant lemony smell, the oil can also be used for aromatherapy.
Serai wangi is used traditionally for stomach complaints (the essential oil is rubbed topically), insect repellent (dried or injured leaves are used) and as a childbirth wash in a decoction containing other herbs.
Other efforts by the FRIM-Sirim team:
• A standardised extract of pink guava (Psidium guajava) leaves which contains natural antioxidants that have skin whitening and anti-aging properties.
• An oxidant-rich skin whitener from the skin of the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit. It works by inhibiting biosynthesis of melanin. Mangosteen has been used traditionally to control fever and ward of infections.
• Skin whitening properties in antioxidant-rich extract of kadok (Piper sarmentosum) leaves. The leaves are used by kampung folk to treat malaria, cough and cold, backache, joint pain, toothache and getting rid the body of worms.
• Anti-rheumatic properties of the leaves of Vitex negundo, known by a number of common names including legundi, lemuning, dangla, lipuk and tigau. These leaves provide the characteristic flavour and purplish colouring of nasi kerabu.
Village folk use the leaves to treat a wide range of conditions, including flu, cough, dysentery, malaria, arthritis, asthma, digestive problems and headache.
Knowing that research alone is not enough, FRIM has licensed several local companies to exploit its research.
The Malaysian products, using local technology and ingredients, will be marketed soon.
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, July 09, 2006
Spotlight: A wealth of herbs goes untapped
NST: The herb-based product industry has been indentified under the Third Agricultural Policy as having the potential to be developed into a major industry. YONG TIAM KUI takes a look at the successes the industry it has had in R&D and the challenges it faces.
The Malaysian market for herb-based products, including health supplements, traditional herbals, cosmetics and fragrances is estimated to be worth about RM4.55 billion a year, but the irony is that 95 per cent of it is imported.
Why the irony? Malaysia is the world’s 12th top mega diversity country, which means the raw material is available, and there is also the expertise to turn the raw material in products for consumers.
Forest Research Industry of Malaysia director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Mohd Ali said there is a lot of potential for growth because the global market for herb-based products is estimated to be worth a staggering US$80 billion (RM303 billion).
"Since the Government is promoting Malaysia as a halal hub, we can also go into this market. It’s big and growing (the herbal market), especially in the Middle East.
But he laments that the local herbal production industry is handicapped as most of it is carried out on a very small scale.
"There are hardly any big players in Malaysia. There are 4,000 small set-ups and only five medium-sized enterprises.
"Most of these people lack the resources and expertise to carry out large scale cultivation, research, marketing, investment in machinery, business expansion and improved packaging.
Because of this, the industry faces a number of major problems, including the shortage of quality raw materials and lack of standards and quality assurance, technological mechanisation, skilled human resources and scientific evidence for health related claims.
Owing to the shortage of raw materials, much of the ingredients used in the production of herbal products such as tumeric, ginger, serai wangi and sirih have to imported even though they can be easily grown in the country.
Razak said the "mismatch" between growers and companies that produce herbal products is another problem.
"Felda has plenty of land and a lot of people are growing herbs in the kampung but how do you get the herbs to the manufacturers who need them as raw ingredients?
"If a company needs a consistent supply of turmeric, it would be forced to import the product from India because there is no way to source for it locally."
Razak said that effective marketing was also something that was very lacking in the local herbal industry.
"It is not enough to just come up with products. The marketing has to be there. We also need to have packaging that looks classy.
"But the people who are involved in the industry lack the know-how and resources to market their products."
He noted that it is difficult to market local herbal products because very few Malaysians are familiar with local herbs.
Malaysians, he added, have a preference for imported products.
"If you ask Malaysians about echinacea, they will probably know what you are talking about.
"But they don’t know about selasih, senduduk and other local herbs used by our forefathers. At the most, they only know about tongkat ali.
"Our people have been using mengkudu for a very long time. Then these white people brought in noni juice which is the same thing and everybody got so excited.
Malaysians must be willing to accept our products."
Razak said there was a need for greater collaboration between the industry and government agencies.
He stressed that the Government is committed to developing the herbal industry and points to the fact that the Women’s Health and Asian Traditional Medicine Conference and Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on July 28-30 is being supported by eight ministries.
These include the Health Ministry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
The Malaysian market for herb-based products, including health supplements, traditional herbals, cosmetics and fragrances is estimated to be worth about RM4.55 billion a year, but the irony is that 95 per cent of it is imported.
Why the irony? Malaysia is the world’s 12th top mega diversity country, which means the raw material is available, and there is also the expertise to turn the raw material in products for consumers.
Forest Research Industry of Malaysia director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Mohd Ali said there is a lot of potential for growth because the global market for herb-based products is estimated to be worth a staggering US$80 billion (RM303 billion).
"Since the Government is promoting Malaysia as a halal hub, we can also go into this market. It’s big and growing (the herbal market), especially in the Middle East.
But he laments that the local herbal production industry is handicapped as most of it is carried out on a very small scale.
"There are hardly any big players in Malaysia. There are 4,000 small set-ups and only five medium-sized enterprises.
"Most of these people lack the resources and expertise to carry out large scale cultivation, research, marketing, investment in machinery, business expansion and improved packaging.
Because of this, the industry faces a number of major problems, including the shortage of quality raw materials and lack of standards and quality assurance, technological mechanisation, skilled human resources and scientific evidence for health related claims.
Owing to the shortage of raw materials, much of the ingredients used in the production of herbal products such as tumeric, ginger, serai wangi and sirih have to imported even though they can be easily grown in the country.
Razak said the "mismatch" between growers and companies that produce herbal products is another problem.
"Felda has plenty of land and a lot of people are growing herbs in the kampung but how do you get the herbs to the manufacturers who need them as raw ingredients?
"If a company needs a consistent supply of turmeric, it would be forced to import the product from India because there is no way to source for it locally."
Razak said that effective marketing was also something that was very lacking in the local herbal industry.
"It is not enough to just come up with products. The marketing has to be there. We also need to have packaging that looks classy.
"But the people who are involved in the industry lack the know-how and resources to market their products."
He noted that it is difficult to market local herbal products because very few Malaysians are familiar with local herbs.
Malaysians, he added, have a preference for imported products.
"If you ask Malaysians about echinacea, they will probably know what you are talking about.
"But they don’t know about selasih, senduduk and other local herbs used by our forefathers. At the most, they only know about tongkat ali.
"Our people have been using mengkudu for a very long time. Then these white people brought in noni juice which is the same thing and everybody got so excited.
Malaysians must be willing to accept our products."
Razak said there was a need for greater collaboration between the industry and government agencies.
He stressed that the Government is committed to developing the herbal industry and points to the fact that the Women’s Health and Asian Traditional Medicine Conference and Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on July 28-30 is being supported by eight ministries.
These include the Health Ministry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
Comment: Curing the high-cost syndrome
NST: Steps are being taken to cap the prices of more than 1,000 essential medicines. What’s worrying is the medicines may only cure 30 to 50 per cent of patients.
THE Health Ministry’s announcement last week that it is working on a proposal to cap the prices of more than 1,000 essential medicines is welcome, though the move is long overdue.
For a long time, the question of drugs has been a bone of contention between Malaysian health activists and consumers. The last time Malaysia discussed this issue was almost a decade ago but it was of little avail. Maybe this time it will be different.
A survey recently (NST, May 9) showed that many Malaysians pay exorbitant prices for their medicines. In fact, drug prices in Malaysia are far above the international reference pricing, a guide on how much medicines should cost.
The ministry’s list of essential medicines will include antibiotics, aspirin and other painkillers, as well as medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.
The proposal is expected to be translated into reality when the National Medicines Policy is implemented. The main aim is to ensure patients have access to safe, high-quality and effective medication at affordable prices.
The Minister of Health was quoted as saying: "We are concerned over the high price of essential medicines and it is time for us to have some form of control over pricing."
The draft proposal, said the minister, will be presented to the Cabinet within two months.
A national medicines policy is a fundamental component of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Medicines Strategy.
The goal is to help save lives and improve health by ensuring the quality, efficacy, safety and rational use of medicines, including traditional medicines, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged.
It goes without saying that issues, especially that relating to the affordability of medi- cines, are major health determinants of a country.
It has been documented that in developing countries, much of the health expenditure goes towards buying medicines.
Prices of medicines are generally well above their production cost.
Profits of those in the distribution chain (pharmacists, dispensing doctors, wholesalers and even some governments) are frequently high, according to a recent study, "Medicines: Too costly and too scarce", carried out on behalf of WHO and an Netherlands-based non-governmental organisation, Health Action International (www.haiweb.org/medicineprices).
According to the study, in Malaysia, the final mark-up for a heart drug, atenolol (for 60 tablets, 50mg), can be as high as 150 per cent for its generic form and up to 80 per cent for the branded item.
The actual cost of the branded medicine is RM72 compared with RM24 for the generic product.
As another example, for generic omeprazole (30 capsules, 20mg), the pharmacy mark-up is the largest component cost at 140 per cent.
For the original brand of the medicine used to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, the pharmacy mark-up is also significant, though lower, at 38 per cent.
Being a country where doctors dispense medicines, the price data for Malaysia is equally revealing.
The study found that the profits for doctors were higher than for the pharmacists and also excessive: 146 per cent for generic atenolol and 76 per cent for the original.
For omeprazole, the dispensing doctor’s mark-ups were 316 per cent for the generic form and 50 per cent for the original.
Based on such evidence, it is important that the National Medicine Policy be given the utmost urgency, if the health status of Malaysia is to be protected, if not improved.
And capping the prices of medicines is certainly one that needs to be implemented without delay. No doubt the lobbying against any such move will be intense, but the Government must be steadfast in the face of irrational price increases.
Nowhere is this problem more acute than in many developing countries, plagued by the most fundamental health problems.
Medicines have not provided the "real" or desirable answer to many pressing health threats in such countries. Instead, they have resulted in the waste of scarce resources.
The truth is that for many people, modern drugs do not necessarily work.
This startling fact was admitted to by a vice-president of a leading pharmaceutical giant when he said recently:
"The vast majority of drugs — more than 90 per cent — only work in 30 or 50 per cent of the people."
This admission makes us examine the very nature of modern medicine itself.
As Gandhi had noted, the large number of hospitals is not a sign of health, but decay.
Unless we admit this, and make profound changes, the decay will overwhelm the global community sooner than we can imagine.
* The writer is the vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia. He can be contacted at vc@usm.my
THE Health Ministry’s announcement last week that it is working on a proposal to cap the prices of more than 1,000 essential medicines is welcome, though the move is long overdue.
For a long time, the question of drugs has been a bone of contention between Malaysian health activists and consumers. The last time Malaysia discussed this issue was almost a decade ago but it was of little avail. Maybe this time it will be different.
A survey recently (NST, May 9) showed that many Malaysians pay exorbitant prices for their medicines. In fact, drug prices in Malaysia are far above the international reference pricing, a guide on how much medicines should cost.
The ministry’s list of essential medicines will include antibiotics, aspirin and other painkillers, as well as medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.
The proposal is expected to be translated into reality when the National Medicines Policy is implemented. The main aim is to ensure patients have access to safe, high-quality and effective medication at affordable prices.
The Minister of Health was quoted as saying: "We are concerned over the high price of essential medicines and it is time for us to have some form of control over pricing."
The draft proposal, said the minister, will be presented to the Cabinet within two months.
A national medicines policy is a fundamental component of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Medicines Strategy.
The goal is to help save lives and improve health by ensuring the quality, efficacy, safety and rational use of medicines, including traditional medicines, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged.
It goes without saying that issues, especially that relating to the affordability of medi- cines, are major health determinants of a country.
It has been documented that in developing countries, much of the health expenditure goes towards buying medicines.
Prices of medicines are generally well above their production cost.
Profits of those in the distribution chain (pharmacists, dispensing doctors, wholesalers and even some governments) are frequently high, according to a recent study, "Medicines: Too costly and too scarce", carried out on behalf of WHO and an Netherlands-based non-governmental organisation, Health Action International (www.haiweb.org/medicineprices).
According to the study, in Malaysia, the final mark-up for a heart drug, atenolol (for 60 tablets, 50mg), can be as high as 150 per cent for its generic form and up to 80 per cent for the branded item.
The actual cost of the branded medicine is RM72 compared with RM24 for the generic product.
As another example, for generic omeprazole (30 capsules, 20mg), the pharmacy mark-up is the largest component cost at 140 per cent.
For the original brand of the medicine used to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, the pharmacy mark-up is also significant, though lower, at 38 per cent.
Being a country where doctors dispense medicines, the price data for Malaysia is equally revealing.
The study found that the profits for doctors were higher than for the pharmacists and also excessive: 146 per cent for generic atenolol and 76 per cent for the original.
For omeprazole, the dispensing doctor’s mark-ups were 316 per cent for the generic form and 50 per cent for the original.
Based on such evidence, it is important that the National Medicine Policy be given the utmost urgency, if the health status of Malaysia is to be protected, if not improved.
And capping the prices of medicines is certainly one that needs to be implemented without delay. No doubt the lobbying against any such move will be intense, but the Government must be steadfast in the face of irrational price increases.
Nowhere is this problem more acute than in many developing countries, plagued by the most fundamental health problems.
Medicines have not provided the "real" or desirable answer to many pressing health threats in such countries. Instead, they have resulted in the waste of scarce resources.
The truth is that for many people, modern drugs do not necessarily work.
This startling fact was admitted to by a vice-president of a leading pharmaceutical giant when he said recently:
"The vast majority of drugs — more than 90 per cent — only work in 30 or 50 per cent of the people."
This admission makes us examine the very nature of modern medicine itself.
As Gandhi had noted, the large number of hospitals is not a sign of health, but decay.
Unless we admit this, and make profound changes, the decay will overwhelm the global community sooner than we can imagine.
* The writer is the vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia. He can be contacted at vc@usm.my
Roadworthiness of 150,000 cars in doubt
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It is no accident that the number of road crashes is on the rise. There are about 150,000 second-hand vehicles on our roads whose roadworthiness is in question. Some of these cars are scrap parts that have been cut and welded together.
Road Transport Department records show that the ownership of some 600,000 cars was transferred last year. Only 450,000 of these cars were inspected by Puspakom.
This leaves the roadworthiness of the remaining 150,000 cars in doubt.
Puspakom chief executive officer Salamat Wahit said some of the 150,000 cars might be vehicles assembled from cannibalised parts. They are better known to Malaysians as kereta potong.
Salamat said some of these cars, which were written off as scrap, were sold by unscrupulous motor workshop operators to customers at a bargain after they were patched up with parts from other scrap cars.
"While the restored vehicles may be cheaper, they pose a danger to unsuspecting motorists who think they are getting a bargain," said Salamat.
"Last year, we detected 4,062 illegal cars — kereta potong and those with tampered chassis and engine numbers — compared with only 2,000 such vehicles in 2004. We believe that there are still such cars on the road.
"In the first five months of this year, we managed to detect some 2,000 such cars and it is estimated by year end that some 5,000 illegal cars will be uncovered."
Kereta potong are not safe as the vehicle structure and strength are not similar to the original. They rust easily in the areas which are joined and the vehicle alignment is suspect.
Puspakom, Salamat said, had detected an upward trend in the number of such cars, following an agreement with financial institutions that cars to be financed by the institutions must first be inspected.
"We do not know the status of the 150,000 cars whose ownership were transferred but which do not require a mandatory test by Puspakom."
Kereta potong are sold for cash. Unlike bank-financed vehicles, cars sold for cash need not be inspected by Puspakom.
"Financial institutions have realised the implications of financing a kereta potong but individuals who pay cash for a second-hand vehicle do not realise the importance of getting the car inspected.
"This is why we are pushing the Transport Ministry to make it mandatory for all vehicles whose ownership is transferred to be inspected by Puspakom to ensure they are fit to be on the road."
In 2000, Puspakom detected 82 kereta potong. The following year, the figure was 124, increasing to 287 in 2002 and to 323 in 2003.
Road Transport Department records show that the ownership of some 600,000 cars was transferred last year. Only 450,000 of these cars were inspected by Puspakom.
This leaves the roadworthiness of the remaining 150,000 cars in doubt.
Puspakom chief executive officer Salamat Wahit said some of the 150,000 cars might be vehicles assembled from cannibalised parts. They are better known to Malaysians as kereta potong.
Salamat said some of these cars, which were written off as scrap, were sold by unscrupulous motor workshop operators to customers at a bargain after they were patched up with parts from other scrap cars.
"While the restored vehicles may be cheaper, they pose a danger to unsuspecting motorists who think they are getting a bargain," said Salamat.
"Last year, we detected 4,062 illegal cars — kereta potong and those with tampered chassis and engine numbers — compared with only 2,000 such vehicles in 2004. We believe that there are still such cars on the road.
"In the first five months of this year, we managed to detect some 2,000 such cars and it is estimated by year end that some 5,000 illegal cars will be uncovered."
Kereta potong are not safe as the vehicle structure and strength are not similar to the original. They rust easily in the areas which are joined and the vehicle alignment is suspect.
Puspakom, Salamat said, had detected an upward trend in the number of such cars, following an agreement with financial institutions that cars to be financed by the institutions must first be inspected.
"We do not know the status of the 150,000 cars whose ownership were transferred but which do not require a mandatory test by Puspakom."
Kereta potong are sold for cash. Unlike bank-financed vehicles, cars sold for cash need not be inspected by Puspakom.
"Financial institutions have realised the implications of financing a kereta potong but individuals who pay cash for a second-hand vehicle do not realise the importance of getting the car inspected.
"This is why we are pushing the Transport Ministry to make it mandatory for all vehicles whose ownership is transferred to be inspected by Puspakom to ensure they are fit to be on the road."
In 2000, Puspakom detected 82 kereta potong. The following year, the figure was 124, increasing to 287 in 2002 and to 323 in 2003.
Hospitals in Sabah treating the most foreigners
Star: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s 21 hospitals are setting a national record for treating the highest number of foreigners in the country.
For instance, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said, 30% of those seeking treatment at the hospital in Lahad Datu district were foreigners.
He said Sabah had a hospital-to-local population ratio of 1:120,000, which was adequate for the local population of 2.9 million.
“However, foreigners using our hospitals bring a lot of problems with them such as non-payment of bills, use of fake identification documents and pregnancy complications because most of them do not undergo antenatal treatment,” he said after a briefing by Sabah Medical and Health Services Department officials here.
Sabah has an unofficial estimated population of 500,000 foreigners.
Dr Chua said many foreigners also sought treatment for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, cholera and typhoid.
Noting that Sabah had a high incidence of communicable diseases, with 3,267 malaria and 3,394 tuberculosis cases reported last year, he said his ministry would be emphasising preventive measures under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
Dr Chua said his ministry had allocated RM746mil for Sabah under the 9MP.
For instance, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said, 30% of those seeking treatment at the hospital in Lahad Datu district were foreigners.
He said Sabah had a hospital-to-local population ratio of 1:120,000, which was adequate for the local population of 2.9 million.
“However, foreigners using our hospitals bring a lot of problems with them such as non-payment of bills, use of fake identification documents and pregnancy complications because most of them do not undergo antenatal treatment,” he said after a briefing by Sabah Medical and Health Services Department officials here.
Sabah has an unofficial estimated population of 500,000 foreigners.
Dr Chua said many foreigners also sought treatment for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, cholera and typhoid.
Noting that Sabah had a high incidence of communicable diseases, with 3,267 malaria and 3,394 tuberculosis cases reported last year, he said his ministry would be emphasising preventive measures under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
Dr Chua said his ministry had allocated RM746mil for Sabah under the 9MP.
Treat children of sex workers like other kids
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: There are hundreds of children of sex workers and drug addicts in Chow Kit who badly need help, said Yayasan Salam Malaysia's consultant Dr Hartini Zainudin.
She urged society not to shun the offspring of drug addicts and sex workers but instead offer them a chance in life to develop their skills and potential.
“Those of us who are luckier should give back to society by assisting these children in any way possible.
“Many people think it is useless to help such children, claiming that they would eventually end up like their parents.
“These children are also humans, so let's help them.”
Dr Hartini said some of the children, including young girls, ended up sleeping on walkways because they did not have a home to return to.
“Some pick pocket for money to buy food for themselves or their siblings,” she added.
Yayasan Salam plans to create a safer environment for these children.
“By the end of this year, we plan to house these children in a hostel converted from a three-storey office lot.”
Dr Hartini said 90 children were now registered with their centre in Chow Kit but only 30-odd participated regularly in the activities there.
“They are taught English and activities such as drawing, singing and dancing,” she said, adding that Ira, Ish and Chiku were among the regulars.
Citing Chiku as an example, Dr Hartini said he was very withdrawn until he was introduced to the centre late last year.
“Chiku did not have a birth certificate and when everyone else started attending school at the age of seven, he wandered aimlessly in Chow Kit.
“Six months ago, we managed to obtain a birth certificate for him and later enrolled him in a nearby school.
“He is still shy but is now one of the regulars at the centre and loves participating in short plays,” said Dr Hartini, adding that the centre operates from 10am to 5pm daily.
She urged society not to shun the offspring of drug addicts and sex workers but instead offer them a chance in life to develop their skills and potential.
“Those of us who are luckier should give back to society by assisting these children in any way possible.
“Many people think it is useless to help such children, claiming that they would eventually end up like their parents.
“These children are also humans, so let's help them.”
Dr Hartini said some of the children, including young girls, ended up sleeping on walkways because they did not have a home to return to.
“Some pick pocket for money to buy food for themselves or their siblings,” she added.
Yayasan Salam plans to create a safer environment for these children.
“By the end of this year, we plan to house these children in a hostel converted from a three-storey office lot.”
Dr Hartini said 90 children were now registered with their centre in Chow Kit but only 30-odd participated regularly in the activities there.
“They are taught English and activities such as drawing, singing and dancing,” she said, adding that Ira, Ish and Chiku were among the regulars.
Citing Chiku as an example, Dr Hartini said he was very withdrawn until he was introduced to the centre late last year.
“Chiku did not have a birth certificate and when everyone else started attending school at the age of seven, he wandered aimlessly in Chow Kit.
“Six months ago, we managed to obtain a birth certificate for him and later enrolled him in a nearby school.
“He is still shy but is now one of the regulars at the centre and loves participating in short plays,” said Dr Hartini, adding that the centre operates from 10am to 5pm daily.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Six new ways to fight AIDS
Star: THERE are six new ways to fight HIV/AIDS under the National Strategic Plan in the next five years.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the plan, approved by the Cabinet on April 12, would be implemented under the 9th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM500mil.
“One of the strategies is to strengthen aspects of leadership, commitment and collaboration in fighting AIDS at international, national, state and district level,” he told Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP–Kepong).
“Second is increasing technical capabilities and human and financial resources, and third to reduce the risks of HIV spreading among drug addicts and their sex partners.
He said there was a need to reduce the vulnerability of HIV spreading among women, teenagers and children and also among those ostracised by society such as sex workers, transsexuals and MSM (men having sex with men).
He said there should be greater accessibility of information on HIV/AIDS as well as services on prevention, cure, care and support to those infected.
Until March 31, there were 71,676 HIV infections, of which 10,959 were AIDS victims and 8,334 had died from AIDS.
Dr Chua said 88% of infections were men, with 70% due to the sharing of needles among addicts.
To a supplementary question, Dr Chua said it was difficult for the ministry to keep track of the real number of AIDS deaths as many were reported as having died of fever.
He said the Cabinet wanted courses on HIV/AIDS to be included in the National Service curriculum.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the plan, approved by the Cabinet on April 12, would be implemented under the 9th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM500mil.
“One of the strategies is to strengthen aspects of leadership, commitment and collaboration in fighting AIDS at international, national, state and district level,” he told Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP–Kepong).
“Second is increasing technical capabilities and human and financial resources, and third to reduce the risks of HIV spreading among drug addicts and their sex partners.
He said there was a need to reduce the vulnerability of HIV spreading among women, teenagers and children and also among those ostracised by society such as sex workers, transsexuals and MSM (men having sex with men).
He said there should be greater accessibility of information on HIV/AIDS as well as services on prevention, cure, care and support to those infected.
Until March 31, there were 71,676 HIV infections, of which 10,959 were AIDS victims and 8,334 had died from AIDS.
Dr Chua said 88% of infections were men, with 70% due to the sharing of needles among addicts.
To a supplementary question, Dr Chua said it was difficult for the ministry to keep track of the real number of AIDS deaths as many were reported as having died of fever.
He said the Cabinet wanted courses on HIV/AIDS to be included in the National Service curriculum.
High possibility of severe haze
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s... too hazy to see anything clearly, for the dreaded haze is back to stay. At least until September.
The northern states are the most affected, with visibility down to 5km in Butterworth. With more than 70 hotspots were detected locally and in Indonesia yesterday, the situation is expected to get worse.
Meteorological Services Department Central Forecast Office principal assistant director Mohd Helmi Abdullah said the possibility of another bad haze episode was high as the south-westerly winds were in the right direction to carry haze particles here.
He said the dry season, when the incidence of haze would rise, was expected to begin this month and last till September, where less than average rainfall is also expected.
He said this was the climate model prediction provided by the United States Centre for Climate Prediction for this year.
Mohd Helmi added haze due to fires in Indonesia had started later this year compared with previous years due to wet conditions during the first half of the year.
Haze due to fires in Indonesia caused by land clearing for replanting is a perennial problem for Malaysia.
From 2000 to 2002, the haze occurrence due to fires started in July, whereas for 2003 till last year, the occurrence was a month early.
While the possibility of another bad haze episode was high, Mohd Helmi said: "But this will depend on the number of hotspots in Sumatra. At the moment, the numbers are fluctuating but when it stabilises at a certain level, our region will probably be affected by haze."
As of 4pm yesterday, Mohd Helmi said there were 47 hotspots in Sumatra, two in the Peninsula, 14 in Kalimantan and 12 in Sabah and Sarawak.
A definite improvement compared to 179 hotspots in Sumatra yesterday, 66 in Kalimantan, 20 in the Peninsula and 11 in Sabah and Sarawak.
A Department of Environment statement said the areas most affected by the haze were the northern states with visibility levels at the lowest in Butterworth at five kilometres as of 11am yesterday.
This was followed by Prai and Sitiawan at six kilometres and Alor Star, Batu Embun, Muadzam Shah and Tawau at seven kilometres.
At Bayan Lepas, Chuping, Petaling Jaya and Kuching, visibility stood at eight kilometres, while at Ipoh and Sepang, it was nine kilometres.
However, an early morning drizzle yesterday cleared Penang skies of the haze which had shrouded most of the State since the beginning of this week.
The northern states are the most affected, with visibility down to 5km in Butterworth. With more than 70 hotspots were detected locally and in Indonesia yesterday, the situation is expected to get worse.
Meteorological Services Department Central Forecast Office principal assistant director Mohd Helmi Abdullah said the possibility of another bad haze episode was high as the south-westerly winds were in the right direction to carry haze particles here.
He said the dry season, when the incidence of haze would rise, was expected to begin this month and last till September, where less than average rainfall is also expected.
He said this was the climate model prediction provided by the United States Centre for Climate Prediction for this year.
Mohd Helmi added haze due to fires in Indonesia had started later this year compared with previous years due to wet conditions during the first half of the year.
Haze due to fires in Indonesia caused by land clearing for replanting is a perennial problem for Malaysia.
From 2000 to 2002, the haze occurrence due to fires started in July, whereas for 2003 till last year, the occurrence was a month early.
While the possibility of another bad haze episode was high, Mohd Helmi said: "But this will depend on the number of hotspots in Sumatra. At the moment, the numbers are fluctuating but when it stabilises at a certain level, our region will probably be affected by haze."
As of 4pm yesterday, Mohd Helmi said there were 47 hotspots in Sumatra, two in the Peninsula, 14 in Kalimantan and 12 in Sabah and Sarawak.
A definite improvement compared to 179 hotspots in Sumatra yesterday, 66 in Kalimantan, 20 in the Peninsula and 11 in Sabah and Sarawak.
A Department of Environment statement said the areas most affected by the haze were the northern states with visibility levels at the lowest in Butterworth at five kilometres as of 11am yesterday.
This was followed by Prai and Sitiawan at six kilometres and Alor Star, Batu Embun, Muadzam Shah and Tawau at seven kilometres.
At Bayan Lepas, Chuping, Petaling Jaya and Kuching, visibility stood at eight kilometres, while at Ipoh and Sepang, it was nine kilometres.
However, an early morning drizzle yesterday cleared Penang skies of the haze which had shrouded most of the State since the beginning of this week.
Orang Asli health camp a major draw
NST: KUALA ROMPIN: The Orang Asli in Kedaik and the surrounding settlements about 60km from here, rarely see a doctor because of distance and time constraints. So the response to a one-day health, medical and dental camp on Sunday at SK Kedaik’s hostel complex was overwhelming.
The 37 doctors, including specialists, 40 nurses and 60 general volunteers had their hands full as they attended to the approximately 800 people who turned up.
"The response was overwhelming. Even before the camp was open to the public at 9am, scores of people were already waiting to see the doctors," said organising chairman P.S. Gill.
The camp was organised by the Sathya Sai Baba Central Council of Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Pahang branch, the State Health Department and the Rotary Club of Kuantan.
Besides medical treatment, the patients were screened for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hearing and eye problems. Pap smear examinations and bone density tests were also carried out, as well as dental examinations and tooth extractions.
"There was a high incidence of skin infections while some had multiple health problems," said Dr R. Selva Malar, Pahang MMA chairman.
"Several people were referred to the Muadzam Shah Hospital and Kuantan’s Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan for further examination and treatment," she added.
The 37 doctors, including specialists, 40 nurses and 60 general volunteers had their hands full as they attended to the approximately 800 people who turned up.
"The response was overwhelming. Even before the camp was open to the public at 9am, scores of people were already waiting to see the doctors," said organising chairman P.S. Gill.
The camp was organised by the Sathya Sai Baba Central Council of Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Pahang branch, the State Health Department and the Rotary Club of Kuantan.
Besides medical treatment, the patients were screened for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hearing and eye problems. Pap smear examinations and bone density tests were also carried out, as well as dental examinations and tooth extractions.
"There was a high incidence of skin infections while some had multiple health problems," said Dr R. Selva Malar, Pahang MMA chairman.
"Several people were referred to the Muadzam Shah Hospital and Kuantan’s Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan for further examination and treatment," she added.
Dead student’s gifts of life
Star: STUDENT M. Akilan, 12, may be dead and gone but he has given “life” to many others.
His parents, despite grieving for him, made a magnanimous decision to donate his organs which were harvested by the authorities on Thursday, according to Tamil Nesan.
The paper said V. Muthu, 46, and his wife S. Saraswathy, 34, felt that his untimely death should not be in vain, and hoped that some lives would be saved by the gesture.
Akilan 12, who was in a coma after an accident in Port Dickson on July 1, died without regaining consciousness at the KL Hospital on Thursday.
The Year Six pupil at SRKT Port Dickson was waiting to cross the road with his bicycle when a car knocked into him.
The boy, who suffered serious head injuries, was admitted to the Seremban General Hospital and later transferred to KLH.
His parents, despite grieving for him, made a magnanimous decision to donate his organs which were harvested by the authorities on Thursday, according to Tamil Nesan.
The paper said V. Muthu, 46, and his wife S. Saraswathy, 34, felt that his untimely death should not be in vain, and hoped that some lives would be saved by the gesture.
Akilan 12, who was in a coma after an accident in Port Dickson on July 1, died without regaining consciousness at the KL Hospital on Thursday.
The Year Six pupil at SRKT Port Dickson was waiting to cross the road with his bicycle when a car knocked into him.
The boy, who suffered serious head injuries, was admitted to the Seremban General Hospital and later transferred to KLH.
Feeling down? Call Befrienders
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Befrienders wants to remind the public that it is here to offer counselling to people with problems.
“If only someone who knew about her desperation had cared enough to listen to her problems, this might not have happened,” said Befrienders Seremban chairman Dorothy Leong of the railway suicide of K. Sanggita and her two daughters in Sungai Gadut, Seremban, on Tuesday.
The Befrienders is a non-profit organisation of trained volunteers that provides confidential counselling to people who are suicidal, depressed or in despair.
Leong said they would help callers to explore options and give them support in whatever decision they take in dealing with their situations.
“We provide a listening ear to all who want to share their innermost feelings without fear of criticism or judgment, and knowing too that whatever has been shared is kept confidential,” she said.
Befrienders Seremban can be contacted at 06-765 3588 or 765 3589 (7pm-10pm) on weekdays.
“If only someone who knew about her desperation had cared enough to listen to her problems, this might not have happened,” said Befrienders Seremban chairman Dorothy Leong of the railway suicide of K. Sanggita and her two daughters in Sungai Gadut, Seremban, on Tuesday.
The Befrienders is a non-profit organisation of trained volunteers that provides confidential counselling to people who are suicidal, depressed or in despair.
Leong said they would help callers to explore options and give them support in whatever decision they take in dealing with their situations.
“We provide a listening ear to all who want to share their innermost feelings without fear of criticism or judgment, and knowing too that whatever has been shared is kept confidential,” she said.
Befrienders Seremban can be contacted at 06-765 3588 or 765 3589 (7pm-10pm) on weekdays.
Siti Hasmah Award Of Aids Foundation Into Fifth Year
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Aids Foundation (MAF) is organising the Dr Siti Hasmah Awards for the fifth time to honour an organisation or individual for outstanding contribution to work related to HIV/Aids in the country.
MAF Chairman Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said the award identifies as well as promotes the award winners as models of good practice and encourages public and business participation in the fight against the deadly ailment.
"The award is our way of thanking individuals or organisation who are passionate and committed in their efforts to help alleviate the impact of HIV/Aids epidemic in this country," she said in her press statement.
The award, named after Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was initiated by MAF in 1996, and is presented biennially.
Dr Siti Hasmah will present the award during MAF's charity dinner, the Red Ribbon Gala, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel later this year.
More information on the award can be found at www.malaysianaidsfoundation.org.my or from Ms Tamayanty at 03-4045 1033 ext 303.
MAF Chairman Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said the award identifies as well as promotes the award winners as models of good practice and encourages public and business participation in the fight against the deadly ailment.
"The award is our way of thanking individuals or organisation who are passionate and committed in their efforts to help alleviate the impact of HIV/Aids epidemic in this country," she said in her press statement.
The award, named after Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was initiated by MAF in 1996, and is presented biennially.
Dr Siti Hasmah will present the award during MAF's charity dinner, the Red Ribbon Gala, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel later this year.
More information on the award can be found at www.malaysianaidsfoundation.org.my or from Ms Tamayanty at 03-4045 1033 ext 303.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Suicide: Housewives Easily Influenced By TV
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Housewives, who are categorised as "heavy viewers", are easily influenced and emulate the scenes which they watch on television to solve their frustrations.
A study has revealed a high possibility of them committing suicide if they are frustrated with life and depressed due to family problems.
A consultant and expert in communication, Ishak Abdul Hamid from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said, such a tendency had been explained by a western researcher, George Gerbner, in the "Cultivation Theory".
"The theory states that heavy viewers, comprising individuals who spend most of their time watching television, like housewives, are prone to believe everything they see (on TV) that they cannot differentiate between reality and fiction in the television programmes or films," he told Bernama here.
Ishak was commenting on a suggestion by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk G. Palanivel last Wednesday that suicide scenes in Indian movies be banned as they were a bad influence on viewers.
Palanivel had made the suggestion following the death of a depressed mother and her two children who were run over by a train near Taman Tuanku Ampuan Najihah in Sungai Gadut, Negri Sembilan last Tuesday.
In the incident, housewife K. Sanggita, and daughters, J. Sagitah, 6, and J. Esther, 3, were killed while son, J. Jason Kalidas, 5, suffers serious injuries and is being treated at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Ishak, a lecturer at the Communication Department of UPM's Modern Language and Communication Faculty, said based on a social learning theory by Albert Bandura, the electronics media, especially television, had an effect on the social behaviour of individuals.
Statistics from the Health Ministry last year showed the suicide rate to be between eight and 13 people for every 100,000 people a year, i.e, seven deaths daily or more than 2,000 a year.
Indians made up the highest number with a ratio of 21.1 people for every 100,000, Chinese (8.6:100,000) and Malays (2.6:100,000).
According to the ministry, the main factors which contribute to suicides are poverty, loss of loved ones, divorce and drug addiction besides academic failure and history of mental illness and suicide in the family.
Meanwhile, a member of the Film Censorship Board (LPF)'s Appeal Committee, Senator Datuk Jins Shamsuddin said he too believed that scenes which had a negative influence on viewers, like suicide, should be censored.
He said the LPF would censor scenes considered sensitive for public viewing.
"However, as someone involved in the film industry, I believe there will not be films which contain scenes of frustration which lead to a person committing suicide," said Jins, who is also chairman of the National Film Development Board (FINAS).
Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) president Dr Mahadi J. Murat is also in favour of banning suicide scenes which he said should not be made the "climax" of a film because of its negative impact on society.
He said films and television programmes should contain elements which could educate the people towards moulding a society with a high moral standard and values.
A study has revealed a high possibility of them committing suicide if they are frustrated with life and depressed due to family problems.
A consultant and expert in communication, Ishak Abdul Hamid from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said, such a tendency had been explained by a western researcher, George Gerbner, in the "Cultivation Theory".
"The theory states that heavy viewers, comprising individuals who spend most of their time watching television, like housewives, are prone to believe everything they see (on TV) that they cannot differentiate between reality and fiction in the television programmes or films," he told Bernama here.
Ishak was commenting on a suggestion by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk G. Palanivel last Wednesday that suicide scenes in Indian movies be banned as they were a bad influence on viewers.
Palanivel had made the suggestion following the death of a depressed mother and her two children who were run over by a train near Taman Tuanku Ampuan Najihah in Sungai Gadut, Negri Sembilan last Tuesday.
In the incident, housewife K. Sanggita, and daughters, J. Sagitah, 6, and J. Esther, 3, were killed while son, J. Jason Kalidas, 5, suffers serious injuries and is being treated at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Ishak, a lecturer at the Communication Department of UPM's Modern Language and Communication Faculty, said based on a social learning theory by Albert Bandura, the electronics media, especially television, had an effect on the social behaviour of individuals.
Statistics from the Health Ministry last year showed the suicide rate to be between eight and 13 people for every 100,000 people a year, i.e, seven deaths daily or more than 2,000 a year.
Indians made up the highest number with a ratio of 21.1 people for every 100,000, Chinese (8.6:100,000) and Malays (2.6:100,000).
According to the ministry, the main factors which contribute to suicides are poverty, loss of loved ones, divorce and drug addiction besides academic failure and history of mental illness and suicide in the family.
Meanwhile, a member of the Film Censorship Board (LPF)'s Appeal Committee, Senator Datuk Jins Shamsuddin said he too believed that scenes which had a negative influence on viewers, like suicide, should be censored.
He said the LPF would censor scenes considered sensitive for public viewing.
"However, as someone involved in the film industry, I believe there will not be films which contain scenes of frustration which lead to a person committing suicide," said Jins, who is also chairman of the National Film Development Board (FINAS).
Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) president Dr Mahadi J. Murat is also in favour of banning suicide scenes which he said should not be made the "climax" of a film because of its negative impact on society.
He said films and television programmes should contain elements which could educate the people towards moulding a society with a high moral standard and values.
Medical and health insurance next engine of growth
Daily Express: Kuala Lumpur: The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (Piam) says the medical and health insurance (MHI) business will become the fastest growing sector over the next few years.
"The country's growing population and the increasing need for healthcare insurance are the catalysts that have sparked the demand for MHI in Malaysia," said Piam's chairman, Hashim Harun in a statement Tuesday.
"The increasing costs of healthcare services have resulted in a growing number of consumers turning to private insurance to help them manage the cost of private medical treatment, such as the cost of hospitalisation and other healthcare services," he said.
"As MHI business currently accounts for about four percent of total premiums in the general insurance industry, there is strong potential to grow the business further," he added.
Annual premium income generated by both life and general insurers from yearly renewable MHI policies has increased by an average annual rate of 28 per cent to RM1.5 billion in 2005.
Total premiums in the general insurance industry recorded RM9.39 billion in 2005.
In its statement Piam also urged consumers to learn more about the different types of MHI policies that are available such as Hospital & Surgical, Critical Illness, Hospital Income and Long-term Care insurances, so as to make informed decisions when purchasing a MHI policy.
"The country's growing population and the increasing need for healthcare insurance are the catalysts that have sparked the demand for MHI in Malaysia," said Piam's chairman, Hashim Harun in a statement Tuesday.
"The increasing costs of healthcare services have resulted in a growing number of consumers turning to private insurance to help them manage the cost of private medical treatment, such as the cost of hospitalisation and other healthcare services," he said.
"As MHI business currently accounts for about four percent of total premiums in the general insurance industry, there is strong potential to grow the business further," he added.
Annual premium income generated by both life and general insurers from yearly renewable MHI policies has increased by an average annual rate of 28 per cent to RM1.5 billion in 2005.
Total premiums in the general insurance industry recorded RM9.39 billion in 2005.
In its statement Piam also urged consumers to learn more about the different types of MHI policies that are available such as Hospital & Surgical, Critical Illness, Hospital Income and Long-term Care insurances, so as to make informed decisions when purchasing a MHI policy.
Delay rural posting for grad nurses
Star: MIRI: The nursing fraternity in Sarawak has called on the Health Ministry to reconsider the practice of sending fresh graduate nurses straight from their training college to rural regions.
These freshly-trained nurses will not have the necessary experience or skills to effectively cater to the needs of rural patients, said the chief nursing supervisor of the State Health Department, Fatimah Supiah.
“Immediate rural posting after graduating from training will not do the nurses or the rural folks any good.
“These new nurses do not have necessary experience to deal with complicated ailments and diseases suffered by rural folks. They need to have more job experience before they are sent to the remote regions,” she said.
Fatimah was here to attend a state-level nursing conference, which was launched by State Health and Medical Services Director Dr Yao Sik King recently.
She stressed that in the nursing profession, it was important for graduate nurses to be attached to urban hospitals and clinics where they would be exposed to situations that would help them horn and sharpen their skills and abilities to deal with complex health issues.
Dr Yao, in her address, called on nurses to not just sharpen their nursing skills, but also their public relations and communications skills.
She said it is important for nurses to be able to relate more cordially with patients and their family members to lessen misunderstandings and ill feelings and create a more relax atmosphere to help patients recover faster.
These freshly-trained nurses will not have the necessary experience or skills to effectively cater to the needs of rural patients, said the chief nursing supervisor of the State Health Department, Fatimah Supiah.
“Immediate rural posting after graduating from training will not do the nurses or the rural folks any good.
“These new nurses do not have necessary experience to deal with complicated ailments and diseases suffered by rural folks. They need to have more job experience before they are sent to the remote regions,” she said.
Fatimah was here to attend a state-level nursing conference, which was launched by State Health and Medical Services Director Dr Yao Sik King recently.
She stressed that in the nursing profession, it was important for graduate nurses to be attached to urban hospitals and clinics where they would be exposed to situations that would help them horn and sharpen their skills and abilities to deal with complex health issues.
Dr Yao, in her address, called on nurses to not just sharpen their nursing skills, but also their public relations and communications skills.
She said it is important for nurses to be able to relate more cordially with patients and their family members to lessen misunderstandings and ill feelings and create a more relax atmosphere to help patients recover faster.
Censoring movies 'will not curb suicides'
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Censoring suicide scenes from Indian movies will not prevent women from taking their own lives.
Era Consumer Malaysia counsellor Nanthini Ramalo said censoring such scenes would not help women deal with their problems, which was the root cause of suicides.
She was commenting on a suggestion by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk G. Palanivel that suicide scenes in Indian movies should be banned as they were a bad influence on viewers.
Palanivel had made the comments in relation to the suicide deaths of K. Sangeetha and her children, Sagaria Johnson, 6, and Easter, 3.
The three were killed when a train ploughed into them in Sungai Gadut, Negri Sembilan, on Tuesday.
Her seven-year-old daughter Victoria managed to wriggle free from her mother’s clutches and pulled her five-year-old brother, Jason, to the side before the train hit them. Jason, however, suffered serious head injuries and had been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Sangeetha had apparently committed suicide with her children following an argument with her husband.
"From our experience, movies alone cannot cause suicides. It is probably only a minor contributing factor as a suicidal person would have attempted suicide a few times before. From the earlier attempts, they get the courage to finally carry it out," Nanthini said.
Relating her experience at Era Consumer’s 10 community centres nationwide, she said the main cause of suicide was the lack of someone whom the women could talk to about their problems.
A total of 3,289 women have received counselling at Era Consumer’s community centres, which were set up three years ago.
Of this, 352 were attempted suicide cases. All of them were Indian women.
Other causes of suicide, Nanthini said, include a loss of confidence, a loss of trust and their spouses’ extra-marital affairs. Physical and mental abuse and financial reasons have also driven women to commit suicide.
"For example, Sangeetha took her children with her to the railway tracks to commit suicide as she had lost her faith in everyone.
"No mother will kill her children, so she must have felt that there would be no one to take care of her children if she was no longer around."
Nanthini said that it was not easy to convince someone not to take their lives and this sometimes could take hours of counselling.
"We sometimes get calls at 3am, and if the situation warrants it, staff members from the nearest centre would visit the distressed person, no matter what time it is," she said.
Nanthini said women should also be made aware of the many counselling services provided by non-governmental organisations and government departments.
One of the problems, she said, was that many Indian women did not seek help due to language barriers.
"As such, we need more Indian counsellors as well as awareness programmes and advice columns for women in Tamil dailies," she said.
Era Consumer Malaysia counsellor Nanthini Ramalo said censoring such scenes would not help women deal with their problems, which was the root cause of suicides.
She was commenting on a suggestion by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk G. Palanivel that suicide scenes in Indian movies should be banned as they were a bad influence on viewers.
Palanivel had made the comments in relation to the suicide deaths of K. Sangeetha and her children, Sagaria Johnson, 6, and Easter, 3.
The three were killed when a train ploughed into them in Sungai Gadut, Negri Sembilan, on Tuesday.
Her seven-year-old daughter Victoria managed to wriggle free from her mother’s clutches and pulled her five-year-old brother, Jason, to the side before the train hit them. Jason, however, suffered serious head injuries and had been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Sangeetha had apparently committed suicide with her children following an argument with her husband.
"From our experience, movies alone cannot cause suicides. It is probably only a minor contributing factor as a suicidal person would have attempted suicide a few times before. From the earlier attempts, they get the courage to finally carry it out," Nanthini said.
Relating her experience at Era Consumer’s 10 community centres nationwide, she said the main cause of suicide was the lack of someone whom the women could talk to about their problems.
A total of 3,289 women have received counselling at Era Consumer’s community centres, which were set up three years ago.
Of this, 352 were attempted suicide cases. All of them were Indian women.
Other causes of suicide, Nanthini said, include a loss of confidence, a loss of trust and their spouses’ extra-marital affairs. Physical and mental abuse and financial reasons have also driven women to commit suicide.
"For example, Sangeetha took her children with her to the railway tracks to commit suicide as she had lost her faith in everyone.
"No mother will kill her children, so she must have felt that there would be no one to take care of her children if she was no longer around."
Nanthini said that it was not easy to convince someone not to take their lives and this sometimes could take hours of counselling.
"We sometimes get calls at 3am, and if the situation warrants it, staff members from the nearest centre would visit the distressed person, no matter what time it is," she said.
Nanthini said women should also be made aware of the many counselling services provided by non-governmental organisations and government departments.
One of the problems, she said, was that many Indian women did not seek help due to language barriers.
"As such, we need more Indian counsellors as well as awareness programmes and advice columns for women in Tamil dailies," she said.
More Malaysians Are HIV Carriers
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- As of March this year, some 60,737 Malaysians were HIV carriers while 10,959 others were suffering from AIDS.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek told Parliament Thursday that some 8,334 AIDS patients had died.
Dr Chua added that 88 per cent of those infected by HIV were males who were mostly drug addicts.
"Drug addicts pass down the disease through the sharing of syringes," he said.
This year, Dr Chua said, some 10,000 HIV carriers in the country would be given anti-retroviral treatment, made possible with the cheaper cost of anti-HIV drugs.
"Today the anti-retroviral treatment only costs RM150 per patient, down from RM1,200 previously."
Dr Chua also said the government had allocated RM500 million to implement the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS from 2006 to 2010.
The plan, endorsed by the Cabinet on April 12, has six core strategies which include HIV prevention, treatment and nursing, as well as after- treatment support services.
Dr Chua added that a Cabinet Committee on HIV/AIDS had been set up. The committee will be supported by the National Advisory Committee on AIDS and National Technical Committee on AIDS.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek told Parliament Thursday that some 8,334 AIDS patients had died.
Dr Chua added that 88 per cent of those infected by HIV were males who were mostly drug addicts.
"Drug addicts pass down the disease through the sharing of syringes," he said.
This year, Dr Chua said, some 10,000 HIV carriers in the country would be given anti-retroviral treatment, made possible with the cheaper cost of anti-HIV drugs.
"Today the anti-retroviral treatment only costs RM150 per patient, down from RM1,200 previously."
Dr Chua also said the government had allocated RM500 million to implement the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS from 2006 to 2010.
The plan, endorsed by the Cabinet on April 12, has six core strategies which include HIV prevention, treatment and nursing, as well as after- treatment support services.
Dr Chua added that a Cabinet Committee on HIV/AIDS had been set up. The committee will be supported by the National Advisory Committee on AIDS and National Technical Committee on AIDS.
Two States, KL on verge of dengue epidemic
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry warned yesterday that two States and Kuala Lumpur were on the verge of a dengue epidemic.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor have seen an increase in dengue cases over the past two weeks compared to the same period in 2005.
Whenever rainy weather is followed by sunshine, as in the past two weeks, dengue cases tend to rise.
However, Dr Chua said, the rate of increase for the three regions was above normal.
"Thus, they have entered a state of impending dengue epidemic," he said.
The Health Ministry, which conducts weekly checks on infectious diseases, discovered that dengue cases in Selangor had increased from 226 to 246 over the same period last year, a 33.2 per cent increase.
Cases in Kuala Lumpur rose from 93 to 148, and in Johor from 27 to 54.
The two States and Kuala Lumpur have been informed of the situation and told to step up cleaning, enforcement and monitoring, Dr Chua said. He cautioned that if no care is taken, the number of dengue cases would continue to rise.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor have seen an increase in dengue cases over the past two weeks compared to the same period in 2005.
Whenever rainy weather is followed by sunshine, as in the past two weeks, dengue cases tend to rise.
However, Dr Chua said, the rate of increase for the three regions was above normal.
"Thus, they have entered a state of impending dengue epidemic," he said.
The Health Ministry, which conducts weekly checks on infectious diseases, discovered that dengue cases in Selangor had increased from 226 to 246 over the same period last year, a 33.2 per cent increase.
Cases in Kuala Lumpur rose from 93 to 148, and in Johor from 27 to 54.
The two States and Kuala Lumpur have been informed of the situation and told to step up cleaning, enforcement and monitoring, Dr Chua said. He cautioned that if no care is taken, the number of dengue cases would continue to rise.
Last non-profit hospital may have to close
Star: PUTRAJAYA: It opens its door to the poor, charging only RM9 for patients receiving treatment at its clinic and RM280 for the delivery of babies in its common ward.
But if things don’t turn around soon for the Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Hospital and Medical Centre in Seremban, this door may have to close.
This may spell the end of an era of non-profit hospitals established by the Chinese community for the poor.
Hospital president Datuk Kan Kok Kwan said every effort should be made to save and preserve the heritage of the hospital, which was established back in 1932.
“We should conserve our history and heritage, and defend the pride of the Malaysian Chinese community, which has demonstrated its loyalty to the country by operating these hospitals,” he said in an interview.
“Our hospital is probably the only remaining and last of the Chinese maternity hospitals in the country.”
At one time, there were five such hospitals.
The Perak Chinese Maternity Hospital is now known as the Perak Community Specialist Hospital while that in Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Pudu has signed a pact to form a smart partnership with Tung Shin Hospital.
Another of the hospitals established by the community is Lam Wah Ee Hospital in Penang.
Kan said it was difficult for hospitals now to find benefactors although the Chinese community had been known to be generous when donating funds for causes like education.
“We have been running our hospital using our reserve funds to meet with financial demands for a few years now,” he said.
“Our overhead per day runs up to RM7,000 but our collection barely covers that.
“Last year, we received donations amounting to RM70,000. But we subsidised our medicine at a cost of RM30,000 per year.
“In 1997, we had 1,980 deliveries in this hospital. Last year, we only had 441 births.”
Similarly, in-patients had also declined from 5,206 back in 1997 to 2,627 last year.
Even the hospital’s once popular delivery package of only RM280, which comes with four meals a day, had only seen one or two patients trickling in each month.
“We also face problems of poor patients who cannot settle their bills. Some of the healthcare companies, which our patients have signed up with, have closed down and this makes it difficult for us to claim monies,” he said.
Kan was commenting on reports that non-profit hospitals were struggling to survive as the number of patients seeking treatment at such institutions was dropping drastically.
The hospital now has 110 staff, mainly trained nurses, and three doctors, and another 32 consultants and specialists on its panel.
But if things don’t turn around soon for the Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Hospital and Medical Centre in Seremban, this door may have to close.
This may spell the end of an era of non-profit hospitals established by the Chinese community for the poor.
Hospital president Datuk Kan Kok Kwan said every effort should be made to save and preserve the heritage of the hospital, which was established back in 1932.
“We should conserve our history and heritage, and defend the pride of the Malaysian Chinese community, which has demonstrated its loyalty to the country by operating these hospitals,” he said in an interview.
“Our hospital is probably the only remaining and last of the Chinese maternity hospitals in the country.”
At one time, there were five such hospitals.
The Perak Chinese Maternity Hospital is now known as the Perak Community Specialist Hospital while that in Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Pudu has signed a pact to form a smart partnership with Tung Shin Hospital.
Another of the hospitals established by the community is Lam Wah Ee Hospital in Penang.
Kan said it was difficult for hospitals now to find benefactors although the Chinese community had been known to be generous when donating funds for causes like education.
“We have been running our hospital using our reserve funds to meet with financial demands for a few years now,” he said.
“Our overhead per day runs up to RM7,000 but our collection barely covers that.
“Last year, we received donations amounting to RM70,000. But we subsidised our medicine at a cost of RM30,000 per year.
“In 1997, we had 1,980 deliveries in this hospital. Last year, we only had 441 births.”
Similarly, in-patients had also declined from 5,206 back in 1997 to 2,627 last year.
Even the hospital’s once popular delivery package of only RM280, which comes with four meals a day, had only seen one or two patients trickling in each month.
“We also face problems of poor patients who cannot settle their bills. Some of the healthcare companies, which our patients have signed up with, have closed down and this makes it difficult for us to claim monies,” he said.
Kan was commenting on reports that non-profit hospitals were struggling to survive as the number of patients seeking treatment at such institutions was dropping drastically.
The hospital now has 110 staff, mainly trained nurses, and three doctors, and another 32 consultants and specialists on its panel.
Teaching hospitals plan put on hold
Star: KOTA KINABALU: The Government has put on hold its plan to set up teaching hospitals at six universities offering medical courses due to financial constraints, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.
He stressed that the plan was not shelved but would be considered when there was available funds in the future.
He said of the nine universities offering medical courses, six, including University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were keen to set up teaching hospital colleges. The remaining three already have teaching hospitals.
“In the meantime, the universities will work with government hospitals. UMS already has a tie-up with Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” he told reporters during a visit to UMS where he opened the Students Services Centre.
He said his ministry and the Health Ministry were working together on the matter, including working out proper medical programmes for the students to learn at the hospital.
On a question raised in Parliament two days ago over the 70% unemployment rate among Malaysian university graduates, he said some of the “unemployed” graduates were already working but looking for better-paying jobs.
Mustapa said that there were three different figures on unemployment – from the Statistics Department, M-10 as well as the Human Resources Department.
“These figures need to be analysed,” he added.
However, the minister said, the Government was serious about the unemployment problem among graduates and a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was looking into the matter.
Mustapa earlier said that UMS would receive RM644mil for the setting-up of its agriculture faculty in Sandakan, among other development and operational costs.
He stressed that the plan was not shelved but would be considered when there was available funds in the future.
He said of the nine universities offering medical courses, six, including University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were keen to set up teaching hospital colleges. The remaining three already have teaching hospitals.
“In the meantime, the universities will work with government hospitals. UMS already has a tie-up with Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” he told reporters during a visit to UMS where he opened the Students Services Centre.
He said his ministry and the Health Ministry were working together on the matter, including working out proper medical programmes for the students to learn at the hospital.
On a question raised in Parliament two days ago over the 70% unemployment rate among Malaysian university graduates, he said some of the “unemployed” graduates were already working but looking for better-paying jobs.
Mustapa said that there were three different figures on unemployment – from the Statistics Department, M-10 as well as the Human Resources Department.
“These figures need to be analysed,” he added.
However, the minister said, the Government was serious about the unemployment problem among graduates and a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was looking into the matter.
Mustapa earlier said that UMS would receive RM644mil for the setting-up of its agriculture faculty in Sandakan, among other development and operational costs.
On alert for haze again
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Haze caused by smoke from 400 hotspots in Indonesia and 27 locally on Wednesday has affected visibility in the west coast of the peninsula.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is on the alert for another round of haze.
Deputy Minister Datuk S. Sothinathan said the National Security Bureau of the National Disaster Council would convene a meeting today to discuss contingency plans in the event of the situation worsening.
He said that while the air quality around the country was good to moderate, the situation was still “worrying” as the country was going into a dry spell for the next couple of months.
In the past few days, the southerly and south-westerly winds had been blowing smoke from Indonesian forest fires to the northern parts of the country.
The hotspots in the peninsula were in Pahang (14), Selangor (seven), Johor (three), Perak (two) and Negri Sembilan (one). In Sarawak, seven hotspots have been detected.
The Air Pollutant Index at 51 stations throughout the country at 11am yesterday showed 22 areas recording good levels and 25 moderate levels.
Readings of between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, and 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and hazardous.
In Butterworth, visibility of 800m range at 8am improved to over 10km by 4pm.
Bayan Lepas also recorded lower visibility levels at 5km in the morning and at 8km in the evening.
Open burning can be reported to the DOE at 1-800-88-2727.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is on the alert for another round of haze.
Deputy Minister Datuk S. Sothinathan said the National Security Bureau of the National Disaster Council would convene a meeting today to discuss contingency plans in the event of the situation worsening.
He said that while the air quality around the country was good to moderate, the situation was still “worrying” as the country was going into a dry spell for the next couple of months.
In the past few days, the southerly and south-westerly winds had been blowing smoke from Indonesian forest fires to the northern parts of the country.
The hotspots in the peninsula were in Pahang (14), Selangor (seven), Johor (three), Perak (two) and Negri Sembilan (one). In Sarawak, seven hotspots have been detected.
The Air Pollutant Index at 51 stations throughout the country at 11am yesterday showed 22 areas recording good levels and 25 moderate levels.
Readings of between 0 and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, and 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and hazardous.
In Butterworth, visibility of 800m range at 8am improved to over 10km by 4pm.
Bayan Lepas also recorded lower visibility levels at 5km in the morning and at 8km in the evening.
Open burning can be reported to the DOE at 1-800-88-2727.
Experts: Depressed may copy suicide scenes
Star: PETALING JAYA: Suicide scenes in movies can influence those facing serious depression to take similar action, according to experts here.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Psychology and Human Development Education Centre chairman Assoc Prof Dr Arifin Zainal said it mattered little if there was a moral lesson behind the scene, as the depressed person would only see the suicide and not the message behind it.
“When faced with serious depression, people become desperate for a way to get out of their misery and will accept any suggestion, including suicide, to overcome it,” he said.
He added that it was human nature to learn through observation and in a depressed state, the mind would imitate what it perceived to be the solution to a crisis.
He was commenting on a call by Deputy Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk G. Palanivel to the Censorship Board to cut out suicide scenes in Indian movies.
Palanivel, who was concerned over reel scenes turning into real-life tragedies, had made the statement after M. Sanggita, 30 and her two young daughters were run over by a train.
Dr Arifin said there were adequate agencies and non-governmental organisations offering counselling, but there was a lack of publicity on their existence.
“Some have been around for decades but many people still do not know how to get in touch with them.”
Yayasan Sosial Strategik executive director Dr Denison Jayasooria said suicide scenes, frequently portrayed in Indian movies, subtly sent a negative message.
“Some movies show young people committing suicide because of marital or family problems or when they face objections to marrying the partner of their choice.”
He said young people needed to be resilient and stand firm in the face of a crisis and not to look for an easy way out as shown in some movies.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Psychology and Human Development Education Centre chairman Assoc Prof Dr Arifin Zainal said it mattered little if there was a moral lesson behind the scene, as the depressed person would only see the suicide and not the message behind it.
“When faced with serious depression, people become desperate for a way to get out of their misery and will accept any suggestion, including suicide, to overcome it,” he said.
He added that it was human nature to learn through observation and in a depressed state, the mind would imitate what it perceived to be the solution to a crisis.
He was commenting on a call by Deputy Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk G. Palanivel to the Censorship Board to cut out suicide scenes in Indian movies.
Palanivel, who was concerned over reel scenes turning into real-life tragedies, had made the statement after M. Sanggita, 30 and her two young daughters were run over by a train.
Dr Arifin said there were adequate agencies and non-governmental organisations offering counselling, but there was a lack of publicity on their existence.
“Some have been around for decades but many people still do not know how to get in touch with them.”
Yayasan Sosial Strategik executive director Dr Denison Jayasooria said suicide scenes, frequently portrayed in Indian movies, subtly sent a negative message.
“Some movies show young people committing suicide because of marital or family problems or when they face objections to marrying the partner of their choice.”
He said young people needed to be resilient and stand firm in the face of a crisis and not to look for an easy way out as shown in some movies.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Doctor: I prayed for guidance
Star: KUCHING: General practitioner 53-year-old Dr Wan Ali Tuanku Mahdi thought he had delivered his last baby 20 years ago.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect another to arrive on an aeroplane.
But when cabin crew asked if there was a doctor on board the Tuesday evening flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Dr Wan Ali stepped up to the plate and delivered Norhaizan Sharbini’s third child.
Describing the experience in his Jalan Kulas clinic yesterday, Dr Wan Ali said he was nervous and worried because of the lack of medical equipment, so all he could do was pray for guidance.
As the cabin crew draped blankets around a row of four seats in the centre of the Airbus, Norhaizan, 44, told the doctor she was supposed to deliver by Caesarean section because of her age.
Dr Wan Ali said: "That made me even more nervous about likely complications. But, thank God, everything went smoothly and the baby was delivered safely."
On the flight captain’s announcement of the birth of a girl at 7.05pm, passengers on the fully-booked flight erupted in cheers and applause.
A MAS spokesperson declined to comment on why Norhaizan had been allowed to board when she was eight-and-a-half months pregnant.
Norhaizan’s husband Zafree Mohd Zain, 42, a MAS customer service officer, said: "My wife decided at the last minute to go back to Kuching, her hometown, to deliver.
"When we checked in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we were told she could board the flight."
On whether the baby would receive any benefits for being born in their aircraft, the spokesperson said as the father was a MAS employee, the child would qualify for the usual benefits to which all families of MAS staff were entitled.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect another to arrive on an aeroplane.
But when cabin crew asked if there was a doctor on board the Tuesday evening flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Dr Wan Ali stepped up to the plate and delivered Norhaizan Sharbini’s third child.
Describing the experience in his Jalan Kulas clinic yesterday, Dr Wan Ali said he was nervous and worried because of the lack of medical equipment, so all he could do was pray for guidance.
As the cabin crew draped blankets around a row of four seats in the centre of the Airbus, Norhaizan, 44, told the doctor she was supposed to deliver by Caesarean section because of her age.
Dr Wan Ali said: "That made me even more nervous about likely complications. But, thank God, everything went smoothly and the baby was delivered safely."
On the flight captain’s announcement of the birth of a girl at 7.05pm, passengers on the fully-booked flight erupted in cheers and applause.
A MAS spokesperson declined to comment on why Norhaizan had been allowed to board when she was eight-and-a-half months pregnant.
Norhaizan’s husband Zafree Mohd Zain, 42, a MAS customer service officer, said: "My wife decided at the last minute to go back to Kuching, her hometown, to deliver.
"When we checked in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we were told she could board the flight."
On whether the baby would receive any benefits for being born in their aircraft, the spokesperson said as the father was a MAS employee, the child would qualify for the usual benefits to which all families of MAS staff were entitled.
Woman vents anger at doc over grandson’s death
Star: UNABLE to come to terms with the death of her nine-month-old grandson, a grandmother tried to hit a private doctor for failing to treat the boy.
In its front-page report yesterday, China Press highlighted the case of a Kuala Lumpur-based doctor who managed to avoid being hit by the distraught woman.
The daily reported that the boy, Chen Ze Xuan from Cheras, had died of dengue fever on Monday.
Lin Xiu Ying, 59 who had been taking care of Ze Xuan since he was born, told the daily that her grandson received treatment at two private clinics but the fever persisted.
She then had the boy admitted to a private hospital on Sunday evening.
She alleged that a doctor there was slow in attending to her grandson although she had told the nurses that the baby was bleeding from the nose.
“When I asked the doctor why my grandson was bleeding, he scolded me for being a busybody and said I was the cause of the nosebleed,” she said, adding that her family was considering filing a negligence suit.
Meanwhile Sin Chew Daily reported that yellow noodle manufacturers found to have used too much boric acid would be prosecuted.
Quoting Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, the daily reported that the move was to ensure that manufacturers followed the guidelines.
Dr Chua added that the ministry had suspended the operating licences of several noodle manufacturers who failed to conform to cleanliness in their factories.
On complaints by manufacturers that sale of yellow noodles had dropped, Dr Chua said manufacturers whose noodles contained too much of the chemical were the ones to blame.
He reminded manufacturers that they had a social responsibility to ensure their food items were safe for consumption.
In its front-page report yesterday, China Press highlighted the case of a Kuala Lumpur-based doctor who managed to avoid being hit by the distraught woman.
The daily reported that the boy, Chen Ze Xuan from Cheras, had died of dengue fever on Monday.
Lin Xiu Ying, 59 who had been taking care of Ze Xuan since he was born, told the daily that her grandson received treatment at two private clinics but the fever persisted.
She then had the boy admitted to a private hospital on Sunday evening.
She alleged that a doctor there was slow in attending to her grandson although she had told the nurses that the baby was bleeding from the nose.
“When I asked the doctor why my grandson was bleeding, he scolded me for being a busybody and said I was the cause of the nosebleed,” she said, adding that her family was considering filing a negligence suit.
Meanwhile Sin Chew Daily reported that yellow noodle manufacturers found to have used too much boric acid would be prosecuted.
Quoting Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, the daily reported that the move was to ensure that manufacturers followed the guidelines.
Dr Chua added that the ministry had suspended the operating licences of several noodle manufacturers who failed to conform to cleanliness in their factories.
On complaints by manufacturers that sale of yellow noodles had dropped, Dr Chua said manufacturers whose noodles contained too much of the chemical were the ones to blame.
He reminded manufacturers that they had a social responsibility to ensure their food items were safe for consumption.
Stepping out soon with a new face
Star: ALOR STAR: Coffeeshop assistant Tan Kia Khim, who underwent a successful operation in China to remove a large facial tumour, will be discharged soon from the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou.
“He is in good health and will be discharged this month,” Fuda vice-president and Associate Professor Dr Niu Li-Zhi said in an e-mail interview from China.
Dr Niu said Tan, 25, would have to return to the hospital to undergo a facial reconstruction operation three months from now.
He added that Tan was now able to have normal meals and walk around the hospital.
“He mixes well and has made friends with a few nurses in the hospital,” he said, adding that the hospital had moved Tan to the same ward as another Malaysian, Hong Siew Hui, who had a similar surgery.
He said Tan's company would be good for Hong, 18, who had to undergo several surgeries to remove her facial tumour.
Tan, from Kampung Berjaya, and Hong, a school-leaver from Taman Bersatu, Simpang Empat, both from Kedah, arrived at the hospital 46 days ago and were operated on a day apart.
While Tan’s surgery was carried out within one day, Hong had to undergo several operations.
On June 29, Hong underwent the second stage of treatment for more than two hours to reduce the size of her tumour.
”She is in stable condition and is resting in her room. A CT scan showed that the portion of the tumour which underwent treatment on June 7 has already been destroyed and the tumour is smaller now,” said Dr Niu.
“He is in good health and will be discharged this month,” Fuda vice-president and Associate Professor Dr Niu Li-Zhi said in an e-mail interview from China.
Dr Niu said Tan, 25, would have to return to the hospital to undergo a facial reconstruction operation three months from now.
He added that Tan was now able to have normal meals and walk around the hospital.
“He mixes well and has made friends with a few nurses in the hospital,” he said, adding that the hospital had moved Tan to the same ward as another Malaysian, Hong Siew Hui, who had a similar surgery.
He said Tan's company would be good for Hong, 18, who had to undergo several surgeries to remove her facial tumour.
Tan, from Kampung Berjaya, and Hong, a school-leaver from Taman Bersatu, Simpang Empat, both from Kedah, arrived at the hospital 46 days ago and were operated on a day apart.
While Tan’s surgery was carried out within one day, Hong had to undergo several operations.
On June 29, Hong underwent the second stage of treatment for more than two hours to reduce the size of her tumour.
”She is in stable condition and is resting in her room. A CT scan showed that the portion of the tumour which underwent treatment on June 7 has already been destroyed and the tumour is smaller now,” said Dr Niu.
Promotion test frequency increased
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The promotion and evaluation test (PTK) for civil servants will now be conducted four times a year.
This is good news for the 1.2 million government workers and security forces personnel who in the past had to wait a year for a stab at promotion if they did not pass the test.
“Now that the PTK will be held four times a year, government servants can take the test again after three months,” said Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam.
Also, those who signed up for the PTK but failed to take it for reasons such as ill health or because they were away at the time need not wait a full year for the next test, he added.
He said a circular has been issued on the matter and urged all department heads to pass the message to their personnel.
On complaints that the Public Services Department did not provide sample PTK test papers, Ismail explained that the evaluation exercise was not examination-oriented.
“We want civil servants to understand how the administration works. The various ministries can organise courses to help their employees prepare for the PTK,” he said.
Cuepacs advisor Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said that having more PTK tests in a year was good for civil servants and hoped the authorities would set the schedules soon.
“This will enable civil servants to choose the time to sit for the test,” he added.
On the 20% quota for annual merit increment based on the PTK results, Siva Subramaniam said this was not fair.
“I think whoever gets marks above the cut-off score should be given the excellence perks like merit increments and cash incentives. I hope the department will review this.”
This is good news for the 1.2 million government workers and security forces personnel who in the past had to wait a year for a stab at promotion if they did not pass the test.
“Now that the PTK will be held four times a year, government servants can take the test again after three months,” said Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam.
Also, those who signed up for the PTK but failed to take it for reasons such as ill health or because they were away at the time need not wait a full year for the next test, he added.
He said a circular has been issued on the matter and urged all department heads to pass the message to their personnel.
On complaints that the Public Services Department did not provide sample PTK test papers, Ismail explained that the evaluation exercise was not examination-oriented.
“We want civil servants to understand how the administration works. The various ministries can organise courses to help their employees prepare for the PTK,” he said.
Cuepacs advisor Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said that having more PTK tests in a year was good for civil servants and hoped the authorities would set the schedules soon.
“This will enable civil servants to choose the time to sit for the test,” he added.
On the 20% quota for annual merit increment based on the PTK results, Siva Subramaniam said this was not fair.
“I think whoever gets marks above the cut-off score should be given the excellence perks like merit increments and cash incentives. I hope the department will review this.”
Cut out suicide scenes
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Cut out suicide scenes in Indian films.
This call to the Censorship Board was made by Deputy Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk G. Palanivel who was concerned over reel scenes turning into real-life tragedies.
Palanivel said the scenes were of no benefit to the audience and might influence those facing serious problems to mimic such actions.
He said this after visiting five-year-old Jason Kalidas at the KL Hospital paediatric ward intensive care unit here yesterday.
Jason was seriously injured when his mother M. Sanggita took him and his three sisters to a railway track to wait for a train to run over them.
Jason, who is in stable condition, and his eight-year-old sister Victoria managed to escape as the train smashed into Sanggita, 30, and Jason’s other sisters, Sacheria, six, and Esther, three.
“We have now seen what is always depicted in movies being played out in real life,” Palanivel, who is MIC deputy president said.
“Indian film directors should be more responsible and focus on positive scenes.”
Palanivel said he hoped police investigations would be able to reveal the circumstances faced by the mother which drove her to end her life as well as her children’s.
“It must have been a very serious problem and there must have been some plan or at least some outward behaviour to show that the mother wanted to carry out the deed.”
Palanivel said the Welfare Department had counsellors to offer aid to anyone suffering from distress or depression.
“Suicide should not be an option,” he said, adding that statistics on suicide and the reasons behind it should be compiled.
“If we know the reasons and learn how to identify those with suicidal tendencies, then we can probably intervene.
“Those facing problems should try to seek a solution.
“I also urge Hindu religious organisations to talk on this topic and educate the people that it is wrong to commit suicide.”
Ministry counsellor A. Balendram said this was the first time he had heard of a mother dragging her children along to die.
This call to the Censorship Board was made by Deputy Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk G. Palanivel who was concerned over reel scenes turning into real-life tragedies.
Palanivel said the scenes were of no benefit to the audience and might influence those facing serious problems to mimic such actions.
He said this after visiting five-year-old Jason Kalidas at the KL Hospital paediatric ward intensive care unit here yesterday.
Jason was seriously injured when his mother M. Sanggita took him and his three sisters to a railway track to wait for a train to run over them.
Jason, who is in stable condition, and his eight-year-old sister Victoria managed to escape as the train smashed into Sanggita, 30, and Jason’s other sisters, Sacheria, six, and Esther, three.
“We have now seen what is always depicted in movies being played out in real life,” Palanivel, who is MIC deputy president said.
“Indian film directors should be more responsible and focus on positive scenes.”
Palanivel said he hoped police investigations would be able to reveal the circumstances faced by the mother which drove her to end her life as well as her children’s.
“It must have been a very serious problem and there must have been some plan or at least some outward behaviour to show that the mother wanted to carry out the deed.”
Palanivel said the Welfare Department had counsellors to offer aid to anyone suffering from distress or depression.
“Suicide should not be an option,” he said, adding that statistics on suicide and the reasons behind it should be compiled.
“If we know the reasons and learn how to identify those with suicidal tendencies, then we can probably intervene.
“Those facing problems should try to seek a solution.
“I also urge Hindu religious organisations to talk on this topic and educate the people that it is wrong to commit suicide.”
Ministry counsellor A. Balendram said this was the first time he had heard of a mother dragging her children along to die.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Under Control In Sarawak
KUCHING, July 5 (Bernama) -- Despite the rising number of new cases of late, the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sarawak is still under control, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said Wednesday.
He said a total of 69 new HFMD cases were reported in the state Wednesday, the majority of them in the rural and suburban areas.
"It is true that the case graph is on the uptrend but at one time it was going downward. The ups and downs are normal," he told reporters here.
Dr Chan also said that he was still waiting for the results of an investigation into the death of a child in Miri, believed to be due to HFMD.
He said the results were expected to be known this week before follow-up action could be made.
As of 10am Wednesday, 29 HFMD patients were receiving treatment at several hospitals in Sarawak, the largest number being in Bintulu. Of the 29 patients, 16 were new cases.
Hitherto, a total of 11,397 HFMD cases have been reported since the disease was detected last March, and the number of confirmed deaths due to HFMD is 11.
He said a total of 69 new HFMD cases were reported in the state Wednesday, the majority of them in the rural and suburban areas.
"It is true that the case graph is on the uptrend but at one time it was going downward. The ups and downs are normal," he told reporters here.
Dr Chan also said that he was still waiting for the results of an investigation into the death of a child in Miri, believed to be due to HFMD.
He said the results were expected to be known this week before follow-up action could be made.
As of 10am Wednesday, 29 HFMD patients were receiving treatment at several hospitals in Sarawak, the largest number being in Bintulu. Of the 29 patients, 16 were new cases.
Hitherto, a total of 11,397 HFMD cases have been reported since the disease was detected last March, and the number of confirmed deaths due to HFMD is 11.
Where Is Elie's RM1 Billion Promise?
KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- It has been five months since the controversial Lebanese millionaire, Elie Yousef Najem, made a pledge of RM1 billion to the National Cancer Council (Makna).
Makna president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin only shrugged off his shoulders when asked by reporters on Elie's pledge.
"If he does not give, I am not hoping for it but if there are people who want to donate, I shall accept. He breaks his promise, what can I do," he said after receiving a cheque for RM27,000 from Sharity Greetings here Wednesday.
Last February, Elie told reporters that he would bank in the money into Makna's account after several quarters raised doubts over his intention following his arrest by the police for alleged fraud.
Mohd Farid said he was not disappointed with Elie but the incident had made him more determined to continue to help cancer patients.
"Actually, it is not just Elie. There are many others who pledge to contribute but when the time comes, there is none," he added.
In another development, Mohd Farid said three cancer patients had benefited from a micro-credit scheme introduced by Makna since 1994 to help them improve their livelihood.
He said Makna had received 26 new applications from cancer patients for assistance under the scheme.
He said the successful applicants would be given between RM3,000 and RM5,000 each to carry out their respective ventures which could generate income.
They are given training and guidance, he added.
Besides Makna, Sharity Greetings, represented by its Chief Executive Officer Fred Choo and executive director, Michele Kwok, also contributed to the World Wide Fund For Nature (RM25,000), Shelter Home for Children (RM24,000) and Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (RM24,000).
Makna president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin only shrugged off his shoulders when asked by reporters on Elie's pledge.
"If he does not give, I am not hoping for it but if there are people who want to donate, I shall accept. He breaks his promise, what can I do," he said after receiving a cheque for RM27,000 from Sharity Greetings here Wednesday.
Last February, Elie told reporters that he would bank in the money into Makna's account after several quarters raised doubts over his intention following his arrest by the police for alleged fraud.
Mohd Farid said he was not disappointed with Elie but the incident had made him more determined to continue to help cancer patients.
"Actually, it is not just Elie. There are many others who pledge to contribute but when the time comes, there is none," he added.
In another development, Mohd Farid said three cancer patients had benefited from a micro-credit scheme introduced by Makna since 1994 to help them improve their livelihood.
He said Makna had received 26 new applications from cancer patients for assistance under the scheme.
He said the successful applicants would be given between RM3,000 and RM5,000 each to carry out their respective ventures which could generate income.
They are given training and guidance, he added.
Besides Makna, Sharity Greetings, represented by its Chief Executive Officer Fred Choo and executive director, Michele Kwok, also contributed to the World Wide Fund For Nature (RM25,000), Shelter Home for Children (RM24,000) and Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (RM24,000).
HIV test for all Muslim couples
NST PUTRAJAYA: Muslim couples in all States will soon have to undergo compulsory HIV/AIDS screening before they can marry.
Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman said yesterday all State Governments had agreed in principle with the department’s proposal.
At least eight States have either implemented or are in the process of implementing the move this year, he said.
Selangor is the latest to join Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang in agreeing to have compulsory HIV/AIDS screening.
"All States have tentatively agreed with the proposal. Only a few more have yet to announce their decisions officially," Mustapa said.
"We expect them to do so at next month’s State Jakim directors’ meeting."
He said Jakim could not force the States to implement the proposal as religious matters were governed by the State Governments.
He said Terengganu and Kelantan had agreed to adopt the screening method implemented by the Johor Islamic Affairs Department.
Mustapa aslo said that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had told Jakim to carry out a study on the most acceptable and suitable screening method.
The positive feedback received by Jakim had prompted the department to come up with the proposal.
Mustapa said so far, only 0.03 per cent of couples who underwent screening voluntarily had been found to have HIV/AIDS. Counselling would be provided to those with HIV/AIDS. This is especially important for couples who insist on going ahead with their marriage plans despite the discovery that one, or both, of them have the disease.
The move to make it compulsory for Muslim couples to undergo an HIV/AIDS screening before being allowed to marry is part of measures being introduced to curb the spread of the disease.
Last month, the Government had proposed a mandatory jail term for anyone who donates blood knowing that he or she has HIV/AIDS.
Najib had said that the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 would be amended to provide for fines and a jail term.
The Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation had projected that there would be more than 300,000 Malaysians with HIV/AIDS by 2015.
At present, the figure stands at 71,676.
It is also estimated that more than 6,000 people would be infected with AIDS annually, unless effective measures are taken to address the problem.
Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman said yesterday all State Governments had agreed in principle with the department’s proposal.
At least eight States have either implemented or are in the process of implementing the move this year, he said.
Selangor is the latest to join Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang in agreeing to have compulsory HIV/AIDS screening.
"All States have tentatively agreed with the proposal. Only a few more have yet to announce their decisions officially," Mustapa said.
"We expect them to do so at next month’s State Jakim directors’ meeting."
He said Jakim could not force the States to implement the proposal as religious matters were governed by the State Governments.
He said Terengganu and Kelantan had agreed to adopt the screening method implemented by the Johor Islamic Affairs Department.
Mustapa aslo said that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had told Jakim to carry out a study on the most acceptable and suitable screening method.
The positive feedback received by Jakim had prompted the department to come up with the proposal.
Mustapa said so far, only 0.03 per cent of couples who underwent screening voluntarily had been found to have HIV/AIDS. Counselling would be provided to those with HIV/AIDS. This is especially important for couples who insist on going ahead with their marriage plans despite the discovery that one, or both, of them have the disease.
The move to make it compulsory for Muslim couples to undergo an HIV/AIDS screening before being allowed to marry is part of measures being introduced to curb the spread of the disease.
Last month, the Government had proposed a mandatory jail term for anyone who donates blood knowing that he or she has HIV/AIDS.
Najib had said that the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 would be amended to provide for fines and a jail term.
The Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation had projected that there would be more than 300,000 Malaysians with HIV/AIDS by 2015.
At present, the figure stands at 71,676.
It is also estimated that more than 6,000 people would be infected with AIDS annually, unless effective measures are taken to address the problem.
Cisco’s cost-saving system for hospitals
Business Times: US-BASED Cisco Systems Inc, wants to offer Malaysian hospitals a system that will help them save costs and better attend to patients’ needs.
This would be done by providing nurses with mobile phones and have chips embedded in medical equipments to better track them, among others.
“I am confident that the there will be cost savings (for the users),” Vincent Lim, Healthcare Practice Leader, Cisco Asia Pacific said, when asked if savings are guarantees for hospitals which would use the system.
Cisco, which is more known for making routers or equipments that direct traffic on the Internet, yesterday launched the system, dubbed the New Clinical Connectivity Solutions.
According to Lim, a typical 400-bed healthcare facility will be able to save between US$400,000 (RM1.46 million) and US$500,000 (RM1.82 million) annually by reducing short-term equipment losses, fewer purchases and labour savings.
Malaysian hospitals can expect a similar amount of savings but in terms of ringgit. He was speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
As for the cost of installing and implementing the system, he said, “The solution can cost between a few hundred dollars up to a couple of million dollars depending on what the hospital wants.”
Under the system, a Cisco 7920 IP (internet protocol) phone would be provided to a nurse for example. This will alert the nurse when a patient needs her, even when she is roaming and not at her station.
At the same time, the nurse can cut the number of trips made to the patient’s bedside to find out what the patient wants by immediately responding via direct communications with the patient.
The phone works like any other mobile phone making it easier for nurses to use it.
Another component of the system is the location-based services.
Nurses and clinicians spend valuable time searching for equipment and other hospital resources.
Cisco’s real-time system will use the Radio Frequency Indentification Systems (RFID) tracking technology.
These are essentially tiny chips embedded in equipments to allow tracking. This would also prevent theft.
“We have no competition here. We are the only one in the market,” Lim said, adding that other players in the market offer these products individually such as those providing the network or switches.
The system, which was introduced in October 2005, has already taken-off in 10 hospitals globally. Cisco is also working with another 30 to 40 hospitals around the world at various stages of implementation.
In Malaysia, Cisco hopes to rope in new Government hospitals and new private hospitals, as it would be easier to implement the system afresh.
This would be done by providing nurses with mobile phones and have chips embedded in medical equipments to better track them, among others.
“I am confident that the there will be cost savings (for the users),” Vincent Lim, Healthcare Practice Leader, Cisco Asia Pacific said, when asked if savings are guarantees for hospitals which would use the system.
Cisco, which is more known for making routers or equipments that direct traffic on the Internet, yesterday launched the system, dubbed the New Clinical Connectivity Solutions.
According to Lim, a typical 400-bed healthcare facility will be able to save between US$400,000 (RM1.46 million) and US$500,000 (RM1.82 million) annually by reducing short-term equipment losses, fewer purchases and labour savings.
Malaysian hospitals can expect a similar amount of savings but in terms of ringgit. He was speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
As for the cost of installing and implementing the system, he said, “The solution can cost between a few hundred dollars up to a couple of million dollars depending on what the hospital wants.”
Under the system, a Cisco 7920 IP (internet protocol) phone would be provided to a nurse for example. This will alert the nurse when a patient needs her, even when she is roaming and not at her station.
At the same time, the nurse can cut the number of trips made to the patient’s bedside to find out what the patient wants by immediately responding via direct communications with the patient.
The phone works like any other mobile phone making it easier for nurses to use it.
Another component of the system is the location-based services.
Nurses and clinicians spend valuable time searching for equipment and other hospital resources.
Cisco’s real-time system will use the Radio Frequency Indentification Systems (RFID) tracking technology.
These are essentially tiny chips embedded in equipments to allow tracking. This would also prevent theft.
“We have no competition here. We are the only one in the market,” Lim said, adding that other players in the market offer these products individually such as those providing the network or switches.
The system, which was introduced in October 2005, has already taken-off in 10 hospitals globally. Cisco is also working with another 30 to 40 hospitals around the world at various stages of implementation.
In Malaysia, Cisco hopes to rope in new Government hospitals and new private hospitals, as it would be easier to implement the system afresh.
Two Selangor kindies closed due to HFM
Star: SHAH ALAM: Two kindergartens in Selangor were ordered to close temporarily after 11 students came down with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) last week.
One of thekindergartens is located in Shah Alam (six cases) and the other in Sri Damansara (five cases), according to Selangor state executive councillor in charge of health Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng.
“The Health Department had disinfected the two kindergartens,” he said.
Dr Lim added the HFM virus was common, with the state registering 980 cases last year.
In the first six months of this year, there were some 200 cases.
Cleanliness was crucial, said Dr Lim, who directed kindergarten operators to keep their premises clean.
“Teachers and parents must also be alert to the symptoms. Look out for ulcers in the mouth as well as rashes on the hands and legs,” he said.
“Keep a sick child home. Sending him to school will help spread the virus.”
One of thekindergartens is located in Shah Alam (six cases) and the other in Sri Damansara (five cases), according to Selangor state executive councillor in charge of health Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng.
“The Health Department had disinfected the two kindergartens,” he said.
Dr Lim added the HFM virus was common, with the state registering 980 cases last year.
In the first six months of this year, there were some 200 cases.
Cleanliness was crucial, said Dr Lim, who directed kindergarten operators to keep their premises clean.
“Teachers and parents must also be alert to the symptoms. Look out for ulcers in the mouth as well as rashes on the hands and legs,” he said.
“Keep a sick child home. Sending him to school will help spread the virus.”
Drugs Used Other Than For Medication Illegal
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The government regards the use of drugs other than for medication as drug-abuse and their users are considered as addicts, Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharum said Tuesday.
Hence, the use of drugs such as morphine or ATS (Amphetamine Type Stimulants) often used by youths in night clubs and karaoke joints, whether once a week or once a month is considered drug addiction as it can affect one's health.
Johari said this in a statement to explain the difference between drug users and addicts raised in the TV3's "Buletin Utama" Monday.
TV3 quoted an e-mail sent by a viewer who doubted the National Anti-Drugs Agency statics of 292,696 drug addicts detected till March 2006 as mentioned by Johari recently.
Johari said a study by an institution of higher learning showed that for every addict detected there were two to three others who go undetected while the United Nations has put it at four undetected addicts for every one detected addict.
"If the UN statistics is to be used, the number of addicts in Malaysia would be 1.2 million," he said.
Hence, the use of drugs such as morphine or ATS (Amphetamine Type Stimulants) often used by youths in night clubs and karaoke joints, whether once a week or once a month is considered drug addiction as it can affect one's health.
Johari said this in a statement to explain the difference between drug users and addicts raised in the TV3's "Buletin Utama" Monday.
TV3 quoted an e-mail sent by a viewer who doubted the National Anti-Drugs Agency statics of 292,696 drug addicts detected till March 2006 as mentioned by Johari recently.
Johari said a study by an institution of higher learning showed that for every addict detected there were two to three others who go undetected while the United Nations has put it at four undetected addicts for every one detected addict.
"If the UN statistics is to be used, the number of addicts in Malaysia would be 1.2 million," he said.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
8 M'sian Students Receive Medical Degree In Russia, 2 Emerge Top
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- Eight students from among the pioneer batch of Malaysians who went to Russia to study medicine received their medical degrees recently, with two of them scoring excellent results.
Norazimimah Abdullah and Wong Weng Keong were awarded "red diplome" at the Moscow Medical Academy graduation ceremony on June 22 for their excellence, the Malaysian embassy in Moscow said in a statement, here Monday.
All of them enrolled for a medical degree programme in Moscow six years ago before the academy's medical degree was recognised by the Public Service Department (PSD), it said.
The PSD now recognises medical degrees from the Moscow Medical Academy and the Russian State Medical University which are among the top five medical universities in Russia.
Besides the two universities, Malaysian students are also studying medicine in Kurst, Nizny Novgorod and Volgograd which are recognised by the Malaysian government.
Currently, about 2,000 Malaysian students are pursuing medical and engineering degree courses in Russian universities.
Malaysian ambassador to Russia Datuk Mohamad Khalis said the students' success in securing medical degrees from Russian universities bore testimony to their courage in facing challenges to acquire knowledge in a foreign land.
Norazimimah Abdullah and Wong Weng Keong were awarded "red diplome" at the Moscow Medical Academy graduation ceremony on June 22 for their excellence, the Malaysian embassy in Moscow said in a statement, here Monday.
All of them enrolled for a medical degree programme in Moscow six years ago before the academy's medical degree was recognised by the Public Service Department (PSD), it said.
The PSD now recognises medical degrees from the Moscow Medical Academy and the Russian State Medical University which are among the top five medical universities in Russia.
Besides the two universities, Malaysian students are also studying medicine in Kurst, Nizny Novgorod and Volgograd which are recognised by the Malaysian government.
Currently, about 2,000 Malaysian students are pursuing medical and engineering degree courses in Russian universities.
Malaysian ambassador to Russia Datuk Mohamad Khalis said the students' success in securing medical degrees from Russian universities bore testimony to their courage in facing challenges to acquire knowledge in a foreign land.
Local TB test kit cheaper, results within 3 hours
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A new test kit developed by Malaysia will enable anyone to know if he suffers from tuberculosis within three hours. By contrast, the conventional test takes almost a month.
The "EZTBPCR" kit will also reveal the exact strain of bacteria involved through testing clinical samples such as sputum, gastric lavage, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids.
Malaysian Bio-Diagnostic Research Sdn Bhd (MBDr) chief executive officer Emeri Johari said: "This method will cut down on time as well as allow the commencement of treatment of patients promptly."
MBDr, developer of the test kit and one of the foremost developers of medical diagnostic products in the country, is located at the UKM-MTDC Smart Technology Centre in Bangi.
Tuberculosis, which is on the rise, is the number one killer among infectious diseases in the country. TB claims an average of three lives daily, with a total 1,200 deaths recorded last year. About 15,000 cases of TB are diagnosed annually in Malaysia.
In 2004, 15,307 cases were diagnosed, of which 8,000 were sputum smear positive (a condition where the person can pass on the infection).
The "EZTBPCR" kit, fine-tuned and developed by the firm’s chief scientific officer Dr Patricia Lim, senior scientist Dr Chan Giek Far and medical microbiology and molecular biologist Dr Mohd Zaki Salleh, is simple to use because minimal technical skill is required to perform the test.
Universiti Sains Malaysia dean of the School of Health Sciences Professor Zainul Fadziruddin Zainuddin’s extensive research on the subject led to the development of the test kit.
Emeri said it would be about 30 per cent cheaper to use the kit than the conventional procedure, which costs between RM60 and RM70 per test.
Dr Mohd Zaki said an evaluation of the kit was being conducted in Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and the Philippines, while local evaluation was being done by the Institute for Medical Research.
The kit is to be launched on Aug 11 by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.
The "EZTBPCR" kit will also reveal the exact strain of bacteria involved through testing clinical samples such as sputum, gastric lavage, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids.
Malaysian Bio-Diagnostic Research Sdn Bhd (MBDr) chief executive officer Emeri Johari said: "This method will cut down on time as well as allow the commencement of treatment of patients promptly."
MBDr, developer of the test kit and one of the foremost developers of medical diagnostic products in the country, is located at the UKM-MTDC Smart Technology Centre in Bangi.
Tuberculosis, which is on the rise, is the number one killer among infectious diseases in the country. TB claims an average of three lives daily, with a total 1,200 deaths recorded last year. About 15,000 cases of TB are diagnosed annually in Malaysia.
In 2004, 15,307 cases were diagnosed, of which 8,000 were sputum smear positive (a condition where the person can pass on the infection).
The "EZTBPCR" kit, fine-tuned and developed by the firm’s chief scientific officer Dr Patricia Lim, senior scientist Dr Chan Giek Far and medical microbiology and molecular biologist Dr Mohd Zaki Salleh, is simple to use because minimal technical skill is required to perform the test.
Universiti Sains Malaysia dean of the School of Health Sciences Professor Zainul Fadziruddin Zainuddin’s extensive research on the subject led to the development of the test kit.
Emeri said it would be about 30 per cent cheaper to use the kit than the conventional procedure, which costs between RM60 and RM70 per test.
Dr Mohd Zaki said an evaluation of the kit was being conducted in Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and the Philippines, while local evaluation was being done by the Institute for Medical Research.
The kit is to be launched on Aug 11 by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.
Monday, July 03, 2006
No-Smoking Enforcement To Be Improved Before Extending Ban
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry is focusing on tightening enforcement in no-smoking areas before it considers extending the ban to outdoor eateries and entertainment outlets.
"We have to tighten the enforcement first as we feel we have not done enough on this part. There are still many public places which have not fully enforced the no-smoking rule," the ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Lee Kah Choon told Bernama Monday.
He blamed the situation on the lack of enforcement officers, which he said the authorities would need to address urgently.
Currently, smoking is banned in schools, hospitals, government buildings and public waiting areas.
Lee was asked to comment on Singapore's decision to extend its no-smoking prohibition to outdoor hawker centres beginning this month and to entertainment outlets such as pubs, discos and karaoke lounges from July next year.
The republic's legislation requires bar owners to set aside smoking rooms while food outlets have to designate special smoking corners to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Lee said the Control of Tobacco Regulations 2004 empowers the Health Minister to add to the list of no-smoking areas whenever there was a need to do so.
The ministry's communicable diseases control division director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the ministry had planned to include more areas as no-smoking places under the regulations.
"They would include eateries and entertainment places," he said.
The government has taken several measures to discourage smoking among Malaysians, such as imposing stiff duties on tobacco products and banning the sale of small packets of 14 sticks of cigarettes or less since last month.
Also banned are cigarette advertisements and posters at public places, including coffee shops and mini markets, besides disallowing tobacco companies from sponsoring soccer tournaments since 2004 and the Formula One races since last year.
About 10,000 Malaysians die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, mainly cancer, stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
"We have to tighten the enforcement first as we feel we have not done enough on this part. There are still many public places which have not fully enforced the no-smoking rule," the ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Lee Kah Choon told Bernama Monday.
He blamed the situation on the lack of enforcement officers, which he said the authorities would need to address urgently.
Currently, smoking is banned in schools, hospitals, government buildings and public waiting areas.
Lee was asked to comment on Singapore's decision to extend its no-smoking prohibition to outdoor hawker centres beginning this month and to entertainment outlets such as pubs, discos and karaoke lounges from July next year.
The republic's legislation requires bar owners to set aside smoking rooms while food outlets have to designate special smoking corners to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Lee said the Control of Tobacco Regulations 2004 empowers the Health Minister to add to the list of no-smoking areas whenever there was a need to do so.
The ministry's communicable diseases control division director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the ministry had planned to include more areas as no-smoking places under the regulations.
"They would include eateries and entertainment places," he said.
The government has taken several measures to discourage smoking among Malaysians, such as imposing stiff duties on tobacco products and banning the sale of small packets of 14 sticks of cigarettes or less since last month.
Also banned are cigarette advertisements and posters at public places, including coffee shops and mini markets, besides disallowing tobacco companies from sponsoring soccer tournaments since 2004 and the Formula One races since last year.
About 10,000 Malaysians die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, mainly cancer, stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Start surfing, doctors told
NST: GEORGE TOWN: Some doctors in government hospitals are not keeping up with developments in the medical world, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said here yesterday.
"In fact, they continue to practise and apply what they learned more than 20 years ago in today’s modern setting," he said.
Dr Ismail said there was a time when Malaysia could not produce the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) which gave the medical professionals clear and objective benchmarks against which they could measure the benefits of treatment.
"Today, we have more than 30 CPGs which are easily accessible and can be downloaded from the Internet," he said.
"Even so, I have come across some who are simply not bothered to surf the Internet for the latest updates in the medical world.
"We cannot have a situation where our patients know more than the doctors ... that won’t do. I have to protect the image of the medical fraternity," he said.
"This is certainly a cause of concern for the ministry as well as the Malaysian Medical Council."
Dr Ismail was speaking at a Press conference after the launch of Malaysia’s first Clin ical Practice Guidelines for management of ischaemic stroke.
The guidelines, endorsed by the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences, represent the most recent developments and strategies based on studies and guidelines from around the world.
Present were MSN president Associate Professor Goh Khean Jin and CPG Development Group chairperson Dr Julia Shahnaz Merican.
Dr Ismail, who is also MMC president, said the relevant authority was looking into the possibility of conducting an audit among doctors to see how many adhered to guidelines provided under the CPGs.
He said an initial study showed that younger doctors adhered to CPGs more than senior practitioners.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Ismail said Malaysia was in dire need of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
The country now has 47 neurologists, 41 neurosurgeons and five rehabilitative specialists.
For this year alone, there is a need for 269 neurologists and 123 neurosurgeons.
Dr Ismail said stroke was the country’s leading cause of morbidity and the fourth leading cause of death after septicaemia, heart disease and cancer.
It is estimated that the incidence of stroke is about two cases among every 1,000 people.
"In fact, they continue to practise and apply what they learned more than 20 years ago in today’s modern setting," he said.
Dr Ismail said there was a time when Malaysia could not produce the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) which gave the medical professionals clear and objective benchmarks against which they could measure the benefits of treatment.
"Today, we have more than 30 CPGs which are easily accessible and can be downloaded from the Internet," he said.
"Even so, I have come across some who are simply not bothered to surf the Internet for the latest updates in the medical world.
"We cannot have a situation where our patients know more than the doctors ... that won’t do. I have to protect the image of the medical fraternity," he said.
"This is certainly a cause of concern for the ministry as well as the Malaysian Medical Council."
Dr Ismail was speaking at a Press conference after the launch of Malaysia’s first Clin ical Practice Guidelines for management of ischaemic stroke.
The guidelines, endorsed by the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences, represent the most recent developments and strategies based on studies and guidelines from around the world.
Present were MSN president Associate Professor Goh Khean Jin and CPG Development Group chairperson Dr Julia Shahnaz Merican.
Dr Ismail, who is also MMC president, said the relevant authority was looking into the possibility of conducting an audit among doctors to see how many adhered to guidelines provided under the CPGs.
He said an initial study showed that younger doctors adhered to CPGs more than senior practitioners.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Ismail said Malaysia was in dire need of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
The country now has 47 neurologists, 41 neurosurgeons and five rehabilitative specialists.
For this year alone, there is a need for 269 neurologists and 123 neurosurgeons.
Dr Ismail said stroke was the country’s leading cause of morbidity and the fourth leading cause of death after septicaemia, heart disease and cancer.
It is estimated that the incidence of stroke is about two cases among every 1,000 people.
Dispute over Unicef’s HIV figures
NST: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is disputing Unicef estimates that 25,000 children in Malaysia are either HIV-positive or have lost one parent to AIDS.
"How did they come up with this figure?" asks Datuk Dr Faisal Ibrahim, a public health expert with the ministry’s AIDS/STD section.
"It is a question of estimates.
"If they get the wrong basic information, then the estimate will be wrong."
He said the ministry’s figure was much lower.
"Our estimates are based on the basic data we collected in 2002 when we estimated there were about 4,000 of these children below the age of 15," Dr Faisal said.
He said the ministry would embark next month on another estimate of the number of orphaned children with HIV or whose parents had died of AIDS.
Asked where the HIV orphans were, Dr Faisal said this was a "a very big question mark".
"Those days, people did not like to reveal their status because of the stigma and discrimination."
The ministry wanted to trace these children and is encouraging the children or next of kin to come forward.
"How did they come up with this figure?" asks Datuk Dr Faisal Ibrahim, a public health expert with the ministry’s AIDS/STD section.
"It is a question of estimates.
"If they get the wrong basic information, then the estimate will be wrong."
He said the ministry’s figure was much lower.
"Our estimates are based on the basic data we collected in 2002 when we estimated there were about 4,000 of these children below the age of 15," Dr Faisal said.
He said the ministry would embark next month on another estimate of the number of orphaned children with HIV or whose parents had died of AIDS.
Asked where the HIV orphans were, Dr Faisal said this was a "a very big question mark".
"Those days, people did not like to reveal their status because of the stigma and discrimination."
The ministry wanted to trace these children and is encouraging the children or next of kin to come forward.
Health Ministry wants more neuro experts
Star: PENANG: Senior general practitioners should turn “mentors” to encourage more young doctors to become neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the mentor approach would help address the shortage of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
“To date, we only have 47 neurologists and 41 neurosurgeons in the country and we need 269 neurologists and 123 neurosurgeons to treat the growing number of stroke patients,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the Management of Stroke by the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences at the four-day Asean Neurological Association Symposium here.
He said medical societies and associations could also play a big role in making doctors “excited” in neurosciences.
“As long as there are practitioners who are interested in the field, the ministry is ready to send them for training,” he added.
Dr Ismail said an initial study by the ministry showed that younger practitioners complied more with the CPGs than senior practitioners.
“There are some 30 CPGs concerning various fields of medicine and the ministry plans to carry out an audit to find out how many doctors are actually using them and whether they are being used,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Ismail said stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia.
He said the ministry would continue with its efforts to train more neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitative medicine specialists and supporting health personnel.
The CPGs in the Management of Stroke, he added, was developed to provide a clearer approach to clinicians on current concepts in managing stroke.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the mentor approach would help address the shortage of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
“To date, we only have 47 neurologists and 41 neurosurgeons in the country and we need 269 neurologists and 123 neurosurgeons to treat the growing number of stroke patients,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the Management of Stroke by the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences at the four-day Asean Neurological Association Symposium here.
He said medical societies and associations could also play a big role in making doctors “excited” in neurosciences.
“As long as there are practitioners who are interested in the field, the ministry is ready to send them for training,” he added.
Dr Ismail said an initial study by the ministry showed that younger practitioners complied more with the CPGs than senior practitioners.
“There are some 30 CPGs concerning various fields of medicine and the ministry plans to carry out an audit to find out how many doctors are actually using them and whether they are being used,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Ismail said stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia.
He said the ministry would continue with its efforts to train more neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitative medicine specialists and supporting health personnel.
The CPGs in the Management of Stroke, he added, was developed to provide a clearer approach to clinicians on current concepts in managing stroke.
Ensuring easy access to government healthcare
Star: PENANG: Healthcare will in future be at the doorstep of every kampung and housing estate.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon this was to ensure the people had easy access to healthcare.
He said the ministry aimed to set up clinics within a 3km radius of every kampung and housing estate.
“This is to ensure that the people need not have to travel far for medical treatment and health care,” he said.
“More district and rural clinics will be built to instil awareness on diabetes, heart ailment, kidney failure and high blood pressure complications, and other diseases.”
Lee said to improve public healthcare, the people must understand the causes of such diseases and ways to prevent them.
He was speaking to reporters after opening a gotong-royong and colouring competition at Community Poliklinik in Jalan Perak yesterday.
Lee said the clinics were now within a 5km radius, adding that there were 900 district health clinics and more than 5,000 rural clinics in the country.
He said all district health clinics must place high priority on promoting health, adding that the clinics should include advisory panel members in their community outreach programmes.
Lee said the needy, elderly folk and disabled people must also be included in programmes to educate the public.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon this was to ensure the people had easy access to healthcare.
He said the ministry aimed to set up clinics within a 3km radius of every kampung and housing estate.
“This is to ensure that the people need not have to travel far for medical treatment and health care,” he said.
“More district and rural clinics will be built to instil awareness on diabetes, heart ailment, kidney failure and high blood pressure complications, and other diseases.”
Lee said to improve public healthcare, the people must understand the causes of such diseases and ways to prevent them.
He was speaking to reporters after opening a gotong-royong and colouring competition at Community Poliklinik in Jalan Perak yesterday.
Lee said the clinics were now within a 5km radius, adding that there were 900 district health clinics and more than 5,000 rural clinics in the country.
He said all district health clinics must place high priority on promoting health, adding that the clinics should include advisory panel members in their community outreach programmes.
Lee said the needy, elderly folk and disabled people must also be included in programmes to educate the public.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
UKM And Police To Relax Conditions For Forensic Police Unit Intake
BANGI, July 2 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the police are in talks to relax the conditions for students to join the forensic police unit after their graduation.
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Dean, Professor Dr Mohd Azman Abu Bakar, said the move would allow more students in forensic science school to join the unit.
"We try to relax several intake conditions such as physical requirement where in the past, for example, those with deformed arms and legs would not qualify to join the force," he told reporters after the university's 2006/2007 session registration ceremony at UKM here Sunday.
Mohd Azman said that the relaxation would create more employment opportunities for graduates in the field.
He said that the forensic field was not limited to police work alone but also in other areas.
"UKM has four forensic experts and 60 science lecturers who can teach forensic-related courses," he said.
UKM Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Salleh Mohd Yasin, said that the Bachelor of Forensic Science under the Medical Science Faculty was a new programme offered by the university for the session, where 24 students would attend the four-year course.
UKM is the second university to offer such a course after Universiti Sains Malaysia.
For the current session, UKM had enrolled more than 5,000 new intakes to attend 103 undergraduate programmes at its 11 faculties. About 67 per cent of them are females.
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Dean, Professor Dr Mohd Azman Abu Bakar, said the move would allow more students in forensic science school to join the unit.
"We try to relax several intake conditions such as physical requirement where in the past, for example, those with deformed arms and legs would not qualify to join the force," he told reporters after the university's 2006/2007 session registration ceremony at UKM here Sunday.
Mohd Azman said that the relaxation would create more employment opportunities for graduates in the field.
He said that the forensic field was not limited to police work alone but also in other areas.
"UKM has four forensic experts and 60 science lecturers who can teach forensic-related courses," he said.
UKM Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Salleh Mohd Yasin, said that the Bachelor of Forensic Science under the Medical Science Faculty was a new programme offered by the university for the session, where 24 students would attend the four-year course.
UKM is the second university to offer such a course after Universiti Sains Malaysia.
For the current session, UKM had enrolled more than 5,000 new intakes to attend 103 undergraduate programmes at its 11 faculties. About 67 per cent of them are females.
Clinical Guideline For Stroke Management Launched
PENANG, July 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for stroke management was launched here Sunday to help reduce the effects of stroke.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the CPG was timely as the disease was the fourth biggest cause of deaths in the country.
He said the gudelines was not specifically targeted for use by doctors as a reference but also for the people generally to create awareness to prevent the disease.
It offerred treatment options and the best management stretegy for stroke patients, he told reporters after launching the CPG.
"The guideline can save lives because greater awareness on the signs and early symptoms of stroke and the latest information on the best way to treat and manage it is provided," he said.
Dr Ismail said the guideline was important for all medical specialists who treat stroke patients as it can improve the wellbeing of their patients besides being a clear benchmark.
"The CPG can also help professional specialists in giving counselling to patients under their care on the importance of efforts to prevent stroke," he said.
He said the guideline was currently applied by medical specialists voluntarily but if it was made compulsory, it could ensure compliance by medical practitioners in enhancing their management of patients.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the CPG was timely as the disease was the fourth biggest cause of deaths in the country.
He said the gudelines was not specifically targeted for use by doctors as a reference but also for the people generally to create awareness to prevent the disease.
It offerred treatment options and the best management stretegy for stroke patients, he told reporters after launching the CPG.
"The guideline can save lives because greater awareness on the signs and early symptoms of stroke and the latest information on the best way to treat and manage it is provided," he said.
Dr Ismail said the guideline was important for all medical specialists who treat stroke patients as it can improve the wellbeing of their patients besides being a clear benchmark.
"The CPG can also help professional specialists in giving counselling to patients under their care on the importance of efforts to prevent stroke," he said.
He said the guideline was currently applied by medical specialists voluntarily but if it was made compulsory, it could ensure compliance by medical practitioners in enhancing their management of patients.
Hepatitis B a prime cause of liver cancer, says Ismail
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2.5 million Malaysians have hepatitis, with the majority suffering from hepatitis B.
What is even more worrying is that six per cent of the population are also carriers of the disease.
Director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said many of these people were not even aware that they were carriers.
Hepatitis B, he said, was 100 times more infectious than HIV.
It is a severe form of viral hepatitis largely transmitted through exposure to bodily fluids containing the virus. This includes through unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Between one million and 1.5 million people in the world die each year of hepatitis B.
"If you are a hepatitis B carrier, you are 200 to 300 times more at risk of getting liver cancer," said Dr Ismail, who is also the president of the Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF).
Globally, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B. Of these, 25 to 40 per cent will die of cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. There are at least 350 million hepatitis B carriers worldwide and 75 per cent are Asians.
Eighty-two per cent of the world’s 530,000 cases of liver cancer per year are caused by viral hepatitis, 60 per cent of which is associated with hepatitis B and 22 per cent with hepatitis C.
Dr Ismail said the ministry and the MLF had repeatedly advised Malaysians to undergo hepatitis screening.
Those found to be suffering from the disease could be counselled and given treatment.
"Carriers are at risk of getting chronic liver disease and liver cancer. They need to be examined to see if they can be treated."
Dr Ismail said there were new modalities of treatment , especially for those suffering from hepatitis B and C.
With treatment, their risk of contracting chronic liver disease or liver cancer could be substantially lowered.
Liver cancer is one of the top five cancers among Malaysian males. The good news is that it can be prevented as the majority of liver cancer cases in the region are associated with hepatitis B, which has a vaccine for immunisation.
Sadly, though, almost 80 per cent of liver cancer patients only discover this too late.
"It is very sad to have to inform them that there is very little that can be done for them at that stage," said Dr Ismail. "It is especially tragic as the cancer could have been prevented had the patients been protected against hepatitis B.
"As such, those without immunity against hepatitis B should get themselves vaccinated."
Dr Ismail said the Government had been immunising infants against hepatitis B since 1989.
"This is why it is important that those born before 1989 go for screening as they are at a higher risk of getting liver cancer as a result of hepatitis B."
On recent Press reports that there was no guarantee that the hepatitis B vaccine was effective, Dr Ismail said it had been proved in many countries that vaccination could reduce the incidence of hepatitis B and, therefore, liver cancer.
He also said that there was no strong association between liver cancer and food or smoking. Alcohol plays a role to some extent as it can cause liver cirrhosis, which can then progress into liver cancer.
Dr Ismail said public forums on hepatitis were being held in all States to encourage people to undergo screening.
The MLF also organises "hepatitis days" where members of the public can undergo blood screening, vaccination and counselling. There are also seminars for doctors.
A total of 76 per cent of cirrhosis cases were hepatitis B-related, which is also responsible for 65 per cent to 70 per cent of hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary malignancy (cancer) of the liver.
Dr Ismail said many Malaysians were still confused over hepatitis A, B and C.
"If you are vaccinated against one type of hepatitis, it does not mean that you are protected against the others," he warned.
Hepatitis A is an infectious, food and water-borne disease which is especially common among children aged five to 14 years.
It is one of the world’s most common infectious diseases, being 10 to 100 times more common than typhoid and 1,000 times more common than cholera.
About 50 per cent of Malaysians below 30 years old do not have antibodies for hepatitis A and they are therefore susceptible to the disease, which could lead to acute liver failure, especially in older patients.
"Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, but those who get it may suffer from serious morbidity for weeks and months which will affect their productivity."
Dr Ismail advised those without immunity against hepatitis A to get vaccinated as it would protect them against the disease for up to 10 years. There is a vaccine that offers protection against both hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis C affects three per cent of the world’s population.
It is especially common among injecting drug addicts and those who undergo dialysis or transplants.
Up to 80 per cent of patients with hepatitis C will suffer from chronic hepatitis, which can lead to liver cancer.
There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Dr Ismail advised those who received blood transfusions before 1995 to get themselves tested for the disease.
What is even more worrying is that six per cent of the population are also carriers of the disease.
Director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said many of these people were not even aware that they were carriers.
Hepatitis B, he said, was 100 times more infectious than HIV.
It is a severe form of viral hepatitis largely transmitted through exposure to bodily fluids containing the virus. This includes through unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Between one million and 1.5 million people in the world die each year of hepatitis B.
"If you are a hepatitis B carrier, you are 200 to 300 times more at risk of getting liver cancer," said Dr Ismail, who is also the president of the Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF).
Globally, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B. Of these, 25 to 40 per cent will die of cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. There are at least 350 million hepatitis B carriers worldwide and 75 per cent are Asians.
Eighty-two per cent of the world’s 530,000 cases of liver cancer per year are caused by viral hepatitis, 60 per cent of which is associated with hepatitis B and 22 per cent with hepatitis C.
Dr Ismail said the ministry and the MLF had repeatedly advised Malaysians to undergo hepatitis screening.
Those found to be suffering from the disease could be counselled and given treatment.
"Carriers are at risk of getting chronic liver disease and liver cancer. They need to be examined to see if they can be treated."
Dr Ismail said there were new modalities of treatment , especially for those suffering from hepatitis B and C.
With treatment, their risk of contracting chronic liver disease or liver cancer could be substantially lowered.
Liver cancer is one of the top five cancers among Malaysian males. The good news is that it can be prevented as the majority of liver cancer cases in the region are associated with hepatitis B, which has a vaccine for immunisation.
Sadly, though, almost 80 per cent of liver cancer patients only discover this too late.
"It is very sad to have to inform them that there is very little that can be done for them at that stage," said Dr Ismail. "It is especially tragic as the cancer could have been prevented had the patients been protected against hepatitis B.
"As such, those without immunity against hepatitis B should get themselves vaccinated."
Dr Ismail said the Government had been immunising infants against hepatitis B since 1989.
"This is why it is important that those born before 1989 go for screening as they are at a higher risk of getting liver cancer as a result of hepatitis B."
On recent Press reports that there was no guarantee that the hepatitis B vaccine was effective, Dr Ismail said it had been proved in many countries that vaccination could reduce the incidence of hepatitis B and, therefore, liver cancer.
He also said that there was no strong association between liver cancer and food or smoking. Alcohol plays a role to some extent as it can cause liver cirrhosis, which can then progress into liver cancer.
Dr Ismail said public forums on hepatitis were being held in all States to encourage people to undergo screening.
The MLF also organises "hepatitis days" where members of the public can undergo blood screening, vaccination and counselling. There are also seminars for doctors.
A total of 76 per cent of cirrhosis cases were hepatitis B-related, which is also responsible for 65 per cent to 70 per cent of hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary malignancy (cancer) of the liver.
Dr Ismail said many Malaysians were still confused over hepatitis A, B and C.
"If you are vaccinated against one type of hepatitis, it does not mean that you are protected against the others," he warned.
Hepatitis A is an infectious, food and water-borne disease which is especially common among children aged five to 14 years.
It is one of the world’s most common infectious diseases, being 10 to 100 times more common than typhoid and 1,000 times more common than cholera.
About 50 per cent of Malaysians below 30 years old do not have antibodies for hepatitis A and they are therefore susceptible to the disease, which could lead to acute liver failure, especially in older patients.
"Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, but those who get it may suffer from serious morbidity for weeks and months which will affect their productivity."
Dr Ismail advised those without immunity against hepatitis A to get vaccinated as it would protect them against the disease for up to 10 years. There is a vaccine that offers protection against both hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis C affects three per cent of the world’s population.
It is especially common among injecting drug addicts and those who undergo dialysis or transplants.
Up to 80 per cent of patients with hepatitis C will suffer from chronic hepatitis, which can lead to liver cancer.
There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Dr Ismail advised those who received blood transfusions before 1995 to get themselves tested for the disease.
Chua: Take charge of own health
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must take responsibility for their own health instead of relying completely on doctors, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said his ministry was planning a RM22mil media campaign to make Malaysians aware of current health issues.
“The campaign will educate the public on the dangers and prevention of HIV/AIDS and dengue; how to stop smoking; about healthy living; and raising awareness about the blood disorder thalassaemia.
“Prevention is always better than cure and we hope that in five years, at least 80% of Malaysians will know about these five issues,” he said at the ministry's family day and the Healthy Eating Campaign launch yesterday.
Dr Chua said the ministry was also concerned that 27% or 4.2 million adult Malaysians were overweight and that 12% or 1.9 million adult Malaysians were obese.
“We hope to reduce obesity to 10% and increase the number of exercising adults from 12% to 15% within a year through the campaign,” he said, adding that community events and advertisements on public transport would also be used.
“As for HIV/AIDS, we want to tell the public not to hide the disease and give them the confidence to approach government clinics and hospitals for treatment and counselling.”
Dr Chua said shock messages would be used to let the public know that HIV is dangerous to the family and community.
The ministry, he said, also hoped to increase attendance at clinics that help people stop smoking from 3% to 10%, and improve the rehabilitation rate from 9% to 30% while reducing alcohol consumption from 23% to 20%.
“The Tak Nak campaign slogan has proven effective. So school buses and the electronic media will now play a role in telling people to quit smoking,” he added.
Thalassaemia awareness is low, he said, adding that he hoped parents would ensure their children go for blood screening.
Dr Chua said his ministry was planning a RM22mil media campaign to make Malaysians aware of current health issues.
“The campaign will educate the public on the dangers and prevention of HIV/AIDS and dengue; how to stop smoking; about healthy living; and raising awareness about the blood disorder thalassaemia.
“Prevention is always better than cure and we hope that in five years, at least 80% of Malaysians will know about these five issues,” he said at the ministry's family day and the Healthy Eating Campaign launch yesterday.
Dr Chua said the ministry was also concerned that 27% or 4.2 million adult Malaysians were overweight and that 12% or 1.9 million adult Malaysians were obese.
“We hope to reduce obesity to 10% and increase the number of exercising adults from 12% to 15% within a year through the campaign,” he said, adding that community events and advertisements on public transport would also be used.
“As for HIV/AIDS, we want to tell the public not to hide the disease and give them the confidence to approach government clinics and hospitals for treatment and counselling.”
Dr Chua said shock messages would be used to let the public know that HIV is dangerous to the family and community.
The ministry, he said, also hoped to increase attendance at clinics that help people stop smoking from 3% to 10%, and improve the rehabilitation rate from 9% to 30% while reducing alcohol consumption from 23% to 20%.
“The Tak Nak campaign slogan has proven effective. So school buses and the electronic media will now play a role in telling people to quit smoking,” he added.
Thalassaemia awareness is low, he said, adding that he hoped parents would ensure their children go for blood screening.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
59 New HFMD Cases Detected In Sarawak
KUCHING, July 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 59 new cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been detected in Sarawak as at 10am Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said.
He said 13 children were hospitalised but none of the cases were serious.
There are 19 cases reported in Kuching, followed by Miri (16), Bintulu (10), Sibu (eight), Samarahan (three), and the rest from other divisions. Since the outbreak in Sibu in February, there have been 11,176 cumulative cases," he said in his daily update.
With the new cases, there were now 28 people being treated in hospitals, said Dr Chan, who is also the State Disaster and Relief Management Committee chairman.
He said the number of children warded since the outbreak in Sibu had increased to 2,268, with Sibu 691 cases reported, followed by Bintulu (315), Miri (306), Sarikei (253) and Kapit (156).
For the past two months since the first HFMD case was detected in February, the number of new HFMD cases had been dwindling with an average of 30 to 50 cases per day.
Last week, a two-year-old boy from Marudi became the latest fatality of the HFMD outbreak, prompting the state government to put on hold its decision to declare the state HFMD-free.
The disease had claimed 11 lives so far including three cases confirmed as Enterovirus 71 (EV71) positive.
He said 13 children were hospitalised but none of the cases were serious.
There are 19 cases reported in Kuching, followed by Miri (16), Bintulu (10), Sibu (eight), Samarahan (three), and the rest from other divisions. Since the outbreak in Sibu in February, there have been 11,176 cumulative cases," he said in his daily update.
With the new cases, there were now 28 people being treated in hospitals, said Dr Chan, who is also the State Disaster and Relief Management Committee chairman.
He said the number of children warded since the outbreak in Sibu had increased to 2,268, with Sibu 691 cases reported, followed by Bintulu (315), Miri (306), Sarikei (253) and Kapit (156).
For the past two months since the first HFMD case was detected in February, the number of new HFMD cases had been dwindling with an average of 30 to 50 cases per day.
Last week, a two-year-old boy from Marudi became the latest fatality of the HFMD outbreak, prompting the state government to put on hold its decision to declare the state HFMD-free.
The disease had claimed 11 lives so far including three cases confirmed as Enterovirus 71 (EV71) positive.
Health Ministry Embarks On A More Aggressive Anti-Smoking Campaign
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has embarked on a more aggressive anti-smoking campaign to help reduce the number of smokers in the country, now estimated at 4.6 million.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek Saturday said an allocation of RM7 million had been provided for the three-month campaign which began today.
It hoped to raise the percentage of smokers attending clinics to help them kick the habit from three per cent presently to 10 per cent and increase from 19 per cent to 30 per cent the number of teenage smokers to want to quit smoking, he told reporters here.
Earlier, Dr Chua had launched his ministry's family day celebrations and "Jom Makan Secara Sihat" (Let's Eat Healthy) campaign at the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong here.
This campaign comes in the wake of the "Tak Nak" anti-smoking campaign that was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2004 but did not produce the results it sought.
In Malaysia, more than 50 per cent of the men smoke, which compared to advanced countries like the United States (35 per cent) and United Kingdom (38 per cent), is rather high.
Of this, about eight per cent involve teenagers.
Dr Chua also said that besides the anti-smoking campaign, several other campaigns on health were also planned during the three-month period and that a total of RM22 million had been set aside for the purpose.
This involved campaigns on living healthy lifestyles, prevention of HIV/AIDS, dengue fever and thalassemia, he said.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek Saturday said an allocation of RM7 million had been provided for the three-month campaign which began today.
It hoped to raise the percentage of smokers attending clinics to help them kick the habit from three per cent presently to 10 per cent and increase from 19 per cent to 30 per cent the number of teenage smokers to want to quit smoking, he told reporters here.
Earlier, Dr Chua had launched his ministry's family day celebrations and "Jom Makan Secara Sihat" (Let's Eat Healthy) campaign at the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong here.
This campaign comes in the wake of the "Tak Nak" anti-smoking campaign that was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2004 but did not produce the results it sought.
In Malaysia, more than 50 per cent of the men smoke, which compared to advanced countries like the United States (35 per cent) and United Kingdom (38 per cent), is rather high.
Of this, about eight per cent involve teenagers.
Dr Chua also said that besides the anti-smoking campaign, several other campaigns on health were also planned during the three-month period and that a total of RM22 million had been set aside for the purpose.
This involved campaigns on living healthy lifestyles, prevention of HIV/AIDS, dengue fever and thalassemia, he said.
Newer drugs for hypertension patients
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Health authorities are looking to replace beta blockers as the first-line treatment for high blood pressure after a British study revealed that newer drugs offer better protection against stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
However, they will continue to be used as the main prescription for other complications such as angina and heart failure because beta blockers have been proven to prolong the life of patients with these cardiovascular conditions.
The Health Ministry’s Pharmaceutical Services Division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said the findings of the new study by Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will be discussed with the director-general of Health, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
They are also in process of assessing how many Malaysians are prescribed beta blockers for high blood pressure.
Beta blockers are drugs which block certain receptors in the heart called beta receptors.
The beta receptors receive signals which generally increase the heart rate. If the heart rate is abnormally fast and uneven, beta blockers will help stabilise the rate and rhythm of contractions.
Mohd Zin said doctors will prescribe newer drugs like ACE inhibitors, calcium channels and diuretics for high blood pressure.
"Hypertension patients who are on beta blockers need not panic.
"They can continue taking them, but their doctors will gradually replace them with the newer drugs," he added.
Patients must be gradually weaned off the drugs under a doctor’s supervision, especially young patients and pregnant women.
NICE reviewed its guidelines on the use of beta blockers after the results of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial were published in the Lancet medical journal.
The study found that while beta blockers reduce the chances of complications like stroke by about 20 per cent, the newer drugs are 40 per cent more effective.
However, they will continue to be used as the main prescription for other complications such as angina and heart failure because beta blockers have been proven to prolong the life of patients with these cardiovascular conditions.
The Health Ministry’s Pharmaceutical Services Division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said the findings of the new study by Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will be discussed with the director-general of Health, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
They are also in process of assessing how many Malaysians are prescribed beta blockers for high blood pressure.
Beta blockers are drugs which block certain receptors in the heart called beta receptors.
The beta receptors receive signals which generally increase the heart rate. If the heart rate is abnormally fast and uneven, beta blockers will help stabilise the rate and rhythm of contractions.
Mohd Zin said doctors will prescribe newer drugs like ACE inhibitors, calcium channels and diuretics for high blood pressure.
"Hypertension patients who are on beta blockers need not panic.
"They can continue taking them, but their doctors will gradually replace them with the newer drugs," he added.
Patients must be gradually weaned off the drugs under a doctor’s supervision, especially young patients and pregnant women.
NICE reviewed its guidelines on the use of beta blockers after the results of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial were published in the Lancet medical journal.
The study found that while beta blockers reduce the chances of complications like stroke by about 20 per cent, the newer drugs are 40 per cent more effective.
Chua: Follow rules on boric acid
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Most of the noodles found to have high boric acid content are brandless, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He would not reveal the names of the noodle manufacturers who added excessive amounts of the hazardous substance into the foodstuff until they have been charged in court.
“I can’t advise people to stop eating noodles, but I do advise the manufacturers to adhere to regulations regarding the use of boric acid in food,” he said when contacted yesterday.
On Thursday, Dr Chua said a random survey carried out in April showed that Selangor topped the list with 19% of noodle samples containing dangerously high levels of boric acid, followed by Penang with 16%.
Malaysian Bakery, Biscuit, Confectionary and Mee Merchants Association secretary Ng Hock Leng said that publishing the names of the noodle brands concerned would be good for consumers and the industry.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said that when the Health Ministry made a statement on the discovery of boric acid in noodles in March, CAP had called for more stringent rules for the handling and sale of boric acid but was told the controls were sufficient and there would be no change.
He would not reveal the names of the noodle manufacturers who added excessive amounts of the hazardous substance into the foodstuff until they have been charged in court.
“I can’t advise people to stop eating noodles, but I do advise the manufacturers to adhere to regulations regarding the use of boric acid in food,” he said when contacted yesterday.
On Thursday, Dr Chua said a random survey carried out in April showed that Selangor topped the list with 19% of noodle samples containing dangerously high levels of boric acid, followed by Penang with 16%.
Malaysian Bakery, Biscuit, Confectionary and Mee Merchants Association secretary Ng Hock Leng said that publishing the names of the noodle brands concerned would be good for consumers and the industry.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said that when the Health Ministry made a statement on the discovery of boric acid in noodles in March, CAP had called for more stringent rules for the handling and sale of boric acid but was told the controls were sufficient and there would be no change.
Antibiotics, Paracetamol May Be Cheaper Soon
BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 30 (Bernama) -- Basic medicines such as antibiotics and paracetamol may become cheaper if the government endorses the new national policy on drugs soon.
The policy is being drafted by the Health Ministry and will be presented to the Cabinet for endorsement in August or early September.
According to Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, the policy seeks to:
* control the price, quality and effectiveness of drugs available in the market.
* prevent the market from being flooded with imitation and fake drugs.
* ensure antibiotics, paracetamol and as well medicines for flu, hypertension and diabetes are easily available, safe, of high quality, effective, consistent with description and reasonably priced.
* ensure media advertisements on health products and medicines do not mislead the public.
Chua said the time was right to come up with the policy as medicines and health products in Malaysia are getting expensive for the people.
He said pharmaceutical companies seeking registration with the Health Ministry will be required to disclose the prices of medicines and health products they sell.
"We are also preparing a list of more than 1,000 basic medicines to be distributed to all hospitals and clinics in the country.
"Apart from that, we do not want government pharmacists to prescribe too many medicines for one sickness. We can save RM2 billion annually if we stop such a practice," he said.
The policy is being drafted by the Health Ministry and will be presented to the Cabinet for endorsement in August or early September.
According to Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, the policy seeks to:
* control the price, quality and effectiveness of drugs available in the market.
* prevent the market from being flooded with imitation and fake drugs.
* ensure antibiotics, paracetamol and as well medicines for flu, hypertension and diabetes are easily available, safe, of high quality, effective, consistent with description and reasonably priced.
* ensure media advertisements on health products and medicines do not mislead the public.
Chua said the time was right to come up with the policy as medicines and health products in Malaysia are getting expensive for the people.
He said pharmaceutical companies seeking registration with the Health Ministry will be required to disclose the prices of medicines and health products they sell.
"We are also preparing a list of more than 1,000 basic medicines to be distributed to all hospitals and clinics in the country.
"Apart from that, we do not want government pharmacists to prescribe too many medicines for one sickness. We can save RM2 billion annually if we stop such a practice," he said.
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