KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has successfully performed its second mechanical heart operation, barely a year-and-a-half after the nation's premier heart institute performed the first such operation with success.
A team of cardiothoracic surgeons from IJN performed the surgery on Tee Hui Yi, a 13-year-old girl from Batu Pahat, Johor, to implant an external left ventricular support system called Thoratec Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device (PVAD) on Sept 29.
The institute's chief executive officer, Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, said the surgery to implant the heart-assist device on the girl took more than five hours and the mechanical device, designed to improve cardiac output, was placed outside the girl's abdomen and connected to the left side of the heart.
IJN performed its first mechanical heart operation in July last year on Muhammad Fikri Norazmi, a 15-year-old boy from Kuala Lumpur, by fitting him with the Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (IVAD). This operation was the first mechanical heart operation in the Asian and Australasian region.
"With the success of the (second) surgery, Tee became the country's second mechanical heart-assist recipient. The surgery also re-affirms IJN's expertise and capability in implanting heart-assist devices," Mohd Radzif told a press conference at IJN, here Wednesday.
The operating team was led by IJN's chief cardiothoracic surgeon, Datuk Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub, and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and the director of IJN's Mechanical Heart Programme, Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib.
The two specialists were assisted by chief anaesthesiologist Datuk Dr Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Ariff, consultant anaesthesiologists Dr Sharifah Suraya Syed Mohd Tahir and Dr N. Thirukumar, anaesthesiologist Dr Lim Kin Yuee and consultant cardiologists Datuk Dr David Chew Soon Ping and Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim.
"Tee was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure. She was suffering from a viral infection, which affected her heart and caused heart failure. She was referred to IJN's heart failure clinic and despite optimal medical therapy, her condition deteriorated and she was put on the heart transplant list in May this year.
"Due to recurrent admissions to Batu Pahat Hospital and IJN, the transplant team felt that she needed a mechanical heart to support her while waiting for a donor. On Sept 13, she was readmitted to IJN for heart failure. While undergoing treatment she developed a potential fatal heart rhythm. She was successfully resuscitated and we decided to implant the PVAD," said Dr Mohamed Azani, who was also at the press conference.
He said after the operation, Tee remained stable overnight in the intensive care unit and was heavily sedated until the next morning (Sept 30) and was subsequently taken off the respirator. By 6pm the next day, the 15-year-old had her dinner.
"Unfortunately, she developed blood function derangement due to her anti-coagulation medication (blood thinning drugs) and needed to be put back on the ventilator. The problem was subsequently overcome with support from the National Blood Bank," he added.
Due to her pre-operative condition, during the last three weeks, Tee had a total of eight cardiac arrests where her heart stopped and during this time the PVAD performed well and continued to function.
Today, 33 days after surgery, Tee is undergoing extensive cardio-pulmonary and neurological rehabilitation at the intensive care unit.
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Myths And Misconceptions Cause Low Number Of Organ Donations
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Some 9,000 Malaysians are still waiting for a kidney transplant, while 2,500 new patients are diagnosed with end-stage renal failure every year.
However, due to myths and misconceptions about organ donations, these patients are still waiting for donors.
Kuala Lumpur Hospital's National Transplant Resource Centre chief coordinator Dr Lela Yasmin Mansor said the fear surrounding organ donation coupled with lack of awareness, played a part in dampening efforts to have more people registering as organ donors.
"Myths like organ donation will disfigure the persons and delay their funeral, and that organ donation is against their religion are some of the stumbling blocks," she told a media briefing on Reader's Digest Asia's organ donation drive, here Wednesday.
"Others are that doctors would not try to save your life if they know you are a donor, that you may be too old to donate organs and that people can still recover from brain death.
"Do not let such myths and misconceptions stop you from giving 'the gift of life'. Once you overcome your fear, you will be able to see how recipients will benefit from your deed," she added.
But more importantly, she said, organ donors should inform their families and loved ones of their decision as they are the ones to carry out the cause should they pass away.
"It is not enough simply to keep the organ donor card in your wallet.
"Letting the people close to you know about your wish will ensure that the process is easier when the time comes," she said.
Vice-president of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation Dr Tan Chwee Choon commended Reader's Digest Asia's effort to include an organ donor card in its November issue accompanied with an article on organ donation.
He said organ donation was still low in the country and based on the First Report of the National Transplant Registry in 2004, less than six per cent of end-stage kidney failure got transplanted and the vast majority had to accept life-long dialysis therapy as their only option.
The National Heart Institute's (IJN) Heart and Lungs Transplant Services director, Dr Mohamed Ezani Mohamed Taib, said another difficulty to transplant was that the process also depended on finding a suitable donor for the recipient as it depended on the blood group.
Present at the briefing was Reader's Digest Asia's editor-in-chief Jim Plouffe.
However, due to myths and misconceptions about organ donations, these patients are still waiting for donors.
Kuala Lumpur Hospital's National Transplant Resource Centre chief coordinator Dr Lela Yasmin Mansor said the fear surrounding organ donation coupled with lack of awareness, played a part in dampening efforts to have more people registering as organ donors.
"Myths like organ donation will disfigure the persons and delay their funeral, and that organ donation is against their religion are some of the stumbling blocks," she told a media briefing on Reader's Digest Asia's organ donation drive, here Wednesday.
"Others are that doctors would not try to save your life if they know you are a donor, that you may be too old to donate organs and that people can still recover from brain death.
"Do not let such myths and misconceptions stop you from giving 'the gift of life'. Once you overcome your fear, you will be able to see how recipients will benefit from your deed," she added.
But more importantly, she said, organ donors should inform their families and loved ones of their decision as they are the ones to carry out the cause should they pass away.
"It is not enough simply to keep the organ donor card in your wallet.
"Letting the people close to you know about your wish will ensure that the process is easier when the time comes," she said.
Vice-president of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation Dr Tan Chwee Choon commended Reader's Digest Asia's effort to include an organ donor card in its November issue accompanied with an article on organ donation.
He said organ donation was still low in the country and based on the First Report of the National Transplant Registry in 2004, less than six per cent of end-stage kidney failure got transplanted and the vast majority had to accept life-long dialysis therapy as their only option.
The National Heart Institute's (IJN) Heart and Lungs Transplant Services director, Dr Mohamed Ezani Mohamed Taib, said another difficulty to transplant was that the process also depended on finding a suitable donor for the recipient as it depended on the blood group.
Present at the briefing was Reader's Digest Asia's editor-in-chief Jim Plouffe.
MMA Proposes Sticker For Registered Private Clinics
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Wednesday proposed that the Health Ministry consider issuing a sticker or symbol to private clinics upon registration.
Its president, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, said the sticker or symbol could be displayed clearly at the clinic for the public to know that they were receiving treatment at a clinic recognised by the ministry.
"At present, private clinics that register are only given a receipt for the registration," he said when welcoming the ministry's move to enforce the registration requirement.
The Health Ministry has insisted on the registration requirement according to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, and the period of registration ended, Tuesday.
However, registered doctors who run their operations at unregistered clinics can still apply for registration after the deadline but their premises will be inspected.
Dr Teoh said the ministry must act to track down irresponsible facilities masquerading as medical clinics and added that the MMA supported the ministry's move to conduct checks on errant doctors who have failed to register their clinics.
He was optimistic that with the enforcement, many unqualified and unregistered facilities would be shut down.
"We hope that all grassroots officers of the enforcement team will take cognisance of the principles of the act and enforce them firmly and fairly. The many other facilities masquerading as medical clinics should be the primary focus of the enforcement team," he said.
Dr Teoh said the MMA had not received any major complaints from its 13,000 members pertaining to the registration.
The act, which came into effect on May 1 this year, has among other things imposed stricter punishment for private doctors and clinics who breach the act.
Doctors who fail to register their clinics can be fined up to RM300,000 or jailed six years, or both.
Its president, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, said the sticker or symbol could be displayed clearly at the clinic for the public to know that they were receiving treatment at a clinic recognised by the ministry.
"At present, private clinics that register are only given a receipt for the registration," he said when welcoming the ministry's move to enforce the registration requirement.
The Health Ministry has insisted on the registration requirement according to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, and the period of registration ended, Tuesday.
However, registered doctors who run their operations at unregistered clinics can still apply for registration after the deadline but their premises will be inspected.
Dr Teoh said the ministry must act to track down irresponsible facilities masquerading as medical clinics and added that the MMA supported the ministry's move to conduct checks on errant doctors who have failed to register their clinics.
He was optimistic that with the enforcement, many unqualified and unregistered facilities would be shut down.
"We hope that all grassroots officers of the enforcement team will take cognisance of the principles of the act and enforce them firmly and fairly. The many other facilities masquerading as medical clinics should be the primary focus of the enforcement team," he said.
Dr Teoh said the MMA had not received any major complaints from its 13,000 members pertaining to the registration.
The act, which came into effect on May 1 this year, has among other things imposed stricter punishment for private doctors and clinics who breach the act.
Doctors who fail to register their clinics can be fined up to RM300,000 or jailed six years, or both.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
China ‘miracle cures’ end in death
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty Malaysians have died this year seeking miracle treatments in China for their terminal illnesses, after being misled by unscrupulous agents.
The patients paid the agents for a lifeline, but to no avail.
Unfortunately, the number of cases of China-bound patients being given false hopes of a cure for ailments, such as cancer and kidney disease, was rising, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
"Don’t be naive. If the cancer cannot be treated here, it also cannot be treated abroad," he said.
Dr Chua’s caution came in response to the alert by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, where several patients and their families have lodged complaints on the treatments promoted by local agents.
The patients, said department chief Datuk Michael Chong, were approached by the agents in hospitals, and presented with brochures and other "evidence" to convince the patients that their conditions could be cured in China.
They patients spent between RM50,000 and RM100,000, and some of them approached the MCA for donations for such treatments.
"The patients were pro- mised a cure for their ailments in Guangzhou. When they arrived, they found that the treatment centre is only a shoplot. The staff could not even administer a blood test," said Chong.
"They were there seeking treatment, but instead of receiving a lifeline, they died."
Malaysian consulate officers in Guangzhou said they helped the bereaved families send the bodies home.
"I was also told by the officer that this is only the tip of the iceberg. He had gone to check on a medical facility in the area, and was surprised to see many Malaysians seeking treatment, when even locals don’t seek treatment there."
He added that the families would have to spend an additional RM40,000 to fly the bodies of their loved ones home, and prepare for their burial or cremation.
Dr Chua said the treatment provided at the centres was palliative: It did not cure the cancer, it merely reduced the pain.
Such treatment was also available locally, Dr Chua said, adding that Malaysia’s treatment facilities and technology were among the best in the region.
He said that many of these patients returned to Malaysia after they ran out of money as the centres refused to continue "treating" them.
He said the treatment for cancer was complicated and specialised and could not be taken lightly. "Malaysians should not place their trust in half-baked agents promoting such treatments."
He advised Malaysians who were interested in pursuing treatment for their ailments to do their research. They should consult their local doctor or specialist to find out the nature of the treatment they sought before going overseas.
"No doctor will tell his patient to go overseas if the treatment is available here."
Doctors who did so were unethical and the public should report them to the ministry, he said.
The patients paid the agents for a lifeline, but to no avail.
Unfortunately, the number of cases of China-bound patients being given false hopes of a cure for ailments, such as cancer and kidney disease, was rising, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
"Don’t be naive. If the cancer cannot be treated here, it also cannot be treated abroad," he said.
Dr Chua’s caution came in response to the alert by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, where several patients and their families have lodged complaints on the treatments promoted by local agents.
The patients, said department chief Datuk Michael Chong, were approached by the agents in hospitals, and presented with brochures and other "evidence" to convince the patients that their conditions could be cured in China.
They patients spent between RM50,000 and RM100,000, and some of them approached the MCA for donations for such treatments.
"The patients were pro- mised a cure for their ailments in Guangzhou. When they arrived, they found that the treatment centre is only a shoplot. The staff could not even administer a blood test," said Chong.
"They were there seeking treatment, but instead of receiving a lifeline, they died."
Malaysian consulate officers in Guangzhou said they helped the bereaved families send the bodies home.
"I was also told by the officer that this is only the tip of the iceberg. He had gone to check on a medical facility in the area, and was surprised to see many Malaysians seeking treatment, when even locals don’t seek treatment there."
He added that the families would have to spend an additional RM40,000 to fly the bodies of their loved ones home, and prepare for their burial or cremation.
Dr Chua said the treatment provided at the centres was palliative: It did not cure the cancer, it merely reduced the pain.
Such treatment was also available locally, Dr Chua said, adding that Malaysia’s treatment facilities and technology were among the best in the region.
He said that many of these patients returned to Malaysia after they ran out of money as the centres refused to continue "treating" them.
He said the treatment for cancer was complicated and specialised and could not be taken lightly. "Malaysians should not place their trust in half-baked agents promoting such treatments."
He advised Malaysians who were interested in pursuing treatment for their ailments to do their research. They should consult their local doctor or specialist to find out the nature of the treatment they sought before going overseas.
"No doctor will tell his patient to go overseas if the treatment is available here."
Doctors who did so were unethical and the public should report them to the ministry, he said.
Hospitals to get NGO help
Star: MIRI: The St John Ambulance and the Red Crescent Society will be roped in to help government hospitals operate ambulance services in the big cities and towns nationwide.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the ministry felt that the two organisations had the capability to help the hospitals, especially those facing a shortage of ambulances and manpower.
“The arrangement has already started in Kuala Lumpur and will soon become a norm in other big cities and towns, particularly in peninsular Malaysia.
“While issues relating to the provision of healthcare and services are basically the responsibility of the Government, the ministry feels that non-governmental organisations and community bodies can play a complementary role,” he said after a four-day working visit to Miri and the surrounding rural districts.
“We feel that St John Ambulance and Red Cresent Society branches in the cities and towns will be able to provide efficient ambulance services to hospitals facing serious constraints in this area.”
Lee said the two bodies had already established themselves as capable of operating ambulance services and other healthcare roles in society and would be given wider responsibilities.
He cited, as an example, that the Miri Red Cresent had, for a long time, provided free ambulance service for kidney failure patients who needed to go to the Miri Kidney Dialysis centre for treatment.
Lee also met with representatives of the Miri Palliative Care, Buddhist Tzu Chi, the Mental Health Association and Loving and Care group for three hours while at Miri Hospital.
“We appreciate the work of volunteers and NGOs in helping the hospital and providing post-hospitalisation care to needy patients,” he added.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the ministry felt that the two organisations had the capability to help the hospitals, especially those facing a shortage of ambulances and manpower.
“The arrangement has already started in Kuala Lumpur and will soon become a norm in other big cities and towns, particularly in peninsular Malaysia.
“While issues relating to the provision of healthcare and services are basically the responsibility of the Government, the ministry feels that non-governmental organisations and community bodies can play a complementary role,” he said after a four-day working visit to Miri and the surrounding rural districts.
“We feel that St John Ambulance and Red Cresent Society branches in the cities and towns will be able to provide efficient ambulance services to hospitals facing serious constraints in this area.”
Lee said the two bodies had already established themselves as capable of operating ambulance services and other healthcare roles in society and would be given wider responsibilities.
He cited, as an example, that the Miri Red Cresent had, for a long time, provided free ambulance service for kidney failure patients who needed to go to the Miri Kidney Dialysis centre for treatment.
Lee also met with representatives of the Miri Palliative Care, Buddhist Tzu Chi, the Mental Health Association and Loving and Care group for three hours while at Miri Hospital.
“We appreciate the work of volunteers and NGOs in helping the hospital and providing post-hospitalisation care to needy patients,” he added.
Healer meets ministry over probe into clinic
Star: PUTRAJAYA: A traditional healer who allegedly performed surgeries without anaesthesia at his clinic in Shah Alam has turned up at the Health Ministry to give his statement.
Known to his patients as Che Man, the “doctor” who earlier disappeared from his clinic was the fifth person to give his statement to the health authority.
Health Ministry’s Medical Practice Division director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said Che Man was traced during the Hari Raya period and told to give his statement after the holidays.
Investigation would be completed soon, he said, and the papers handed over to the Attorney-General for prosecution purposes.
Che Man, whose patients included local VIPs and those from overseas, had charged between RM350 and RM4,000 for cases such as removal of tumours, kidney stones and ovarian cysts.
“He is not a doctor and cannot practise modern medicine using the medical equipment we found at the clinic,” Dr Khairi said, adding that the medical fixtures at the clinic had been sealed and some moveable equipment seized.
If he broke the seal and continued to use the equipment without licence, he could be jailed three months, Dr Khairi warned.
Although Che Man had been operating for about 10 years, his activities only came to light in September. On Oct 11, the Health Ministry conducted a raid at the clinic but Che Man had bolted.
Dr Khairi said Che Man was allowed to continue with his traditional healing but not practise modern medicine without a licence.
Known to his patients as Che Man, the “doctor” who earlier disappeared from his clinic was the fifth person to give his statement to the health authority.
Health Ministry’s Medical Practice Division director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said Che Man was traced during the Hari Raya period and told to give his statement after the holidays.
Investigation would be completed soon, he said, and the papers handed over to the Attorney-General for prosecution purposes.
Che Man, whose patients included local VIPs and those from overseas, had charged between RM350 and RM4,000 for cases such as removal of tumours, kidney stones and ovarian cysts.
“He is not a doctor and cannot practise modern medicine using the medical equipment we found at the clinic,” Dr Khairi said, adding that the medical fixtures at the clinic had been sealed and some moveable equipment seized.
If he broke the seal and continued to use the equipment without licence, he could be jailed three months, Dr Khairi warned.
Although Che Man had been operating for about 10 years, his activities only came to light in September. On Oct 11, the Health Ministry conducted a raid at the clinic but Che Man had bolted.
Dr Khairi said Che Man was allowed to continue with his traditional healing but not practise modern medicine without a licence.
No Extension For Private Medical Practitioners To Register, Says Chua
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- There will be no extension for private medical practitioners to register their clinics with the Health Ministry after Tuesday's deadline, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
"No extension. Enough time has been given. We have relaxed all the rules and regulations. The whole idea of the exercise is not to punish them. We just want to separate the real and the fake," he told reporters after attending the MCA presidential council meeting.
The registration is required under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 with Oct 31 set as the end of a six-month transitional period for clinics to apply for registration.
The Act was enforced on May 1 this year after it was enacted almost eight years ago.
Doctors failing to register their clinics are liable to be fined up to RM300,000 or six years' jail or both.
Only some healthcare facilities are exempted from the registration exercise. They include factory and hotel in-house clinics, estate and offshore clinics as well as those run by voluntary organisations and the Federation of Malaysian Family Planning Associations.
Dr Chua said he had not received the latest figures on the number of private medical practitioners who had applied to register their clinics but he believed the figures would be as high as 90 per cent.
"Up to yesterday, 82 per cent of the doctors have registered. I came to know this when my officer briefed me at 3pm yesterday. I'm sure by today it will be more as most of the doctors have been very cooperative," he said.
Dr Chua said professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Association and the Private Doctors' Association had come forward to help the ministry to register them.
"So the end result, I'm quite confident between 85 and 90 per cent clinics will be registered," he said.
He said his ministry would take into account the long break (Deepavali and Hari Raya holidays) for applications received after expiry of the deadline.
The Health Ministry, the medical practitioners and dentists have agreed to enforce the Act which stipulates the minimum standard of healthcare services with some adjustments.
The changes implemented include exemption for medical practitioners to install public telephones or have generator sets except for those performing major operations.
"No extension. Enough time has been given. We have relaxed all the rules and regulations. The whole idea of the exercise is not to punish them. We just want to separate the real and the fake," he told reporters after attending the MCA presidential council meeting.
The registration is required under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 with Oct 31 set as the end of a six-month transitional period for clinics to apply for registration.
The Act was enforced on May 1 this year after it was enacted almost eight years ago.
Doctors failing to register their clinics are liable to be fined up to RM300,000 or six years' jail or both.
Only some healthcare facilities are exempted from the registration exercise. They include factory and hotel in-house clinics, estate and offshore clinics as well as those run by voluntary organisations and the Federation of Malaysian Family Planning Associations.
Dr Chua said he had not received the latest figures on the number of private medical practitioners who had applied to register their clinics but he believed the figures would be as high as 90 per cent.
"Up to yesterday, 82 per cent of the doctors have registered. I came to know this when my officer briefed me at 3pm yesterday. I'm sure by today it will be more as most of the doctors have been very cooperative," he said.
Dr Chua said professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Association and the Private Doctors' Association had come forward to help the ministry to register them.
"So the end result, I'm quite confident between 85 and 90 per cent clinics will be registered," he said.
He said his ministry would take into account the long break (Deepavali and Hari Raya holidays) for applications received after expiry of the deadline.
The Health Ministry, the medical practitioners and dentists have agreed to enforce the Act which stipulates the minimum standard of healthcare services with some adjustments.
The changes implemented include exemption for medical practitioners to install public telephones or have generator sets except for those performing major operations.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
It’s that season again to get your flu shots
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It is influenza season again, so it is important to make sure your flu shots are up to date.
Health authorities say vaccination once a year is sufficient for most, but people in high- risk groups should be vaccinated twice a year.
Institute of Respiratory Medicine head Datin Dr Aziah Ahmad Mahayiddin said people with the highest risk of serious complications from flu include those above 65 years of age, adults with diabetes, chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma, and those suffering from chronic kidney and blood circulation diseases and organ damage, and children six months and older.
Those who live with or care for people at high risk should also have two flu shots twice a year.
The symptoms may be similar, but flu should not be confused with the common cold.
"The flu is a highly contagious, serious viral illness that can lead to pneumonia. It can be life threatening in some cases," said Dr Aziah.
But, if you are allergic to chicken eggs, if you’ve have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past or developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of a previous shot, you should consult your doctor before having a flu shot. Babies under six months old should be taken to see a doctor first as well. If you are ill with a fever, you should wait till your symptoms lessen.
Malaysia has two flu seasons — June and October. The viruses keep changing so the vaccine is changed as well. Medical experts choose the three most common strains of the virus circulating globally each year.
They are grown in chicken eggs, then killed and purified before being made into vaccine.
"No vaccine is 100 per cent effective," says Dr Aziah. "But studies have shown the flu vaccine to be 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing illness."
And if you do come down with flu, she adds, the infection will be less severe if you are vaccinated.
Health authorities say vaccination once a year is sufficient for most, but people in high- risk groups should be vaccinated twice a year.
Institute of Respiratory Medicine head Datin Dr Aziah Ahmad Mahayiddin said people with the highest risk of serious complications from flu include those above 65 years of age, adults with diabetes, chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma, and those suffering from chronic kidney and blood circulation diseases and organ damage, and children six months and older.
Those who live with or care for people at high risk should also have two flu shots twice a year.
The symptoms may be similar, but flu should not be confused with the common cold.
"The flu is a highly contagious, serious viral illness that can lead to pneumonia. It can be life threatening in some cases," said Dr Aziah.
But, if you are allergic to chicken eggs, if you’ve have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past or developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of a previous shot, you should consult your doctor before having a flu shot. Babies under six months old should be taken to see a doctor first as well. If you are ill with a fever, you should wait till your symptoms lessen.
Malaysia has two flu seasons — June and October. The viruses keep changing so the vaccine is changed as well. Medical experts choose the three most common strains of the virus circulating globally each year.
They are grown in chicken eggs, then killed and purified before being made into vaccine.
"No vaccine is 100 per cent effective," says Dr Aziah. "But studies have shown the flu vaccine to be 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing illness."
And if you do come down with flu, she adds, the infection will be less severe if you are vaccinated.
Brain-dead Fikry’s legacy of hope
NST: ALOR STAR: In life, Mohd Fikry Fazail was an ordinary kampung boy with modest ambitions. His death, however, has given life to others.
After he was declared brain dead on Sunday, Fikry’s grieving father agreed to donate his organs.
Fazail Mat says he was taken aback when the doctors at Alor Star Hospital broached the subject of organ donation.
The 51-year-old tin mine worker feared that by allowing his 18-year-old son’s internal organs to be harvested and placed in strangers’ bodies, his body would be "incomplete" and he would face problems in the afterlife.
But after much discussion with his family and reading a booklet on organ donation issued by the religious department, he agreed.
He described his decision as "amal jariah (charity)" for his son’s soul.
"My son dreamed of becoming a mechanic. In death, he became a hero, as his organs will now save other lives. When I saw him for the last time to say goodbye, I told him why I did it and that I was very proud of him. I hope his soul will be in peace," he said.
The operation to harvest Fikry’s liver, heart valves, kidneys and corneas was carried out at Alor Star Hospital by doctors from Kuala Lumpur around 10.30pm.
"This is Lin’s legacy," said Fazail. "He helped give those who need it a chance to live again."
"Lin", as Fikry was affectionately known to his family, was studying automotive engineering at a private institution in Ipoh.
He was on his way to Pengkalan Hulu to buy food six days before Hari Raya when he crashed and was flung from his motorcycle on the Pengkalan Ulu-Gerik road.
He was in a coma till his death.
He was buried yesterday in Kampung Bukit Buloh, Klian Intan in Pengkalan Hulu, his home town.
After he was declared brain dead on Sunday, Fikry’s grieving father agreed to donate his organs.
Fazail Mat says he was taken aback when the doctors at Alor Star Hospital broached the subject of organ donation.
The 51-year-old tin mine worker feared that by allowing his 18-year-old son’s internal organs to be harvested and placed in strangers’ bodies, his body would be "incomplete" and he would face problems in the afterlife.
But after much discussion with his family and reading a booklet on organ donation issued by the religious department, he agreed.
He described his decision as "amal jariah (charity)" for his son’s soul.
"My son dreamed of becoming a mechanic. In death, he became a hero, as his organs will now save other lives. When I saw him for the last time to say goodbye, I told him why I did it and that I was very proud of him. I hope his soul will be in peace," he said.
The operation to harvest Fikry’s liver, heart valves, kidneys and corneas was carried out at Alor Star Hospital by doctors from Kuala Lumpur around 10.30pm.
"This is Lin’s legacy," said Fazail. "He helped give those who need it a chance to live again."
"Lin", as Fikry was affectionately known to his family, was studying automotive engineering at a private institution in Ipoh.
He was on his way to Pengkalan Hulu to buy food six days before Hari Raya when he crashed and was flung from his motorcycle on the Pengkalan Ulu-Gerik road.
He was in a coma till his death.
He was buried yesterday in Kampung Bukit Buloh, Klian Intan in Pengkalan Hulu, his home town.
High-tech research centres to entice experts to return
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will embark on a programme to provide high-tech research facilities, in a move to attract foreign-based research experts to return home.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said the programme, which will be carried out under the 9th Malaysia Plan, would include providing research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and government grants to conduct research.
“Research scientists are disappointed that we do not have state-of-the-art equipment when they return, and the Government will try to provide it to them,” he said.
He said high-tech research equipment was costly, so the Government would need to come in to provide the necessary facilities.
“We will continue to talk with the Multimedia Development Corporation so we can jointly build the necessary research infrastructure to support the needs of the returning scientists,” he said.
Fong said many of the returning research scientists were top professors earning high wages overseas so they were often not keen to join local universities where they would be paid much less.
He said they preferred to work as contract researchers and the government grants would help them conduct their research here.
The minister said about 300 experts had returned to work here since 2001 and 100 of them were medical experts who had joined local universities and private medical centres, while the rest had finance, accounting and information technology experience.
He said there was high demand especially in the private sector for experts from these fields, which was why more of them were willing to come back to work in Malaysia.
“Medical specialists who have returned have made a significant contribution in the universities as medical professors and lecturers, and by serving as specialists in private medical centres,” he said.
He said they had been instrumental in transforming Malaysia into a medical tourism hub, adding that many tourists from the Middle East, Thailand and Indonesia had been visiting private medical centres in Penang and Kuala Lumpur for plastic surgery, medical examinations and treatment.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said the programme, which will be carried out under the 9th Malaysia Plan, would include providing research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and government grants to conduct research.
“Research scientists are disappointed that we do not have state-of-the-art equipment when they return, and the Government will try to provide it to them,” he said.
He said high-tech research equipment was costly, so the Government would need to come in to provide the necessary facilities.
“We will continue to talk with the Multimedia Development Corporation so we can jointly build the necessary research infrastructure to support the needs of the returning scientists,” he said.
Fong said many of the returning research scientists were top professors earning high wages overseas so they were often not keen to join local universities where they would be paid much less.
He said they preferred to work as contract researchers and the government grants would help them conduct their research here.
The minister said about 300 experts had returned to work here since 2001 and 100 of them were medical experts who had joined local universities and private medical centres, while the rest had finance, accounting and information technology experience.
He said there was high demand especially in the private sector for experts from these fields, which was why more of them were willing to come back to work in Malaysia.
“Medical specialists who have returned have made a significant contribution in the universities as medical professors and lecturers, and by serving as specialists in private medical centres,” he said.
He said they had been instrumental in transforming Malaysia into a medical tourism hub, adding that many tourists from the Middle East, Thailand and Indonesia had been visiting private medical centres in Penang and Kuala Lumpur for plastic surgery, medical examinations and treatment.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Magic of youth woven in gold
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Angelina Lum is a lady with a "golden" secret.
Two months ago, the 43-year-old businesswoman had pure gold threads surgically inserted under the top layer of skin on her neck.
Now it is smooth, with none of the saggy skin or wrinkles associated with aging. Lum is one of hundreds of people who have had the procedure.
Over 400 such surgeries have been performed in South Korea in the past three years.
And in the past 18 months, about 30 people in Singapore have undergone gold thread implantation.
The concept is similar to the Malay practice of susuk in that it involves inserting a precious metal under the skin to look young.
But unlike susuk, the procedure is backed by science.
The Singaporean heard of the non-invasive procedure from her plastic surgeon.
The gold encourages the growth of collagen which firms up the skin.
Once the procedure is completed, a gradual rejuvenation process begins, according to Lum’s surgeon Dr Tan Kok Leong.
Results can be seen within two months, and the rejuvenation continues over the first two years.
The final effects will last eight to 12 years, after which the procedure can be repeated.
Lum is happy with the results and considers the S$2,000 (about RM4,600) well-spent.
Here in Malaysia, a full face job costs about RM20,000 and the side effects are minimal.
The gold thread technique was introduced to Malaysia by South Korean plastic surgeon Dr Kim Won Seok, who conducted a workshop here earlier this year.
"No surgery is without side effects," said Dr Kim in an email interview, "but most are transient and easily corrected."
Ivy Ng, a manager of a company involved in surgical gold threads in Malaysia, said: "Given its gradual rejuvenating process and the minimal recovery time, this procedure is expected to be popular in Malaysia."
But, says Dr Yap Chung Mui, the first local plastic surgeon to learn the technique, it may take a while for Malaysians to accept gold thread implantation because of its similarity to susuk.
The gold thread implantation technique was developed in France about 30 years ago.
The procedure involves the insertion of thin 24-carat gold threads, less than 0.1mm thick, into the dermis layer of the skin in a grid-like pattern over a specified area, said Dr Tan Kok Leong.
Dr Tan has performed over 30 surgeries in Singapore in the last one-and-a-half years.
According to Malaysian consultant plastic surgeon Dr Yap Chung Mui, the skin accepts pure gold as it is a biologically inert matter and there is less risk of infection compared to other metals.
Each gold thread is 25cm long and is attached to a needle which is used to puncture the skin to the dermis layer where the stitching is done.
"It is important that the procedure is carried out on the right layer," said Dr Yap.
Since the dermis layer has very small blood vessels, the bruising is minimal.
The insertion of gold threads helps to restore the lost of tension and elasticity of the skin.
It also eliminates drooping of the skin and it smoothes out wrinkles.
Two months ago, the 43-year-old businesswoman had pure gold threads surgically inserted under the top layer of skin on her neck.
Now it is smooth, with none of the saggy skin or wrinkles associated with aging. Lum is one of hundreds of people who have had the procedure.
Over 400 such surgeries have been performed in South Korea in the past three years.
And in the past 18 months, about 30 people in Singapore have undergone gold thread implantation.
The concept is similar to the Malay practice of susuk in that it involves inserting a precious metal under the skin to look young.
But unlike susuk, the procedure is backed by science.
The Singaporean heard of the non-invasive procedure from her plastic surgeon.
The gold encourages the growth of collagen which firms up the skin.
Once the procedure is completed, a gradual rejuvenation process begins, according to Lum’s surgeon Dr Tan Kok Leong.
Results can be seen within two months, and the rejuvenation continues over the first two years.
The final effects will last eight to 12 years, after which the procedure can be repeated.
Lum is happy with the results and considers the S$2,000 (about RM4,600) well-spent.
Here in Malaysia, a full face job costs about RM20,000 and the side effects are minimal.
The gold thread technique was introduced to Malaysia by South Korean plastic surgeon Dr Kim Won Seok, who conducted a workshop here earlier this year.
"No surgery is without side effects," said Dr Kim in an email interview, "but most are transient and easily corrected."
Ivy Ng, a manager of a company involved in surgical gold threads in Malaysia, said: "Given its gradual rejuvenating process and the minimal recovery time, this procedure is expected to be popular in Malaysia."
But, says Dr Yap Chung Mui, the first local plastic surgeon to learn the technique, it may take a while for Malaysians to accept gold thread implantation because of its similarity to susuk.
The gold thread implantation technique was developed in France about 30 years ago.
The procedure involves the insertion of thin 24-carat gold threads, less than 0.1mm thick, into the dermis layer of the skin in a grid-like pattern over a specified area, said Dr Tan Kok Leong.
Dr Tan has performed over 30 surgeries in Singapore in the last one-and-a-half years.
According to Malaysian consultant plastic surgeon Dr Yap Chung Mui, the skin accepts pure gold as it is a biologically inert matter and there is less risk of infection compared to other metals.
Each gold thread is 25cm long and is attached to a needle which is used to puncture the skin to the dermis layer where the stitching is done.
"It is important that the procedure is carried out on the right layer," said Dr Yap.
Since the dermis layer has very small blood vessels, the bruising is minimal.
The insertion of gold threads helps to restore the lost of tension and elasticity of the skin.
It also eliminates drooping of the skin and it smoothes out wrinkles.
Malaysian scientists: Working conditions drive them away
NST: PUTRAJAYA: When scientist Dr Song (not his real name) returned after being wooed by the government, he expected a decent research environment.
This was not unrealistic as it was what he had in mind when he returned under the Returning Scientists Programme.
But what actually happened was totally unexpected: His employer was more concerned with living benefits and relocation than his research potential.
To make matters worse, he was asked to teach at the university that employed him instead of carrying out research. It was not surprising that he packed his bags after his contract ended.
This was also the case with the other 22 Malaysian scientists who had come home under the programme.
In fact, Dr Song’s complaints were somewhat similar to that of 70 foreign scientists who came to Malaysia to work under the same programme.
They did not renew their contracts despite overtures by the then Science, Technology and Environment Ministry, which oversaw the programme.
The Malaysian scientists had been employed by Universiti Malaya, Mimos, Universiti Putra Malaysia and International Islamic University.
The 23 were from Canada, the United States, Singapore, Germany and the United Kingdom and were experts in pharmacology, medicine, semiconductors and engineering.
According to a Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry internal report on the exodus of the scientists, their complaints generally involved working conditions.
One of those interviewed said he had to wait a year for his grant to be approved and another three months for payment to be made.
Another complained that maintenance of research infrastructure was lacking while one respondent said his employer lacked the attitude for commercialising research.
"Collaboration between universities is difficult. It isn’t easy to exchange information and ideas," a scientist had said.
The programme, launched in 1995, was considered a failure by 1998 when the scientists left.
"Most of them, Malaysians and foreigners, left after finishing their one-year contract. They were given the option to renew, but did not," a ministry official said.
The programme ensured allowances for housing, relocation and schooling for scientists’ families.
Other perks included return airfares to their home country and medical benefits.
But while the scientists might have appreciated these perks, according to the report, they complained about:
• a lack of commercialisation focus;
• low awareness of intellectual property rights, laws and funding;
• poorly-maintained and scattered research infrastructure;
• cumbersome administrative procedures to procure research equipment;
• a "perceived gap" in the availability and sustainability of research funds;
• slow disbursement of research funds;
• a critical shortage of scientists and support staff with required research experience;
• a closed environment with scientists focusing on their own research and reluctance to share experiences with other scientists outside the team or department; and,
• insufficient collaboration between the industry and academia.
Ministry officials could not provide an estimate on the amount spent on the programme.
This was not unrealistic as it was what he had in mind when he returned under the Returning Scientists Programme.
But what actually happened was totally unexpected: His employer was more concerned with living benefits and relocation than his research potential.
To make matters worse, he was asked to teach at the university that employed him instead of carrying out research. It was not surprising that he packed his bags after his contract ended.
This was also the case with the other 22 Malaysian scientists who had come home under the programme.
In fact, Dr Song’s complaints were somewhat similar to that of 70 foreign scientists who came to Malaysia to work under the same programme.
They did not renew their contracts despite overtures by the then Science, Technology and Environment Ministry, which oversaw the programme.
The Malaysian scientists had been employed by Universiti Malaya, Mimos, Universiti Putra Malaysia and International Islamic University.
The 23 were from Canada, the United States, Singapore, Germany and the United Kingdom and were experts in pharmacology, medicine, semiconductors and engineering.
According to a Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry internal report on the exodus of the scientists, their complaints generally involved working conditions.
One of those interviewed said he had to wait a year for his grant to be approved and another three months for payment to be made.
Another complained that maintenance of research infrastructure was lacking while one respondent said his employer lacked the attitude for commercialising research.
"Collaboration between universities is difficult. It isn’t easy to exchange information and ideas," a scientist had said.
The programme, launched in 1995, was considered a failure by 1998 when the scientists left.
"Most of them, Malaysians and foreigners, left after finishing their one-year contract. They were given the option to renew, but did not," a ministry official said.
The programme ensured allowances for housing, relocation and schooling for scientists’ families.
Other perks included return airfares to their home country and medical benefits.
But while the scientists might have appreciated these perks, according to the report, they complained about:
• a lack of commercialisation focus;
• low awareness of intellectual property rights, laws and funding;
• poorly-maintained and scattered research infrastructure;
• cumbersome administrative procedures to procure research equipment;
• a "perceived gap" in the availability and sustainability of research funds;
• slow disbursement of research funds;
• a critical shortage of scientists and support staff with required research experience;
• a closed environment with scientists focusing on their own research and reluctance to share experiences with other scientists outside the team or department; and,
• insufficient collaboration between the industry and academia.
Ministry officials could not provide an estimate on the amount spent on the programme.
Introduce Guidelines For Mental Health At Workplace, Govt Told
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The government should introduce guidelines to promote mental health care in workplaces, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) said Sunday.
Its Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the present working environment was very competitive and stressful and many workers would likely suffer from anxiety and depression in relation to their jobs.
"Attempted suicide cases involving workers are on the rise in recent years," he said in a statement today.
Lee said suicide has become the third leading death among Malaysians aged 15 to 34 and the number of people contemplating suicide in the 18 to 40 age bracket was also on the rise.
He said it was important to ensure happiness and well-being among workers and their families through initiatives to promote good mental health in workplaces from the viewpoint of the sound mental and social development of the country.
"It might be timely to consider introducing guidelines for mental health care promotion to enable implementation of basic measures by employers at workplaces, suited for the practical conditions of each enterprise," he said.
Lee said Niosh suggest that employers focus on the following areas when drawing up the mental health care programme:
+ Identify problems at workplaces related to poor mental health.
+ Secure the necessary resources to develop mental health care programme
+ Take measures to protect workers' privacy
+ Take other measures necessary for mental health promotion among workers and improve work environment
Lee said a healthy and educated workplace would ensure improved productivity.
Its Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the present working environment was very competitive and stressful and many workers would likely suffer from anxiety and depression in relation to their jobs.
"Attempted suicide cases involving workers are on the rise in recent years," he said in a statement today.
Lee said suicide has become the third leading death among Malaysians aged 15 to 34 and the number of people contemplating suicide in the 18 to 40 age bracket was also on the rise.
He said it was important to ensure happiness and well-being among workers and their families through initiatives to promote good mental health in workplaces from the viewpoint of the sound mental and social development of the country.
"It might be timely to consider introducing guidelines for mental health care promotion to enable implementation of basic measures by employers at workplaces, suited for the practical conditions of each enterprise," he said.
Lee said Niosh suggest that employers focus on the following areas when drawing up the mental health care programme:
+ Identify problems at workplaces related to poor mental health.
+ Secure the necessary resources to develop mental health care programme
+ Take measures to protect workers' privacy
+ Take other measures necessary for mental health promotion among workers and improve work environment
Lee said a healthy and educated workplace would ensure improved productivity.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Forum on women’s health issues
Star: IN NOVEMBER, medical experts from the world over and in Malaysia will be focusing on women’s health, in conjunction with the XVIII FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics that will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 5-10 November.
To kick off this congress that is being hosted by Malaysia for the first time, FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) is working with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, Partners in Health and OH! Only Health magazine to organise a public health forum for women in Malaysia.
The forum, themed “The Truth Women Should Know”, will be held on Saturday, 4 November in Kuala Lumpur.
Local and international experts will talk about current women’s health issues. Among the topics to be explored are: “Women’s Health – Issues and Interventions”, “Individualisation of HRT” and “Cervical Cancer and HPV – Reducing the Burden and Prevention”.
Forum participants will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by the speakers during the Ask Your Doctor session.
Concurrent activities that will be held during the forum include health checks, skin tests and product sampling.
Note: The forum will be held on Nov 4 at Hotel Equatorial, Kuala Lumpur, from 9.30am to 1pm. A registration fee of RM20 (to be donated to Yayasan Kebajikan Negara) is required. To register, visit www.pharmvision.com or call Ms Veni at 03-20933384.
To kick off this congress that is being hosted by Malaysia for the first time, FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) is working with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, Partners in Health and OH! Only Health magazine to organise a public health forum for women in Malaysia.
The forum, themed “The Truth Women Should Know”, will be held on Saturday, 4 November in Kuala Lumpur.
Local and international experts will talk about current women’s health issues. Among the topics to be explored are: “Women’s Health – Issues and Interventions”, “Individualisation of HRT” and “Cervical Cancer and HPV – Reducing the Burden and Prevention”.
Forum participants will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by the speakers during the Ask Your Doctor session.
Concurrent activities that will be held during the forum include health checks, skin tests and product sampling.
Note: The forum will be held on Nov 4 at Hotel Equatorial, Kuala Lumpur, from 9.30am to 1pm. A registration fee of RM20 (to be donated to Yayasan Kebajikan Negara) is required. To register, visit www.pharmvision.com or call Ms Veni at 03-20933384.
HIV-positive children victims of discrimination
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: When Sarimah (not her real name) and her husband adopted a baby girl, they knew she was the child of a sex worker and a drug addict.
Four years later they found that their daughter was HIV-positive.
The little girl began vomiting constantly and had terrible diarrhoea. Their family doctor recommended screening her for HIV.
After the initial shock and thoughts of giving her up, their love for their daughter reasserted itself.
"We accepted her as a gift, a blessing from God to look after. Not everyone gets the chance to help God to help others," Sarimah said.
It has been 11 years since the diagnosis, and Sarimah says she and her husband have told no-one about her condition.
"I’m afraid that other parents won’t allow their children to mix with my daughter."
Sarimah says they have not informed her daughter’s school that she is HIV-positive either.
She is worried the teachers might talk about it and her friends will tease her, and it could affect her studies.
Chuah (not his real name), and his wife only found out their adopted son was HIV-positive when he was six years old.
Their immediate family members are aware of his condition and are slowly coming to terms with it.
But they are afraid of what will happen if they make their son’s condition more widely known.
"Our conservative society may discriminate against our son," says Chuah.
Charumathy (not her real name) and her family have been more open about the fact that the little girl they adopted is HIV-positive, and they have felt the consequences.
"Many of my neighbours say I am stupid to accept the girl as my daughter, knowing that it isn’t easy to look after her and that she may die."
Charumathy says her relatives don’t allow their children to play with her daughter, fearing she may pass on the virus that causes AIDS while talking or laughing with them.
Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) are aware of 651 children below the age 12 infected with HIV/AIDS who have been abandoned or orphaned.
Fewer than 15 have been adopted. The rest are being taken care of in 10 homes nationwide.
Besides the medical challenges of raising an HIV-positive child, people fear discrimination from family, friends and society in general.
Associate Prof Dr Norlijah Othman, head of paediatrics of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at University Putra Malaysia, says Malaysians must change their mindset on HIV-positive children.
"We must accept them just like any other children," she says.
"They are not to blame for being HIV-positive. They are like, but unlike, other children. They are counting their days."
Four years later they found that their daughter was HIV-positive.
The little girl began vomiting constantly and had terrible diarrhoea. Their family doctor recommended screening her for HIV.
After the initial shock and thoughts of giving her up, their love for their daughter reasserted itself.
"We accepted her as a gift, a blessing from God to look after. Not everyone gets the chance to help God to help others," Sarimah said.
It has been 11 years since the diagnosis, and Sarimah says she and her husband have told no-one about her condition.
"I’m afraid that other parents won’t allow their children to mix with my daughter."
Sarimah says they have not informed her daughter’s school that she is HIV-positive either.
She is worried the teachers might talk about it and her friends will tease her, and it could affect her studies.
Chuah (not his real name), and his wife only found out their adopted son was HIV-positive when he was six years old.
Their immediate family members are aware of his condition and are slowly coming to terms with it.
But they are afraid of what will happen if they make their son’s condition more widely known.
"Our conservative society may discriminate against our son," says Chuah.
Charumathy (not her real name) and her family have been more open about the fact that the little girl they adopted is HIV-positive, and they have felt the consequences.
"Many of my neighbours say I am stupid to accept the girl as my daughter, knowing that it isn’t easy to look after her and that she may die."
Charumathy says her relatives don’t allow their children to play with her daughter, fearing she may pass on the virus that causes AIDS while talking or laughing with them.
Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) are aware of 651 children below the age 12 infected with HIV/AIDS who have been abandoned or orphaned.
Fewer than 15 have been adopted. The rest are being taken care of in 10 homes nationwide.
Besides the medical challenges of raising an HIV-positive child, people fear discrimination from family, friends and society in general.
Associate Prof Dr Norlijah Othman, head of paediatrics of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at University Putra Malaysia, says Malaysians must change their mindset on HIV-positive children.
"We must accept them just like any other children," she says.
"They are not to blame for being HIV-positive. They are like, but unlike, other children. They are counting their days."
Pharmacists unlikely link to beta-agonist
Star: PETALING JAYA: It is unlikely that pharmacists are involved in supplying beta-agonist to feed millers or farmers, said the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society.
President John Chang said he had not heard of any reported case of pharmacists supplying the banned drug to be mixed into livestock feed locally.
“Our shorelines are so exposed. Illegal drugs can easily enter the country and farmers can easily buy beta-agonist direct from the black market or smuggle it in without needing to go through pharmacists,” he said.
He was responding to a statement on Friday by MCA Traditional Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Bureau chairman Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng, who urged the Health Ministry to go after pharmacies that smuggled in beta-agonist.
Chang said those in the pharmaceutical industry were unlikely to bring in the banned drug because they were already making good profit with medication for people and did not need to depend on the illegal drug.
“Why is the beta-agonist issue still persisting after all these years? The issue is about continuous enforcement and vigilance,” Chang said.
President John Chang said he had not heard of any reported case of pharmacists supplying the banned drug to be mixed into livestock feed locally.
“Our shorelines are so exposed. Illegal drugs can easily enter the country and farmers can easily buy beta-agonist direct from the black market or smuggle it in without needing to go through pharmacists,” he said.
He was responding to a statement on Friday by MCA Traditional Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Bureau chairman Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng, who urged the Health Ministry to go after pharmacies that smuggled in beta-agonist.
Chang said those in the pharmaceutical industry were unlikely to bring in the banned drug because they were already making good profit with medication for people and did not need to depend on the illegal drug.
“Why is the beta-agonist issue still persisting after all these years? The issue is about continuous enforcement and vigilance,” Chang said.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Honey to heal diabetic wounds
NST: KOTA BARU: Diabetics and honey may seem an unlikely combination.
But the sweet liquid from bees is working wonders for those being treated at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, Kubang Kerian, for wounds caused by the disease.
The best results have been seen on those suffering from ulcers of the foot.
USM orthopaedic department head, Dr Mohd Iskandar Mohd Amin, said the antiseptic properties of honey made it a potent salve.
"We found honey to be just as effective as modern antiseptics. It was less painful for patients and wounds appeared to heal faster."
A clinical trial in 2002 showed that honey worked as well as modern dressings, was cheaper and caused less pain when dressings were changed. "There was also less smell from the wound and no allergic reaction. Honey is now a necessary part of our regimen in treating diabetic wounds," he said.
HUSM treats an average of three patients per week with honey, and it has treated more than 1,000 diabetics this way since 1996.
Diabetic wounds are washed with saline, smeared with a thick coat of honey and wrapped with gauze. The dressing is changed every three days.
"We used to apply local honey but patients complained of discomfort, probably because local honey was impure. This was solved by using imported honey from supermarkets."
Dr Iskandar is now making arrangements to obtain pure local honey.
Patient Fatimah Che Mat Ali, of Setiu, Terengganu, said she would probably have lost her right foot if not for honey.
The 54-year-old cut a foot in August, leading to swelling and gangrene. Doctors amputated a toe but the problem was not resolved.
They then used honey to treat her wound. "It worked wonders on me," she said.
But the sweet liquid from bees is working wonders for those being treated at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, Kubang Kerian, for wounds caused by the disease.
The best results have been seen on those suffering from ulcers of the foot.
USM orthopaedic department head, Dr Mohd Iskandar Mohd Amin, said the antiseptic properties of honey made it a potent salve.
"We found honey to be just as effective as modern antiseptics. It was less painful for patients and wounds appeared to heal faster."
A clinical trial in 2002 showed that honey worked as well as modern dressings, was cheaper and caused less pain when dressings were changed. "There was also less smell from the wound and no allergic reaction. Honey is now a necessary part of our regimen in treating diabetic wounds," he said.
HUSM treats an average of three patients per week with honey, and it has treated more than 1,000 diabetics this way since 1996.
Diabetic wounds are washed with saline, smeared with a thick coat of honey and wrapped with gauze. The dressing is changed every three days.
"We used to apply local honey but patients complained of discomfort, probably because local honey was impure. This was solved by using imported honey from supermarkets."
Dr Iskandar is now making arrangements to obtain pure local honey.
Patient Fatimah Che Mat Ali, of Setiu, Terengganu, said she would probably have lost her right foot if not for honey.
The 54-year-old cut a foot in August, leading to swelling and gangrene. Doctors amputated a toe but the problem was not resolved.
They then used honey to treat her wound. "It worked wonders on me," she said.
From SPM to nursing school
Star: MIRI: SPM and STPM school-leavers can go straight to nurses' training college soon.
The Health Ministry is drawing up plans with the Public Services Department to enable these youngsters to enter nursing colleges as soon as their examination results are announced.
Its parliamentary-secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said that at present school-leavers who were interested to sign up for the nursing courses must wait for about a year before they could apply to enter the colleges.
“Now, after the results are out in March, the next intake will only be opened in January the next year at the earliest.
“The ministry found that during this crucial waiting period we've lost many potential nursing students because they could not wait so long,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He said the ministry wanted to make it more straightforward for youths to join the profession.
“The ministry is making plans to upgrade the nursing profession and we want to attract more people to join. We are fine-tuning the training programmes now.”
“We also want to attract more non-bumiputras to become nurses to reflect the true racial composition of our country. At the moment, 90% are bumiputras.
“Fresh nurses are given good deals now. A fresh nurse can get about RM1,600 per month, inclusive of benefits.
“During the three-year training, each will get a monthly allowance of RM600 plus lodging and uniform allowance.”
Lee said the huge imbalance in the nurses' racial ratio had created language problems with patients and staff shortage during major festive seasons.
He said the ministry would soon start a voluntary rotation system whereby specialists and doctors from the peninsula would be offered short stints in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We need to share our specialists and doctors and medical officers to overcome the serious shortage in these two states,” he added.
Lee said the ministry was also upgrading the telemedicine linkages between Sabah and Sarawak and the peninsula so that hospitals could assist each other via cyberspace.
The Health Ministry is drawing up plans with the Public Services Department to enable these youngsters to enter nursing colleges as soon as their examination results are announced.
Its parliamentary-secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said that at present school-leavers who were interested to sign up for the nursing courses must wait for about a year before they could apply to enter the colleges.
“Now, after the results are out in March, the next intake will only be opened in January the next year at the earliest.
“The ministry found that during this crucial waiting period we've lost many potential nursing students because they could not wait so long,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He said the ministry wanted to make it more straightforward for youths to join the profession.
“The ministry is making plans to upgrade the nursing profession and we want to attract more people to join. We are fine-tuning the training programmes now.”
“We also want to attract more non-bumiputras to become nurses to reflect the true racial composition of our country. At the moment, 90% are bumiputras.
“Fresh nurses are given good deals now. A fresh nurse can get about RM1,600 per month, inclusive of benefits.
“During the three-year training, each will get a monthly allowance of RM600 plus lodging and uniform allowance.”
Lee said the huge imbalance in the nurses' racial ratio had created language problems with patients and staff shortage during major festive seasons.
He said the ministry would soon start a voluntary rotation system whereby specialists and doctors from the peninsula would be offered short stints in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We need to share our specialists and doctors and medical officers to overcome the serious shortage in these two states,” he added.
Lee said the ministry was also upgrading the telemedicine linkages between Sabah and Sarawak and the peninsula so that hospitals could assist each other via cyberspace.
Malaysian pork sellers claim pigs still fed banned growth drug: report
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia IHT Malaysian pork sellers alleged that a high number of locally raised pigs are fed a banned drug to enhance their growth and urged authorities to clamp down on pig farmers, reports said Friday. Malaysian Pork Sellers Association chairman Goh Chui Lai was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times that pork sellers have been treated as scapegoats for farmers who use sabultamol, a banned form of beta-agonist. At least 20 pork sellers nationwide have been fined for selling meat found to contain sabultamol over the past two years but no farmer has yet faced legal action, he said. "The government is punishing the wrong people. We buy pork from farmers who are the ones who feed the animals. But why are we being punished when we are just selling the meat?" Goh was quoted as saying. The Federation of Livestock Farmers' Association of Malaysia, which represents more than 600 pig slaughterhouses nationwide, claimed most farmers have been using another type of beta-agonist, Paylean, since sabultamol was banned several years ago.
Federation secretary Sim Ah Hock was quoted as saying that pork found to contain the banned drug could have come from illegal pig farms and urged pork sellers to check their sources of supply. Pigs given beta-agonist grow faster and can be slaughtered 20 days earlier than the usual 26 weeks and produce leaner meat, making it more marketable. Consumers who eat pork tainted with sabultamol could get headaches, dizziness, palpitations and breathing difficulties, the New Straits Times said. It can be fatal for those suffering from asthma and heart disease, it said. The Star newspaper said the Agriculture Ministry had issued warning letters to 83 pig suppliers and blacklisted nine others in the past three months over the use of the banned drug, which is cheaper than Paylean. It quoted Health Minister Chua Soi Lek as saying the government would strengthen enforcement, which has been weak due to religious obstacles. Chua urged authorities to raid pharmacies that import and supply the drug.
Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.
Federation secretary Sim Ah Hock was quoted as saying that pork found to contain the banned drug could have come from illegal pig farms and urged pork sellers to check their sources of supply. Pigs given beta-agonist grow faster and can be slaughtered 20 days earlier than the usual 26 weeks and produce leaner meat, making it more marketable. Consumers who eat pork tainted with sabultamol could get headaches, dizziness, palpitations and breathing difficulties, the New Straits Times said. It can be fatal for those suffering from asthma and heart disease, it said. The Star newspaper said the Agriculture Ministry had issued warning letters to 83 pig suppliers and blacklisted nine others in the past three months over the use of the banned drug, which is cheaper than Paylean. It quoted Health Minister Chua Soi Lek as saying the government would strengthen enforcement, which has been weak due to religious obstacles. Chua urged authorities to raid pharmacies that import and supply the drug.
Ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Health Ministry planning shorter hospitalisation for some cases
Star: MIRI: The Health Ministry is to implement plans whereby patients with not too serious ailments and those undergoing minor surgeries would be discharged six to seven hours after admission so that they need not have to stay overnight in the hospital.
The ministry is now working out details on how to implement this plan. It would outline criteria to ascertain those patients who can be discharged without having to stay overnight.
They will be allowed to go home after they have rested for seven hours in the hospital ward, but they would be given more intensive and comprehensive follow-up treatment thereafter.
This "very short time spent in hospital, but more intensive and comprehensive follow-up treatments idea" may be the solution to clearing the congestions experienced in hospitals in the country, said Ministry Parliamentary-secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
The ministry feels that through this method, both the patients and the hospitals would benefit, he said.
"This way, they can recuperate in the comfort of their home surroundings and we won't have to clog up our hospitals.
"Hospital beds can then be reserved for more urgent and serious cases and for patients who come from far away places," he told a press conference here on Friday.
Lee was here to start a four-day visit to Miri and surrounding areas as part of inspection of health facilities in various regions in the country.
The ministry is now working out details on how to implement this plan. It would outline criteria to ascertain those patients who can be discharged without having to stay overnight.
They will be allowed to go home after they have rested for seven hours in the hospital ward, but they would be given more intensive and comprehensive follow-up treatment thereafter.
This "very short time spent in hospital, but more intensive and comprehensive follow-up treatments idea" may be the solution to clearing the congestions experienced in hospitals in the country, said Ministry Parliamentary-secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
The ministry feels that through this method, both the patients and the hospitals would benefit, he said.
"This way, they can recuperate in the comfort of their home surroundings and we won't have to clog up our hospitals.
"Hospital beds can then be reserved for more urgent and serious cases and for patients who come from far away places," he told a press conference here on Friday.
Lee was here to start a four-day visit to Miri and surrounding areas as part of inspection of health facilities in various regions in the country.
Hospital damper in fight against food poisoning
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: For 10 years, doctors could have done something to spare thousands of Malaysians the agony of food poisoning — if not for government hospitals.
Not a single hospital has sent stool samples to Universiti Malaya’s Institute of Biological Sciences to ascertain if viruses were the cause of the ailment.
It was not that doctors could have treated the problem: Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
But they could have stopped family and friends of victims from contracting gastroenteritis which causes up to three days of pain, diarrhoea and vomitting.
Patients could have been advised to isolate themselves for the duration of the problem so as not to infect others and cause, among other things, loss of productivity at work.
Associate Prof Dr Nassar Banu Ghulam Rasool is particularly unhappy by the lack of response from hospitals.
The virologist at the institute has been waiting for 10 years to use more than RM100,000 worth of equipment and diagnostic tools bought specially to identify the cause of food poisoning.
Isolating the cause of the food poisoning could have prevented the children from suffering, she said.
"Of late, many adults and children have been suffering from acute food poisoning."
Noroviruses, which cause food poisoning, are especially tough on the patients.
It was named after Norwalk, Ohio, where an outbreak of what was then called "winter vomiting disease" occurred at an elementary school in November 1968.
A test on stool samples in 1972 identified the virus.
People can become infected with the virus in several ways, such as eating contaminated food or drinks, touching contaminated surfaces or having direct contact with victims.
But it is still not too late to put the equipment to good use.
Nassar said it was important to use the technology to determine the diversity of Norwalk-like virus strains in children and adults.
"It will be a pity if we do not use the equipment that we have to help Malaysians tackle food poisoning."
Not a single hospital has sent stool samples to Universiti Malaya’s Institute of Biological Sciences to ascertain if viruses were the cause of the ailment.
It was not that doctors could have treated the problem: Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
But they could have stopped family and friends of victims from contracting gastroenteritis which causes up to three days of pain, diarrhoea and vomitting.
Patients could have been advised to isolate themselves for the duration of the problem so as not to infect others and cause, among other things, loss of productivity at work.
Associate Prof Dr Nassar Banu Ghulam Rasool is particularly unhappy by the lack of response from hospitals.
The virologist at the institute has been waiting for 10 years to use more than RM100,000 worth of equipment and diagnostic tools bought specially to identify the cause of food poisoning.
Isolating the cause of the food poisoning could have prevented the children from suffering, she said.
"Of late, many adults and children have been suffering from acute food poisoning."
Noroviruses, which cause food poisoning, are especially tough on the patients.
It was named after Norwalk, Ohio, where an outbreak of what was then called "winter vomiting disease" occurred at an elementary school in November 1968.
A test on stool samples in 1972 identified the virus.
People can become infected with the virus in several ways, such as eating contaminated food or drinks, touching contaminated surfaces or having direct contact with victims.
But it is still not too late to put the equipment to good use.
Nassar said it was important to use the technology to determine the diversity of Norwalk-like virus strains in children and adults.
"It will be a pity if we do not use the equipment that we have to help Malaysians tackle food poisoning."
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Malaysia fights looming AIDS epidemic
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Ex-convict Jonah Chan is a casualty of Malaysia's losing battle against AIDS.
In 1984, he was jailed for three years for robbery. He came out a drug addict and is now infected with the AIDS virus.
"I contracted HIV by injecting drugs. I shared needles," said 41-year-old Chan who has been in and out of a home for reforming drug addicts and convicts in Kuala Lumpur for the past 15 years.
"Drugs were cheaper in prison because there were a lot of big pushers," he explained, sitting in the living room of an old double-storey brick house he shares with 23 other residents.
Malaysia, a conservative, mainly Muslim country, has some of the world's toughest anti-drugs laws. But the HIV virus is spreading rapidly due to illegal drug use and a lack of sex education, raising fears of an epidemic.
Delivering a loud wake-up call to the government, the World Health Organisation warned last year that Malaysia was on the brink of an HIV epidemic.
Until recently, Malaysia refused to adopt policies proven successful elsewhere -- including in fellow Muslim countries Iran and Pakistan -- such as providing clean syringes to drug addicts.
At the start of 2006, HIV cases in Malaysia totalled 70,559 in a population of about 26 million, while 10,663 patients had full-blown AIDS, official data showed.
The numbers are much lower than Thailand which has 560,000 HIV patients, but Malaysian health officials are worried by the exponential rise in HIV cases.
In 2005, new AIDS cases in Malaysia totalled 1,221 compared with 233 in 1995.
By contrast, neighbouring Thailand has more than halved the number of new HIV infections over the past decade, thanks to aggressive promotion of condom use among sex workers.
"For HIV, the trend has been always upward in Malaysia and we're getting very worried," Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek, who was appointed to the post in 2004, said in an interview.
"People are in a state of denial," he added.
FREE CONDOMS, NEEDLES
Only last year did the government start handing out free condoms and needles -- a move it had earlier opposed on grounds that it promoted free sex and rampant drug usage.
It now plans to spend 500 million ringgit ($136 million) on programmes to combat AIDS, including needle distribution.
HIV is most commonly spread in Malaysia by drug users, with male AIDS patients outnumbering females by about 10 to 1.
About 60 percent of those believed to have HIV were Malays -- the largest and most religiously conservative of Malaysia's ethnic groups. Most of them were unemployed.
AIDS activist groups blame inadequate enforcement of drug laws and a lack of sex education for the rapid rise in cases.
"The reality is we're losing the war," said Pax Tan, a leader of a Christian group involved in combating HIV and drug use.
The government is starting to fight back.
HIV education will soon be taught during the national service programme for youths, Chua said, after surveys showed a rise in unprotected sex and widespread ignorance about HIV among youth.
Government data showed that about a quarter of AIDS cases from 1986 to 2005 involved those between 13 to 29 years of age.
"With the funding promised by the government, we are very confident that we'll be able to see a plateau in the rate of increase, maybe by 2010 or 2009," Chua said.
SEX AND DRUGS
Despite Malaysia's growing affluence and western trappings, the country remains outwardly conservative on sex.
Kuala Lumpur -- which started in the mid-19th century as a tin settlement with brothels, gambling booths and opium dens -- is packed with clubs brimming with drugs and alcohol but is also a place where kissing and hugging are forbidden in public parks.
With no sex education at schools, some youths believe that HIV can be transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas or bedbugs.
Religious leaders are deeply opposed to the distribution of free needles and condoms.
"(It) will encourage people to have free sex. We must address the root of the problem," said Ahmad Awang, a spokesman at the Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), the country's largest Islamic opposition party.
Instead he suggested tightening government controls on entertainment outlets and night-time curfews for youths.
Wong Kim Kong, of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia, believes traditional values may stop the spread of AIDS rather than free condoms and needles.
"Abstinence is the most important habit that we need to develop," he said. ($1=3.6700 ringgit)
In 1984, he was jailed for three years for robbery. He came out a drug addict and is now infected with the AIDS virus.
"I contracted HIV by injecting drugs. I shared needles," said 41-year-old Chan who has been in and out of a home for reforming drug addicts and convicts in Kuala Lumpur for the past 15 years.
"Drugs were cheaper in prison because there were a lot of big pushers," he explained, sitting in the living room of an old double-storey brick house he shares with 23 other residents.
Malaysia, a conservative, mainly Muslim country, has some of the world's toughest anti-drugs laws. But the HIV virus is spreading rapidly due to illegal drug use and a lack of sex education, raising fears of an epidemic.
Delivering a loud wake-up call to the government, the World Health Organisation warned last year that Malaysia was on the brink of an HIV epidemic.
Until recently, Malaysia refused to adopt policies proven successful elsewhere -- including in fellow Muslim countries Iran and Pakistan -- such as providing clean syringes to drug addicts.
At the start of 2006, HIV cases in Malaysia totalled 70,559 in a population of about 26 million, while 10,663 patients had full-blown AIDS, official data showed.
The numbers are much lower than Thailand which has 560,000 HIV patients, but Malaysian health officials are worried by the exponential rise in HIV cases.
In 2005, new AIDS cases in Malaysia totalled 1,221 compared with 233 in 1995.
By contrast, neighbouring Thailand has more than halved the number of new HIV infections over the past decade, thanks to aggressive promotion of condom use among sex workers.
"For HIV, the trend has been always upward in Malaysia and we're getting very worried," Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek, who was appointed to the post in 2004, said in an interview.
"People are in a state of denial," he added.
FREE CONDOMS, NEEDLES
Only last year did the government start handing out free condoms and needles -- a move it had earlier opposed on grounds that it promoted free sex and rampant drug usage.
It now plans to spend 500 million ringgit ($136 million) on programmes to combat AIDS, including needle distribution.
HIV is most commonly spread in Malaysia by drug users, with male AIDS patients outnumbering females by about 10 to 1.
About 60 percent of those believed to have HIV were Malays -- the largest and most religiously conservative of Malaysia's ethnic groups. Most of them were unemployed.
AIDS activist groups blame inadequate enforcement of drug laws and a lack of sex education for the rapid rise in cases.
"The reality is we're losing the war," said Pax Tan, a leader of a Christian group involved in combating HIV and drug use.
The government is starting to fight back.
HIV education will soon be taught during the national service programme for youths, Chua said, after surveys showed a rise in unprotected sex and widespread ignorance about HIV among youth.
Government data showed that about a quarter of AIDS cases from 1986 to 2005 involved those between 13 to 29 years of age.
"With the funding promised by the government, we are very confident that we'll be able to see a plateau in the rate of increase, maybe by 2010 or 2009," Chua said.
SEX AND DRUGS
Despite Malaysia's growing affluence and western trappings, the country remains outwardly conservative on sex.
Kuala Lumpur -- which started in the mid-19th century as a tin settlement with brothels, gambling booths and opium dens -- is packed with clubs brimming with drugs and alcohol but is also a place where kissing and hugging are forbidden in public parks.
With no sex education at schools, some youths believe that HIV can be transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas or bedbugs.
Religious leaders are deeply opposed to the distribution of free needles and condoms.
"(It) will encourage people to have free sex. We must address the root of the problem," said Ahmad Awang, a spokesman at the Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), the country's largest Islamic opposition party.
Instead he suggested tightening government controls on entertainment outlets and night-time curfews for youths.
Wong Kim Kong, of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia, believes traditional values may stop the spread of AIDS rather than free condoms and needles.
"Abstinence is the most important habit that we need to develop," he said. ($1=3.6700 ringgit)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Novartis AG Keen To Invest In Malaysia's Biotechnology Sector
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Novartis AG, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, is interested to invest in Malaysia's biotechnology sector involving health products.
This was conveyed by its chief executive officer Daniel Vasella during a meeting with Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis here Friday.
Jamaluddin said the company which has expertise in the biotechnology field would carry out studies on possible products from Malaysia's rich natural resources.
"We have many plants with qualities that can enhance human health. So, we can discuss how to make health products from them," he told reporters after the meeting.
Novartis AG is one of the largest pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the world, with core businesses in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care and animal health.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the group employ about 97,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world, including Malaysia.
Jamaluddin said Vasella was expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said discussions would also be held with scientists, entrepreneurs and others involved in the biotechnology field.
This was conveyed by its chief executive officer Daniel Vasella during a meeting with Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis here Friday.
Jamaluddin said the company which has expertise in the biotechnology field would carry out studies on possible products from Malaysia's rich natural resources.
"We have many plants with qualities that can enhance human health. So, we can discuss how to make health products from them," he told reporters after the meeting.
Novartis AG is one of the largest pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the world, with core businesses in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care and animal health.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the group employ about 97,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world, including Malaysia.
Jamaluddin said Vasella was expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said discussions would also be held with scientists, entrepreneurs and others involved in the biotechnology field.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Mercy M'sia President Conferred 'Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award'
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood was conferred the 'Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award' Thursday, making her the first Malaysian to receive such recognition by the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel of Morehouse College, United States.
According to a press statement released here, the institute's dean, Dr Lawrence E Carter Sr presented the award which was accepted by Dr Jemilah's husband, Datuk Dr Ashar Abdullah, on her behalf.
Dr Jemilah is currently attending a United Nations training programme in Sweden.
"We are proud to link Dr Jemilah's name with our highest honour as she is an exemplary human being who has caught our attention with her undying efforts in providing medical and humanitarian aid through Mercy Malaysia to those suffering, regardless of race, colour and creed," said Carter.
The Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award symbolises the tradition of peace-work based on non-violence that Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Dr Daisaku Ikeda shared.
Previous recipients include former US Ambassador to the UN Andrew Young and 1998 Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume.
The conferment also marked the launching of the Gandhi, King, Ikeda - A Legacy of Building Peace Exhibition, that is presently being held by the Soka Gokkai Malaysia organisation.
According to a press statement released here, the institute's dean, Dr Lawrence E Carter Sr presented the award which was accepted by Dr Jemilah's husband, Datuk Dr Ashar Abdullah, on her behalf.
Dr Jemilah is currently attending a United Nations training programme in Sweden.
"We are proud to link Dr Jemilah's name with our highest honour as she is an exemplary human being who has caught our attention with her undying efforts in providing medical and humanitarian aid through Mercy Malaysia to those suffering, regardless of race, colour and creed," said Carter.
The Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award symbolises the tradition of peace-work based on non-violence that Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Dr Daisaku Ikeda shared.
Previous recipients include former US Ambassador to the UN Andrew Young and 1998 Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume.
The conferment also marked the launching of the Gandhi, King, Ikeda - A Legacy of Building Peace Exhibition, that is presently being held by the Soka Gokkai Malaysia organisation.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Hospitals using non-FDA approved stents
Sun2Surf PETALING JAYA (Oct 18,2006): All medical implants used in surgical or clinical procedures must be registered with the Ministry of Health.
"There are laws against the use of unregistered medical equipment and interventional implants," the ministry's director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican told theSun.
He said the Medical Devices Act prohibits clinicians and medical specialists from implanting in patients, any form of mechanical device that has not been approved by the ministry or has not been registered.
Ismail said this after he was informed that several public and private sector hospitals were implanting non-FDA approved stents in patients with clogged arteries.
theSun learnt from several cardiologists, who declined to be named, that they have been using non-FDA approved stents to fix clogged arteries of patients with very unstable angina (chest pain) or who have already suffered a cardiac event.
One cardiologist said he decides on the stents to be used based on the financial status of the patient and the urgency of the situation.
"Non-FDA approved stents are a lot cheaper and within the means of the poor," he said, adding that all angioplasty procedures have attendant risks whether or not they are FDA-approved.
Boston Scientific Corporation, a global developer of interventional medical implants, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that its drug-eluting stent (DES) was not used in the widely reported case of a failed angioplasty performed on a Myanmar national in Singapore in early 2004.
The company provided an assurance that anyone who has used or is planning to use its brand of Taxus Express or second generation Taxus Liberte DES implants may do so confidently as they are safe.
"We assure the medical community that our DES implants were not used in any orm or stage during the afore-mentioned (Singapore) case," its statement said.
The procedure in the said case involved the implanting of an FDA-approved stent in a 64-year-old woman, Daw Tin Nyunt.
In the ensuing court dispute between Daw's family and the Parkway Hospital Group, it was claimed that complications arose when the cardiologist failed to extract the balloon (see graphic) in the stent after the stent was put in place.
The procedure had to be aborted and an emergency by-pass surgery performed instead, due to the balloon having been retained.
The Singapore Sunday Times in a report, quoted a cardiologist in the city-state describing the incident as a "freak accident".
The cardiologist said the number of times the balloon is unable to deflate is one in a million.
Boston Scientific, whose stents are FDA-approved, told the newspaper that the incidence in the case of its stents is 29 in 3 million, whereas Johnson & Johnson - another leading manufacturer of stents - told the paper that of its three million Cypher stents implanted worldwide since 2002, there were only three reported cases of embedded balloons.
"There are laws against the use of unregistered medical equipment and interventional implants," the ministry's director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican told theSun.
He said the Medical Devices Act prohibits clinicians and medical specialists from implanting in patients, any form of mechanical device that has not been approved by the ministry or has not been registered.
Ismail said this after he was informed that several public and private sector hospitals were implanting non-FDA approved stents in patients with clogged arteries.
theSun learnt from several cardiologists, who declined to be named, that they have been using non-FDA approved stents to fix clogged arteries of patients with very unstable angina (chest pain) or who have already suffered a cardiac event.
One cardiologist said he decides on the stents to be used based on the financial status of the patient and the urgency of the situation.
"Non-FDA approved stents are a lot cheaper and within the means of the poor," he said, adding that all angioplasty procedures have attendant risks whether or not they are FDA-approved.
Boston Scientific Corporation, a global developer of interventional medical implants, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that its drug-eluting stent (DES) was not used in the widely reported case of a failed angioplasty performed on a Myanmar national in Singapore in early 2004.
The company provided an assurance that anyone who has used or is planning to use its brand of Taxus Express or second generation Taxus Liberte DES implants may do so confidently as they are safe.
"We assure the medical community that our DES implants were not used in any orm or stage during the afore-mentioned (Singapore) case," its statement said.
The procedure in the said case involved the implanting of an FDA-approved stent in a 64-year-old woman, Daw Tin Nyunt.
In the ensuing court dispute between Daw's family and the Parkway Hospital Group, it was claimed that complications arose when the cardiologist failed to extract the balloon (see graphic) in the stent after the stent was put in place.
The procedure had to be aborted and an emergency by-pass surgery performed instead, due to the balloon having been retained.
The Singapore Sunday Times in a report, quoted a cardiologist in the city-state describing the incident as a "freak accident".
The cardiologist said the number of times the balloon is unable to deflate is one in a million.
Boston Scientific, whose stents are FDA-approved, told the newspaper that the incidence in the case of its stents is 29 in 3 million, whereas Johnson & Johnson - another leading manufacturer of stents - told the paper that of its three million Cypher stents implanted worldwide since 2002, there were only three reported cases of embedded balloons.
Haze sends more to the doctors
NST JOHOR BARU: As the haze index here remains at the "unhealthy" level, the number of patients at several clinics is also increasing.
A random check with several doctors in town have shown that there was an increase in the number of patients due to the haze.
Veteran surgeon Datuk Dr K.L. Siow, who runs a private practice in Taman Johor Jaya said he had about 30 per cent more patients consulting him.
"Those suffering from chronic lung disease, the older generation and children are most vulnerable to the haze. If the API readings were to increase, wearing a mask would be advisable," he said.
He said patients also complained of dry eyes. He claimed that the haze was worse than second-hand smoke from smokers.
Dr C.H. Boo, who has a private clinic in Taman Universiti said most of his patients complained of respiratory problems.
He said the number of patients at his clinic rose by about 25 per cent since the haze hit Johor.
A random check with several doctors in town have shown that there was an increase in the number of patients due to the haze.
Veteran surgeon Datuk Dr K.L. Siow, who runs a private practice in Taman Johor Jaya said he had about 30 per cent more patients consulting him.
"Those suffering from chronic lung disease, the older generation and children are most vulnerable to the haze. If the API readings were to increase, wearing a mask would be advisable," he said.
He said patients also complained of dry eyes. He claimed that the haze was worse than second-hand smoke from smokers.
Dr C.H. Boo, who has a private clinic in Taman Universiti said most of his patients complained of respiratory problems.
He said the number of patients at his clinic rose by about 25 per cent since the haze hit Johor.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Return of Paraquat - Activists Aghast
PENANG, Oct 18 (IPS) - The Malaysian government has stunned activists by ‘‘temporarily lifting'' a ban on the toxic weed-killer paraquat so that ‘‘an extensive study'' can be carried out.
The move, this month, follows an intensive lobbying campaign by the Swiss agrochemical giant, Syngenta, which markets the herbicide under the brand name Gramoxone, and other industry groups.
It has been a classic lobbying battle with ups and downs for both the industry groups and anti-paraquat campaigners in recent years.
In 2002, anti-paraquat campaigners were jubilant when, after a 10-year campaign, they succeeded in persuading the Malaysian government to clamp down on the substance. The government issued a circular that year saying that pesticides containing paraquat and calcium cyanide would not be re-registered and all forms of advertising of the two substances would be banned.
The government justified its decision saying that more cost efficient and less dangerous alternatives were readily available in the market.
It was a major setback for Syngenta and other transnationals. The decision by Malaysia, the world's largest producer of oil palm with a long plantation tradition, sent shockwaves among giant agrochemical transnational corporations that have thrived on the sales of such herbicides, especially in developing countries. Paraquat sales in China especially have been soaring in recent years and the Asian market is considered hugely important.
Global sales of paraquat exceed one billion US dollars annually at end-user level and Malaysia's ban would have sparked fears among the agrochemical firms that a chain-reaction to introduce similar bans in other Asian countries would follow.
But victory for anti-paraquat campaigners lasted only four years. The government's decision now to ‘‘temporarily lift the ban'' swings the lobbying war in Syngenta's favour. ‘‘We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the set date for its total ban in November next year,'' Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus was quoted as saying.
The Pesticides Board is now allowing registration of paraquat for all crops ‘‘to facilitate the study''.
Syngenta's public relations offensive, complemented by lobbying campaigns by associations representing plantation owners and the agrochemical industry, began soon after the decision to phase out paraquat was made in 2002.
The following year, IPS witnessed how the firm's Malaysian arm, Syngenta Crop Protection Sdn Bhd, feted journalists to a five-star hotel dinner in Penang after holding a briefing on the benefits of using paraquat. Also present was the chairman of the Malaysian Crop Care and Public Health Association, which represents the agrochemical industry.
During the briefing, Syngenta Crop Protection's general manager, John McGillivray, famously described paraquat as a ‘‘dream product'' even as, unbeknown to him, a young man lay dying in hospital in Kuala Lumpur in another paraquat suicide case.
Syngenta has sought to counter the findings of anti-paraquat activist groups. It has come up with a summary rebuttal to a report entitled ‘Paraquat - Syngenta's controversial herbicide', produced by the Pesticide Action Network and the Berne Declaration. In its rebuttal, Syngenta said in its Gramoxone fact sheet that it is usually serious misuse or abuse situations that have been responsible for creating the wrong impression that occupational exposure to paraquat can lead to long-term health problems.
Syngenta said paraquat is ‘‘so remarkable'' and ‘‘so well known'' that it is a prime target for groups opposed to the use of pesticides. ‘‘One such group, PAN (Pesticide Action Network), has published a document that uses anecdotes and irrelevant references in an attempt to vilify paraquat,'' it said, adding that if PAN's proposals were taken seriously, food production could fall and local economies that depend on farm output would suffer.
The Swiss transnational firm also pooh-poohed a report launched in 2002 by workers' rights group Teneganita and PAN titled ‘Poisoned and Silenced: A study of Pesticide Poisoning in the Plantations'.
The two-year in-depth study conducted among 72 women sprayers in 17 plantations in three states on the peninsula revealed a host of symptoms. Among them were fatigue, vomiting, back pains, giddiness and nausea, breathing difficulties, skin disorders, eye irritation, headaches, tight sensations in the chest and burning sensations in the vagina.
But in an appraisal of the study's findings posted on the firm's website, Syngenta retorted that the design of the study did not meet even the basic requirements for a proper assessment of exposure and related effects. ‘‘Because of the inadequacies of the Pesticide Exposure Study and lack of other sufficient credible scientific evidence, several of the conclusions in the report are not justified.''
The PR offensive continued with the setting up of a website www.paraquat.com by the ‘Paraquat Information Centre' to provide ‘‘comprehensive information on Paraquat, its uses in agriculture, and its profile on human and environmental safety.'' The site is ‘‘powered by Syngenta and sponsored by the Global Paraquat Community'', whose members ‘‘represent leading agricultural and environmental organisations''.
Activists groups had also warned that industry lobby groups were trying to persuade the government to reverse its ban. In addition, plantation owners took out full-page advertisements in the English-language press extolling the benefits of paraquat while downplaying the health risks.
PAN is now fighting back. It is a well-known fact that paraquat is one of the most highly toxic herbicides to be marketed over the last 60 years, said PAN in a statement. ‘‘As little as 17 mg/kg has been known to kill a human, and there is no antidote.''
It pointed out that its latest joint report, ‘‘Paraquat - Unacceptable Health Risks for Users'', contains extensive reviews of the impact of paraquat, largely from peer-reviewed studies, which found that large numbers of farmers and workers suffer daily as a result of the herbicide.
The World Health Organisation classifies paraquat as ‘‘moderately hazardous''. But because of its serious long-term effects on plantation workers, Malaysia had classified it as Class 1 B (extremely hazardous). Moreover, paraquat has not been approved for use in Syngenta's home country, Switzerland, since 1989.
So why did the Malaysian government buckle under and lift the ban, albeit ‘‘temporarily''? The ban was put in place a year before Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi took over the reins in late 2003.
Since then, his administration has aggressively promoted agribusiness û rather than sustainable traditional farming to promote self-sufficiency û in its bid to rejuvenate the agriculture sector and reduce income disparities in the country. He even renamed the Agriculture Ministry the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry as part of this endeavour.
Moreover, one of the nine thrusts in Malaysia's biotechnology policy unveiled last year is for the country to become a centre of excellence for agro-biotechnology. This ties in with the move to industralise the agricultural sector.
‘‘There was a lot of pressure from the plantation owners,'' Sarojeni Rengam, executive director of PAN's Asia Pacific office, told IPS. She also pointed out that bio-fuel derived from palm oil was also being pushed in a big way.
The move, this month, follows an intensive lobbying campaign by the Swiss agrochemical giant, Syngenta, which markets the herbicide under the brand name Gramoxone, and other industry groups.
It has been a classic lobbying battle with ups and downs for both the industry groups and anti-paraquat campaigners in recent years.
In 2002, anti-paraquat campaigners were jubilant when, after a 10-year campaign, they succeeded in persuading the Malaysian government to clamp down on the substance. The government issued a circular that year saying that pesticides containing paraquat and calcium cyanide would not be re-registered and all forms of advertising of the two substances would be banned.
The government justified its decision saying that more cost efficient and less dangerous alternatives were readily available in the market.
It was a major setback for Syngenta and other transnationals. The decision by Malaysia, the world's largest producer of oil palm with a long plantation tradition, sent shockwaves among giant agrochemical transnational corporations that have thrived on the sales of such herbicides, especially in developing countries. Paraquat sales in China especially have been soaring in recent years and the Asian market is considered hugely important.
Global sales of paraquat exceed one billion US dollars annually at end-user level and Malaysia's ban would have sparked fears among the agrochemical firms that a chain-reaction to introduce similar bans in other Asian countries would follow.
But victory for anti-paraquat campaigners lasted only four years. The government's decision now to ‘‘temporarily lift the ban'' swings the lobbying war in Syngenta's favour. ‘‘We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the set date for its total ban in November next year,'' Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus was quoted as saying.
The Pesticides Board is now allowing registration of paraquat for all crops ‘‘to facilitate the study''.
Syngenta's public relations offensive, complemented by lobbying campaigns by associations representing plantation owners and the agrochemical industry, began soon after the decision to phase out paraquat was made in 2002.
The following year, IPS witnessed how the firm's Malaysian arm, Syngenta Crop Protection Sdn Bhd, feted journalists to a five-star hotel dinner in Penang after holding a briefing on the benefits of using paraquat. Also present was the chairman of the Malaysian Crop Care and Public Health Association, which represents the agrochemical industry.
During the briefing, Syngenta Crop Protection's general manager, John McGillivray, famously described paraquat as a ‘‘dream product'' even as, unbeknown to him, a young man lay dying in hospital in Kuala Lumpur in another paraquat suicide case.
Syngenta has sought to counter the findings of anti-paraquat activist groups. It has come up with a summary rebuttal to a report entitled ‘Paraquat - Syngenta's controversial herbicide', produced by the Pesticide Action Network and the Berne Declaration. In its rebuttal, Syngenta said in its Gramoxone fact sheet that it is usually serious misuse or abuse situations that have been responsible for creating the wrong impression that occupational exposure to paraquat can lead to long-term health problems.
Syngenta said paraquat is ‘‘so remarkable'' and ‘‘so well known'' that it is a prime target for groups opposed to the use of pesticides. ‘‘One such group, PAN (Pesticide Action Network), has published a document that uses anecdotes and irrelevant references in an attempt to vilify paraquat,'' it said, adding that if PAN's proposals were taken seriously, food production could fall and local economies that depend on farm output would suffer.
The Swiss transnational firm also pooh-poohed a report launched in 2002 by workers' rights group Teneganita and PAN titled ‘Poisoned and Silenced: A study of Pesticide Poisoning in the Plantations'.
The two-year in-depth study conducted among 72 women sprayers in 17 plantations in three states on the peninsula revealed a host of symptoms. Among them were fatigue, vomiting, back pains, giddiness and nausea, breathing difficulties, skin disorders, eye irritation, headaches, tight sensations in the chest and burning sensations in the vagina.
But in an appraisal of the study's findings posted on the firm's website, Syngenta retorted that the design of the study did not meet even the basic requirements for a proper assessment of exposure and related effects. ‘‘Because of the inadequacies of the Pesticide Exposure Study and lack of other sufficient credible scientific evidence, several of the conclusions in the report are not justified.''
The PR offensive continued with the setting up of a website www.paraquat.com by the ‘Paraquat Information Centre' to provide ‘‘comprehensive information on Paraquat, its uses in agriculture, and its profile on human and environmental safety.'' The site is ‘‘powered by Syngenta and sponsored by the Global Paraquat Community'', whose members ‘‘represent leading agricultural and environmental organisations''.
Activists groups had also warned that industry lobby groups were trying to persuade the government to reverse its ban. In addition, plantation owners took out full-page advertisements in the English-language press extolling the benefits of paraquat while downplaying the health risks.
PAN is now fighting back. It is a well-known fact that paraquat is one of the most highly toxic herbicides to be marketed over the last 60 years, said PAN in a statement. ‘‘As little as 17 mg/kg has been known to kill a human, and there is no antidote.''
It pointed out that its latest joint report, ‘‘Paraquat - Unacceptable Health Risks for Users'', contains extensive reviews of the impact of paraquat, largely from peer-reviewed studies, which found that large numbers of farmers and workers suffer daily as a result of the herbicide.
The World Health Organisation classifies paraquat as ‘‘moderately hazardous''. But because of its serious long-term effects on plantation workers, Malaysia had classified it as Class 1 B (extremely hazardous). Moreover, paraquat has not been approved for use in Syngenta's home country, Switzerland, since 1989.
So why did the Malaysian government buckle under and lift the ban, albeit ‘‘temporarily''? The ban was put in place a year before Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi took over the reins in late 2003.
Since then, his administration has aggressively promoted agribusiness û rather than sustainable traditional farming to promote self-sufficiency û in its bid to rejuvenate the agriculture sector and reduce income disparities in the country. He even renamed the Agriculture Ministry the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry as part of this endeavour.
Moreover, one of the nine thrusts in Malaysia's biotechnology policy unveiled last year is for the country to become a centre of excellence for agro-biotechnology. This ties in with the move to industralise the agricultural sector.
‘‘There was a lot of pressure from the plantation owners,'' Sarojeni Rengam, executive director of PAN's Asia Pacific office, told IPS. She also pointed out that bio-fuel derived from palm oil was also being pushed in a big way.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Integrating T/CM into the health system
Star: WHEN corporate climber Sarah doubled in pain over a shooting pain in her back, she didn't hesitate to book herself a Yoga holiday. Unlike her peers, Sarah who grew up amid her mother's incense and vegetarian diet was a firm believer of alternative healing. The destination was a far-off island in the east of Thailand. The programme was a rigorous, almost austere five-day activity of yoga, meditation and wheatgrass juice.
Rising everyday at dawn and enjoying the sweet air devoid of cell phone beeps and MTV beats did much to calm Sarah's soul. Forget make-up and perfume, everybody was at their barest self and plainest clothes.
Before the emergence of modern medicine, traditional medicine has always been the main source of cure in our country. In a multicultural country, like Malaysia, you can get Chinese, Indian, Malay and even indigenous traditional medicine from almost anywhere.
Today, traditional and complementary medicine (T/CM) remains as an important cure for diseases as well as supplement to maintain good health.
Despite the rising global popularity and widespread use of T/CM, the practice of T/CM in the country is still very much informal and unregulated. Realising the potential for growth in this industry, the government has devised a new approach to the development of T/CM.
This new approach will ensure the quality and safety of T/CM for the consumers through continuous evaluation and formulation of policies with appropriate regulations. Subsequently, the government hopes to integrate T/CM with modern medicine and into the national health system.
Based on the National Policy on T/CM 2001, one of the new approaches is the regulation of T/CM practice to enhance the professionalism and development of practitioners. Hence, practitioners will have to register with one of the T/CM bodies to ensure quality and safe practices.
These practitioners will have to comply with the standards and criteria that have been set by the bodies and endorsed by the MOH. Currently, there are seven T/CM bodies that practitioners can registered with, namely:
# Persekutuan Perubatan Tradisional Melayu Malaysia;
# Federation of Chinese Physician and Medicine-Dealers Association of Malaysia;
# Chinese Physician's Association of Malaysia;
# Federation of Chinese Physician and Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia;
# Pertubuhan Perubatan Tradisional India Malaysia;
# Malaysian Society for Complementary Therapies; and
# Majlis Perubatan Homeopathy Malaysia.
Another approach is the education and training of practitioners in the field of T/CM.
Currently, there is no formalised system of education and training as well as standardization and accreditation of overseas training programmes in the country.
Hence, there is a need to develop proper education and training curriculum for T/CM practitioners.
Commenting on this issue, Dr Ramli Abd Ghani, Director of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division of the MOH said, “To ensure quality education and training system, we will work with the Ministry of Education and the National Accreditation Board (LAN) to develop the syllabus as well as standards and criteria on T/CM.”
Besides that, the government plans to establish T/CM training programmes with the help of overseas institutions that will further contribute to the development of T/CM in the country. In addition, the MOH plans to visit hospitals and universities in China and India and organise discussion with practitioners from developed countries like the UK and US on the education and training syllabus.
China and India are two countries that have established education and training system in the field of T/CM, in particular the Chinese medicine, acupuncture and ayurveda.
The new approach will also include the development of research on T/CM through collaborative research and development with both local and international health institutes. For instance, collaboration with the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) can be formed to carry out clinical research.
Collaboration can also be formed through bilateral agreement with countries that have been practising T/CM formally in their health system. These collaborative efforts will contribute and boost the development of T/CM in the country.
The government has recently approved the establishment of integrated hospitals, which integrates the practice of T/CM to the current national health system.
The MOH has selected three hospitals to implement this integration, namely Hospital Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Hospital Putrajaya, and Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor. Some of the T/CM practices that would be introduced in phases with these hospitals include acupuncture, reflexology and masseur, just to name a few.
Dr Ramli said: “We are conducting pilot tests on these three integrated hospitals. We will need the appropriate infrastructure to launch it effectively and subsequently incorporate it into the national health system officially.”
“As for the human resources, T/CM practitioners in these hospitals will be hired on a contract basis and must be trained under the MOH.”
Although the government is optimistic on the new approach and plans in the development of T/CM, there are several challenges that may deter the implementation of its plan successfully.
One of the challenges is the cooperation and support from the local T/CM practitioners as well as the modern practitioners in promoting and creating awareness on T/CM in the country.
There is also a need to increase the human resources in the field of T/CM. With the provision of a formalised education and training system on T/CM, the government aims to increase the number of practitioners in the country in the long-term.
When asked about the future direction of T/CM development in the country, Dr Ramli commented:
“I believe that there will be a positive reception on T/CM and its new plans. There is a huge potential to develop T/CM and in the future we hope that it can become a source of income for the country through health tourism.”
Five days later, as Sarah boarded a wooden boat leaving the idyllic island behind, her limber body and glowing skin convinced her to make this getaway an annual event.
Serenity enveloped her. That and a non-aching back.
Rising everyday at dawn and enjoying the sweet air devoid of cell phone beeps and MTV beats did much to calm Sarah's soul. Forget make-up and perfume, everybody was at their barest self and plainest clothes.
Before the emergence of modern medicine, traditional medicine has always been the main source of cure in our country. In a multicultural country, like Malaysia, you can get Chinese, Indian, Malay and even indigenous traditional medicine from almost anywhere.
Today, traditional and complementary medicine (T/CM) remains as an important cure for diseases as well as supplement to maintain good health.
Despite the rising global popularity and widespread use of T/CM, the practice of T/CM in the country is still very much informal and unregulated. Realising the potential for growth in this industry, the government has devised a new approach to the development of T/CM.
This new approach will ensure the quality and safety of T/CM for the consumers through continuous evaluation and formulation of policies with appropriate regulations. Subsequently, the government hopes to integrate T/CM with modern medicine and into the national health system.
Based on the National Policy on T/CM 2001, one of the new approaches is the regulation of T/CM practice to enhance the professionalism and development of practitioners. Hence, practitioners will have to register with one of the T/CM bodies to ensure quality and safe practices.
These practitioners will have to comply with the standards and criteria that have been set by the bodies and endorsed by the MOH. Currently, there are seven T/CM bodies that practitioners can registered with, namely:
# Persekutuan Perubatan Tradisional Melayu Malaysia;
# Federation of Chinese Physician and Medicine-Dealers Association of Malaysia;
# Chinese Physician's Association of Malaysia;
# Federation of Chinese Physician and Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia;
# Pertubuhan Perubatan Tradisional India Malaysia;
# Malaysian Society for Complementary Therapies; and
# Majlis Perubatan Homeopathy Malaysia.
Another approach is the education and training of practitioners in the field of T/CM.
Currently, there is no formalised system of education and training as well as standardization and accreditation of overseas training programmes in the country.
Hence, there is a need to develop proper education and training curriculum for T/CM practitioners.
Commenting on this issue, Dr Ramli Abd Ghani, Director of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division of the MOH said, “To ensure quality education and training system, we will work with the Ministry of Education and the National Accreditation Board (LAN) to develop the syllabus as well as standards and criteria on T/CM.”
Besides that, the government plans to establish T/CM training programmes with the help of overseas institutions that will further contribute to the development of T/CM in the country. In addition, the MOH plans to visit hospitals and universities in China and India and organise discussion with practitioners from developed countries like the UK and US on the education and training syllabus.
China and India are two countries that have established education and training system in the field of T/CM, in particular the Chinese medicine, acupuncture and ayurveda.
The new approach will also include the development of research on T/CM through collaborative research and development with both local and international health institutes. For instance, collaboration with the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) can be formed to carry out clinical research.
Collaboration can also be formed through bilateral agreement with countries that have been practising T/CM formally in their health system. These collaborative efforts will contribute and boost the development of T/CM in the country.
The government has recently approved the establishment of integrated hospitals, which integrates the practice of T/CM to the current national health system.
The MOH has selected three hospitals to implement this integration, namely Hospital Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Hospital Putrajaya, and Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor. Some of the T/CM practices that would be introduced in phases with these hospitals include acupuncture, reflexology and masseur, just to name a few.
Dr Ramli said: “We are conducting pilot tests on these three integrated hospitals. We will need the appropriate infrastructure to launch it effectively and subsequently incorporate it into the national health system officially.”
“As for the human resources, T/CM practitioners in these hospitals will be hired on a contract basis and must be trained under the MOH.”
Although the government is optimistic on the new approach and plans in the development of T/CM, there are several challenges that may deter the implementation of its plan successfully.
One of the challenges is the cooperation and support from the local T/CM practitioners as well as the modern practitioners in promoting and creating awareness on T/CM in the country.
There is also a need to increase the human resources in the field of T/CM. With the provision of a formalised education and training system on T/CM, the government aims to increase the number of practitioners in the country in the long-term.
When asked about the future direction of T/CM development in the country, Dr Ramli commented:
“I believe that there will be a positive reception on T/CM and its new plans. There is a huge potential to develop T/CM and in the future we hope that it can become a source of income for the country through health tourism.”
Five days later, as Sarah boarded a wooden boat leaving the idyllic island behind, her limber body and glowing skin convinced her to make this getaway an annual event.
Serenity enveloped her. That and a non-aching back.
Answering the call of nature in style
Star: SIBU: While you may not get a “royal flush” in the loos of Sibu, you can certainly feel like an “ace” when you use the five-star public restrooms that cost RM100,0000 to RM200,000 each to build.
Many visitors think the folks in Sibu, which aims to be the next city after Kuching and Miri, are a lucky and privileged lot.
They are getting better public toilets than most towns in Sarawak.
Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said residents attending public functions at the Sibu Gateway could use the new toilets.
“They are special because they are user- as well as environmental-friendly.
“They are the first to be built under the open-design concept recommended by the council’s toilet committee,” he said.
“As they are not enclosed within a building, there is more fresh air circulation and better ventilation to get rid of foul smells,” he told reporters after inspecting the toilets with council chairman Datuk Seri Tiong Thai King.
Ngieng said the design allowed much natural light to cut down on electricity use.
“We are still looking for an operator to maintain the toilets, for which users will be charged a minimal fee,” he added.
On suggestions that the toilets are costly, he said they were built via open tender.
“If there are people who feel the toilets are unjustifiably expensive, we will be happy if they can introduce us to contractors who can build them at a cheaper price without compromising on quality,” he said.
“The toilets are something Sibu folks can be proud of. The council will look into building more such toilets when we have more funds."
Many visitors think the folks in Sibu, which aims to be the next city after Kuching and Miri, are a lucky and privileged lot.
They are getting better public toilets than most towns in Sarawak.
Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said residents attending public functions at the Sibu Gateway could use the new toilets.
“They are special because they are user- as well as environmental-friendly.
“They are the first to be built under the open-design concept recommended by the council’s toilet committee,” he said.
“As they are not enclosed within a building, there is more fresh air circulation and better ventilation to get rid of foul smells,” he told reporters after inspecting the toilets with council chairman Datuk Seri Tiong Thai King.
Ngieng said the design allowed much natural light to cut down on electricity use.
“We are still looking for an operator to maintain the toilets, for which users will be charged a minimal fee,” he added.
On suggestions that the toilets are costly, he said they were built via open tender.
“If there are people who feel the toilets are unjustifiably expensive, we will be happy if they can introduce us to contractors who can build them at a cheaper price without compromising on quality,” he said.
“The toilets are something Sibu folks can be proud of. The council will look into building more such toilets when we have more funds."
Customs D-G: Officers prone to health problems
Star: KUANTAN: Customs officers are more prone to develop chronic diseases due to an unhealthy working environment, its director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Abdul Hamid said.
He said his enforcement officers were among those most likely to fall ill from heart-related ailments as a result of the surroundings and odd working hours.
“For example, most officers stationed at the Johor causeway are exposed daily to dust and work at irregular hours.”
He said that many of them also lacked sleep due to the working environment.
He said this after handing over a contribution to a state Customs officer’s widow Norhafizah Ismail in Kampung Permatang Badak here on Sunday.
Norhafizah, 32, lost her husband Abdul Jalal Abdul Rahman to cancer six years ago.
Abdul Rahman said a detailed study would be conducted on why many Customs personnel died while in service and its contributing factors.
He said they were also collecting information on the number of staff suffering from chronic diseases and the nature of the illnesses nationwide.
Abdul Rahman said that efforts were being made to strengthen the Customs Foundation to provide financial assistance to widows and orphans of former staff.
He said that all state directors had been told to submit reports on all former staff who required urgent assistance.
He said the foundation had allocated RM100,000 to help the staff but the limited fund was causing concern.
Abdul Rahman said the department would start recruiting some 1,000 personnel from next year to fill up existing vacancies.
He said his enforcement officers were among those most likely to fall ill from heart-related ailments as a result of the surroundings and odd working hours.
“For example, most officers stationed at the Johor causeway are exposed daily to dust and work at irregular hours.”
He said that many of them also lacked sleep due to the working environment.
He said this after handing over a contribution to a state Customs officer’s widow Norhafizah Ismail in Kampung Permatang Badak here on Sunday.
Norhafizah, 32, lost her husband Abdul Jalal Abdul Rahman to cancer six years ago.
Abdul Rahman said a detailed study would be conducted on why many Customs personnel died while in service and its contributing factors.
He said they were also collecting information on the number of staff suffering from chronic diseases and the nature of the illnesses nationwide.
Abdul Rahman said that efforts were being made to strengthen the Customs Foundation to provide financial assistance to widows and orphans of former staff.
He said that all state directors had been told to submit reports on all former staff who required urgent assistance.
He said the foundation had allocated RM100,000 to help the staff but the limited fund was causing concern.
Abdul Rahman said the department would start recruiting some 1,000 personnel from next year to fill up existing vacancies.
Survey finds 8% of Malaysian drivers have bad eyesight
Star: EIGHT of every 100 Malaysian drivers suffer from poor vision, which contributes to the increasing number of road accidents, especially during the festive season.
This was one of the findings of a recent survey by the optometry department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Road Transport Department, Road Safety Department and the Malaysian Opticians Association, according to a report in Utusan Malaysia.
The survey, involving 4,000 respondents, deduced that 8% or 800,000 of 10 million registered drivers did not have good driving vision.
UKM optometry department head Dr Haliza Abdul Mutalib said one of the requirements for driving licence holders was to have a vision level of at least 6/10 on the Snellen Chart.
Dr Haliza claimed that the present JPJ computerised vision-checking system for new drivers allowed even nearly blind people to pass.
“Many drivers are seen stopping by the roadside during heavy rain, and this is not because their vehicle wipers are not working well,” she was quoted in the report as saying.
“Other drivers are able to drive along without trouble in similar conditions.”
She urged drivers, especially those wearing glasses, to attend eye tests from time to time.
This was one of the findings of a recent survey by the optometry department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Road Transport Department, Road Safety Department and the Malaysian Opticians Association, according to a report in Utusan Malaysia.
The survey, involving 4,000 respondents, deduced that 8% or 800,000 of 10 million registered drivers did not have good driving vision.
UKM optometry department head Dr Haliza Abdul Mutalib said one of the requirements for driving licence holders was to have a vision level of at least 6/10 on the Snellen Chart.
Dr Haliza claimed that the present JPJ computerised vision-checking system for new drivers allowed even nearly blind people to pass.
“Many drivers are seen stopping by the roadside during heavy rain, and this is not because their vehicle wipers are not working well,” she was quoted in the report as saying.
“Other drivers are able to drive along without trouble in similar conditions.”
She urged drivers, especially those wearing glasses, to attend eye tests from time to time.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Chicken 'guards' to stop bird flu entering Sabah
NST: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has "hired" chickens to stop bird flu from entering the state.
The chickens form the "sentinel flock" which will be the first line of defence against bird flu brought in by migratory birds.
Migratory birds, which fly more than 25,000km to escape the winter, will be allowed to mingle with the "sentinel flock" in a specially erected shed.
The shed has openings to allow the birds to enter and share food with the poultry.
Experts will monitor the chickens to see if they get infected with the virus, and thus take quick measures to stop the avian flu from spreading to other areas.
State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, who opened the shed at the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre yesterday, said there had been no reports of the virus in Sabah.
"There were 52 deaths in Indonesia, and many of these happened in Kalimantan. We border Kalimantan, so we have to take steps to keep the virus away.
"If any of the chickens get infected, we will immediately destroy all poultry within a five-kilometre radius."
Rahim said the "sentinel flock" method was used in France and Thailand.
The "sentinel flock" initiative is a collaborative effort of the Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department, Health Department and the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.
The chickens form the "sentinel flock" which will be the first line of defence against bird flu brought in by migratory birds.
Migratory birds, which fly more than 25,000km to escape the winter, will be allowed to mingle with the "sentinel flock" in a specially erected shed.
The shed has openings to allow the birds to enter and share food with the poultry.
Experts will monitor the chickens to see if they get infected with the virus, and thus take quick measures to stop the avian flu from spreading to other areas.
State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, who opened the shed at the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre yesterday, said there had been no reports of the virus in Sabah.
"There were 52 deaths in Indonesia, and many of these happened in Kalimantan. We border Kalimantan, so we have to take steps to keep the virus away.
"If any of the chickens get infected, we will immediately destroy all poultry within a five-kilometre radius."
Rahim said the "sentinel flock" method was used in France and Thailand.
The "sentinel flock" initiative is a collaborative effort of the Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department, Health Department and the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.
15 More Days To Registration Deadline For Clinics
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Private clinics have 15 more days before the Oct 31 deadline to register under the Private Healthcare Facilities Services Act 1998 (PHFSA) or face action.
Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said that by Nov 1, the focus of the ministry's enforcement would be on unregistered clinics run by registered or unregistered doctors or quacks.
Until Oct 11, about 30 per cent of the estimated 8,000 clinics had applied for registration and the government would not defer the implementation of the regulation, he said in a statement issued, here Monday.
He said: "Our priority in enforcement is to rid the country of healthcare premises or services run by unregistered medical practitioners, bogus doctors or quacks providing modern healthcare services.
"We will raid such premises and take the owners, practitioners and quacks that provide such services to task, with the help of the public," he said.
Dr Mohd Ismail said those running unregistered clinics could face a fine of up to RM300,000 or six years jail, or both.
Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said that by Nov 1, the focus of the ministry's enforcement would be on unregistered clinics run by registered or unregistered doctors or quacks.
Until Oct 11, about 30 per cent of the estimated 8,000 clinics had applied for registration and the government would not defer the implementation of the regulation, he said in a statement issued, here Monday.
He said: "Our priority in enforcement is to rid the country of healthcare premises or services run by unregistered medical practitioners, bogus doctors or quacks providing modern healthcare services.
"We will raid such premises and take the owners, practitioners and quacks that provide such services to task, with the help of the public," he said.
Dr Mohd Ismail said those running unregistered clinics could face a fine of up to RM300,000 or six years jail, or both.
Monday, October 16, 2006
M'sian Cardiologist President Of World Medical Association
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Cardiologist Datuk Dr N. Arumugam has been elected president of the World Medical Association (WMA), the first Malaysian to hold the post.
Dr Arumugam, the immediate past president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was elected at the WMA's general assembly in Sun City, Pilanesburg, South Africa on Oct 10-14.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin described the installation as a glowing international accolade for the Malaysian health service and due recognition for all its doctors.
"The recognition of a Malaysian cardiologist as the president of the global body of doctors will surely promote the branding of health Malaysia," he said in a statement, here Monday.
In his inaugural address at the assembly, Dr Arumugam pledged to work towards better health of all citizens including doctors.
He said to keep the population healthy, doctors themselves must be healthy.
The WMA has more than 80 member countries and is recognised as an important advocate and leader for health by the World Health Organisation.
Dr Arumugam, the immediate past president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was elected at the WMA's general assembly in Sun City, Pilanesburg, South Africa on Oct 10-14.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin described the installation as a glowing international accolade for the Malaysian health service and due recognition for all its doctors.
"The recognition of a Malaysian cardiologist as the president of the global body of doctors will surely promote the branding of health Malaysia," he said in a statement, here Monday.
In his inaugural address at the assembly, Dr Arumugam pledged to work towards better health of all citizens including doctors.
He said to keep the population healthy, doctors themselves must be healthy.
The WMA has more than 80 member countries and is recognised as an important advocate and leader for health by the World Health Organisation.
Ministry Agrees To Assist Damai Hospital Trainee Nurses, Suhakam Says
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Seventeen trainee nurses who alleged that they were forced to work as staff nurses at the Damai Service Hospital (DSH) in Taman Melawati even before graduation, may be able to complete their training at recognised private medical colleges.
Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said the Health Ministry had expressed its willingness to accommodate the trainees according to their qualifications as soon as possible.
"The trainees have undergone a nursing course at the DSH for a year and six months, so the Health Ministry will assess whether the course they have taken achieves the standard and is recognised to allow them to continue their studies for another six month," he said.
He told reporters this after meeting 12 of the 17 trainees at the Suhakam office, here Monday.
Siva also urged the Health Ministry to take firm action on the DSH for offering nursing courses without a licence.
"A private hospital is accountable for each of its offers and services rendered and not take advantage by making use of trainees to do the work of staff nurses," he said.
Last month, the 17 trainee nurses alleged that the DSH had offered them a nursing course and forced them to work as staff nurses including in assisting doctors in receiving births, taking care of women who had just given birth and giving medicine intravenously to newborn babies.
One of them, Farah Nur Syuhaida Borhan, 20, said they had been suspended after reporting the matter to Suhakam and the media.
"Normally, we would work for five days and attend classes two days, and sometimes without off days. But since early January to June, we did not attend any class and had to work full time with a RM450 monthly allowance.
"Then, we lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Nursing Board over the matter and tried to get clarification from the hospital but they refused to meet us.
"Last July, we were suspended and now, we are jobless," she said.
Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said the Health Ministry had expressed its willingness to accommodate the trainees according to their qualifications as soon as possible.
"The trainees have undergone a nursing course at the DSH for a year and six months, so the Health Ministry will assess whether the course they have taken achieves the standard and is recognised to allow them to continue their studies for another six month," he said.
He told reporters this after meeting 12 of the 17 trainees at the Suhakam office, here Monday.
Siva also urged the Health Ministry to take firm action on the DSH for offering nursing courses without a licence.
"A private hospital is accountable for each of its offers and services rendered and not take advantage by making use of trainees to do the work of staff nurses," he said.
Last month, the 17 trainee nurses alleged that the DSH had offered them a nursing course and forced them to work as staff nurses including in assisting doctors in receiving births, taking care of women who had just given birth and giving medicine intravenously to newborn babies.
One of them, Farah Nur Syuhaida Borhan, 20, said they had been suspended after reporting the matter to Suhakam and the media.
"Normally, we would work for five days and attend classes two days, and sometimes without off days. But since early January to June, we did not attend any class and had to work full time with a RM450 monthly allowance.
"Then, we lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Nursing Board over the matter and tried to get clarification from the hospital but they refused to meet us.
"Last July, we were suspended and now, we are jobless," she said.
Belted Rear Seat Passengers Can Protect Drivers In Accidents
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Rear seat passengers who wear the safety belt can prevent themselves as well as the driver and front seat passenger from being killed when a car is involved in a road accident, according to an expert on road safety.
Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said the impact during an accident could be "very harmful" to the people not wearing the safety belt.
"During the impact, rear seat passengers can not only be killed (if they do not wear the safety belt) but they can even cause the deaths of the people in the front seats because the impact during a crash can be equivalent to two tonnes," he told Bernama Monday.
Radin Umar, who is deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that during a crash, the weight impact would increase tremendously and this could be harmful to the passengers not wearing the safety belt.
Therefore, he said, it was advisable for the rear seat passengers to wear the safety belt although it was not mandatory for them to do so at the moment. Currently, only the driver and the front passenger are required to wear the safety belt.
Radin Umar also said that there was a close relationship between the volume of traffic and the number of road accidents because when the volume of traffic increased, the roads would reach their capacity and there would be congestion.
"This will really test the patience of road users," he said, adding that impatient drivers were prone to make errors, experience lapses in concentration or violate traffic rules.
"When under pressure, such as frustration due to the length of a journey, drivers tend to disregard traffic rules.
"That is why we request everybody to respect the system. If we fail to respect the system, the system will fail. Failure to respect the system will encourage people to make more mistakes, which will contribute to accidents," he added.
He said reduction of the speed limit had been scientifically proven to contribute to fewer road accident fatalities, provided there was ample enforcement.
"Some countries even achieve up to 36 per cent reduction in road accidents when the speed limit is reduced and there is stricter enforcement," he said.
Radin Umar also advised motorists returning to their hometowns during the coming festive season to exercise extra caution when on the road.
"There is a need to respect the whole system, particularly during the 'balik kampung' rush as they will pass through small towns along the way. In these small towns, there are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists," he reminded.
Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said the impact during an accident could be "very harmful" to the people not wearing the safety belt.
"During the impact, rear seat passengers can not only be killed (if they do not wear the safety belt) but they can even cause the deaths of the people in the front seats because the impact during a crash can be equivalent to two tonnes," he told Bernama Monday.
Radin Umar, who is deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that during a crash, the weight impact would increase tremendously and this could be harmful to the passengers not wearing the safety belt.
Therefore, he said, it was advisable for the rear seat passengers to wear the safety belt although it was not mandatory for them to do so at the moment. Currently, only the driver and the front passenger are required to wear the safety belt.
Radin Umar also said that there was a close relationship between the volume of traffic and the number of road accidents because when the volume of traffic increased, the roads would reach their capacity and there would be congestion.
"This will really test the patience of road users," he said, adding that impatient drivers were prone to make errors, experience lapses in concentration or violate traffic rules.
"When under pressure, such as frustration due to the length of a journey, drivers tend to disregard traffic rules.
"That is why we request everybody to respect the system. If we fail to respect the system, the system will fail. Failure to respect the system will encourage people to make more mistakes, which will contribute to accidents," he added.
He said reduction of the speed limit had been scientifically proven to contribute to fewer road accident fatalities, provided there was ample enforcement.
"Some countries even achieve up to 36 per cent reduction in road accidents when the speed limit is reduced and there is stricter enforcement," he said.
Radin Umar also advised motorists returning to their hometowns during the coming festive season to exercise extra caution when on the road.
"There is a need to respect the whole system, particularly during the 'balik kampung' rush as they will pass through small towns along the way. In these small towns, there are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists," he reminded.
StemLife banking on local cell market
The Star STEMLIFE Bhd, en route for listing on the Mesdaq market this month, plans to grow its business locally before expanding abroad.
Set up in 2002, StemLife is the first homegrown Malaysian biotechnology company to provide stem cell banking or storage to about 7,000 subscribers, mostly locals.
Managing director Sharon Low said stem cell banking was not new and the process of storing human cells for future use had been practiced for over 40 years in mature economies like the United States, parts of Europe, Japan and Hong Kong.
“We believe the business of stem cell banking has good growth potential in South-East Asia, including Malaysia,” she told StarBiz.
Low said in some developed countries, the number of subscribers in stem cell banking could be as high as 40% to 50% of the people under private healthcare.
“Based on the current level of subscription in Malaysia, there is still a lot of room to expand,” she said, adding that with growing public affluence and education, stem cell banking was expected to become more popular.
The company also hopes that demand for stem cell banking, especially for infants, would increase in tandem with increasing birth rates, which currently stood at about half a million a year.
Low said there were two types of stem cell banking: adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood stem cell storage.
She said when the company started about five years ago, there was no such facility in the region, except Singapore.
“We want to make stem cell banking more affordable to the public,” she said, adding that it was still cheaper in Malaysia than in most countries.
The initial outlay for stem cell storage per person is about RM2,500 and an annual fee of RM250 to keep them frozen.
The cost of the initial outlay includes testing and processing of the stem cells for storage.
Low said StemLife started with funds of RM2.5mil from partners and later managed to get additional funds of RM1.8mil through the MSC fund.
“It was very challenging in the early years. We had to manage our cash flow, besides managing the business, which was still relatively new in the country.
“Slowly but surely, we were able to attract more subscribers and revenue started improving until we managed to double our revenue each financial year,” she said.
Asked if she had planned for the listing, Low said: “Not really. We were just focusing on growing our business year-to-year and realised that StemLife was able to fulfil the Securities Commission and Bursa requirements for Mesdaq listing.”
Low said the company also realised that it needed to tap public funds to expand its business faster.
“Most of the funds from the listing will be used to expand our operations in Malaysia,” she said, adding that funds would be used mainly to buy equipment, technology and hire individuals with special skills.
Low said StemLife was optimistic that its plans and future strategies, together with opportunities provided by the initial public offering, would not only propel the company to new heights but also enable it to take stem cell banking and related-therapies to the next level.
She said besides the MSC funding in the early stages of the company's development, StemLife had depended solely on the investment of its partners and business revenue to grow. “We are looking at other options seeing that we are now better profiled,” she said, noting that the Government was also supportive of the Malaysian biotechnology industry.
The Government announced in Budget 2007 that a special fund worth RM100mil would be set up to promote the industry.
Low said the company was encouraged by the Government's support for the industry via grants, special loans and/or tax exemptions.
“But we will also do our part to expand by tapping into public funds as well as boost revenue streams through greater efficiency and introduction of new health products and services,” she said.
On overseas expansion, Low said it was important for StemLife to establish a stronger brand presence and market share in the country before making a regional play.
While the company had expanded its operations to Thailand last year via a joint venture, she said StemLife would still focused on strengthening its Malaysian operations.
Low said StemLife would be more aggressive in marketing its business through seminars and educational programmes as well as working with related parties to provide stem cell therapies.
Recently, the company announced that 9,717 applications for 103,628,700 shares were received from the public for a total of 8,250,000 shares available for its public subscription, representing an over subscription of 11.56 times.
For the half year ended June 30, 2006 StemLife posted an after-tax profit of RM1.49mil on revenue of RM5.6mil.
Set up in 2002, StemLife is the first homegrown Malaysian biotechnology company to provide stem cell banking or storage to about 7,000 subscribers, mostly locals.
Managing director Sharon Low said stem cell banking was not new and the process of storing human cells for future use had been practiced for over 40 years in mature economies like the United States, parts of Europe, Japan and Hong Kong.
“We believe the business of stem cell banking has good growth potential in South-East Asia, including Malaysia,” she told StarBiz.
Low said in some developed countries, the number of subscribers in stem cell banking could be as high as 40% to 50% of the people under private healthcare.
“Based on the current level of subscription in Malaysia, there is still a lot of room to expand,” she said, adding that with growing public affluence and education, stem cell banking was expected to become more popular.
The company also hopes that demand for stem cell banking, especially for infants, would increase in tandem with increasing birth rates, which currently stood at about half a million a year.
Low said there were two types of stem cell banking: adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood stem cell storage.
She said when the company started about five years ago, there was no such facility in the region, except Singapore.
“We want to make stem cell banking more affordable to the public,” she said, adding that it was still cheaper in Malaysia than in most countries.
The initial outlay for stem cell storage per person is about RM2,500 and an annual fee of RM250 to keep them frozen.
The cost of the initial outlay includes testing and processing of the stem cells for storage.
Low said StemLife started with funds of RM2.5mil from partners and later managed to get additional funds of RM1.8mil through the MSC fund.
“It was very challenging in the early years. We had to manage our cash flow, besides managing the business, which was still relatively new in the country.
“Slowly but surely, we were able to attract more subscribers and revenue started improving until we managed to double our revenue each financial year,” she said.
Asked if she had planned for the listing, Low said: “Not really. We were just focusing on growing our business year-to-year and realised that StemLife was able to fulfil the Securities Commission and Bursa requirements for Mesdaq listing.”
Low said the company also realised that it needed to tap public funds to expand its business faster.
“Most of the funds from the listing will be used to expand our operations in Malaysia,” she said, adding that funds would be used mainly to buy equipment, technology and hire individuals with special skills.
Low said StemLife was optimistic that its plans and future strategies, together with opportunities provided by the initial public offering, would not only propel the company to new heights but also enable it to take stem cell banking and related-therapies to the next level.
She said besides the MSC funding in the early stages of the company's development, StemLife had depended solely on the investment of its partners and business revenue to grow. “We are looking at other options seeing that we are now better profiled,” she said, noting that the Government was also supportive of the Malaysian biotechnology industry.
The Government announced in Budget 2007 that a special fund worth RM100mil would be set up to promote the industry.
Low said the company was encouraged by the Government's support for the industry via grants, special loans and/or tax exemptions.
“But we will also do our part to expand by tapping into public funds as well as boost revenue streams through greater efficiency and introduction of new health products and services,” she said.
On overseas expansion, Low said it was important for StemLife to establish a stronger brand presence and market share in the country before making a regional play.
While the company had expanded its operations to Thailand last year via a joint venture, she said StemLife would still focused on strengthening its Malaysian operations.
Low said StemLife would be more aggressive in marketing its business through seminars and educational programmes as well as working with related parties to provide stem cell therapies.
Recently, the company announced that 9,717 applications for 103,628,700 shares were received from the public for a total of 8,250,000 shares available for its public subscription, representing an over subscription of 11.56 times.
For the half year ended June 30, 2006 StemLife posted an after-tax profit of RM1.49mil on revenue of RM5.6mil.
More Benefits Must Be Given To Mentally-ill Workers
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) Sunday called for more benefits for mentally-ill workers such as insurance coverage which is now denied to them.
President Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said income tax relief for parents or relatives who have to take care of them and better healthcare services in government hospital are other benefits that should be considered for them.
"(We) have to remove all forms of discrimination against people who have recovered from mental illness so that they can be successfully reintegrated into society just like we want to see rehabilitated drug dependants get back into the mainstream of society," he said in a statement.
Lee pointed out that mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians, were a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently to avoid problems like sudden anger and road rage.
"Niosh shares the Health Ministry's views and advocates that urgent steps be taken to address mental health issues at workplaces involving employers, employees and the relevant authorities," he said.
He said the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at workplaces was not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects efficiency, effectiveness and output of any enterprise.
"Mental health is not just about mental illness. It is a feeling of well-being, ability to cope with life's many challenges and to have positive attitude towards oneself," he said.
Lee said mental health would affect employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover.
"Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems," he added.
President Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said income tax relief for parents or relatives who have to take care of them and better healthcare services in government hospital are other benefits that should be considered for them.
"(We) have to remove all forms of discrimination against people who have recovered from mental illness so that they can be successfully reintegrated into society just like we want to see rehabilitated drug dependants get back into the mainstream of society," he said in a statement.
Lee pointed out that mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians, were a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently to avoid problems like sudden anger and road rage.
"Niosh shares the Health Ministry's views and advocates that urgent steps be taken to address mental health issues at workplaces involving employers, employees and the relevant authorities," he said.
He said the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at workplaces was not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects efficiency, effectiveness and output of any enterprise.
"Mental health is not just about mental illness. It is a feeling of well-being, ability to cope with life's many challenges and to have positive attitude towards oneself," he said.
Lee said mental health would affect employee performance, frequent illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover.
"Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems," he added.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Spare Your Time To Go Rural, Doctors Told
MIRI, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Doctors and medical personnel in Sarawak have been asked to spare their time to care for the health needs of the rural population.
In making the call, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Government efforts alone were not enough to address malnutrition and other health problems in the state considering the size of the areas to be covered.
"With about 124,000 square kilometre area to cover and over 7,000 villages spread out throughout the state, with some inaccessible except by air, it's difficult to provide sufficient medical care and other supplies," he said.
Proper organisation was also needed for complementary efforts to work out, he said when launching the Fly Care Programme, a community service jointly initiated by Fly Asian Express and a local newspaper "Eastern Times" last night.
Dr Chan said: "We do have a pool of generous people who are always ready to help carry out social services for the rural population but they need people who can come forward to organise them in channelling assistance."
Praising the Fly Care Programme as a commendable effort, he urged corporate bodies and the public to contribute towards the project.
Meanwhile, Fly Asian Express chief executive officer Raja Azmi Razali said the airline's involvement in the programme stemmed from the realisation on the importance of air connectivity for the people in Sarawak.
Under the programme, the airline would provide airlift services free of charge to fly medical personnel, equipment and supplies to targeted areas, while Eastern Times would publish public messages to garner support and participation.
The programme's first target area is Pulau Bruit, an island settlement in Sarawak's central region, next month.
In making the call, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Government efforts alone were not enough to address malnutrition and other health problems in the state considering the size of the areas to be covered.
"With about 124,000 square kilometre area to cover and over 7,000 villages spread out throughout the state, with some inaccessible except by air, it's difficult to provide sufficient medical care and other supplies," he said.
Proper organisation was also needed for complementary efforts to work out, he said when launching the Fly Care Programme, a community service jointly initiated by Fly Asian Express and a local newspaper "Eastern Times" last night.
Dr Chan said: "We do have a pool of generous people who are always ready to help carry out social services for the rural population but they need people who can come forward to organise them in channelling assistance."
Praising the Fly Care Programme as a commendable effort, he urged corporate bodies and the public to contribute towards the project.
Meanwhile, Fly Asian Express chief executive officer Raja Azmi Razali said the airline's involvement in the programme stemmed from the realisation on the importance of air connectivity for the people in Sarawak.
Under the programme, the airline would provide airlift services free of charge to fly medical personnel, equipment and supplies to targeted areas, while Eastern Times would publish public messages to garner support and participation.
The programme's first target area is Pulau Bruit, an island settlement in Sarawak's central region, next month.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Bogus doc did ops on VIPs at clinic
The Star PUTRAJAYA: A bogus doctor is believed to have performed surgery on his patients, who include VIPs and foreigners, at a clinic in Shah Alam, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.
The “doctor” was alleged to have performed various surgeries, supposedly without using anaesthesia.
He was said to have removed tumours, ovarian cysts and kidney stones, charging fees of between RM350 and RM4,000.
Believed to be a traditional healer, he also provided treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol cases.
Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Dr Ismail said a raiding team from the ministry went to the clinic armed with a search warrant on Wednesday but found only the back door open.
No one was there.
“The team confiscated various surgical instruments and took pictures of the premises which had an operating room complete with lights, a couch, and instruments for diagnosis as well as items to clean surgical instruments,” he added.
Several documents were also confiscated.
Dr Ismail said the team also took down statements from people who knew about the activities at the clinic and those running the place, and a report would be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
He advised traditional healers to stick to their areas of expertise and not encroach into professional medical treatment.
Those who know of bogus doctors are urged to contact the ministry at 03-8883 1363.
The “doctor” was alleged to have performed various surgeries, supposedly without using anaesthesia.
He was said to have removed tumours, ovarian cysts and kidney stones, charging fees of between RM350 and RM4,000.
Believed to be a traditional healer, he also provided treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol cases.
Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Dr Ismail said a raiding team from the ministry went to the clinic armed with a search warrant on Wednesday but found only the back door open.
No one was there.
“The team confiscated various surgical instruments and took pictures of the premises which had an operating room complete with lights, a couch, and instruments for diagnosis as well as items to clean surgical instruments,” he added.
Several documents were also confiscated.
Dr Ismail said the team also took down statements from people who knew about the activities at the clinic and those running the place, and a report would be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
He advised traditional healers to stick to their areas of expertise and not encroach into professional medical treatment.
Those who know of bogus doctors are urged to contact the ministry at 03-8883 1363.
Malaysia to host international seminar on infectious diseases
People's Daily Online Malaysian Scandinavian International Conference on Infectious and Tropical Diseases 2006 will kick off in Sabah state in eastern Malaysia next month.
The seminar will bring together health and medical experts from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden and the World Health Organization, said spokesman of University Malaysia Sabah campus on Friday.
Representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, India and other countries will also participate in the conference slated for Nov. 16- 19, said senior consultant physician and infectious/tropical diseases professor Georg on Friday.
"Among the papers to be presented are mostly on tropical diseases which affect Malaysia such as dengue, hepatitis, AIDS, infectious diarrhea, tuberculosis and avian influenza," Gossius said in a news conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah state capital.
The conference aims not only to promote the university's School of Medicine on the world academic map, but also functions as a public relations campaign for Sabah as well as Visit Malaysia Year 2007, said Gossius.
The seminar will bring together health and medical experts from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden and the World Health Organization, said spokesman of University Malaysia Sabah campus on Friday.
Representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, India and other countries will also participate in the conference slated for Nov. 16- 19, said senior consultant physician and infectious/tropical diseases professor Georg on Friday.
"Among the papers to be presented are mostly on tropical diseases which affect Malaysia such as dengue, hepatitis, AIDS, infectious diarrhea, tuberculosis and avian influenza," Gossius said in a news conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah state capital.
The conference aims not only to promote the university's School of Medicine on the world academic map, but also functions as a public relations campaign for Sabah as well as Visit Malaysia Year 2007, said Gossius.
Asthmatics fear for their lives
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It started as a slight sore throat but ended with her being rushed to the hospital and admitted.
B. Shayamala Devi had spent Monday running errands in Seremban, all the while breathing in the smoggy air.
By the end of the day, she had a scratchy throat and a runny nose.
That night she could not sleep and by 6am the next day, she was feeling so awful, her husband had to take her to the clinic.
"My throat was really burning and my nose was runny. There was also a tightness in my chest," Shayamala Devi, who has been able to keep her asthma under control in the last three years, said.
A doctor at the clinic put her on a nebuliser, but two hours later she was having breathing difficulties again.
This time, the 39-year-old part-time insurance salesperson knew she had to go to the hospital.
Her worried husband rushed her to the hospital as her breathing became more laboured.
"I was put on the nebuliser every five hours and slowly, the tightness in my chest subsided.
"The phlegm is still there but I’m so glad to be home now," she said.
Shayamala Devi is a casualty of the haze, her doctors told her.
"During the earlier haze, I did not feel anything, but this time around, it is so bad.
"My 12-year-old son also has asthma and I am more worried about him but so far he is okay."
Discharged yesterday after spending three days in hospital, she is not looking forward to stepping out of her house.
"My kids’ final exams are next week and I will have to go out and send them for tuition and to school, but if you give me a choice, I definitely will not do any sightseeing right now."
For Elizabeth Chrisostom, every time the haze season comes around, she says goodbye to good health.
"The doctors told me I have to fight it this time and I cannot let it take over," said the 40-something clerk who was discharged on Wednesday after spending six days in the hospital after suffering from respiratory problems.
"I am so traumatised. I cannot do this again. Why can’t somebody do something?
"Nobody seems to take us asthmatics seriously enough."
B. Shayamala Devi had spent Monday running errands in Seremban, all the while breathing in the smoggy air.
By the end of the day, she had a scratchy throat and a runny nose.
That night she could not sleep and by 6am the next day, she was feeling so awful, her husband had to take her to the clinic.
"My throat was really burning and my nose was runny. There was also a tightness in my chest," Shayamala Devi, who has been able to keep her asthma under control in the last three years, said.
A doctor at the clinic put her on a nebuliser, but two hours later she was having breathing difficulties again.
This time, the 39-year-old part-time insurance salesperson knew she had to go to the hospital.
Her worried husband rushed her to the hospital as her breathing became more laboured.
"I was put on the nebuliser every five hours and slowly, the tightness in my chest subsided.
"The phlegm is still there but I’m so glad to be home now," she said.
Shayamala Devi is a casualty of the haze, her doctors told her.
"During the earlier haze, I did not feel anything, but this time around, it is so bad.
"My 12-year-old son also has asthma and I am more worried about him but so far he is okay."
Discharged yesterday after spending three days in hospital, she is not looking forward to stepping out of her house.
"My kids’ final exams are next week and I will have to go out and send them for tuition and to school, but if you give me a choice, I definitely will not do any sightseeing right now."
For Elizabeth Chrisostom, every time the haze season comes around, she says goodbye to good health.
"The doctors told me I have to fight it this time and I cannot let it take over," said the 40-something clerk who was discharged on Wednesday after spending six days in the hospital after suffering from respiratory problems.
"I am so traumatised. I cannot do this again. Why can’t somebody do something?
"Nobody seems to take us asthmatics seriously enough."
Unqualified practice of medicine will not be condoned
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will not condone any unqualified practice of medicine even if there are claims of positive results.
“It is not responsible and we will not condone any of it,” Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday. “We will not validate hearsay.”
He stressed that people were risking their lives when they sought treatment or were operated on by unlicensed practitioners claiming to be doctors.
It was reported yesterday that a man claiming to be a doctor, who only registered as a traditional medicine practitioner, had his clinic raided by health authorities who found a fully-equipped operating theatre inside.
The man had fled by the time the authorities arrived.
“He is not a doctor. If you are prepared to be treated or operated on by him, then you must be very brave,” added Dr Ismail.
“There is nothing much we can do if gullible the public want to fraternise with 'doctors' who are not trained.”
“It is not responsible and we will not condone any of it,” Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday. “We will not validate hearsay.”
He stressed that people were risking their lives when they sought treatment or were operated on by unlicensed practitioners claiming to be doctors.
It was reported yesterday that a man claiming to be a doctor, who only registered as a traditional medicine practitioner, had his clinic raided by health authorities who found a fully-equipped operating theatre inside.
The man had fled by the time the authorities arrived.
“He is not a doctor. If you are prepared to be treated or operated on by him, then you must be very brave,” added Dr Ismail.
“There is nothing much we can do if gullible the public want to fraternise with 'doctors' who are not trained.”
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