NST: KUALA LUMPUR: More than 70,000 Malaysians were HIV-positive as of last year, and more than 8,000 have died of AIDS.
What is more worrying is that ignorance and prejudice are continuing to fuel the spread of AIDS, says the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF).
"People with HIV/AIDS are not just drug addicts and prostitutes. Housewives, children and mothers have the virus as well. We must get rid of the stigma associated with AIDS," said MAF trustee Datuk Mohd Zaman Khan.
He added the public should sympathise with HIV/AIDS sufferers and accept them into the community instead of avoiding them.
Mohd Zaman was speaking to newsmen at a cheque presentation ceremony for the Hope Campaign yesterday.
The campaign, with the slogan "Think not of charity, but of giving hope", was held by the Renaissance Group of Hotels from September to December last year. It raised RM45,000, which was presented to MAF yesterday.
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel general manager Robert Frager said besides collecting donations, the hotel also sold MAF merchandise to raise funds for the campaign.
"This is the second year we are supporting the MAF. We wanted to create awareness and spread the message to hotel guests and their associates to spare a thought for HIV/AIDS sufferers," he said.
Also present at the cheque presentation were MAF general manager Raj Kumar Balamanickam, Renaissance Kota Baru Hotel general manager Philip Chee, Renaissance Malacca Hotel general manager George Varughese and Miri Marriott Resort & Spa general manager Stefan Gruber.
Each year MAF dedicates an average of RM1.4 million to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, to support people living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and to create an environment free of stigma and discrimination.
The funds raised by the MAF are used to help meet nutritional, treatment and schooling needs of children with HIV/AIDS, providing anti-HIV drugs and medical tests, providing interest-free loans for sufferers, providing grants to facilitate HIV/AIDS programmes, advocacy as well as care and support.
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
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Hospital assistant 'reopens' clinic
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A hospital assistant who had been hauled up once for operating an illegal clinic, is back in business.
Calling himself Dr Shah Jahan, he ran a private clinic in Taman Sentosa, Klang.
The authorities sealed it early last month.
Following a tip-off, a health team conducted a surprise visit and found that the clinic was reopened, in mid-January.
Health Ministry medical practices director Dr Mohd Khairy Yaacob said: "We did not enter the premise as it was supposed to be sealed. The officers observed what was going on from outside and talked to patients."
A police report has been made at the Klang police headquarters.
The "doctor" faces six months jail and a RM2,000 fine for breaking the seal, aside from the charges he could face for illegally operating the clinic.
On Monday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that six people had been caught playing doctor and running illegal clinics and maternity homes — a foreigner, two nurses, and hospital and medical assistants.
Two maternity homes run by a community nurse and an ex-army nurse were sealed in Johor, as well as four private clinics in Shah Alam, Seremban and two in Klang.
All six are soon to be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 as none of their businesses were registered.
Calling himself Dr Shah Jahan, he ran a private clinic in Taman Sentosa, Klang.
The authorities sealed it early last month.
Following a tip-off, a health team conducted a surprise visit and found that the clinic was reopened, in mid-January.
Health Ministry medical practices director Dr Mohd Khairy Yaacob said: "We did not enter the premise as it was supposed to be sealed. The officers observed what was going on from outside and talked to patients."
A police report has been made at the Klang police headquarters.
The "doctor" faces six months jail and a RM2,000 fine for breaking the seal, aside from the charges he could face for illegally operating the clinic.
On Monday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that six people had been caught playing doctor and running illegal clinics and maternity homes — a foreigner, two nurses, and hospital and medical assistants.
Two maternity homes run by a community nurse and an ex-army nurse were sealed in Johor, as well as four private clinics in Shah Alam, Seremban and two in Klang.
All six are soon to be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 as none of their businesses were registered.
Tongkat Ali 'not harmful or toxic but beneficial'
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities have denied a Taiwanese claim that the plant extract Tongkat Ali poses a health risk.
According to FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Mohd Ali (picture), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia has been researching Tongkat Ali for 20 years and no toxic or harmful components have been found.
"In fact, Tongkat Ali has known medicinal properties. It also has aphrodisiac properties. It enhances the male libido," he said.
He was commenting on a German Press Agency report that Taiwan’s capital city Taipei has banned the sale of the popular Malaysian Tongkat Ali coffee.
In the report, a spokesperson for the city government’s Department of Health said it has not been tested, so they do not know whether it affects other ingredients in the coffee or causes side effects.
Dr Abdul Razak said Tongkat Ali has been used here for generations, and there have never been any complaints of side effects.
It is commonly used as treatment for dysentery, glandular swelling, fever, malaria and other ailments.
In the old days, the roots, found only in the jungles of Southeast Asia, had to be brewed for long hours to get a bitter extract.
Tongkat Ali now comes in pills or tea bags and is mixed with regular coffee or tea for an extra lift.
Tongkat Ali coffee and tea are widely sold at roadside hawker stalls, supermarkets and even eateries in posh hotels. It is also a popular drink in many other countries.
"There are no side effects for those who consume Tongkat Ali coffee," stressed Dr Abdul Razak.
The Health Ministry’s Public Health Department Food Quality Control division director Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad said the amount of Tongkat Ali extract used in drinks and food is less than 20 per cent.
He said the ministry has had no complaints from consumers of any side effects after consuming Tongkat Ali.
"We will have to check with the Taiwan authorities on what grounds they have banned Tongkat Ali coffee and what side effects they have found," said Dr Rahim.
According to FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Mohd Ali (picture), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia has been researching Tongkat Ali for 20 years and no toxic or harmful components have been found.
"In fact, Tongkat Ali has known medicinal properties. It also has aphrodisiac properties. It enhances the male libido," he said.
He was commenting on a German Press Agency report that Taiwan’s capital city Taipei has banned the sale of the popular Malaysian Tongkat Ali coffee.
In the report, a spokesperson for the city government’s Department of Health said it has not been tested, so they do not know whether it affects other ingredients in the coffee or causes side effects.
Dr Abdul Razak said Tongkat Ali has been used here for generations, and there have never been any complaints of side effects.
It is commonly used as treatment for dysentery, glandular swelling, fever, malaria and other ailments.
In the old days, the roots, found only in the jungles of Southeast Asia, had to be brewed for long hours to get a bitter extract.
Tongkat Ali now comes in pills or tea bags and is mixed with regular coffee or tea for an extra lift.
Tongkat Ali coffee and tea are widely sold at roadside hawker stalls, supermarkets and even eateries in posh hotels. It is also a popular drink in many other countries.
"There are no side effects for those who consume Tongkat Ali coffee," stressed Dr Abdul Razak.
The Health Ministry’s Public Health Department Food Quality Control division director Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad said the amount of Tongkat Ali extract used in drinks and food is less than 20 per cent.
He said the ministry has had no complaints from consumers of any side effects after consuming Tongkat Ali.
"We will have to check with the Taiwan authorities on what grounds they have banned Tongkat Ali coffee and what side effects they have found," said Dr Rahim.
USM Scientists Say Periwinkle Flower Can Kill Cancer Cells
KEPALA BATAS, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Studies by medical experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (USM-IPPT) have found that extracts from the humble Periwinkle flower (Bunga Kemuning Cina) can kill cancer cells.
IPPT (Clinical Services) Deputy Director, Dr Narazah Mohd Yusoff said the discovery prompted the team to test the Periwinkle flower extracts on animals.
"If our tests on animals proved effective, then we will test the Periwinkle extracts on humans and prove that they can kill cancer cells," she told reporters here Tuesday.
She added studies on the Periwinkle flowers have entered the third year and is led by IPPT Deputy Director of Research, Prof Madya Ishak Mat sponsored by MAKNA (National Cancer Council) which gave a RM300,000 grant.
"Tests on the Perinwinkle's effectiveness on humans will take five years and if found to be successful can be used as medicine to kill cancer cells when treating breast cancer,"
Dr Narazah said IPPT is also conducting several studies on cancer and has accepted 268 patients, three of them with breast cancer.
"Some have been placed in the Kepala Batas Hospital and are being treated by IPPT specialists," she added.
Earlier, IPPT Director Dr Ramli Saad urged the public to visit the medical centre for an examination as it is not only equipped with the latest equipment but also have a pool of specialists.
"Our services are also provided for free."
IPPT which is currently temporarily occupying a building will be moving into its own building complex in Bertam in three years.
When completed, IPPT will be equipped with laboratories, wards and equipment costing RM958 million.
Dr Ramli said when completed in 2010, IPPT will be able to conduct 150 types of research including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Integrated Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neuro Science, Immunology, Oral Science, Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Toxicology and Poisoning.
"IPPT is the world's premier medical research centre as it has the three elements of disease research, creating cures, conducting of clinical tests and treating of patients," he added.
Studies conducted by medical experts showed that 80 percent of the world's natural pharmaceutical ingredients are found in Malaysia and Borneo.
IPPT (Clinical Services) Deputy Director, Dr Narazah Mohd Yusoff said the discovery prompted the team to test the Periwinkle flower extracts on animals.
"If our tests on animals proved effective, then we will test the Periwinkle extracts on humans and prove that they can kill cancer cells," she told reporters here Tuesday.
She added studies on the Periwinkle flowers have entered the third year and is led by IPPT Deputy Director of Research, Prof Madya Ishak Mat sponsored by MAKNA (National Cancer Council) which gave a RM300,000 grant.
"Tests on the Perinwinkle's effectiveness on humans will take five years and if found to be successful can be used as medicine to kill cancer cells when treating breast cancer,"
Dr Narazah said IPPT is also conducting several studies on cancer and has accepted 268 patients, three of them with breast cancer.
"Some have been placed in the Kepala Batas Hospital and are being treated by IPPT specialists," she added.
Earlier, IPPT Director Dr Ramli Saad urged the public to visit the medical centre for an examination as it is not only equipped with the latest equipment but also have a pool of specialists.
"Our services are also provided for free."
IPPT which is currently temporarily occupying a building will be moving into its own building complex in Bertam in three years.
When completed, IPPT will be equipped with laboratories, wards and equipment costing RM958 million.
Dr Ramli said when completed in 2010, IPPT will be able to conduct 150 types of research including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Integrated Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neuro Science, Immunology, Oral Science, Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Toxicology and Poisoning.
"IPPT is the world's premier medical research centre as it has the three elements of disease research, creating cures, conducting of clinical tests and treating of patients," he added.
Studies conducted by medical experts showed that 80 percent of the world's natural pharmaceutical ingredients are found in Malaysia and Borneo.
All-in-one centre to boost biotech
Star: KEPALA BATAS: The new Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) of Universiti Sains Malaysia here will expedite the biotechnology industry in the country, its director Dr Ramli Saad said.
The RM958mil institute will be the first in the country to house clinical, academic and research facilities under one roof.
Dr Ramli said the institute would be completed only in 2015, although operations would start in 2010.
He said AMDI would be running at half its capacity during its first year of operation.
“It will generate advanced research activities as well as utilise contemporary technology in medicine and dentistry,” he said at a press conference.
“AMDI will also generate novel discoveries and new insights in medicine and dentistry that will form the basis of future medical and dental practices,” he added.
He said AMDI would have the unique feature of “all-in-one” where it would plant herbs for the development of pharmaceutical products and rear animals for clinical tests.
“We would also have a centre where patients can be treated with new medicines and existing ones.”
AMDI is to have a staff force of 2,000 and hopes to attract 200 local and international postgraduate students.
A total of 1,200 test patients will be treated a day and an operational budget of RM250mil a year will be allocated.
The RM958mil institute will be the first in the country to house clinical, academic and research facilities under one roof.
Dr Ramli said the institute would be completed only in 2015, although operations would start in 2010.
He said AMDI would be running at half its capacity during its first year of operation.
“It will generate advanced research activities as well as utilise contemporary technology in medicine and dentistry,” he said at a press conference.
“AMDI will also generate novel discoveries and new insights in medicine and dentistry that will form the basis of future medical and dental practices,” he added.
He said AMDI would have the unique feature of “all-in-one” where it would plant herbs for the development of pharmaceutical products and rear animals for clinical tests.
“We would also have a centre where patients can be treated with new medicines and existing ones.”
AMDI is to have a staff force of 2,000 and hopes to attract 200 local and international postgraduate students.
A total of 1,200 test patients will be treated a day and an operational budget of RM250mil a year will be allocated.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Imported pig feed to be tested
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Pig feed imported by 16 companies will be tested for beta-agonist — a banned growth enhancer injurious to health.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday this would be carried out by his ministry’s pharmaceutical division.
"As we are going all out to ban the use of beta-agonist by pig farmers, it is also important to know whether the imported feed contains the banned growth enhancer," Dr Chua said.
He told reporters this after chairing a meeting with representatives from the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, Customs, Veterinary Services Department, Health Ministry and its pharmaceutical division, Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations Malaysia and the Pork Sellers Association.
"We do not allow beta-agonist to be sold in the market in any form.
"It is being smuggled into the country and we must stop this by not using it in the animal feed," said Dr Chua.
China and India are among the countries exporting pig feed to Malaysia.
At present, 37 pig farms are placed under a one-month quarantine after their animals were found to have high levels of beta-agonist.
This followed a check on 656 farms nationwide.
Dr Chua said the farmers were allowed to send their pigs for slaughter after the quarantine period only upon receiving the green light from the Veterinary Services Department.
"Once the quarantine period is over, the farmers should inform the Veterinary Services Department which will then take samples from the pigs to ascertain whether they are free of beta agonist," he added.
Pig farms that do not notify the department will remain under quarantine.
Most of the errant farms are in Malacca, Selangor, Perak and Penang.
So far only four farms whose quarantine period expired on Jan 14, have applied to the Veterinary Services Department to test their pigs.
Pork tainted with beta-agonist can cause headache, dizziness, breathing difficulties and palpitations.
Dr Chua said it was now mandatory for all pig farmers to make a declaration that they will not use beta-agonist.
"Only farmers who have made the declaration and have got the Veterinary Services to give them a clean bill, are allowed to send their pigs for slaughter."
Pig sellers caught with tainted pork would be prosecuted unless they had documents showing where they got the meat.
Dr Chua said his ministry’s aim was to ensure that all pork sold in the market by Chinese New Year was free of beta-agonist.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday this would be carried out by his ministry’s pharmaceutical division.
"As we are going all out to ban the use of beta-agonist by pig farmers, it is also important to know whether the imported feed contains the banned growth enhancer," Dr Chua said.
He told reporters this after chairing a meeting with representatives from the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, Customs, Veterinary Services Department, Health Ministry and its pharmaceutical division, Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations Malaysia and the Pork Sellers Association.
"We do not allow beta-agonist to be sold in the market in any form.
"It is being smuggled into the country and we must stop this by not using it in the animal feed," said Dr Chua.
China and India are among the countries exporting pig feed to Malaysia.
At present, 37 pig farms are placed under a one-month quarantine after their animals were found to have high levels of beta-agonist.
This followed a check on 656 farms nationwide.
Dr Chua said the farmers were allowed to send their pigs for slaughter after the quarantine period only upon receiving the green light from the Veterinary Services Department.
"Once the quarantine period is over, the farmers should inform the Veterinary Services Department which will then take samples from the pigs to ascertain whether they are free of beta agonist," he added.
Pig farms that do not notify the department will remain under quarantine.
Most of the errant farms are in Malacca, Selangor, Perak and Penang.
So far only four farms whose quarantine period expired on Jan 14, have applied to the Veterinary Services Department to test their pigs.
Pork tainted with beta-agonist can cause headache, dizziness, breathing difficulties and palpitations.
Dr Chua said it was now mandatory for all pig farmers to make a declaration that they will not use beta-agonist.
"Only farmers who have made the declaration and have got the Veterinary Services to give them a clean bill, are allowed to send their pigs for slaughter."
Pig sellers caught with tainted pork would be prosecuted unless they had documents showing where they got the meat.
Dr Chua said his ministry’s aim was to ensure that all pork sold in the market by Chinese New Year was free of beta-agonist.
Nurses who played doctor and ran maternity homes
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Two nurses — one from a rural clinic and another a former army medic — have, between them, delivered hundreds of babies while posing as doctors.
They were operating unregistered maternity homes in Johor for years before they were put out of business recently.
Their activities came to light when the Health Ministry’s Medical Practices Department enforcement unit went undercover at both premises.
Then, using the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1988, the enforcement unit moved in, sealed both premises and detained the women, aged 35 and 55, for investigations.
They had their statements recorded and are now awaiting further action by the authorities who are expected to charge them soon for operating unregistered maternity homes.
"The homes were not registered, but worse still, they were run by two nurses who played doctor," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said the two nurses were among six people who would be charged soon under the Act for running private health clinics and hospitals illegally.
They face fines up to RM300,000 and a maximum six years in prison if convicted.
The other four are a foreigner in Shah Alam and three medical assistants operating in Klang and Seremban.
Their clinics, all unregistered and situated in towns, have been sealed.
Dr Chua said one of the six was also running an ambulance service. None of them were qualified to run a private clinic, hospital or an ambulance service.
"They are playing with lives," Dr Chua said.
Dr Chua took a swipe at doctors at private clinics and hospitals who protested against the move by the ministry to register them under the Act.
"Many doctors protested and even accused us of treating them like criminals. They did not realise that there were many bogus doctors out there treating patients.
"There will be no let up. Many more will be arrested and charged," he said.
On the case of the traditional medicine man who was performing surgeries illegally at a clinic in Shah Alam, Dr Chua said: "If we cannot get the "doctor" we will charge the owner of the building for letting his premises be used for illegal activities."
He also urged those with information on these illegal practices to contact the Ministry’s Medical Practices Department in Putrajaya.
They were operating unregistered maternity homes in Johor for years before they were put out of business recently.
Their activities came to light when the Health Ministry’s Medical Practices Department enforcement unit went undercover at both premises.
Then, using the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1988, the enforcement unit moved in, sealed both premises and detained the women, aged 35 and 55, for investigations.
They had their statements recorded and are now awaiting further action by the authorities who are expected to charge them soon for operating unregistered maternity homes.
"The homes were not registered, but worse still, they were run by two nurses who played doctor," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said the two nurses were among six people who would be charged soon under the Act for running private health clinics and hospitals illegally.
They face fines up to RM300,000 and a maximum six years in prison if convicted.
The other four are a foreigner in Shah Alam and three medical assistants operating in Klang and Seremban.
Their clinics, all unregistered and situated in towns, have been sealed.
Dr Chua said one of the six was also running an ambulance service. None of them were qualified to run a private clinic, hospital or an ambulance service.
"They are playing with lives," Dr Chua said.
Dr Chua took a swipe at doctors at private clinics and hospitals who protested against the move by the ministry to register them under the Act.
"Many doctors protested and even accused us of treating them like criminals. They did not realise that there were many bogus doctors out there treating patients.
"There will be no let up. Many more will be arrested and charged," he said.
On the case of the traditional medicine man who was performing surgeries illegally at a clinic in Shah Alam, Dr Chua said: "If we cannot get the "doctor" we will charge the owner of the building for letting his premises be used for illegal activities."
He also urged those with information on these illegal practices to contact the Ministry’s Medical Practices Department in Putrajaya.
Woman first to be charged under Act
NST: SHAH ALAM: A businesswoman is facing a lengthy jail sentence and a hefty fine for allowing her husband to practise modern medicine illegally in a building owned by her.
Siti Ea’lla Amir Ghani, 52, made history yesterday when she became the first person to be charged with the offence under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
The Act was gazetted in May and enforced in November last year.
Siti, the owner of Ea’lla Enterprise, claimed trial after she was charged for allegedly allowing her husband to use her premises for an unlawful trade.
The husband is a registered traditional medical practitioner but is not licensed to practice modern medicine.
The alleged offence was committed at No. 3, Jalan Sejat 8/10, Section 8, here, at 1pm on Oct 11.
She faces a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years’ jail, or both.
Magistrate Hafizah Abd Rajak fixed trial for March 5.
Deputy public prosecutor from the Health Ministry Salahudin Hidayat Shariff prosecuted, while Siti was represented by V. Kumaresan.
She was accompanied by a couple who shielded her from Press photographers after the proceedings at the magistrate’s court.
Siti, dressed in a blue baju kurung, ran out of the courtroom to her car.
While the man shielded her face with a newspaper, the woman prevented photographers from running after her.
The man also kept yelling at the photographers, accusing them of being inhumane.
Siti’s husband was in the news in October last year when Selangor health officers raided the clinic after receiving reports that he was practising modern medicine and also performing surgeries.
He was alleged to have removed kidney stones, tumours, ovarian cysts and other diseased body parts.
When the raiding party visited the clinic, they were surprised to see the "doctor" attending to patients in a hospital setting, surrounded by medical equipment, models of the human skeleton, posters and medical books.
Health Ministry officers raided the clinic the following month and seized surgical and other equipment. The "doctor" fled before the officers arrived.
He had been operating at the clinic for more than 10 years and his patients included foreigners.
Checks by the authorities also revealed that patients were charged between RM350 and RM4,000 by the "doctor" who also offered traditional cures.
Siti Ea’lla Amir Ghani, 52, made history yesterday when she became the first person to be charged with the offence under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
The Act was gazetted in May and enforced in November last year.
Siti, the owner of Ea’lla Enterprise, claimed trial after she was charged for allegedly allowing her husband to use her premises for an unlawful trade.
The husband is a registered traditional medical practitioner but is not licensed to practice modern medicine.
The alleged offence was committed at No. 3, Jalan Sejat 8/10, Section 8, here, at 1pm on Oct 11.
She faces a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years’ jail, or both.
Magistrate Hafizah Abd Rajak fixed trial for March 5.
Deputy public prosecutor from the Health Ministry Salahudin Hidayat Shariff prosecuted, while Siti was represented by V. Kumaresan.
She was accompanied by a couple who shielded her from Press photographers after the proceedings at the magistrate’s court.
Siti, dressed in a blue baju kurung, ran out of the courtroom to her car.
While the man shielded her face with a newspaper, the woman prevented photographers from running after her.
The man also kept yelling at the photographers, accusing them of being inhumane.
Siti’s husband was in the news in October last year when Selangor health officers raided the clinic after receiving reports that he was practising modern medicine and also performing surgeries.
He was alleged to have removed kidney stones, tumours, ovarian cysts and other diseased body parts.
When the raiding party visited the clinic, they were surprised to see the "doctor" attending to patients in a hospital setting, surrounded by medical equipment, models of the human skeleton, posters and medical books.
Health Ministry officers raided the clinic the following month and seized surgical and other equipment. The "doctor" fled before the officers arrived.
He had been operating at the clinic for more than 10 years and his patients included foreigners.
Checks by the authorities also revealed that patients were charged between RM350 and RM4,000 by the "doctor" who also offered traditional cures.
Medical colleges under scrutiny
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The National Accreditation Board and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) will investigate claims that two private medical colleges violated regulations pertaining to the training of students in the clinical phase of their studies.
They will look into Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's claims that the ratio of lecturers to students did not meet the MMC's requirement.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said he had not received a report on the matter from the Health Ministry.
“Before any private medical university or college is set up, it has to meet the requirements set by the MMC,” he told reporters after delivering his New Year message to ministry officials.
Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry found the lecturer-student ratio to be 1:20 respectively when ideally it should not be higher than 1:8.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican, who was also at the event yesterday, said there were no full-time lecturers at the colleges.
While Universiti Malaya is only capable of churning out about 200 students each year, these private colleges, which have been operating less than 10 years, have produced 300 students, he said.
They will look into Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's claims that the ratio of lecturers to students did not meet the MMC's requirement.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said he had not received a report on the matter from the Health Ministry.
“Before any private medical university or college is set up, it has to meet the requirements set by the MMC,” he told reporters after delivering his New Year message to ministry officials.
Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry found the lecturer-student ratio to be 1:20 respectively when ideally it should not be higher than 1:8.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican, who was also at the event yesterday, said there were no full-time lecturers at the colleges.
While Universiti Malaya is only capable of churning out about 200 students each year, these private colleges, which have been operating less than 10 years, have produced 300 students, he said.
More physios needed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia requires over 19,000 physiotherapists by 2020 to be on par with other developed countries.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said that as of December last year, Malaysia had 607 trained physiotherapists registered with the Malaysian Physiotherapist Association.
“In Malaysia, the field is relatively new and the problem of shortage of staff is a big one.
“With 450 in the public sector and another 157 in the private sector, there is a huge shortage,” he said when launching the Masterskill McMillan Physiotherapy Centre here yesterday.
Fong said most of the physiotherapists in the country were trained in countries like Britain, Australia, India and New Zealand.
“The role taken by Masterskill College of Nursing and Health is commendable and ought to be complimented, as it would ensure that our country would produce sufficient health workers, including physiotherapists,” he said.
“This is a very wide field where you can specialise in different areas like sports, women’s health and paediatrics,” he added.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said that as of December last year, Malaysia had 607 trained physiotherapists registered with the Malaysian Physiotherapist Association.
“In Malaysia, the field is relatively new and the problem of shortage of staff is a big one.
“With 450 in the public sector and another 157 in the private sector, there is a huge shortage,” he said when launching the Masterskill McMillan Physiotherapy Centre here yesterday.
Fong said most of the physiotherapists in the country were trained in countries like Britain, Australia, India and New Zealand.
“The role taken by Masterskill College of Nursing and Health is commendable and ought to be complimented, as it would ensure that our country would produce sufficient health workers, including physiotherapists,” he said.
“This is a very wide field where you can specialise in different areas like sports, women’s health and paediatrics,” he added.
Methadone Therapy Clinic Targets 100 Patients
KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Hardcore drug addicts in Terenggau who take heroin and morphine will be treated with Methadone, an effective synthetic drug that does not produce a withdrawal symptom.
The treatment will be provided by the Methadone Substitution Therapy Clinic of Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) here.
Health, Unity, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee Chairman Toh Chin Yaw said the Clinic was targeting 100 patients every three to five weeks until the end of this year.
"The first batch of addicts received the treatment on Dec 26," he told reporters after opening the clinic at the HSNZ here Monday.
Also present were state Health Director, Dr Nordiayah Hassan and the hospital Director Dr Abdul Rashid Che Ali.
Toh said Methadone was "cost effective" and could be taken orally.
He added the criteria for obtaining the treatment included hardcore addicts who voluntarily wished to be included in the treatment and were willing to abide by the programme rules.
He advised parents who had children with drug problems to bring them for treatment at the Clinic.
The treatment will be provided by the Methadone Substitution Therapy Clinic of Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) here.
Health, Unity, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee Chairman Toh Chin Yaw said the Clinic was targeting 100 patients every three to five weeks until the end of this year.
"The first batch of addicts received the treatment on Dec 26," he told reporters after opening the clinic at the HSNZ here Monday.
Also present were state Health Director, Dr Nordiayah Hassan and the hospital Director Dr Abdul Rashid Che Ali.
Toh said Methadone was "cost effective" and could be taken orally.
He added the criteria for obtaining the treatment included hardcore addicts who voluntarily wished to be included in the treatment and were willing to abide by the programme rules.
He advised parents who had children with drug problems to bring them for treatment at the Clinic.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Health Ministry Detects Six Bogus Doctors
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The government has sealed six private healthcare centres because they were run by bogus doctors, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said Monday.
He said the healthcare centres included a medical centre, a maternity centre and a 24-hour clinic located in Seremban, Klang and Johor Baharu.
"The six bogus doctors include a medical assistant, a community nurse, an ex-army nurse and a foreigner -- all operating like doctors and some even delivering babies," he told reporters here.
The six "doctors" would be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 which carries a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years' jail or both if convicted, he said.
"The ministry expects more of such clinics run by bogus doctors to be detected when a nationwide crackdown is launched soon with the immediate focus on the Federal Territories," he said.
Dr Chua said the move was possible with the introduction of the Act, which among others, made it compulsory for private doctors to be registered. The registration process ended last November.
He said the six cases did not include a case where a traditional medical practitioner in Shah Alam had given illegal treatment and was still at large since his clinic was raided last year.
Commenting on the much-delayed Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star, he said the ministry would only receive the hospital from the developer after the ministry was satisfied that all problems including technical and engineering had been rectified.
The RM565 million project should have been completed five years ago but had been extended five times.
"Not all Class A contractors can build hospitals as building a hospital is more complicated than building a hotel, a shopping complex or a house.
"The chosen contractor should have the expertise and good background and track record in building hospitals," he said.
He said no new date for the delivery had been fixed.
Speaking on other matters, Dr Chua said that pig breeders had agreed to sign a pledge of loyalty with the ministry by the end of this month that all pig farms in the country would be free from beta-agonist, an enhancement agent that can cause cancer, increase heart beat rate and in advance heart disease can cause sudden death.
"Their pigs will not be allowed to be sent to the slaughterhouse if they fail to sign the commitment," he added.
Dr Chua said beta-agonist was brought into the country through illegal means as the country's Poison Act did not allow the import of such agent in whatever form.
He said the healthcare centres included a medical centre, a maternity centre and a 24-hour clinic located in Seremban, Klang and Johor Baharu.
"The six bogus doctors include a medical assistant, a community nurse, an ex-army nurse and a foreigner -- all operating like doctors and some even delivering babies," he told reporters here.
The six "doctors" would be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 which carries a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years' jail or both if convicted, he said.
"The ministry expects more of such clinics run by bogus doctors to be detected when a nationwide crackdown is launched soon with the immediate focus on the Federal Territories," he said.
Dr Chua said the move was possible with the introduction of the Act, which among others, made it compulsory for private doctors to be registered. The registration process ended last November.
He said the six cases did not include a case where a traditional medical practitioner in Shah Alam had given illegal treatment and was still at large since his clinic was raided last year.
Commenting on the much-delayed Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star, he said the ministry would only receive the hospital from the developer after the ministry was satisfied that all problems including technical and engineering had been rectified.
The RM565 million project should have been completed five years ago but had been extended five times.
"Not all Class A contractors can build hospitals as building a hospital is more complicated than building a hotel, a shopping complex or a house.
"The chosen contractor should have the expertise and good background and track record in building hospitals," he said.
He said no new date for the delivery had been fixed.
Speaking on other matters, Dr Chua said that pig breeders had agreed to sign a pledge of loyalty with the ministry by the end of this month that all pig farms in the country would be free from beta-agonist, an enhancement agent that can cause cancer, increase heart beat rate and in advance heart disease can cause sudden death.
"Their pigs will not be allowed to be sent to the slaughterhouse if they fail to sign the commitment," he added.
Dr Chua said beta-agonist was brought into the country through illegal means as the country's Poison Act did not allow the import of such agent in whatever form.
New strain of dengue worries Pahang
NST: KUANTAN: A possible outbreak of dengue fever has been detected here with at least two dozen cases reported so far this month.
Even worse, it is feared that a new strain could be responsible as most of the patients so far were children.
The authorities have yet to issue a general alert but checks at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital revealed that preparations had been made for a possible increase in the number of dengue cases.
A health official, who requested anonymity, said several private hospitals here had also recorded a significant number of patients suffering from dengue fever.
"There have been no fatalities reported so far but we fear that the situation may worsen within the next few weeks," he said.
"What we are most worried about is that most of the cases recorded so far involved children, indicating a possible new strain of the disease."
It was learnt that cases of multiple infections in a single household had also been recorded.
Areas where dengue cases were reported over the past three weeks are Taman Cenderawasih Timur, Taman Sri Kuantan, Taman Setali Maju, Indera Mahkota 2 and Jalan Air Putih.
Other identified hotspots include Taman Tas, Sungai Isap and Bukit Sekilau.
The official said the sudden increase of dengue cases was believed to have been caused by the irregular weather pattern which had seen intermittent heavy rain.
"The resulting hot and humid weather, along with trapped clear rain water, is conducive for the breeding of aedes mosquitoes," he said.
Among the precautionary measures are clearing possible aedes breeding grounds and staying indoors during the early mornings and late evenings when the mosquitoes were most active.
The state health authorities were expected to start a massive anti-dengue operation within the next few days.
Even worse, it is feared that a new strain could be responsible as most of the patients so far were children.
The authorities have yet to issue a general alert but checks at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital revealed that preparations had been made for a possible increase in the number of dengue cases.
A health official, who requested anonymity, said several private hospitals here had also recorded a significant number of patients suffering from dengue fever.
"There have been no fatalities reported so far but we fear that the situation may worsen within the next few weeks," he said.
"What we are most worried about is that most of the cases recorded so far involved children, indicating a possible new strain of the disease."
It was learnt that cases of multiple infections in a single household had also been recorded.
Areas where dengue cases were reported over the past three weeks are Taman Cenderawasih Timur, Taman Sri Kuantan, Taman Setali Maju, Indera Mahkota 2 and Jalan Air Putih.
Other identified hotspots include Taman Tas, Sungai Isap and Bukit Sekilau.
The official said the sudden increase of dengue cases was believed to have been caused by the irregular weather pattern which had seen intermittent heavy rain.
"The resulting hot and humid weather, along with trapped clear rain water, is conducive for the breeding of aedes mosquitoes," he said.
Among the precautionary measures are clearing possible aedes breeding grounds and staying indoors during the early mornings and late evenings when the mosquitoes were most active.
The state health authorities were expected to start a massive anti-dengue operation within the next few days.
Eagle eye on sanctuary to prevent bird flu
NST: IPOH: Random testing on migratory birds at the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary has been stepped up to prevent another bird flu outbreak in the country.
The state Veterinary Services Department has been working hard to obtain swab samples to ascertain if any of the birds at the sanctuary were carriers of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus.
The monitoring started in August last year when the birds began their migration to the southern hemisphere.
"More than 2,000 random samples of saliva swabs have been taken from various species of migratory birds at the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary and so far, all have tested negative for the H5N1 bird flu virus," said state veterinary officer Dr Wan Mohd Kamil Wan Nik.
He told the New Straits Times that more samples were collected during the current migration cycle than in the past.
"We used to collect about 900 random samples during the nine- month period from August to April when they migrate from and back to the northern hemisphere.
"However, after the outbreak last year, we increased the number of samples from 100 each month to 500 now," he said, adding that outbreaks in several countries around the globe necessitated the collection of more samples.
Dr Wan Mohd Kamil said physical surveillance at the sanctuary to locate dead migratory birds had also been increased but none were found so far.
Migratory birds were suspected to have caused the outbreak in five areas around the country last year, with Perak being the worst hit by the disease which is also fatal to humans.
The H5N1 was first detected at Kampung Pasir, Wardieburn, Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 19. This was followed by Kampung Changkat Tualang in Gopeng and the Ecopark at the Bukit Laketown Resort, both in Perak, on March 16.
The third outbreak was reported in Kampung Permatang Bogak, Seberang Perai, on March 20, followed by Titi Gantung in Perak Tengah the next day.
Nearly 60,000 fowls were culled and more than 8,000 eggs destroyed in the five affected areas.
The state Veterinary Services Department has been working hard to obtain swab samples to ascertain if any of the birds at the sanctuary were carriers of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus.
The monitoring started in August last year when the birds began their migration to the southern hemisphere.
"More than 2,000 random samples of saliva swabs have been taken from various species of migratory birds at the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary and so far, all have tested negative for the H5N1 bird flu virus," said state veterinary officer Dr Wan Mohd Kamil Wan Nik.
He told the New Straits Times that more samples were collected during the current migration cycle than in the past.
"We used to collect about 900 random samples during the nine- month period from August to April when they migrate from and back to the northern hemisphere.
"However, after the outbreak last year, we increased the number of samples from 100 each month to 500 now," he said, adding that outbreaks in several countries around the globe necessitated the collection of more samples.
Dr Wan Mohd Kamil said physical surveillance at the sanctuary to locate dead migratory birds had also been increased but none were found so far.
Migratory birds were suspected to have caused the outbreak in five areas around the country last year, with Perak being the worst hit by the disease which is also fatal to humans.
The H5N1 was first detected at Kampung Pasir, Wardieburn, Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 19. This was followed by Kampung Changkat Tualang in Gopeng and the Ecopark at the Bukit Laketown Resort, both in Perak, on March 16.
The third outbreak was reported in Kampung Permatang Bogak, Seberang Perai, on March 20, followed by Titi Gantung in Perak Tengah the next day.
Nearly 60,000 fowls were culled and more than 8,000 eggs destroyed in the five affected areas.
Landlord of quack clinic faces charge
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time, the owner of a building used by a quack clinic is to be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
The traditional medical practitioner in Shah Alam had given illegal treatments and is still at large since his clinic was raided last year.
The owner, a businessman in his fifties, will be charged in the magistrate’s court in Shah Alam today for allowing the practitioner to use his premises for an unlawful trade.
Health Ministry medical practices director Dr Mohd Khairy Yaacob said investigations showed that the practitioner had been running his business without a licence.
If the owner pleads guilty, he is liable to a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years’ jail, or both. If the owner pleads not guilty, the activities of the practitioner will be brought up during court proceedings.
It was reported in October last year that the practitioner removed kidney stones, tumours, ovarian cysts and other diseased body parts.
The man had been operating the clinic for more than 10 years, performing surgeries on the well-heeled and foreigners.
Upon receiving a complaint, Selangor health officers visited the clinic on Sept 27 last year and were shocked to see the "doctor" attending to patients in a hospital setting, surrounded by equipment, models of the human skeleton, posters and medical books.
Health Ministry officers raided the clinic on Oct 11 and seized surgical and other equipment. The practitioner fled before the officers arrived.
The "doctor" had charged his patients between RM350 and RM4,000. He also offered traditional cures. A man who had sought treatment from the "doctor" last September for stones in his kidney claimed that he did a competent job. The man paid RM4,000 for the operation.
He also said during the operation, he did not feel any pain although he was cut open. The "doctor" did not use anaesthetic.
He claimed that the incision was closed without stitching and the scar disappeared a few days later.
Director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican had confirmed that the "doctor" was only a registered traditional medical practitioner.
He said the ministry had to act against an illegal practice and an offender who was not qualified to perform surgery.
The traditional medical practitioner in Shah Alam had given illegal treatments and is still at large since his clinic was raided last year.
The owner, a businessman in his fifties, will be charged in the magistrate’s court in Shah Alam today for allowing the practitioner to use his premises for an unlawful trade.
Health Ministry medical practices director Dr Mohd Khairy Yaacob said investigations showed that the practitioner had been running his business without a licence.
If the owner pleads guilty, he is liable to a maximum fine of RM300,000 or six years’ jail, or both. If the owner pleads not guilty, the activities of the practitioner will be brought up during court proceedings.
It was reported in October last year that the practitioner removed kidney stones, tumours, ovarian cysts and other diseased body parts.
The man had been operating the clinic for more than 10 years, performing surgeries on the well-heeled and foreigners.
Upon receiving a complaint, Selangor health officers visited the clinic on Sept 27 last year and were shocked to see the "doctor" attending to patients in a hospital setting, surrounded by equipment, models of the human skeleton, posters and medical books.
Health Ministry officers raided the clinic on Oct 11 and seized surgical and other equipment. The practitioner fled before the officers arrived.
The "doctor" had charged his patients between RM350 and RM4,000. He also offered traditional cures. A man who had sought treatment from the "doctor" last September for stones in his kidney claimed that he did a competent job. The man paid RM4,000 for the operation.
He also said during the operation, he did not feel any pain although he was cut open. The "doctor" did not use anaesthetic.
He claimed that the incision was closed without stitching and the scar disappeared a few days later.
Director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican had confirmed that the "doctor" was only a registered traditional medical practitioner.
He said the ministry had to act against an illegal practice and an offender who was not qualified to perform surgery.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
All geared to face bird flu
Star: Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Association of Malaysia (FLFAM) broiler unit chairman Yap Kim Hwah said farms in the country that operate under the open-house system are installed with netting that protect the poultry from contact with migrating birds.
“From our experience in the last two bird flu outbreaks in 2003 and 2004, we know that migrating birds are the main source of the disease,” he said.
Conditions in the broiler farms have been upgraded and disinfectant used regularly, he pointed out.
“Broiler farm operators are told to report to the relevant authorities should the mortality rate of their stock hit 1%.
“The normal mortality rate of livestock should only be 0.1%,” he said in an interview before attending a meeting with Seberang Prai broiler farm operators here yesterday.
There are some 5,000 broiler farms in the country, of which about 90% are operating under the open-house system while the others adopt the closed-house system.
There are 15 broiler associations in the country affiliated with FLFAM.
The deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza has recently surfaced in Thailand and is spreading in Vietnam.
Hong Kong, South Korea, and Nigeria have reported diseased birds in the past months, while Indonesia, China, and Egypt have discovered new cases.
“From our experience in the last two bird flu outbreaks in 2003 and 2004, we know that migrating birds are the main source of the disease,” he said.
Conditions in the broiler farms have been upgraded and disinfectant used regularly, he pointed out.
“Broiler farm operators are told to report to the relevant authorities should the mortality rate of their stock hit 1%.
“The normal mortality rate of livestock should only be 0.1%,” he said in an interview before attending a meeting with Seberang Prai broiler farm operators here yesterday.
There are some 5,000 broiler farms in the country, of which about 90% are operating under the open-house system while the others adopt the closed-house system.
There are 15 broiler associations in the country affiliated with FLFAM.
The deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza has recently surfaced in Thailand and is spreading in Vietnam.
Hong Kong, South Korea, and Nigeria have reported diseased birds in the past months, while Indonesia, China, and Egypt have discovered new cases.
Eight Children Down With FMD, Selayang Hospital Nursery Closed
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- The Selayang Hospital's nursery has been closed since Wednesday after at least eight children from the nursery were infected with the foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng said the nursery, located within the hospital's premises, was used as a day-care centre for the staff's children.
"It only involves children of the hospital staff. The nursery has been closed for one week for the cleaning process which started on Wednesday," he told Bernama Friday.
Dr Ang did not give the exact number of children affected except to say that there were only a few mild cases and that they were treated as outpatients two days ago.
A hospital staff, who declined to be identified, said that at least eight children at the nursery were infected with the FMD.
According to Selangor Health Department statistics, there were 973 cases of FMD reported in the state in 2005 and 900 cases last year.
"FMD is endemic. So, from time to time, we will receive reports of such cases," Dr Ang said.
Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng said the nursery, located within the hospital's premises, was used as a day-care centre for the staff's children.
"It only involves children of the hospital staff. The nursery has been closed for one week for the cleaning process which started on Wednesday," he told Bernama Friday.
Dr Ang did not give the exact number of children affected except to say that there were only a few mild cases and that they were treated as outpatients two days ago.
A hospital staff, who declined to be identified, said that at least eight children at the nursery were infected with the FMD.
According to Selangor Health Department statistics, there were 973 cases of FMD reported in the state in 2005 and 900 cases last year.
"FMD is endemic. So, from time to time, we will receive reports of such cases," Dr Ang said.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Prevent cancer, change your lifestyle
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A diet high in processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle are among the main causes for the increase in cancer in this region.
As such, a change in lifestyle could well save your life.
"We estimate that as much as 70 per cent of cancers can be prevented by lifestyle changes. That would then allow health providers to concentrate on the remaining 30 per cent," said renowned cancer researcher Professor Sir David Lane.
The lifestyle changes, he said, could be as simple as quitting smoking, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly.
He said the prevalence of cancer had little to do with race or genetics but more with the nature of one’s lifestyle.
"People are eating less fresh foods as it is easier to just pop a processed meal into the microwave, and they are too busy to exercise. Such lifestyles have shown an increase in cancers such as colorectal and breast cancer.
"If you can avoid the worst (aspects) of the Western lifestyle (such as frequently eating fast foods and highly processed foods), we can prevent or at least reduce our chances of getting cancer."
However, it’s not all gloom and doom as there are some encouraging signs.
"Many countries are seeing an actual decline in deaths from breast cancer and this is really attributed to new drugs and new screening methods.
"Sometimes, we get distracted by all this research and we forget how much we can do to prevent it by making some simple lifestyle changes," said Lane, who is the executive director of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Singapore.
"For example, smoking has killed so many people. We estimate a hundred million people have died because of tobacco. It is something we can change. Tobacco alone accounts for about 30 per cent of cancers. We also know that diet plays an important part as can be seen by the changes in the types of cancers people are getting over the years."
Lane said certain infections that could lead to cancer, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, the sexually transmitted virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, may be prevented with vaccines.
Cervical cancer, which kills 250,000 women each year, is going to be eliminated by the successful introduction of the vaccine Cervarix. Also, research was being done to find cures for other cancers, especially breast cancer.
"It’s a very exciting time to be a cancer researcher. But the message I would like to convey is that this is something that society has to do together. We can’t just rely on the scientists in their laboratories to cure cancer. That’s not going to happen.
"We have to deal with this disease together — the way the public responds to health messages, the way doctors encourage their patients to look after their own health, and the way scientists develop better ways to screen for cancer."
He also stressed the need for patients diagnosed with cancer to get quality information of the disease from reliable sources as they could be easily misled by poor information or in accurate stories.
Lane, who has been active in cancer research for 28 years, is internationally recognised for his original discovery of the p53 protein, a human tumour suppressor gene.
He is in Malaysia at the invitation of the Academy of Sciences to give talks to cancer researchers and doctors.
He will also deliver a talk on "Curing Cancer" to the public at Hotel Singgahsana in Petaling Jaya today.
As such, a change in lifestyle could well save your life.
"We estimate that as much as 70 per cent of cancers can be prevented by lifestyle changes. That would then allow health providers to concentrate on the remaining 30 per cent," said renowned cancer researcher Professor Sir David Lane.
The lifestyle changes, he said, could be as simple as quitting smoking, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly.
He said the prevalence of cancer had little to do with race or genetics but more with the nature of one’s lifestyle.
"People are eating less fresh foods as it is easier to just pop a processed meal into the microwave, and they are too busy to exercise. Such lifestyles have shown an increase in cancers such as colorectal and breast cancer.
"If you can avoid the worst (aspects) of the Western lifestyle (such as frequently eating fast foods and highly processed foods), we can prevent or at least reduce our chances of getting cancer."
However, it’s not all gloom and doom as there are some encouraging signs.
"Many countries are seeing an actual decline in deaths from breast cancer and this is really attributed to new drugs and new screening methods.
"Sometimes, we get distracted by all this research and we forget how much we can do to prevent it by making some simple lifestyle changes," said Lane, who is the executive director of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Singapore.
"For example, smoking has killed so many people. We estimate a hundred million people have died because of tobacco. It is something we can change. Tobacco alone accounts for about 30 per cent of cancers. We also know that diet plays an important part as can be seen by the changes in the types of cancers people are getting over the years."
Lane said certain infections that could lead to cancer, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, the sexually transmitted virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, may be prevented with vaccines.
Cervical cancer, which kills 250,000 women each year, is going to be eliminated by the successful introduction of the vaccine Cervarix. Also, research was being done to find cures for other cancers, especially breast cancer.
"It’s a very exciting time to be a cancer researcher. But the message I would like to convey is that this is something that society has to do together. We can’t just rely on the scientists in their laboratories to cure cancer. That’s not going to happen.
"We have to deal with this disease together — the way the public responds to health messages, the way doctors encourage their patients to look after their own health, and the way scientists develop better ways to screen for cancer."
He also stressed the need for patients diagnosed with cancer to get quality information of the disease from reliable sources as they could be easily misled by poor information or in accurate stories.
Lane, who has been active in cancer research for 28 years, is internationally recognised for his original discovery of the p53 protein, a human tumour suppressor gene.
He is in Malaysia at the invitation of the Academy of Sciences to give talks to cancer researchers and doctors.
He will also deliver a talk on "Curing Cancer" to the public at Hotel Singgahsana in Petaling Jaya today.
Probe on med colleges
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Two private medical colleges are under investigation by the Health Ministry for violating regulations pertaining to training of students in the clinical phase of their studies.
The colleges are believed to be taking in too many students and not providing adequate training for them, which is vital before they can be full-fledged doctors.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that, after a six-month-probe, the ministry found the lecturer-student ratio to be 1:20 when ideally it should be one to between six and eight.
“While Universiti Malaya alone is churning out about 200 students each year, these private colleges, which have been operating less than 10 years and have produced 300 students,” he said.
“We are trying to find out if they have the capacity to absorb so many students and if the quality of the students is up to mark,” he told reporters after a dialogue session with some 400 final year medical students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia at the ministry here yesterday.
Dr Chua said such acts by the private colleges would tarnish the name of the country as a centre of excellence for education.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican, who was also at the event, said initial investigations also found that there was no full-time lecturer at the colleges.
He said the ministry and the Malaysian Medical Council would send warning letters to the two colleges and their certification would not be renewed if they failed to heed the advice.
“We can even check on the quality of the clinical training overseas.”
Ismail, who is also the council chairman, however, said the students would not be affected when this happened as they would be enrolled in other colleges.
When Dr Chua was asked about the ministry's preparation to prevent a recurrence of bird flu, he said all precautions had been put in place.
The colleges are believed to be taking in too many students and not providing adequate training for them, which is vital before they can be full-fledged doctors.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that, after a six-month-probe, the ministry found the lecturer-student ratio to be 1:20 when ideally it should be one to between six and eight.
“While Universiti Malaya alone is churning out about 200 students each year, these private colleges, which have been operating less than 10 years and have produced 300 students,” he said.
“We are trying to find out if they have the capacity to absorb so many students and if the quality of the students is up to mark,” he told reporters after a dialogue session with some 400 final year medical students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia at the ministry here yesterday.
Dr Chua said such acts by the private colleges would tarnish the name of the country as a centre of excellence for education.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican, who was also at the event, said initial investigations also found that there was no full-time lecturer at the colleges.
He said the ministry and the Malaysian Medical Council would send warning letters to the two colleges and their certification would not be renewed if they failed to heed the advice.
“We can even check on the quality of the clinical training overseas.”
Ismail, who is also the council chairman, however, said the students would not be affected when this happened as they would be enrolled in other colleges.
When Dr Chua was asked about the ministry's preparation to prevent a recurrence of bird flu, he said all precautions had been put in place.
Provide quality care, housemen told
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Medical graduates doing their housemanship are being accused of treating patients without care, lacking in dedication and commitment, and taking unapproved leave of up to 15 days.
Due to such complaints, every year, about 5% of the 1,400 housemen do not qualify to become medical officers and have had to extend their training by six months to a year.
Stressing that the quality of Malaysian doctors have to improve to be on par with international standards, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said there were cases of foreign doctors applying for jobs outside their countries being given nursing posts instead.
He stressed that he did not want the same thing to happen to local doctors.
“We want to see those from local universities having high quality and with the necessary soft skills, having commitment and willing to work as a team,” he said, adding that housemen must be prepared to work on call for 36 hours at a stretch.
“Doctors have to look into the welfare of patients before their own comfort. If not, they are not being fair to the patient.
“If you cannot work, don't be a doctor, look for another job.”
Dr Chua said in 10 years’ time, the number of housemen would increase to 2,400.
He said this after a dialogue session with over 400 final-year medical students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia at the ministry here yesterday.
Two students from UM who will be posted to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre for their housemanship, Fadzly Ramidi and How Soon Ping, both 24, said they were fully aware of their obligations to put in long hours during their internship.
Fadzly said they were trained to work long hours even during their final year in college.
Due to such complaints, every year, about 5% of the 1,400 housemen do not qualify to become medical officers and have had to extend their training by six months to a year.
Stressing that the quality of Malaysian doctors have to improve to be on par with international standards, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said there were cases of foreign doctors applying for jobs outside their countries being given nursing posts instead.
He stressed that he did not want the same thing to happen to local doctors.
“We want to see those from local universities having high quality and with the necessary soft skills, having commitment and willing to work as a team,” he said, adding that housemen must be prepared to work on call for 36 hours at a stretch.
“Doctors have to look into the welfare of patients before their own comfort. If not, they are not being fair to the patient.
“If you cannot work, don't be a doctor, look for another job.”
Dr Chua said in 10 years’ time, the number of housemen would increase to 2,400.
He said this after a dialogue session with over 400 final-year medical students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia at the ministry here yesterday.
Two students from UM who will be posted to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre for their housemanship, Fadzly Ramidi and How Soon Ping, both 24, said they were fully aware of their obligations to put in long hours during their internship.
Fadzly said they were trained to work long hours even during their final year in college.
New lease of life for cancer boy
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Teenage leukaemia patient Wong Kim Yau can now breathe a sigh of relief after successfully undergoing a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor, thanks in large to public donations.
Haematologist Dr Gan Gin Gin who headed the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) team, said the teenager was responding positively following the operation last November and was being kept under observation.
Seventeen-year-old Kim Yau's plight was highlighted in the newspapers in the middle of last year after a matching non-related donor backed out at the last minute when a medium advised her against it.
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia since 2005, Kim Yau was in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant and needed money to find a donor and have the operation as soon as possible.
His father is an odd-job worker and his mother a housewife.
Donations totalling some RM200,000 poured in from all walks of life especially through a special fund set up by the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department and Sin Chew Daily.
UMMC director Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said this was the first time the hospital had conducted an adult “stem cell” transplant involving a non-related donor, which is an uncommon occurrence.
“Normally, the donor will be related to the patient, as there is a higher chance of finding a match. But in this case, there was no suitable family donor and luckily, there was a match from an unrelated donor,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The unrelated donor was identified through Singapore's Bone Marrow Donor Programme after a search for an unrelated local donor proved futile.
Dr Gan said it was difficult to find an unrelated donor locally although there was a government donor registry as not many people were aware of it or had misconceptions about it.
Also present was MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong, who thanked all donors who helped make a difference and for saving Kim Yau's life.
“Having such an operation done in a local hospital goes to show that Malaysians need not go overseas to do it as it can be done here,” he said.
The cost for the operation at UMMC was about RM70,000.
Chong said what was left in the fund would be channelled to help other patients.
Haematologist Dr Gan Gin Gin who headed the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) team, said the teenager was responding positively following the operation last November and was being kept under observation.
Seventeen-year-old Kim Yau's plight was highlighted in the newspapers in the middle of last year after a matching non-related donor backed out at the last minute when a medium advised her against it.
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia since 2005, Kim Yau was in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant and needed money to find a donor and have the operation as soon as possible.
His father is an odd-job worker and his mother a housewife.
Donations totalling some RM200,000 poured in from all walks of life especially through a special fund set up by the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department and Sin Chew Daily.
UMMC director Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said this was the first time the hospital had conducted an adult “stem cell” transplant involving a non-related donor, which is an uncommon occurrence.
“Normally, the donor will be related to the patient, as there is a higher chance of finding a match. But in this case, there was no suitable family donor and luckily, there was a match from an unrelated donor,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The unrelated donor was identified through Singapore's Bone Marrow Donor Programme after a search for an unrelated local donor proved futile.
Dr Gan said it was difficult to find an unrelated donor locally although there was a government donor registry as not many people were aware of it or had misconceptions about it.
Also present was MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong, who thanked all donors who helped make a difference and for saving Kim Yau's life.
“Having such an operation done in a local hospital goes to show that Malaysians need not go overseas to do it as it can be done here,” he said.
The cost for the operation at UMMC was about RM70,000.
Chong said what was left in the fund would be channelled to help other patients.
UM Creates History Conducting Unrelated Stem Cell Transplant
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) set another milestone in medical history when it conducted an unrelated allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for the first time in the country last November.
It was done on a 17-year-old Chinese male from Perak who was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2005.
Through allogeneic transplant, a patient receives stem cells from someone other than the parents or siblings.
UMMC medical officer Dr Gan Shiaw Sze told reporters Thursday that the patient received the blood infusion from an unrelated donor from Singapore on Nov 29.
The youth was admitted to the UMMC on Nov 16, she said without revealing more information on the patient.
"We have attempted to search for a donor but there was no match among his siblings.
"Fortunately, a compatible donor was found from the Singapore Bone Marrow Donor Programme for the blood infusion," she said Thursday.
She said that in view of the aggressive nature of the leukaemia, an unrelated allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation would be the only possible cure for the patient.
She said the patient remained well and had shown some improvement.
The transplantation cost between RM170,000 and RM200,000, she added.
It was done on a 17-year-old Chinese male from Perak who was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2005.
Through allogeneic transplant, a patient receives stem cells from someone other than the parents or siblings.
UMMC medical officer Dr Gan Shiaw Sze told reporters Thursday that the patient received the blood infusion from an unrelated donor from Singapore on Nov 29.
The youth was admitted to the UMMC on Nov 16, she said without revealing more information on the patient.
"We have attempted to search for a donor but there was no match among his siblings.
"Fortunately, a compatible donor was found from the Singapore Bone Marrow Donor Programme for the blood infusion," she said Thursday.
She said that in view of the aggressive nature of the leukaemia, an unrelated allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation would be the only possible cure for the patient.
She said the patient remained well and had shown some improvement.
The transplantation cost between RM170,000 and RM200,000, she added.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Seven ‘rat urine’ cases, one death
NST: KOTA TINGGI: Seven cases of leptospirosis, a disease spread through rat urine, have been reported in Johor since the state was hit by floods last month. One person has died.
On the whole, the health situation in the state is under control.
Five cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Johor Baru, one of them fatal. The others are in Segamat, the worst-hit area in the first wave of flooding on Dec 19.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the disease was under control but called for extra precautions to curb its spread.
He said rescue and voluntary workers had been vaccinated.
People should not play in the water or bathe in it because it is the main carrier of the disease.
All wounds should be treated as the disease entered the body via gaping wounds.
"I’m glad to say that in the past three days, there have been no reports of cholera or typhoid. But 2,000 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in relief centres in Johor," he said.
He clarified that based on blood samples, only one person had died of leptospirosis, not two as earlier reported by the Press.
Dr Chua said this after attending a briefing at the district hospital here yesterday. He added about 200 medical officers, nurses and attendants from Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan would be stationed in various district hospitals and clinics in Johor once the floods had subsided.
He anticipated a rise in the number of outpatients, especially those who had used up their medicines during the floods.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
• High fever
• Headache
• Chill
• Muscle ache
• Conjunctivitis
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Kidney or liver problems
• Anaemia
• Rashes
On the whole, the health situation in the state is under control.
Five cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Johor Baru, one of them fatal. The others are in Segamat, the worst-hit area in the first wave of flooding on Dec 19.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the disease was under control but called for extra precautions to curb its spread.
He said rescue and voluntary workers had been vaccinated.
People should not play in the water or bathe in it because it is the main carrier of the disease.
All wounds should be treated as the disease entered the body via gaping wounds.
"I’m glad to say that in the past three days, there have been no reports of cholera or typhoid. But 2,000 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in relief centres in Johor," he said.
He clarified that based on blood samples, only one person had died of leptospirosis, not two as earlier reported by the Press.
Dr Chua said this after attending a briefing at the district hospital here yesterday. He added about 200 medical officers, nurses and attendants from Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan would be stationed in various district hospitals and clinics in Johor once the floods had subsided.
He anticipated a rise in the number of outpatients, especially those who had used up their medicines during the floods.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
• High fever
• Headache
• Chill
• Muscle ache
• Conjunctivitis
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Kidney or liver problems
• Anaemia
• Rashes
Selangor tops list of dengue cases
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The total number of dengue cases in all states increased last week, with Selangor continuing to top the list of suspected new infections.
In the second week of the year, 656 cases were detected in Selangor followed by Kuala Lumpur, which had 323 cases.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest number of cases in the first week of January, with 562 and 239 respectively.
The total number of cases in all states last week rose from 1,155 in the first week of the year to 1,506.
All the states in the country recorded a higher number of cases last week compared with the previous week except for Johor, Terengganu and Labuan.
Deputy director-general of health Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said as of Jan 13, two deaths were reported, one each in Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur.
He added that from the 1,506 suspected cases reported last week, 381 were confirmed to have the disease.
"A total of 168 notices and 251 compound fine notices adding up to RM34,200 were issued last week," he said in a statement yesterday.
The ministry is also providing free supplies of abate to the public.
There were 12,000 cases reported last year and 12,700 in 2005.
Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash that appears several days after the fever.
Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
In the second week of the year, 656 cases were detected in Selangor followed by Kuala Lumpur, which had 323 cases.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest number of cases in the first week of January, with 562 and 239 respectively.
The total number of cases in all states last week rose from 1,155 in the first week of the year to 1,506.
All the states in the country recorded a higher number of cases last week compared with the previous week except for Johor, Terengganu and Labuan.
Deputy director-general of health Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said as of Jan 13, two deaths were reported, one each in Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur.
He added that from the 1,506 suspected cases reported last week, 381 were confirmed to have the disease.
"A total of 168 notices and 251 compound fine notices adding up to RM34,200 were issued last week," he said in a statement yesterday.
The ministry is also providing free supplies of abate to the public.
There were 12,000 cases reported last year and 12,700 in 2005.
Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash that appears several days after the fever.
Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
New Dengue Kit Soon
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- A new diagnostic kit that can detect dengue virus in a person's blood as early as the first day of contracting the disease will be marketed in Malaysia from the end of next month.
Tree Med Sdn Bhd managing director Khairul Anuar Danial said the kit had been tested at several government hospitals including the Sungai Buloh and Selayang hospitals as well as the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and Johor Baharu Specialist Centre.
He said Tree Med would distribute the kit, known as "Platelia Dengue NS1 Ag", to hospitals and medical laboratories nationwide after it had been found effective unlike the present method which could only detect the virus after six days.
"The product is very specific in that it only detects the dengue virus although there are other viruses in the blood.
"It is also sensitive, which means it can detect the smallest amount of dengue virus in the patient's blood," he said when introducing the kit, here Tuesday.
The product is manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratory with the cooperation of the Pasteur Institute in France.
Khairul Anuar said to detect the virus, the blood sample of a patient suspected of having dengue must be sent to the laboratory and the result would be known in 24 hours.
"The cost is reasonable and will not exceed that for a normal blood screening procedure," he said.
Tree Med Sdn Bhd managing director Khairul Anuar Danial said the kit had been tested at several government hospitals including the Sungai Buloh and Selayang hospitals as well as the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and Johor Baharu Specialist Centre.
He said Tree Med would distribute the kit, known as "Platelia Dengue NS1 Ag", to hospitals and medical laboratories nationwide after it had been found effective unlike the present method which could only detect the virus after six days.
"The product is very specific in that it only detects the dengue virus although there are other viruses in the blood.
"It is also sensitive, which means it can detect the smallest amount of dengue virus in the patient's blood," he said when introducing the kit, here Tuesday.
The product is manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratory with the cooperation of the Pasteur Institute in France.
Khairul Anuar said to detect the virus, the blood sample of a patient suspected of having dengue must be sent to the laboratory and the result would be known in 24 hours.
"The cost is reasonable and will not exceed that for a normal blood screening procedure," he said.
200 Hospital Staff Sent To Johor
KOTA TINGGI, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- About 200 hospital personnel from Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan will be sent to Johor, Wednesday to help Health Ministry staff there to cope with an expected increase in the number of sick people due to the floods in the state.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek said that as the floods in Johor affected both rural and urban areas, many private hospitals and clinics had to close.
"We expect that sick people will throng hospitals and clinics once the flood is over and that is why we decided to increase the number of staff at them," he told reporters after visiting the Kota Tinggi Hospital, here Tuesday.
He said that there were no reported cases of cholera, typhoid or other infectious diseases in the last three days.
However, about 2,000 cases of dysentery were reported during the last three days, mostly at evacuation centres, he said.
There were seven cases of leptospirosis with one death, he added.
Chua advised the public not to play in floodwaters to avoid diseases.
He said that patients with serious diseases at the Kota Tinggi Hospital had been transferred to the Johor Baharu Hospital.
He expected the Kota Tinggi Hospital to return to normal operations in two or three days if the weather improved.
He added that 21 clinics, including 15 in Johor were damaged due to the floods, resulting in RM6.7 million losses.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek said that as the floods in Johor affected both rural and urban areas, many private hospitals and clinics had to close.
"We expect that sick people will throng hospitals and clinics once the flood is over and that is why we decided to increase the number of staff at them," he told reporters after visiting the Kota Tinggi Hospital, here Tuesday.
He said that there were no reported cases of cholera, typhoid or other infectious diseases in the last three days.
However, about 2,000 cases of dysentery were reported during the last three days, mostly at evacuation centres, he said.
There were seven cases of leptospirosis with one death, he added.
Chua advised the public not to play in floodwaters to avoid diseases.
He said that patients with serious diseases at the Kota Tinggi Hospital had been transferred to the Johor Baharu Hospital.
He expected the Kota Tinggi Hospital to return to normal operations in two or three days if the weather improved.
He added that 21 clinics, including 15 in Johor were damaged due to the floods, resulting in RM6.7 million losses.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
More Doctors And Nurses Needed As Volunteers
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- More volunteers, especially doctors and nurses, are required to help victims affected by the second wave of floods in Johor.
Medic Asia head Datuk Ahmad A. Talib said there was urgent need for medical personnel in view of the deteriorating flood situation in the southern parts of the peninsula and the increasing number of evacuees.
"There are about 80 volunteers from Medic Asia and the Salam Foundation now in Johor. More volunteers are needed because this group will be replaced by a new group," he said when contacted by Bernama, here Monday.
Johor was hit by a second wave of floods, after the first on Dec 19, causing 109,831 people from 24,765 families to be evacuated to 344 relief centres until this morning.
Ahmad said besides trained doctors and nurses, Medic Asia would also welcome individuals with medical background.
Ahmad, who is also a member of the Salam Foundation board of directors also urged members of the public, including students on vacation, to become volunteers.
"Those with skills in cooking, carpentry and in other fields are needed, especially in rescue mission to help victims trapped in the floods," he added.
He thanked the corporate sector for their contributions in cash and kind including the use of their boats for the flood victims.
Those interested should contact the Salam Foundation office at 03-7958 4021 or e-mail to ahmad@aatsb.net or ahmadatalib.blogspot.com
Medic Asia head Datuk Ahmad A. Talib said there was urgent need for medical personnel in view of the deteriorating flood situation in the southern parts of the peninsula and the increasing number of evacuees.
"There are about 80 volunteers from Medic Asia and the Salam Foundation now in Johor. More volunteers are needed because this group will be replaced by a new group," he said when contacted by Bernama, here Monday.
Johor was hit by a second wave of floods, after the first on Dec 19, causing 109,831 people from 24,765 families to be evacuated to 344 relief centres until this morning.
Ahmad said besides trained doctors and nurses, Medic Asia would also welcome individuals with medical background.
Ahmad, who is also a member of the Salam Foundation board of directors also urged members of the public, including students on vacation, to become volunteers.
"Those with skills in cooking, carpentry and in other fields are needed, especially in rescue mission to help victims trapped in the floods," he added.
He thanked the corporate sector for their contributions in cash and kind including the use of their boats for the flood victims.
Those interested should contact the Salam Foundation office at 03-7958 4021 or e-mail to ahmad@aatsb.net or ahmadatalib.blogspot.com
Chua Denies Army Has Taken Over Kota Tinggi Hospital
BATU PAHAT, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, Monday denied that the army has taken over the operation of the Kota Tinggi Hospital which is on the verge of being flooded.
He said the operation of the hospital was still under the ministry and the army had only sent a generator after the electricity supply at the hospital was disrupted.
"The army and Tenaga Nasional Berhad have restored electricity supply to the hospital with the use of the generator," he said.
Chua, who is the Member of Parliament for Labis, spoke to reporters after visiting flood victims in Yong Peng.
He said the outpatient department of the hospital had been closed and that there were 91 patients in the wards.
He also said that the hospital was cut off by road and that all critically ill patients had been transferred, with the help of rescue teams, to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baharu.
Chua praised the staff of the Kota Tinggi Hospital, saying they kept on going about their duty even when the hospital was almost flooded.
He also advised people who had symptoms such as flu and high fever to seek medical treatment immediately as two people had died of leptospirosis, a disease caused by water contaminated by rat urine.
He said the operation of the hospital was still under the ministry and the army had only sent a generator after the electricity supply at the hospital was disrupted.
"The army and Tenaga Nasional Berhad have restored electricity supply to the hospital with the use of the generator," he said.
Chua, who is the Member of Parliament for Labis, spoke to reporters after visiting flood victims in Yong Peng.
He said the outpatient department of the hospital had been closed and that there were 91 patients in the wards.
He also said that the hospital was cut off by road and that all critically ill patients had been transferred, with the help of rescue teams, to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baharu.
Chua praised the staff of the Kota Tinggi Hospital, saying they kept on going about their duty even when the hospital was almost flooded.
He also advised people who had symptoms such as flu and high fever to seek medical treatment immediately as two people had died of leptospirosis, a disease caused by water contaminated by rat urine.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Full steam ahead for medical degree
Star: MONASH University Malaysia’s medical course has received accreditation from the Australian Medical Council (AMC), making it the first medical course fully conducted in Malaysia to be accredited by the AMC offshore.
The Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is also the first medical course taught outside Australia and New Zealand to be accredited by the AMC.
Its graduates can practise in Australia without having to take an additional examination.
The accreditation, which will attract a significant number of students from the Asia Pacific and beyond, also adds to Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination to study medicine.
“We are very proud of this recognition at Monash University Malaysia and thankful to the AMC for the trust that has been placed in us,” said Monash Malaysia’s pro vice-chancellor Prof Merilyn Liddell.
She said the AMC accreditation, which is effective till 2012, also marked another external recognition of Monash University’s success in ensuring that quality standards are the same at all its eight campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa.
Monash University is part of Australia’s Group of Eight universities recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and research outcomes, and the university has also been ranked within the top 40 in the world by the recent Times Higher Education Supplements from 2004 to 2006.
“Operating campuses in other countries has been a challenge for Monash University and we’re proud to have been able to meet this challenge without compromising quality,” said Prof Merilyn.
“The accreditation is another boost for the School of Medical and Health Sciences,” said the school head Prof Datuk Dr Anuar Zaini.
He said the school would move into the new RM170mil campus in Semester 1.
The Clinical School in Johor Baru has also been completed for third and fourth year medical students to undergo their practical training at the city’s Sultanah Aminah General Hospital.
A number of research programmes will also begin in 2007 and a world-class Brain Research Institute led by renowned neuroscientist Prof Ishwar Parhar will be set up at the new campus in Bandar Sunway.
There are now 43 students who have completed Year One of the course and another 51 have completed Year Two of the MBBS programme. All are studying at the Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia, pending the building of new facilities in Malaysia.
These students will proceed with their medical education at the Malaysian campus in February next year, when the second year students begin studies in Bandar Sunway and the third year students start their clinical training in Johor Baru.
The university expects to take in another 70 students next year, with intakes progressively increasing to a maximum of 160 students.
Among the key strengths noted by the AMC during its accreditation process was Monash University’s experience in the education sector in Malaysia.
The AMC also recognised Monash University’s processes and policies for the management of multi-campus operations and its high-calibre staff.
The Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is also the first medical course taught outside Australia and New Zealand to be accredited by the AMC.
Its graduates can practise in Australia without having to take an additional examination.
The accreditation, which will attract a significant number of students from the Asia Pacific and beyond, also adds to Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination to study medicine.
“We are very proud of this recognition at Monash University Malaysia and thankful to the AMC for the trust that has been placed in us,” said Monash Malaysia’s pro vice-chancellor Prof Merilyn Liddell.
She said the AMC accreditation, which is effective till 2012, also marked another external recognition of Monash University’s success in ensuring that quality standards are the same at all its eight campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa.
Monash University is part of Australia’s Group of Eight universities recognised for excellence in teaching, learning and research outcomes, and the university has also been ranked within the top 40 in the world by the recent Times Higher Education Supplements from 2004 to 2006.
“Operating campuses in other countries has been a challenge for Monash University and we’re proud to have been able to meet this challenge without compromising quality,” said Prof Merilyn.
“The accreditation is another boost for the School of Medical and Health Sciences,” said the school head Prof Datuk Dr Anuar Zaini.
He said the school would move into the new RM170mil campus in Semester 1.
The Clinical School in Johor Baru has also been completed for third and fourth year medical students to undergo their practical training at the city’s Sultanah Aminah General Hospital.
A number of research programmes will also begin in 2007 and a world-class Brain Research Institute led by renowned neuroscientist Prof Ishwar Parhar will be set up at the new campus in Bandar Sunway.
There are now 43 students who have completed Year One of the course and another 51 have completed Year Two of the MBBS programme. All are studying at the Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia, pending the building of new facilities in Malaysia.
These students will proceed with their medical education at the Malaysian campus in February next year, when the second year students begin studies in Bandar Sunway and the third year students start their clinical training in Johor Baru.
The university expects to take in another 70 students next year, with intakes progressively increasing to a maximum of 160 students.
Among the key strengths noted by the AMC during its accreditation process was Monash University’s experience in the education sector in Malaysia.
The AMC also recognised Monash University’s processes and policies for the management of multi-campus operations and its high-calibre staff.
All’s well on the health front
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry’s machinery in Johor has been fully mobilised to help flood victims, with medical teams placed at every relief centre.
Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the ministry was more prepared this time around as were the other agencies its medical teams had to rely on.
“For example, we need boats to get to outlying areas to help victims who cannot make it to the relief centres, and this has been much easier with the better preparation of the other agencies,” he said.
He said the medical stock is enough to last up to six months.
He added that there had been no outbreak of any communicable diseases, but the ministry was definitely on the alert.
“The congregation of many people in a small place can give rise to a lot of health problems,” he said.
The medical teams, he noted, had been separated into two groups, with one providing medical aid and the other focusing on health education.
Lee said there was also a need to ensure that the environment was hygienic in areas where the floodwater had subsided.
Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the ministry was more prepared this time around as were the other agencies its medical teams had to rely on.
“For example, we need boats to get to outlying areas to help victims who cannot make it to the relief centres, and this has been much easier with the better preparation of the other agencies,” he said.
He said the medical stock is enough to last up to six months.
He added that there had been no outbreak of any communicable diseases, but the ministry was definitely on the alert.
“The congregation of many people in a small place can give rise to a lot of health problems,” he said.
The medical teams, he noted, had been separated into two groups, with one providing medical aid and the other focusing on health education.
Lee said there was also a need to ensure that the environment was hygienic in areas where the floodwater had subsided.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Don’t smoke, your kid’s in the car
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to further safeguard children from passive smoking, smokers will be prohibited from lighting up in cars when the young are present.
Even parents will not be exempted when they are sharing a car with their children.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said these were among the provisions looked into by the ministry under the proposed Tobacco Bill.
It is learnt that the Bill would be tabled in Parliament by year-end.
"We are going to be very stringent. The aim is not only to protect the non-smoking population but children as well," Dr Chua said.
Studies show that second-hand smoke in a vehicle is 23 times more toxic than in a house because of the confined space.
Several countries already have laws in place or are formulating laws towards this goal. These include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain and several states in the United States.
The fines for a first-time offender will range from RM150 to RM400.
According to the British Medical Journal, babies and children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS or passive smoking) are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer as adults.
It said children exposed to passive smoking daily and for many hours were the most vulnerable.
They face over three times the risk compared with those growing up in smoke-free environment.
Children exposed to passive smoking a few times a week are almost 1.45 times more likely to develop lung cancer, and those exposed daily but not for many hours faced twice the risk.
In New Zealand, researchers said such laws were needed after a study found that being enclosed in a car with a smoker, even with the windows fully wound down, was equivalent to sitting in a smoky bar.
Child exposure to ETS also revealed a higher incidence of asthma cases, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome in babies.
Dr Chua said under the proposed Tobacco Bill, more places would be gazetted as non-smoking areas.
He did not say whether this would include banning adults from smoking at home when children were present.
The tabling of the Bill had taken some time as the ministry had to consider many aspects for effective implementation.
"We want to have a set of laws that is really effective in preventing the young from smoking and safeguarding the rights of non-smokers."
Asked whether the reason for the introduction of tougher laws was because Malaysia was a signatory to the World Health Organisation initiated Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Dr Chua said: "We may be signatories to the framework but we cannot adopt all the measures to curb tobacco use.
"We have to ensure these suit local conditions."
The FCTC obligates parties to protect present and future generations from the health and economic consequences of tobacco consumption.
The Malaysian Medical Council’s Action on Smoking and Health Committee welcomed the move.
Committee chairman Dr Lekhraj Rampal said smokers should realise that cigarette tobacco contained more than 4,000 chemicals, out of which more than 40 were cancer- causing agents.
"Smoking in confined areas, such as cars, and in front of children is bad parenting. It poses risks to the children," said Dr Lekhraj.
Yong Check Yoon, the spokesman for National Poison Centre’s Clearing House for Tobacco Control, said it was time the authorities introduced laws to protect children from second-hand smoke.
"Since the space in a car is confined, the chemical residue from the tobacco smoke will get into the cushion and stick to other parts as well."
Even parents will not be exempted when they are sharing a car with their children.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said these were among the provisions looked into by the ministry under the proposed Tobacco Bill.
It is learnt that the Bill would be tabled in Parliament by year-end.
"We are going to be very stringent. The aim is not only to protect the non-smoking population but children as well," Dr Chua said.
Studies show that second-hand smoke in a vehicle is 23 times more toxic than in a house because of the confined space.
Several countries already have laws in place or are formulating laws towards this goal. These include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain and several states in the United States.
The fines for a first-time offender will range from RM150 to RM400.
According to the British Medical Journal, babies and children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS or passive smoking) are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer as adults.
It said children exposed to passive smoking daily and for many hours were the most vulnerable.
They face over three times the risk compared with those growing up in smoke-free environment.
Children exposed to passive smoking a few times a week are almost 1.45 times more likely to develop lung cancer, and those exposed daily but not for many hours faced twice the risk.
In New Zealand, researchers said such laws were needed after a study found that being enclosed in a car with a smoker, even with the windows fully wound down, was equivalent to sitting in a smoky bar.
Child exposure to ETS also revealed a higher incidence of asthma cases, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome in babies.
Dr Chua said under the proposed Tobacco Bill, more places would be gazetted as non-smoking areas.
He did not say whether this would include banning adults from smoking at home when children were present.
The tabling of the Bill had taken some time as the ministry had to consider many aspects for effective implementation.
"We want to have a set of laws that is really effective in preventing the young from smoking and safeguarding the rights of non-smokers."
Asked whether the reason for the introduction of tougher laws was because Malaysia was a signatory to the World Health Organisation initiated Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Dr Chua said: "We may be signatories to the framework but we cannot adopt all the measures to curb tobacco use.
"We have to ensure these suit local conditions."
The FCTC obligates parties to protect present and future generations from the health and economic consequences of tobacco consumption.
The Malaysian Medical Council’s Action on Smoking and Health Committee welcomed the move.
Committee chairman Dr Lekhraj Rampal said smokers should realise that cigarette tobacco contained more than 4,000 chemicals, out of which more than 40 were cancer- causing agents.
"Smoking in confined areas, such as cars, and in front of children is bad parenting. It poses risks to the children," said Dr Lekhraj.
Yong Check Yoon, the spokesman for National Poison Centre’s Clearing House for Tobacco Control, said it was time the authorities introduced laws to protect children from second-hand smoke.
"Since the space in a car is confined, the chemical residue from the tobacco smoke will get into the cushion and stick to other parts as well."
Flood victims face new threat
NST: JOHOR BARU: For the first time since the Dec 19 floods in Johor, two people have lost their lives to a bacteria spread by animals.
This brings the death toll from the floods to 15, although all the previous reported deaths were due to drowning.
The two latest casualties, men in their 40s and 60s, died of leptospirosis — a disease associated with contact with wild and domestic animal urine.
"In this case, it is believed to be rat urine," Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said here yesterday.
The bacteria enters the body through broken skin or through the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth, nose or eyes.
The symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, conjunctivitis (red eyes), diarrhoea, vomiting, and kidney or liver problems (which may include jaundice), anaemia and, sometimes, rashes. Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
One of the men who died was from Kangkar Tebrau and the other lived in Kampung Seri Purnama, both here.
Ghani said the threat of the outbreak of disease during floods was inevitable, and this was all the more reason why people stranded in villages should be evacuated to flood relief centres quickly.
"I cannot stress the urgency of evacuation enough.
"The longer people opt to stay in their flooded homes, the higher the chances of facing the threat of attacks and disease from animals."
Ghani said he had also directed the Health Department to step up public education programmes and carry out mass vaccination where necessary.
There was also a dire need to ensure cleanliness and hygiene at relief centres and mass kitchens where food was prepared for distribution to flood victims, said the menteri besar.
He said the danger posed by leptospirosis was serious as contaminated rat urine could easily be spread through water to humans.
"Health workers have been directed to look out for people showing symptoms of the disease and rush them to the nearest hospital to contain its spread."
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said his ministry and the state Health Department were monitoring the situation.
He cautioned people in Johor, especially those with abrasions, not to play in dirty flood water and to wear clothes that cover their bodies to prevent them from becoming infected.
This brings the death toll from the floods to 15, although all the previous reported deaths were due to drowning.
The two latest casualties, men in their 40s and 60s, died of leptospirosis — a disease associated with contact with wild and domestic animal urine.
"In this case, it is believed to be rat urine," Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said here yesterday.
The bacteria enters the body through broken skin or through the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth, nose or eyes.
The symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, conjunctivitis (red eyes), diarrhoea, vomiting, and kidney or liver problems (which may include jaundice), anaemia and, sometimes, rashes. Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
One of the men who died was from Kangkar Tebrau and the other lived in Kampung Seri Purnama, both here.
Ghani said the threat of the outbreak of disease during floods was inevitable, and this was all the more reason why people stranded in villages should be evacuated to flood relief centres quickly.
"I cannot stress the urgency of evacuation enough.
"The longer people opt to stay in their flooded homes, the higher the chances of facing the threat of attacks and disease from animals."
Ghani said he had also directed the Health Department to step up public education programmes and carry out mass vaccination where necessary.
There was also a dire need to ensure cleanliness and hygiene at relief centres and mass kitchens where food was prepared for distribution to flood victims, said the menteri besar.
He said the danger posed by leptospirosis was serious as contaminated rat urine could easily be spread through water to humans.
"Health workers have been directed to look out for people showing symptoms of the disease and rush them to the nearest hospital to contain its spread."
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said his ministry and the state Health Department were monitoring the situation.
He cautioned people in Johor, especially those with abrasions, not to play in dirty flood water and to wear clothes that cover their bodies to prevent them from becoming infected.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
IJN takes on 'no blood transfusion' op challenge
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A groundbreaking open-heart surgery is scheduled to take place at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Jan 29. The procedure will be a first locally — because it will be without any blood transfusion.
It is being done at the request of a 59-year-old retiree from Setapak. The request is based on religious grounds.
An eight-member team, including three surgeons and an anaesthetist, headed by consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Pau Kiew Kong, will perform the five-hour operation.
"We won’t give him any blood product. It’s going to be heart surgery without blood," Dr Pau said.
He said many cardiac surgeons would not carry out such surgery because of the cutting and suturing of the heart.
This is why the "safety net" of blood transfusion is always practised in major surgery.
Dr Pau said heart surgery without blood transfusions was quite safe if carried out properly.
Risks remain but precautions would be taken before, during and after the surgery, he said.
It’s learnt that IJN had carried out two or three minor surgeries without blood transfusions 10 years ago following requests from patients.
Dr Pau said the patient’s blood needed to be increased via drugs prior to surgery.
Iron supplements and folic acid usually do the trick.
Dr Pau said erythropoietin stimulated the bone marrow into producing red-blood cells, increasing the haemoglobin of patients. "This starts at least 10 days before surgery."
Drugs would also be administered to reduce blood loss during surgery.
"We will also recycle blood during surgery using the cell-saver technique. This ‘cleans’ all blood lost during surgery before it is returned to the patient."
He said tissue glue can also greatly reduce "micro-bleeding" during cardiac surgery.
Asked what would be done if a blood transfusion proved necessary during surgery, he said the patient’s wishes would be respected. The patient is required to sign a "no blood" consent form.
It is being done at the request of a 59-year-old retiree from Setapak. The request is based on religious grounds.
An eight-member team, including three surgeons and an anaesthetist, headed by consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Pau Kiew Kong, will perform the five-hour operation.
"We won’t give him any blood product. It’s going to be heart surgery without blood," Dr Pau said.
He said many cardiac surgeons would not carry out such surgery because of the cutting and suturing of the heart.
This is why the "safety net" of blood transfusion is always practised in major surgery.
Dr Pau said heart surgery without blood transfusions was quite safe if carried out properly.
Risks remain but precautions would be taken before, during and after the surgery, he said.
It’s learnt that IJN had carried out two or three minor surgeries without blood transfusions 10 years ago following requests from patients.
Dr Pau said the patient’s blood needed to be increased via drugs prior to surgery.
Iron supplements and folic acid usually do the trick.
Dr Pau said erythropoietin stimulated the bone marrow into producing red-blood cells, increasing the haemoglobin of patients. "This starts at least 10 days before surgery."
Drugs would also be administered to reduce blood loss during surgery.
"We will also recycle blood during surgery using the cell-saver technique. This ‘cleans’ all blood lost during surgery before it is returned to the patient."
He said tissue glue can also greatly reduce "micro-bleeding" during cardiac surgery.
Asked what would be done if a blood transfusion proved necessary during surgery, he said the patient’s wishes would be respected. The patient is required to sign a "no blood" consent form.
Public hospitals in a pickle
Star: SHAH ALAM: The sudden surge in dengue cases in Selangor has resulted in a Catch-22 situation for a few public hospitals, which are already facing a critical shortage of beds.
Doctors are undecided between admitting suspected dengue patients and placing them on temporary beds along the corridors or to send home those not displaying severe symptoms of the infection.
Selangor recorded 562 new dengue cases in the first week of this year, up from 471 cases in the last week of 2006.
“Some hospitals such as the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah hospital in Klang and the Serdang Hospital are already congested and the sudden increase in dengue cases makes matters worse,” Selangor state executive councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng told The Star.
“Our doctors are doing their best to accommodate (the suspected cases), but it is a tough battle.”
By right, he said, all suspected dengue cases must be admitted for observation and treatment. However, Dr Lim acknowledged that the lack of beds sometimes forced doctors to temporarily place suspected dengue patients on beds in the corridors.
On whether it was better to send patients who did not display severe symptoms of dengue home for recuperation, Dr Lim said there was no clear-cut answer.
“The doctors are faced with a difficult decision because some patients may not display the full dengue symptoms at the point of examination. Not all cases need admission.
“Sometimes, observation and examination need a day or two; but there are not enough beds, so doctors are forced to temporarily place the patients’ bed in corridors.
“But if the patients do not have dengue, they may be unnecessarily exposed to other bio-hazardous diseases. This is a tough call for the doctors.”
Dr Lim urged doctors to thoroughly examine each patient before arriving at a decision.
For those patients advised to go home, he suggested that family members be more vigilant and immediately send the patient back to the hospital if their condition take a turn for the worse.
He hoped the burden on Tengku Ampuan Rahimah hospital would be reduced with the construction of a hospital in Shah Alam.
“The Federal Government has already approved the project. We hope construction of the hospital will start this year.”
Doctors are undecided between admitting suspected dengue patients and placing them on temporary beds along the corridors or to send home those not displaying severe symptoms of the infection.
Selangor recorded 562 new dengue cases in the first week of this year, up from 471 cases in the last week of 2006.
“Some hospitals such as the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah hospital in Klang and the Serdang Hospital are already congested and the sudden increase in dengue cases makes matters worse,” Selangor state executive councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng told The Star.
“Our doctors are doing their best to accommodate (the suspected cases), but it is a tough battle.”
By right, he said, all suspected dengue cases must be admitted for observation and treatment. However, Dr Lim acknowledged that the lack of beds sometimes forced doctors to temporarily place suspected dengue patients on beds in the corridors.
On whether it was better to send patients who did not display severe symptoms of dengue home for recuperation, Dr Lim said there was no clear-cut answer.
“The doctors are faced with a difficult decision because some patients may not display the full dengue symptoms at the point of examination. Not all cases need admission.
“Sometimes, observation and examination need a day or two; but there are not enough beds, so doctors are forced to temporarily place the patients’ bed in corridors.
“But if the patients do not have dengue, they may be unnecessarily exposed to other bio-hazardous diseases. This is a tough call for the doctors.”
Dr Lim urged doctors to thoroughly examine each patient before arriving at a decision.
For those patients advised to go home, he suggested that family members be more vigilant and immediately send the patient back to the hospital if their condition take a turn for the worse.
He hoped the burden on Tengku Ampuan Rahimah hospital would be reduced with the construction of a hospital in Shah Alam.
“The Federal Government has already approved the project. We hope construction of the hospital will start this year.”
Friday, January 12, 2007
Mercy Malaysia to run flying hospitals
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Mercy Malaysia will soon operate flying hospitals.
The aircraft will be made available by Global Flying Hospitals (GFH), an international body that brings humanitarian medical support to developing countries.
A Hercules C-130 is being refurbished for the purpose, and would be ready in three months. Refurbishments to another plane, a Boeing 747, should be completed in eight months' time.
Mercy and GFH signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding under which GFH would offer Mercy free use of the aircraft without any charge for fuel and crew.
“Mercy will be able to create a broader footprint and reach the various regions to meet the needs of people in emergencies and disasters,” said GFH founder and chairman Neil Newton.
“Our vision is to create a fleet of 10 aircraft and other supplementary aircraft such as helicopters and smaller airplanes,” he said, adding that GFH was sourcing for aircraft to build the hospitals.
He said that since a Boeing 747 would take a longer time to refurbish, GFH would in the meantime help Mercy by first offering the Hercules plane which could land on makeshift runways or water areas.
“I hear that Malaysia wants to be a developed country but the hallmark of a developed nation is not only about infrastructure, education or commerce, but the will to bring humanitarian work to underdeveloped countries,” he said.
Mercy president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood said the partnership was exciting as it provided the organisation with the badly needed logistical support.
”Asia is the most disaster-prone area in the world. More than 85% of natural disasters worldwide occur in Asia.”
On the floods, Dr Jemilah said since the health department in Johor was doing a good job, Mercy had focused on giving hygiene kits, clean water, blankets and mats, as well as identifying villages for adoption.
The aircraft will be made available by Global Flying Hospitals (GFH), an international body that brings humanitarian medical support to developing countries.
A Hercules C-130 is being refurbished for the purpose, and would be ready in three months. Refurbishments to another plane, a Boeing 747, should be completed in eight months' time.
Mercy and GFH signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding under which GFH would offer Mercy free use of the aircraft without any charge for fuel and crew.
“Mercy will be able to create a broader footprint and reach the various regions to meet the needs of people in emergencies and disasters,” said GFH founder and chairman Neil Newton.
“Our vision is to create a fleet of 10 aircraft and other supplementary aircraft such as helicopters and smaller airplanes,” he said, adding that GFH was sourcing for aircraft to build the hospitals.
He said that since a Boeing 747 would take a longer time to refurbish, GFH would in the meantime help Mercy by first offering the Hercules plane which could land on makeshift runways or water areas.
“I hear that Malaysia wants to be a developed country but the hallmark of a developed nation is not only about infrastructure, education or commerce, but the will to bring humanitarian work to underdeveloped countries,” he said.
Mercy president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood said the partnership was exciting as it provided the organisation with the badly needed logistical support.
”Asia is the most disaster-prone area in the world. More than 85% of natural disasters worldwide occur in Asia.”
On the floods, Dr Jemilah said since the health department in Johor was doing a good job, Mercy had focused on giving hygiene kits, clean water, blankets and mats, as well as identifying villages for adoption.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Chua: Ipoh viral outbreak minor
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The latest outbreak of the Chikungunya virus in Ipoh is minor and confined to a small area and is well under control, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said 30 people at a scrapyard in Jalan Bendahara tested positive for the virus but were not quarantined.
“Only two were hospitalised and there was no mortality,” he said, adding that the Chikungunya was an imported disease.
“Those affected are either workers from India or Malaysians who have returned from India.
“It is only confined to 30 people in the community involved in the scrap industry, which comprises 1,430 people.”
Dr Chua said the Chikungunya virus was not endemic to Malaysia but to India and Myanmar.
As the situation was under control and confined to a small area, he said, there was no point in alarming the people, especially tourists who would mistake it for a major outbreak.
The Aedes mosquito, he said, carried the Chikungunya virus, and those contracting the virus suffer from fever, headache, fatigue, nausea and muscle and joint pains.
“It is so rare that most doctors have not heard of Chikungunya,” he told reporters after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi broke the ground for the new National Cancer Institute here yesterday.
Dr Chua also said there was no disease outbreak reported in flood-hit areas in Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Malacca.
He said 30 people at a scrapyard in Jalan Bendahara tested positive for the virus but were not quarantined.
“Only two were hospitalised and there was no mortality,” he said, adding that the Chikungunya was an imported disease.
“Those affected are either workers from India or Malaysians who have returned from India.
“It is only confined to 30 people in the community involved in the scrap industry, which comprises 1,430 people.”
Dr Chua said the Chikungunya virus was not endemic to Malaysia but to India and Myanmar.
As the situation was under control and confined to a small area, he said, there was no point in alarming the people, especially tourists who would mistake it for a major outbreak.
The Aedes mosquito, he said, carried the Chikungunya virus, and those contracting the virus suffer from fever, headache, fatigue, nausea and muscle and joint pains.
“It is so rare that most doctors have not heard of Chikungunya,” he told reporters after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi broke the ground for the new National Cancer Institute here yesterday.
Dr Chua also said there was no disease outbreak reported in flood-hit areas in Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Malacca.
Jump in dengue cases this year
Star: PETALING JAYA: More dengue cases were recorded in five states in the first week of this year compared with the last week of 2006, according to the Health Ministry.
Kelantan registered the highest jump, up almost 80%, from 18 to 32 cases, while Selangor had the most number of cases – 562 compared with 471 in the previous week, said Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
The number of cases in Pahang went up from 35 to 47, Negri Sembilan (20 to 26), and Sabah (nine to 12).
However, the number of cases dropped in Perak, Terengganu, Sarawak, Malacca, Penang, Johor and the Federal Territory.
Dr Ramlee said the first week of this year 1,155 suspected dengue cases were recorded, up by five cases from the last week of last year.
Of that number, 250 were confirmed to be dengue.
He, however, added that the dengue virus was now in a transition stage which may pose a setback to the general public.
“There are four types of dengue (Dengue-1, 2, 3 and 4). The type of dengue that is more predominant will change from time to time (usually one to two years).”
Dr Ramlee said since the public had been exposed to Dengue-1 for the last two years or so, the change to Dengue-2 might pose a problem, as people could be less immune to the new type of dengue virus.
When asked if this would cause an increase in mortality rates, Dr Ramlee said it would not and that there was no reason for panic.
“It does not mean a certain type of dengue is more dangerous than the other. They are more or less the same,” he added.
Dr Ramlee said what was more important was prevention methods to make sure Aedes mosquitoes were not allowed to breed.
On the measures adopted by the ministry, Dr Ramlee said preventive efforts had been stepped up particularly in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where the number of cases was high, and in Johor, which was hit by floods recently.
He also said that the ministry had deployed 60 health personnel from Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan to help with the integrated dengue control operation with the local authorities in Selangor which began on Jan 5.
Kelantan registered the highest jump, up almost 80%, from 18 to 32 cases, while Selangor had the most number of cases – 562 compared with 471 in the previous week, said Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
The number of cases in Pahang went up from 35 to 47, Negri Sembilan (20 to 26), and Sabah (nine to 12).
However, the number of cases dropped in Perak, Terengganu, Sarawak, Malacca, Penang, Johor and the Federal Territory.
Dr Ramlee said the first week of this year 1,155 suspected dengue cases were recorded, up by five cases from the last week of last year.
Of that number, 250 were confirmed to be dengue.
He, however, added that the dengue virus was now in a transition stage which may pose a setback to the general public.
“There are four types of dengue (Dengue-1, 2, 3 and 4). The type of dengue that is more predominant will change from time to time (usually one to two years).”
Dr Ramlee said since the public had been exposed to Dengue-1 for the last two years or so, the change to Dengue-2 might pose a problem, as people could be less immune to the new type of dengue virus.
When asked if this would cause an increase in mortality rates, Dr Ramlee said it would not and that there was no reason for panic.
“It does not mean a certain type of dengue is more dangerous than the other. They are more or less the same,” he added.
Dr Ramlee said what was more important was prevention methods to make sure Aedes mosquitoes were not allowed to breed.
On the measures adopted by the ministry, Dr Ramlee said preventive efforts had been stepped up particularly in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where the number of cases was high, and in Johor, which was hit by floods recently.
He also said that the ministry had deployed 60 health personnel from Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan to help with the integrated dengue control operation with the local authorities in Selangor which began on Jan 5.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
RM340mil cancer institute underway
Star: PUTRAJAYA: An institute to treat cancer patients is finally underway.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who performed the ground breaking ceremony for the National Cancer Institute at Precinct 7 here Tuesday, said the RM340mil centre was for the people.
"The number of people suffering from cancer is increasing, so we need to provide the best treatment," he told a press conference.
Abdullah lost his wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood to breast cancer in October 2005.
Abdullah said cancer was feared by many and for those afflicted, they felt that it was a death sentence.
"If we get treatment at the early stage, we can still lead a normal life. What is important is that we need to understand cancer.
"And for those who have a family member who has cancer, we need to support them," he added.
The Prime Minister also directed the Health Ministry to start hiring medical personnel and identifying the latest equipment to treat cancer.
"While waiting for the project to complete in 30 months, we need proper planning for everything to be in place.
"Medical personnel must be sent for training and equipment ordered. I don’t want to hear criticism over the Government buying obsolete equipment or that we don’t have sufficient experts."
Abdullah also asked the ministry to look into ways to provide cheaper treatment for poor patients.
The institute, located on a 5.8ha site in front of the Putrajaya Hospital here, will be under a private finance initiative scheme.
It will not only offer the latest forms of treatment for cancer patients but will also be a centre to train oncologists and to conduct research on the killer disease.
Among the facilities available will be radiotherapy and oncology, nuclear treatment, surgical oncology, palliative care and daily comprehensive treatment.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who performed the ground breaking ceremony for the National Cancer Institute at Precinct 7 here Tuesday, said the RM340mil centre was for the people.
"The number of people suffering from cancer is increasing, so we need to provide the best treatment," he told a press conference.
Abdullah lost his wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood to breast cancer in October 2005.
Abdullah said cancer was feared by many and for those afflicted, they felt that it was a death sentence.
"If we get treatment at the early stage, we can still lead a normal life. What is important is that we need to understand cancer.
"And for those who have a family member who has cancer, we need to support them," he added.
The Prime Minister also directed the Health Ministry to start hiring medical personnel and identifying the latest equipment to treat cancer.
"While waiting for the project to complete in 30 months, we need proper planning for everything to be in place.
"Medical personnel must be sent for training and equipment ordered. I don’t want to hear criticism over the Government buying obsolete equipment or that we don’t have sufficient experts."
Abdullah also asked the ministry to look into ways to provide cheaper treatment for poor patients.
The institute, located on a 5.8ha site in front of the Putrajaya Hospital here, will be under a private finance initiative scheme.
It will not only offer the latest forms of treatment for cancer patients but will also be a centre to train oncologists and to conduct research on the killer disease.
Among the facilities available will be radiotherapy and oncology, nuclear treatment, surgical oncology, palliative care and daily comprehensive treatment.
Provide high-end treatment, hospitals told
NST: IPOH: Hospitals must provide high-end medical treatment such as heart surgery, sophisticated dental treatment and comprehensive plastic surgery to attract foreign patients.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek yesterday said: "We must focus on sophisticated medical treatment rather than just provide low-end facilities, such as simple plastic surgery, breast enlargement and nose and eyelid repair jobs for between RM2,000 and RM3,000.
"Sophisticated treatment are the ones that could cost between RM20,000 and RM30,000 per treatment."
He said the number of foreigners coming to Malaysia for medical treatment had increased over the years, but the value of the money spent was not in tandem with the number of visitors due to the low-end treatment.
He was speaking after officiating at a one-day seminar on public health in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the launch of the book, Guide to Healthy Travelling: Have a Pleasant Vacation in Perak, by the Perak Health Department.
Dr Chua said in 2004, about 175,000 foreigners sought treatment in Malaysian hospitals but the value of treatment was only RM104 million.
In 2005, the number increased to 230,000 and this generated foreign exchange of up to RM105 million.
Indonesians form the majority of foreign patients in Malaysia.
He said hospitals should also obtain accreditation, a benchmark for services provided and facilities available, to gain the confidence of foreigners seeking treatment.
Out of the 200 hospitals in the country, only 20 have been accredited. Accreditation is awarded by the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health.
Factors that make Malaysia a medical destination include competitive charges, English-speaking staff, favourable exchange rates, trained medical specialists, multi-cultural and multi-lingual support staff and a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics.
However, Dr Chua is unhappy with some private hospitals for conducting health tourism programmes on their own without co-ordination and co-operation with the ministry.
"We have to target patients in countries where medical facilities are not on par with the facilities in Malaysia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Middle Eastern countries."
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek yesterday said: "We must focus on sophisticated medical treatment rather than just provide low-end facilities, such as simple plastic surgery, breast enlargement and nose and eyelid repair jobs for between RM2,000 and RM3,000.
"Sophisticated treatment are the ones that could cost between RM20,000 and RM30,000 per treatment."
He said the number of foreigners coming to Malaysia for medical treatment had increased over the years, but the value of the money spent was not in tandem with the number of visitors due to the low-end treatment.
He was speaking after officiating at a one-day seminar on public health in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the launch of the book, Guide to Healthy Travelling: Have a Pleasant Vacation in Perak, by the Perak Health Department.
Dr Chua said in 2004, about 175,000 foreigners sought treatment in Malaysian hospitals but the value of treatment was only RM104 million.
In 2005, the number increased to 230,000 and this generated foreign exchange of up to RM105 million.
Indonesians form the majority of foreign patients in Malaysia.
He said hospitals should also obtain accreditation, a benchmark for services provided and facilities available, to gain the confidence of foreigners seeking treatment.
Out of the 200 hospitals in the country, only 20 have been accredited. Accreditation is awarded by the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health.
Factors that make Malaysia a medical destination include competitive charges, English-speaking staff, favourable exchange rates, trained medical specialists, multi-cultural and multi-lingual support staff and a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics.
However, Dr Chua is unhappy with some private hospitals for conducting health tourism programmes on their own without co-ordination and co-operation with the ministry.
"We have to target patients in countries where medical facilities are not on par with the facilities in Malaysia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Middle Eastern countries."
Close watch on bone-crusher virus
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Aedes mosquito may become host to another virus after the deadly dengue fever outbreaks in recent years.
Health authorities are watching out for signs of the mosquito carrying the Chikungunya virus, which has led to deaths in certain Indian states.
A red alert was put out recently after two Malaysians came down with the disease in Ipoh last month on returning from Tamil Nadu, India.
Timely admission to the Ipoh Specialist Hospital on Dec 11 prevented a possible outbreak.
Chikungunya is a debilitating illness, often characterised by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rashes, and joint pain. It is also called the bone-crusher disease because it can cause severe pain in the joints.
But just as local health authorities were counting their blessings, another scare involving the viral disease came barely a week later.
This time, an Indian national was admitted to Ipoh Hospital on Dec 21.
Again, quick treatment prevented the disease from spreading.
In the first incident, a mother and child who returned from Tamil Nadu fell ill and sought treatment at the Ipoh Specialist Hospital.
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said a battery of tests revealed that they were victims of the viral disease.
"Thanks to alert doctors and health teams, we averted a possible outbreak. When the victims displayed symptoms of the disease, officials immediately isolated them and provided treatment."
He said the mother and child underwent treatment until Dec 14 before they were discharged.
In the second case, the Indian national was warded at Ipoh Hospital until Dec 25.
It is learnt that the victims in both cases had visited places in Tamil Nadu hit by the Chikungunya disease.
The disease is rarely life-threatening if treated early but can cause death in some circumstances.
It first made headlines in Malaysia in 1999, when 27 people in Port Klang were infected.
A few months ago, an outbreak in a village in Perak was arrested before it could spread, Dr Ramlee said.
The Chikungunya disease is making a comeback in India with numerous cases reported also in the Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles.
Until Oct 10 last year, 151 districts in Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala had reported cases.
More than 1.25 million cases had been reported in India.
Dr Ramlee said there was no vaccine to fight the infection.
"Prevention is entirely dependent upon taking steps to avoid mosquito bites and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites."
The ministry has not started screening air passengers from India but advised them to seek treatment immediately if they develop symptoms of the disease.
Health authorities are watching out for signs of the mosquito carrying the Chikungunya virus, which has led to deaths in certain Indian states.
A red alert was put out recently after two Malaysians came down with the disease in Ipoh last month on returning from Tamil Nadu, India.
Timely admission to the Ipoh Specialist Hospital on Dec 11 prevented a possible outbreak.
Chikungunya is a debilitating illness, often characterised by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rashes, and joint pain. It is also called the bone-crusher disease because it can cause severe pain in the joints.
But just as local health authorities were counting their blessings, another scare involving the viral disease came barely a week later.
This time, an Indian national was admitted to Ipoh Hospital on Dec 21.
Again, quick treatment prevented the disease from spreading.
In the first incident, a mother and child who returned from Tamil Nadu fell ill and sought treatment at the Ipoh Specialist Hospital.
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said a battery of tests revealed that they were victims of the viral disease.
"Thanks to alert doctors and health teams, we averted a possible outbreak. When the victims displayed symptoms of the disease, officials immediately isolated them and provided treatment."
He said the mother and child underwent treatment until Dec 14 before they were discharged.
In the second case, the Indian national was warded at Ipoh Hospital until Dec 25.
It is learnt that the victims in both cases had visited places in Tamil Nadu hit by the Chikungunya disease.
The disease is rarely life-threatening if treated early but can cause death in some circumstances.
It first made headlines in Malaysia in 1999, when 27 people in Port Klang were infected.
A few months ago, an outbreak in a village in Perak was arrested before it could spread, Dr Ramlee said.
The Chikungunya disease is making a comeback in India with numerous cases reported also in the Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles.
Until Oct 10 last year, 151 districts in Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala had reported cases.
More than 1.25 million cases had been reported in India.
Dr Ramlee said there was no vaccine to fight the infection.
"Prevention is entirely dependent upon taking steps to avoid mosquito bites and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites."
The ministry has not started screening air passengers from India but advised them to seek treatment immediately if they develop symptoms of the disease.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Health Ministry Anticipates Dengue Outbreak In Flood-hit Areas
SEGAMAT, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry anticipates an outbreak of dengue in areas hit by the recent floods in about two weeks if no effort is made to clean up the affcted places quickly.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said this was based on the condition of the affected areas, which were in a dirty state and conducive for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
"There is a likelihood that we will see a sudden surge in the number of dengue cases in another two weeks if no effort is made to clean up the areas and rid them of stagnant water pools," he told reporters after launching a post-flood disease prevention campaign in Kampung Abdullah here.
He advised residents in the affected areas to ensure cleanliness of their compounds and surroundings to ensure that they were free of breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
Chua said that preventive measures were being undertaken to prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, food-poisoning, hepatitis A and diarrhoea in the aftermath of the floods.
Apart from keeping away mosquitoes and flies, he advised residents to also rid their homes and surroundings of cockroaches and mice, which also contributed to the spread of diseases.
He said that the people should exercise personal hygiene and to wash their hands with soap and water often, adding that those who came down with fever should seek immediate treatment.
Chua said that the quality of water at treatment plants was also being monitored and that 612 water samples had been taken until Jan 3 for analysis.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said this was based on the condition of the affected areas, which were in a dirty state and conducive for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
"There is a likelihood that we will see a sudden surge in the number of dengue cases in another two weeks if no effort is made to clean up the areas and rid them of stagnant water pools," he told reporters after launching a post-flood disease prevention campaign in Kampung Abdullah here.
He advised residents in the affected areas to ensure cleanliness of their compounds and surroundings to ensure that they were free of breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
Chua said that preventive measures were being undertaken to prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, food-poisoning, hepatitis A and diarrhoea in the aftermath of the floods.
Apart from keeping away mosquitoes and flies, he advised residents to also rid their homes and surroundings of cockroaches and mice, which also contributed to the spread of diseases.
He said that the people should exercise personal hygiene and to wash their hands with soap and water often, adding that those who came down with fever should seek immediate treatment.
Chua said that the quality of water at treatment plants was also being monitored and that 612 water samples had been taken until Jan 3 for analysis.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Plan for safe water supply
NST: PUBLIC health is at stake whenever a natural disaster strikes. The recent floods that wreaked havoc in most parts of southern Peninsular Malaysia and the east coast have raised concerns. There are the issues of rubbish in rivers, sediments in piping systems, effluent discharges by factories, the sewage system and others. Water experts are not only worried about contamination of the supply systems but want a national water safety plan to be established.
KUALA LUMPUR: A plan is being drafted to ensure that water supply systems are not contaminated during natural disasters such as floods.
Overflowing septic tanks, polluted water catchment areas and the shutdown of water treatment plants are common occurrences during floods and other natural disasters.
To safeguard public health and the safety of water supply systems, a Water Safety Plan that adopts the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines is being drafted by water experts and officials from the Health Ministry.
Water expert and Malaysia Water Association vice-president Professor Zaini Ujang said during major floods, water systems could be contaminated.
He said there was no standard operating procedure when it came to handling water sources and their distribution line during major floods.
"It is not so much about sources of drinking water because people tend to drink bottled water.
"Our concern is post-flooding measures," said Zaini.
"Most villages have septic tanks, which are full after 10 to 15 years and the contents could spill out."
And there other aspects of pollution such as rubbish in rivers, sediments in piping systems, effluent discharges by factories, water intake points, pumping stations, the sewage system and even individual toilet bowls in households.
"Now, public health engineers measure water samples and look for water-borne diseases. This has to be co-ordinated throughout the affected area."
The plan, a detailed document for the overall handling of water safety in the country, comes with an important component on emergency management procedures.
This includes a procedure which will take into account response for unpredictable events like floods, as well as the necessary actions required by water operators and related bodies.
The WHO came out with the guidelines in 2004 but they had not been implemented in Malaysia due to the many-sided division in duties when it comes to the water sector.
The Health Ministry takes care of water quality, the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry is in charge of water supply, and the Department of Environment looks after water intake points such as rivers.
Zaini, who until recently was the vice-president of the International Water Association, said he had been asked to provide feedback and expertise for the plan.
KUALA LUMPUR: A plan is being drafted to ensure that water supply systems are not contaminated during natural disasters such as floods.
Overflowing septic tanks, polluted water catchment areas and the shutdown of water treatment plants are common occurrences during floods and other natural disasters.
To safeguard public health and the safety of water supply systems, a Water Safety Plan that adopts the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines is being drafted by water experts and officials from the Health Ministry.
Water expert and Malaysia Water Association vice-president Professor Zaini Ujang said during major floods, water systems could be contaminated.
He said there was no standard operating procedure when it came to handling water sources and their distribution line during major floods.
"It is not so much about sources of drinking water because people tend to drink bottled water.
"Our concern is post-flooding measures," said Zaini.
"Most villages have septic tanks, which are full after 10 to 15 years and the contents could spill out."
And there other aspects of pollution such as rubbish in rivers, sediments in piping systems, effluent discharges by factories, water intake points, pumping stations, the sewage system and even individual toilet bowls in households.
"Now, public health engineers measure water samples and look for water-borne diseases. This has to be co-ordinated throughout the affected area."
The plan, a detailed document for the overall handling of water safety in the country, comes with an important component on emergency management procedures.
This includes a procedure which will take into account response for unpredictable events like floods, as well as the necessary actions required by water operators and related bodies.
The WHO came out with the guidelines in 2004 but they had not been implemented in Malaysia due to the many-sided division in duties when it comes to the water sector.
The Health Ministry takes care of water quality, the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry is in charge of water supply, and the Department of Environment looks after water intake points such as rivers.
Zaini, who until recently was the vice-president of the International Water Association, said he had been asked to provide feedback and expertise for the plan.
St John Ambulans Seeks Space For Training At Corporate Premises
PETALING JAYA, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The St John Ambulans Malaysia is seeking space at the premises of more corporate firms for use as centres to train more people in first aid.
Commander-in-Chief Datuk Dr Low Bin Tick said Saturday it was faced with the problem of lack of space in its endeavour to set up more training centres closer to the people.
"The problem is space. We hope that more corporate sectors could offer us some space in their premises for the purpose," he told reporters when met after the launch of a training centre at Wisma Glomac, Kelana Centre Point, here.
The centre was officiated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
The space for the centre, located at the basement of Wisma Glomac, was provided free by the Glomac Bhd.
Citing the importance of first aid and CPR training courses for the people to enable them to render pre-hospital emergency aid to save lives, Low said more people could be trained if the training centres are closer to them.
St John Ambulans has 10 training centres at its national and state headquarters and has 50,000 members, 70 per cent of whom are students, and 80 ambulances.
Low said there are 800 trainers from the rank and file of the St John Ambulans but it hopes to get retirees, such as teachers and professionals, to become trainers.
"We like to open it up to other people. It is like a franchise. They can use our centres and facilities to conduct first aid training. Part of the income from the training would go to them and part of it to St John Ambulans," he said.
He added the money earned would enable the sustainability of St John Ambulans' free operation as the government's grant of RM30,000 was hardly enough for it to hold various activities.
St John Ambulans is also toying with the idea of forming mobile first aid squads where selected trained volunteers equipped with first aid equipment in their car boots would respond to any accident or emergency situation.
St John Ambulans Selangor state commander Burnard K. T. Yeo said the fee for the first aid and CPR courses was RM600 for a class without any examination, irrespective of the number of participants, and RM150 per person for a class with the examination.
For information on the courses, the public can contact the St John Ambulans Selangor state administration office at 03-3371 5005, 03-3373 5005 or 03-3374 5005.
Commander-in-Chief Datuk Dr Low Bin Tick said Saturday it was faced with the problem of lack of space in its endeavour to set up more training centres closer to the people.
"The problem is space. We hope that more corporate sectors could offer us some space in their premises for the purpose," he told reporters when met after the launch of a training centre at Wisma Glomac, Kelana Centre Point, here.
The centre was officiated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
The space for the centre, located at the basement of Wisma Glomac, was provided free by the Glomac Bhd.
Citing the importance of first aid and CPR training courses for the people to enable them to render pre-hospital emergency aid to save lives, Low said more people could be trained if the training centres are closer to them.
St John Ambulans has 10 training centres at its national and state headquarters and has 50,000 members, 70 per cent of whom are students, and 80 ambulances.
Low said there are 800 trainers from the rank and file of the St John Ambulans but it hopes to get retirees, such as teachers and professionals, to become trainers.
"We like to open it up to other people. It is like a franchise. They can use our centres and facilities to conduct first aid training. Part of the income from the training would go to them and part of it to St John Ambulans," he said.
He added the money earned would enable the sustainability of St John Ambulans' free operation as the government's grant of RM30,000 was hardly enough for it to hold various activities.
St John Ambulans is also toying with the idea of forming mobile first aid squads where selected trained volunteers equipped with first aid equipment in their car boots would respond to any accident or emergency situation.
St John Ambulans Selangor state commander Burnard K. T. Yeo said the fee for the first aid and CPR courses was RM600 for a class without any examination, irrespective of the number of participants, and RM150 per person for a class with the examination.
For information on the courses, the public can contact the St John Ambulans Selangor state administration office at 03-3371 5005, 03-3373 5005 or 03-3374 5005.
Health Ministry Ready To Face Another Floods
PENANG, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has directed its officers and staff to be prepared for the eventuality of floods in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak following a forecast by the Department of Meterology of heavy rain in these states from Saturday.
The ministry's parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, said they had been told to be on standby for they could be called to work at any time.
He said measures were also taken to ensure sufficient vaccines and medicines, adding that staff based at locations in flood-prone areas were also told to move the stuff to safe and high ground to prevent damage in the event of floods.
Lee spoke to reporters after presenting diplomas to 75 students of the Disted-Stamford College here.
On the recent floods in Johor, he said much of the vaccines and medicines at the health and rural clinics in the affected areas, especially in Segamat, were damaged.
"To prevent a similar occurrence, all quarters are required to follow the standard procedure, which is to place the medicines at higher and safer places," he added.
On losses incurred in the floods, Lee said the ministry was compiling the data, which would be made known in a few weeks.
On dengue, he said the number of suspected cases reported was still high with more than 1,000 cases a week.
He said Selangor recorded the highest number with 300 cases a week while Penang recorded 100 cases, of which between 20 and 30 per cent were confirmed to be dengue cases.
The ministry's parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, said they had been told to be on standby for they could be called to work at any time.
He said measures were also taken to ensure sufficient vaccines and medicines, adding that staff based at locations in flood-prone areas were also told to move the stuff to safe and high ground to prevent damage in the event of floods.
Lee spoke to reporters after presenting diplomas to 75 students of the Disted-Stamford College here.
On the recent floods in Johor, he said much of the vaccines and medicines at the health and rural clinics in the affected areas, especially in Segamat, were damaged.
"To prevent a similar occurrence, all quarters are required to follow the standard procedure, which is to place the medicines at higher and safer places," he added.
On losses incurred in the floods, Lee said the ministry was compiling the data, which would be made known in a few weeks.
On dengue, he said the number of suspected cases reported was still high with more than 1,000 cases a week.
He said Selangor recorded the highest number with 300 cases a week while Penang recorded 100 cases, of which between 20 and 30 per cent were confirmed to be dengue cases.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Don't Buy Or Sell "Kintop Kapsul" Medicine
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry Thursday reminded consumers to shun the banned traditional medicine "Kintop Kapsul" which contains the poisonous "sibutramine" substance.
"The substance can adversely affect blood pressure and the cardiovascular system," the Ministry said in a statement issued here Thursday.
It added that the medicine had failed the drug standard test and was banned by the National Drug Agency (Malaysia) on Aug 24.
The ministry also warned retailers of the severe consequences in selling the medicine.
Those caught in possession of the medicine can be prosecuted under the Drug and Cosmetics Control Regulation 1984.
First offenders are liable to a fine of up to RM25,000 or three years in jail or both. Repeat offenders are liable to RM50,000 fine or five years jail or both.
"The substance can adversely affect blood pressure and the cardiovascular system," the Ministry said in a statement issued here Thursday.
It added that the medicine had failed the drug standard test and was banned by the National Drug Agency (Malaysia) on Aug 24.
The ministry also warned retailers of the severe consequences in selling the medicine.
Those caught in possession of the medicine can be prosecuted under the Drug and Cosmetics Control Regulation 1984.
First offenders are liable to a fine of up to RM25,000 or three years in jail or both. Repeat offenders are liable to RM50,000 fine or five years jail or both.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Hospital 'not at fault'
NST: KLANG: Too many patients, too few doctors and not enough information.
This apparently was what happened when Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) top scorer D. Dhanes was admitted to the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) for dengue on Dec 18.
Dhanes died the next day — 10 days before his examination results were an - nounced. He scored seven As in the PMR.
His family is outraged with the explanation given by the hospital authorities during a closed-door meeting yesterday.
Dhanes’ older brother, D. Prakash, 19, said the government clinic, where Dhanes had earlier sought treatment before being transferred to the hospital, had failed to alert HTAR over the boy’s critical condition.
The family was also told that HTAR was overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases and the shortage of doctors.
They are now mulling legal action against the hospital.
Sri Andalas assemblyman Kamala Ganapathy, who arranged for the meeting, said the hospital must take steps to ensure that a similar situation did not arise again.
When contacted, HTAR director Dr Yahaya Baba said the hospital was not at fault and this had been explained to the family during the meeting.
Selangor executive councillor for Tourism, Health and Consumer Affairs Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng said that a new ward to accommodate the surge of dengue cases had been opened at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
It is learnt that the new ward caters specifically for dengue cases in view of the increase in the number of patients.
Klang saw an increase in cases in the final months of 2006, while Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang saw a rise in cases throughout the year.
Dr Lim said overall the picture was not too grim as there had been a marked reduction in cases as compared with 2005 despite the year-end spike.
This apparently was what happened when Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) top scorer D. Dhanes was admitted to the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) for dengue on Dec 18.
Dhanes died the next day — 10 days before his examination results were an - nounced. He scored seven As in the PMR.
His family is outraged with the explanation given by the hospital authorities during a closed-door meeting yesterday.
Dhanes’ older brother, D. Prakash, 19, said the government clinic, where Dhanes had earlier sought treatment before being transferred to the hospital, had failed to alert HTAR over the boy’s critical condition.
The family was also told that HTAR was overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases and the shortage of doctors.
They are now mulling legal action against the hospital.
Sri Andalas assemblyman Kamala Ganapathy, who arranged for the meeting, said the hospital must take steps to ensure that a similar situation did not arise again.
When contacted, HTAR director Dr Yahaya Baba said the hospital was not at fault and this had been explained to the family during the meeting.
Selangor executive councillor for Tourism, Health and Consumer Affairs Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng said that a new ward to accommodate the surge of dengue cases had been opened at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
It is learnt that the new ward caters specifically for dengue cases in view of the increase in the number of patients.
Klang saw an increase in cases in the final months of 2006, while Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang saw a rise in cases throughout the year.
Dr Lim said overall the picture was not too grim as there had been a marked reduction in cases as compared with 2005 despite the year-end spike.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Methadone therapy open to abuse
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Private clinics should not be allowed to sell methadone to drug addicts to help them wean off from hard drugs.
“It should only be sold by government clinics. It should not be available over the counter at private clinics as this practice can be abused,” Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Mohd Yunus Pathi told newsmen yesterday after a Pengasih-organised Aidiladha Korban event where three cows and three sheep were sacrificed.
“Some private clinics do not follow the proper protocol when dispensing methadone, they are only interested in profit-making.
“Methadone alone cannot solve the problem – drug addicts need counselling and support groups as well.
“Also, methadone is only suitable for heroin users to kick their habit. If an addict is a syabu or ‘ice’ user, then methadone is not suitable for that person as it is not an opiate-based drug,” he said, adding that methadone should only be administered in the presence of a doctor.
It was earlier reported that drug addicts were buying methadone from private clinics – not only for themselves but also to sell to fellow addicts.
“As methadone can easily be bought, many addicts might resort to using it as a substitute when they are short on heroin,” Mohd Yunus said.
“But when they have heroin, they go back to it, which defeats the whole purpose of the Methadone Replacement Therapy Programme.”
According to Mohd Yunus, in Hong Kong, a methadone pill is available for less than US$1 (RM3.55), but in Malaysia the price differs from one clinic to another – RM10-RM30 for 80mg-160mg.
“It should only be sold by government clinics. It should not be available over the counter at private clinics as this practice can be abused,” Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Mohd Yunus Pathi told newsmen yesterday after a Pengasih-organised Aidiladha Korban event where three cows and three sheep were sacrificed.
“Some private clinics do not follow the proper protocol when dispensing methadone, they are only interested in profit-making.
“Methadone alone cannot solve the problem – drug addicts need counselling and support groups as well.
“Also, methadone is only suitable for heroin users to kick their habit. If an addict is a syabu or ‘ice’ user, then methadone is not suitable for that person as it is not an opiate-based drug,” he said, adding that methadone should only be administered in the presence of a doctor.
It was earlier reported that drug addicts were buying methadone from private clinics – not only for themselves but also to sell to fellow addicts.
“As methadone can easily be bought, many addicts might resort to using it as a substitute when they are short on heroin,” Mohd Yunus said.
“But when they have heroin, they go back to it, which defeats the whole purpose of the Methadone Replacement Therapy Programme.”
According to Mohd Yunus, in Hong Kong, a methadone pill is available for less than US$1 (RM3.55), but in Malaysia the price differs from one clinic to another – RM10-RM30 for 80mg-160mg.
Malaysia's Road Safety Research Body Starts Operation Tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) goes into operation tomorrow, almost 20 years after the idea to have a road safety research body was mooted.
Set up with an initial grant of RM50 million, MIROS is headed by the country's renowned road safety expert Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi as its director-general.
MIROS, which will conduct various research on road safety with the initial aim of reducing road deaths by 50 per cent in four years, will operate from temporary premises on the second floor of the Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya.
It will move to the permanent location on a 16 hectares land provided by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang once the building and facilities such as the simulator, test track and crash test apparatus are ready.
The decision to establish MIROS was announced by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy during his official visit to Sweden in September last year.
Road Safety Department Director-General Datuk Suret Singh said MIROS would be the first road safety research institute in Southeast Asia and the third in the Asia-Oceania region after those in Japan and Australia.
"MIROS will be linked to other top research institutes on road safety. These top institutes have agreed to have cooperation and collaboration with MIROS, including access to their various research data," he told Bernama.
Suret Singh said MIROS would be linked to the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB); Dutch National Road Safety Research Institute (SWOV); Transport Research Laboratory, United Kingdom; French National Institute For Transport and Safety Research (INRETS) and Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).
"It's a dream come true for us. This is because, all this while, we only conducted research on an ad hoc basis and confined to media campaigns. However, with MIROS, we will be able to achieve more desirable results as there is a body that conducts various research on road safety on a full-time basis," he said.
He said MIROS was established as part of the government's four-year master plan for road safety (2006-2010) which outlines nine strategies with 52 programmes to reduce the accident rate by more than 50 per cent -- that is to reduced the deaths resulting from road accidents from the current 4.2 deaths per 10,000 vehicles to two deaths per 10,000 vehicles by 2010.
"On average, we have 6,000 deaths per year and in four years time (2010) we have to reduce this by at least half (3,000). It's a momentous task for us but we believe we can do it," he said.
Suret Singh recalled that the idea of having such an institute was mooted almost 20 years ago, adding that in 1990 an attempt was made to have a chair on road safety at UPM funded by the private sector but the financial crisis put paid to the plan.
MIROS director-general Radin, who was UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) until last month, has been largely involved in conducting research on road safety in the country, and his expertise has been often sought by the government and agencies.
Radin told Bernama MIROS would have four areas of research -- Vehicle Safety, Traffic Engineering and Planning, Human Behaviour and Trauma Management -- with each unit of research headed by a director and between five to 10 researchers.
"We would have simulator, test crash facilities and other facilities for the research. MIROS will also have access to world-renowned publications and up-to-date data on road safety," he said.
Radin said MIROS would also focus on post-trauma management such as Trauma Care Research, Injury Epidemiology, Medical Fitness, First Response and Post Injury Rehabilitation.
"With this, we hope for better management of our accident victims and more focus on the accident victims' rehabilitation programme," he said.
He said MIROS' performance would be guided by 15 key performance indicators and that its establishment would benefit not only government agencies but also the private sector such as vehicle manufacturers in terms of designing safer cars.
Radin said MIROS would eventually be able to export its expertise as the institute would have the advantage of conducting research that is more suitable to the environment in this region.
"Other research institutes focus heavily on cars, heavy vehicles and driver behaviour which are more associated with the developed countries. Here, in Malaysia, we have quite a large number of motorcyclists and any research on this aspect is more appealing to the countries in this region which have many motorcyclists as well," he said.
Moreover, Radin said, Malaysia is known internationally as one of several countries in the world that has conducted research on road safety and this would put MIROS in a better position to export its expertise.
Set up with an initial grant of RM50 million, MIROS is headed by the country's renowned road safety expert Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi as its director-general.
MIROS, which will conduct various research on road safety with the initial aim of reducing road deaths by 50 per cent in four years, will operate from temporary premises on the second floor of the Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya.
It will move to the permanent location on a 16 hectares land provided by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang once the building and facilities such as the simulator, test track and crash test apparatus are ready.
The decision to establish MIROS was announced by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy during his official visit to Sweden in September last year.
Road Safety Department Director-General Datuk Suret Singh said MIROS would be the first road safety research institute in Southeast Asia and the third in the Asia-Oceania region after those in Japan and Australia.
"MIROS will be linked to other top research institutes on road safety. These top institutes have agreed to have cooperation and collaboration with MIROS, including access to their various research data," he told Bernama.
Suret Singh said MIROS would be linked to the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB); Dutch National Road Safety Research Institute (SWOV); Transport Research Laboratory, United Kingdom; French National Institute For Transport and Safety Research (INRETS) and Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).
"It's a dream come true for us. This is because, all this while, we only conducted research on an ad hoc basis and confined to media campaigns. However, with MIROS, we will be able to achieve more desirable results as there is a body that conducts various research on road safety on a full-time basis," he said.
He said MIROS was established as part of the government's four-year master plan for road safety (2006-2010) which outlines nine strategies with 52 programmes to reduce the accident rate by more than 50 per cent -- that is to reduced the deaths resulting from road accidents from the current 4.2 deaths per 10,000 vehicles to two deaths per 10,000 vehicles by 2010.
"On average, we have 6,000 deaths per year and in four years time (2010) we have to reduce this by at least half (3,000). It's a momentous task for us but we believe we can do it," he said.
Suret Singh recalled that the idea of having such an institute was mooted almost 20 years ago, adding that in 1990 an attempt was made to have a chair on road safety at UPM funded by the private sector but the financial crisis put paid to the plan.
MIROS director-general Radin, who was UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) until last month, has been largely involved in conducting research on road safety in the country, and his expertise has been often sought by the government and agencies.
Radin told Bernama MIROS would have four areas of research -- Vehicle Safety, Traffic Engineering and Planning, Human Behaviour and Trauma Management -- with each unit of research headed by a director and between five to 10 researchers.
"We would have simulator, test crash facilities and other facilities for the research. MIROS will also have access to world-renowned publications and up-to-date data on road safety," he said.
Radin said MIROS would also focus on post-trauma management such as Trauma Care Research, Injury Epidemiology, Medical Fitness, First Response and Post Injury Rehabilitation.
"With this, we hope for better management of our accident victims and more focus on the accident victims' rehabilitation programme," he said.
He said MIROS' performance would be guided by 15 key performance indicators and that its establishment would benefit not only government agencies but also the private sector such as vehicle manufacturers in terms of designing safer cars.
Radin said MIROS would eventually be able to export its expertise as the institute would have the advantage of conducting research that is more suitable to the environment in this region.
"Other research institutes focus heavily on cars, heavy vehicles and driver behaviour which are more associated with the developed countries. Here, in Malaysia, we have quite a large number of motorcyclists and any research on this aspect is more appealing to the countries in this region which have many motorcyclists as well," he said.
Moreover, Radin said, Malaysia is known internationally as one of several countries in the world that has conducted research on road safety and this would put MIROS in a better position to export its expertise.
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