Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Preventing the spread of HIV in Malaysia may have hit a snag with the Health Ministry being unable to openly promote the use of condoms.
Health Ministry deputy director of disease control (AIDS/STD) Dr Jalal Halil Khalil said this could lead to prevention programmes being less effective.
“It may slow down the effectiveness of prevention. It is difficult to promote the open usage of condoms,” he said after attending a Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) International AIDS Memorial Day function.
“The ministry likes to promote it but not openly. We let the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) do the work. It is not to say that we advertise the use of condoms on TV but we use different ways of communicating it or else people will think we are promoting promiscuity.”
As of December 2006, there were 76,000 HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia with more than 6,000 new cases diagnosed last year.
The main method of HIV transmission in the country is still through the sharing of needles, which accounts for 75% of the cases.
There is, however, an increase of infection through heterosexual relationships where the number of women infected with HIV has increased 10 times from 1.2% in 1990 to 12% in 2005.
Dr Jalal Halil said that while Malaysians were aware of AIDS and how to prevent it from spreading, the knowledge had yet to translate into action.
MAC president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said that while the Government wanted to work with NGOs on condom usage, there were still “difficult laws” in which marginalised groups who worked in brothels could be charged under anti-vice laws if they were found with condoms.
She said that when it came to the general public, the question was not only about condoms but that individuals did not realise the high risk of having casual sex.
“When we ask, most people are more conscious about condoms preventing pregnancies rather than HIV.”
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
Monday, May 21, 2007
More dengue deaths
Star: PENANG: Forty-four people died of dengue haemorrhagic fever nationwide in the first four months of this year compared to 21 in the same period last year, said Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
“The bulk of deaths were in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. More than 1,600 suspected dengue cases were reported in the country over the past two weeks,” he said, adding that about 50 suspected cases were reported weekly in Penang, which he said was a manageable level.
“The present weather is conducive for mosquitoes to breed. So, the people must take steps to ensure that their surroundings are free of rubbish at all times.
“The health department in all states are monitoring the situation to ensure there is no outbreak.
“Fogging is done in areas with a high dengue rate,” Lee told reporters after opening a free medical check-up camp at the Taman Sri Damai flats in Lebuhraya Batu Lancang here yesterday.
“The bulk of deaths were in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. More than 1,600 suspected dengue cases were reported in the country over the past two weeks,” he said, adding that about 50 suspected cases were reported weekly in Penang, which he said was a manageable level.
“The present weather is conducive for mosquitoes to breed. So, the people must take steps to ensure that their surroundings are free of rubbish at all times.
“The health department in all states are monitoring the situation to ensure there is no outbreak.
“Fogging is done in areas with a high dengue rate,” Lee told reporters after opening a free medical check-up camp at the Taman Sri Damai flats in Lebuhraya Batu Lancang here yesterday.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Ensuring quality nursing colleges
Star: THE Higher Education Ministry has recently completed an audit of all 24 nursing colleges in the country to ensure standards are maintained.
Its minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, said the audit found that there were two main problems among some of the nursing colleges.
“One problem is that several colleges take in more students than the allowed quota according to the lecturer-students ratio.
“We have to be strict about this as we are dealing with life and death situations,” he told reporters after opening PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences' new campus at Kota Seriemas in Nilai on Tuesday.
The audit also found that one college had taken in unqualified students for its nursing diploma programme, he added.
Any student who wants to complete a diploma in nursing must have five Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia credits in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science and one more subject.
Mustapa said his ministry worked closely with the Nursing Board Malaysia to ensure the quality of the nursing colleges.
KPJ Healthcare Bhd managing director and PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences adviser Datin Paduka Siti Sa'diah Sheikh Bakir said the new campus would provide quality nursing and allied health training services for both local and international students.
“PNC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KPJ, which is a core division of Johor Corporation, began in 1991 with the simple vision of training local nurses for our group's hospitals,” she said.
She said there were now 17 local hospitals under KPJ with more than 2,000 beds and 5,500 employees.
Its minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, said the audit found that there were two main problems among some of the nursing colleges.
“One problem is that several colleges take in more students than the allowed quota according to the lecturer-students ratio.
“We have to be strict about this as we are dealing with life and death situations,” he told reporters after opening PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences' new campus at Kota Seriemas in Nilai on Tuesday.
The audit also found that one college had taken in unqualified students for its nursing diploma programme, he added.
Any student who wants to complete a diploma in nursing must have five Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia credits in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science and one more subject.
Mustapa said his ministry worked closely with the Nursing Board Malaysia to ensure the quality of the nursing colleges.
KPJ Healthcare Bhd managing director and PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences adviser Datin Paduka Siti Sa'diah Sheikh Bakir said the new campus would provide quality nursing and allied health training services for both local and international students.
“PNC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KPJ, which is a core division of Johor Corporation, began in 1991 with the simple vision of training local nurses for our group's hospitals,” she said.
She said there were now 17 local hospitals under KPJ with more than 2,000 beds and 5,500 employees.
Health Ministry issues wheat gluten alert
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: There has been no report of melamine-tainted wheat gluten entering the human food chain, but the Health Ministry is not taking any chances.
A circular was issued last week to all health state directors and some 35 entry points for imported food products to be on the alert for any wheat gluten entering the country.
Wheat gluten, besides being used in the production of pet food, is also used as an alternative to soy-based meat substitutes, such as tofu.
Some types are said to taste more like meat than tofu because of its chewy and stringy texture.
The ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division director, Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad, said the circular contained information about melamine, the toxicity of the chemical, and how it has been found in wheat gluten from China."
With the alert, our health officers manning the entry points will be extra careful when wheat gluten is brought into the country.
"If an imported product has wheat gluten, they will take a sample for testing," said Dr Rahim.
If it is tested positive, health officers will direct the importer to destroy the goods — a standard procedure for any contaminated food product.
He said the alert was necessary, even though melamine-tainted wheat gluten had only affected pets.
"We must ensure that it doesn’t enter the human food chain. However, the first line of check is still the Veterinary Services (department)."
Under the Food Act 1983, anyone selling products that are not fit for human consumption can be fined up to RM30,000 and jailed not more than five years.
A circular was issued last week to all health state directors and some 35 entry points for imported food products to be on the alert for any wheat gluten entering the country.
Wheat gluten, besides being used in the production of pet food, is also used as an alternative to soy-based meat substitutes, such as tofu.
Some types are said to taste more like meat than tofu because of its chewy and stringy texture.
The ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division director, Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad, said the circular contained information about melamine, the toxicity of the chemical, and how it has been found in wheat gluten from China."
With the alert, our health officers manning the entry points will be extra careful when wheat gluten is brought into the country.
"If an imported product has wheat gluten, they will take a sample for testing," said Dr Rahim.
If it is tested positive, health officers will direct the importer to destroy the goods — a standard procedure for any contaminated food product.
He said the alert was necessary, even though melamine-tainted wheat gluten had only affected pets.
"We must ensure that it doesn’t enter the human food chain. However, the first line of check is still the Veterinary Services (department)."
Under the Food Act 1983, anyone selling products that are not fit for human consumption can be fined up to RM30,000 and jailed not more than five years.
Over 40% of M’sians have hypertension
Star: KOTA BARU: For every patient in the country diagnosed as having hypertension, two others are not detected because the condition has no symptoms.
In most cases, they only realise they have the chronic ailment after suffering a stroke or a heart attack, said the Malaysian Society of Hypertension.
Describing it as a silent killer, society vice-president Dr Azani Mohamed Daud lamented that by the time the person suffers a stroke or heart attack, it could be too late to treat the ailment.
“At times, it is already fatal,” he added in his address at the national-level World Hypertension Day event at the Sultan Ismail Petra Jubilee Perak Hall here.
The Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, opened the one-day programme.
Dr Azani, the resident cardiologist at the Gleneagles Intan Medical centre, said since sufferers do not display symptoms, it was best for everyone aged 30 and above to check if they have it.
Hypertension is usually associated with an increase in blood pressure, brought on by a combination of risk factors from smoking, stress, obesity and lack of exercise.
The society estimates that over 41% of the country’s 26 million population have hypertension.
Dr Azani said there was an increasingly worrying trend of people below 30 linked to hypertension.
“As it is chronic, with no cure currently available, the best medical measures are to control its effects and prevention.
“It is a difficult ailment as there is an increasing level of affliction based on stress which cannot be measured.
“What is stressful for you may not be for me,” he added.
In most cases, they only realise they have the chronic ailment after suffering a stroke or a heart attack, said the Malaysian Society of Hypertension.
Describing it as a silent killer, society vice-president Dr Azani Mohamed Daud lamented that by the time the person suffers a stroke or heart attack, it could be too late to treat the ailment.
“At times, it is already fatal,” he added in his address at the national-level World Hypertension Day event at the Sultan Ismail Petra Jubilee Perak Hall here.
The Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, opened the one-day programme.
Dr Azani, the resident cardiologist at the Gleneagles Intan Medical centre, said since sufferers do not display symptoms, it was best for everyone aged 30 and above to check if they have it.
Hypertension is usually associated with an increase in blood pressure, brought on by a combination of risk factors from smoking, stress, obesity and lack of exercise.
The society estimates that over 41% of the country’s 26 million population have hypertension.
Dr Azani said there was an increasingly worrying trend of people below 30 linked to hypertension.
“As it is chronic, with no cure currently available, the best medical measures are to control its effects and prevention.
“It is a difficult ailment as there is an increasing level of affliction based on stress which cannot be measured.
“What is stressful for you may not be for me,” he added.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Nurses From Malaysia Among Participants At Multiple Sclerosis Forum
SINGAPORE, May 18 (Bernama) -- Nurses from several Asia Pacific countries, including Malaysia, are converging here for the inaugural Pan-Asian Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Nurses Forum aimed at promoting a greater level of care towards MS patients.
Event sponsor, Bayer Schering Pharma, said that the two-day forum, which began Friday, would highlight the importance of early treatment and staying on treatment to slow disease progression, stave off disability and give people with MS a better quality of life.
Other issues include the crucial role that MS nurses play in supporting people with MS in treatment, the company said in a statement. MS is a life-long and disabling disease of the central nervous system.
Malaysian MS Society president, Padma Panikker, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28, said she was devastated when she was diagnosed with the disease and nearly gave up treatment halfway through.
"But I'm thankful to my nurses for encouraging me to continue with the treatment," she said.
Bayer Schering Pharma said that people with MS might experience fatigue, reduced vision, leg weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, arms, legs or torso, slurred speech and loss of bladder control.
"If left untreated, some may eventually develop severe and irreversible disabilities causing them to becoming totally paralysed, wheelchair-bound and even blind".
The company said new findings showed that immediate treatment of people with early MS, using the disease-modifying therapy "Betaferon", could significantly delay permanent disability.
Event sponsor, Bayer Schering Pharma, said that the two-day forum, which began Friday, would highlight the importance of early treatment and staying on treatment to slow disease progression, stave off disability and give people with MS a better quality of life.
Other issues include the crucial role that MS nurses play in supporting people with MS in treatment, the company said in a statement. MS is a life-long and disabling disease of the central nervous system.
Malaysian MS Society president, Padma Panikker, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28, said she was devastated when she was diagnosed with the disease and nearly gave up treatment halfway through.
"But I'm thankful to my nurses for encouraging me to continue with the treatment," she said.
Bayer Schering Pharma said that people with MS might experience fatigue, reduced vision, leg weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, arms, legs or torso, slurred speech and loss of bladder control.
"If left untreated, some may eventually develop severe and irreversible disabilities causing them to becoming totally paralysed, wheelchair-bound and even blind".
The company said new findings showed that immediate treatment of people with early MS, using the disease-modifying therapy "Betaferon", could significantly delay permanent disability.
30 protest over ambulance blunder
Star: SEREMBAN: Some 30 people staged a peaceful demonstration during the funeral of technician Chen Mun Seng in Port Dickson to show their anger with the Health Ministry.
They held placards urging the ministry to carry out an investigation on the Pontian district hospital.
Mun Seng, 35, was rushed to the hospital at 2.30am on May 4 after an accident in Pekan Nenas.
His brother, Boon Yee, said Mun Seng was conscious and had called his friend to tell him about the accident.
“My brother broke his right hand and had injured his intestines. We heard his condition worsened due to the internal injuries but the hospital could not send him to Sultan Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru because the ambulance was out of fuel,” he said.
The ambulance driver only managed to put in some fuel at 6.30am before taking Mun Seng to Johor Baru, he claimed.
“However, after 10 minutes, the ambulance returned to the district hospital to replace the oxygen tank which had been depleted before starting the journey all over again,” Boon Yee said.
“He was placed at the Sultan Aminah Hospital's intensive care unit and underwent four operations but died at 10.30pm on May 15 without regaining consciousness,” he said.
Boon Yee said his brother could have been saved if the ambulance had not run out of petrol.
“Their carelessness cost the life of an innocent victim,” a tearful Boon Yee said.
Employer Shigehiro Miyamae, who attended the funeral, said Mun Seng was a dedicated worker at Ishii Power.
Deputy Johor health director Dr Arbain Lani said an internal inquiry into the matter had begun.
“An ambulance should be ready at all times. We are investigating the matter,” he said.
They held placards urging the ministry to carry out an investigation on the Pontian district hospital.
Mun Seng, 35, was rushed to the hospital at 2.30am on May 4 after an accident in Pekan Nenas.
His brother, Boon Yee, said Mun Seng was conscious and had called his friend to tell him about the accident.
“My brother broke his right hand and had injured his intestines. We heard his condition worsened due to the internal injuries but the hospital could not send him to Sultan Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru because the ambulance was out of fuel,” he said.
The ambulance driver only managed to put in some fuel at 6.30am before taking Mun Seng to Johor Baru, he claimed.
“However, after 10 minutes, the ambulance returned to the district hospital to replace the oxygen tank which had been depleted before starting the journey all over again,” Boon Yee said.
“He was placed at the Sultan Aminah Hospital's intensive care unit and underwent four operations but died at 10.30pm on May 15 without regaining consciousness,” he said.
Boon Yee said his brother could have been saved if the ambulance had not run out of petrol.
“Their carelessness cost the life of an innocent victim,” a tearful Boon Yee said.
Employer Shigehiro Miyamae, who attended the funeral, said Mun Seng was a dedicated worker at Ishii Power.
Deputy Johor health director Dr Arbain Lani said an internal inquiry into the matter had begun.
“An ambulance should be ready at all times. We are investigating the matter,” he said.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Penan kids now get measles jabs at six months
Star: KUCHING: Following an outbreak that killed 18 Penan children two years ago, the state health authorities now give measles immunisation to Penan infants when they are six months old.
This is three months earlier than for other children, said state Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Soon Choon Teck.
He added that most cases occurred in communities with low immunisation coverage.
“Besides, these Penans live in cramped and unsanitary conditions with neither proper latrines nor piped water,” he told Liwan Lagang (BN – Belaga) during question time.
Dr Soon said 75% of Penan children below seven years had been immunised against measles, considered a severe disease among very young and malnourished children.
He said that in the outbreak two years ago, one death was recorded at the Bintulu Hospital while the others occurred at Penan settlements in Long Urun, Long Menapa and Long Singu in the Murum and Asap areas.
Of 161 children admitted to the Bintulu Hospital, 154 were Penans. The others were Kayans, Kenyahs and Ibans.
Dr Soon said that after the outbreak, medical teams carried out mass immunisation for all Penan children and all school children in Belaga, Kapit and Bintulu.
Assistant Urban Development and Tourism Minister Hamden Ahmad told Violet Yong (DAP – Pending) that the state government had approved RM23.6mil and the federal government RM8.2mil for subsistence payments to the poor and needy statewide this year.
He said more than 12,000 public assistance recipients would receive over RM25mil while financial aid worth RM1.1mil would be given out to children, RM4.8mil to the aged and RM500,000 to disabled workers.
This is three months earlier than for other children, said state Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Soon Choon Teck.
He added that most cases occurred in communities with low immunisation coverage.
“Besides, these Penans live in cramped and unsanitary conditions with neither proper latrines nor piped water,” he told Liwan Lagang (BN – Belaga) during question time.
Dr Soon said 75% of Penan children below seven years had been immunised against measles, considered a severe disease among very young and malnourished children.
He said that in the outbreak two years ago, one death was recorded at the Bintulu Hospital while the others occurred at Penan settlements in Long Urun, Long Menapa and Long Singu in the Murum and Asap areas.
Of 161 children admitted to the Bintulu Hospital, 154 were Penans. The others were Kayans, Kenyahs and Ibans.
Dr Soon said that after the outbreak, medical teams carried out mass immunisation for all Penan children and all school children in Belaga, Kapit and Bintulu.
Assistant Urban Development and Tourism Minister Hamden Ahmad told Violet Yong (DAP – Pending) that the state government had approved RM23.6mil and the federal government RM8.2mil for subsistence payments to the poor and needy statewide this year.
He said more than 12,000 public assistance recipients would receive over RM25mil while financial aid worth RM1.1mil would be given out to children, RM4.8mil to the aged and RM500,000 to disabled workers.
Smokers stub out habit, thanks to clinic
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Government officer Zari Effendi Ruzali, who used to be a smoker, will now proudly say “Tak Nak!” when offered a cigarette.
Zari is among 54 people who have quit smoking for a year after signing up for the “Quit Smoking Clinic” at the Tanglin Community Polyclinic here last year. A total of 151 people had signed up for the programme.
“When I was 13, I was curious about smoking and got addicted. After a decade of smoking, I constantly felt tired, weak and sometimes had difficulty breathing,” said Zari, adding that he now felt healthier.
Kuala Lumpur public health deputy director Dr Sallehudin Abu Bakar said the clinic exposed smokers to various nicotine replacement therapy methods such as nicotine gum, inhaler and nicotine patches. They were also given a lot of moral support to quit their habit.
Certificates were handed out to those who had quit smoking at a ceremony held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Zari is among 54 people who have quit smoking for a year after signing up for the “Quit Smoking Clinic” at the Tanglin Community Polyclinic here last year. A total of 151 people had signed up for the programme.
“When I was 13, I was curious about smoking and got addicted. After a decade of smoking, I constantly felt tired, weak and sometimes had difficulty breathing,” said Zari, adding that he now felt healthier.
Kuala Lumpur public health deputy director Dr Sallehudin Abu Bakar said the clinic exposed smokers to various nicotine replacement therapy methods such as nicotine gum, inhaler and nicotine patches. They were also given a lot of moral support to quit their habit.
Certificates were handed out to those who had quit smoking at a ceremony held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
PNC Nursing College Into 2nd Phase Of Development
NILAI, May 16 (Bernama) -- The PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences (PNC) is into its second phase of development on a 3.8ha adjacent land and expected to be completed by 2008.
PNC is a subsidiary of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, one of Malaysia's largest healthcare service providers listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia. The third phase covering 10ha will be completed by 2010.
KPJ Healthcare Bhd managing director Datin Paduka Siti Sa'diah Sheikh Bakir said by that time, PNC expected to train more than 8,000 students at any one time in various healthcare-related disciplines, from throughout the country and the region.
"With this sound growth and having applied to the Ministry of Higher Education, PNC also aspires to be upgraded to university college status and be named KPJ Healthcare University College before the year-end," she said after the launching of its new campus by Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed in Kota Seriemas here.
Also present was Johor Corporation chief executive and KPJ Healthcare Bhd chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim.
PNC's purpose-built new campus, is a fruition of the smart partnership between Island & Peninsula and PNC to provide quality nursing and allied health training in line with the government's aspiration to make Malaysia a hub for healthcare and educational excellence.
The college has 30 experienced teaching staff and is equipped with lecture theatres and auditoriums, tutorial rooms ,laboratories, a spacious library, cafeteria and full student residential facilities on a 2.6ha site. It can now accommodate more than 1,000 students.
Siti Sa'diah said with expansion, PNC hoped to have at least 20 per cent of its student population comprising international students by 2011.
She said this year, PNC also planned to open its branch campus in Johor Baharu to meet the increasing demand for nurses and allied health professionals in the rapidly developing southern region.
"With the commitment and support of KPJ's 17 local hospitals with more than 500 medical consultants and over 5,500 staff, PNC has a strong competitive edge in providing comprehensive clinical education and practical experience to students," she added.
To date, PNC has produced more than 1,800 graduates in both basic and post-basic programmes, while 1,100 students are undergoing its courses at the moment.
PNC is a subsidiary of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, one of Malaysia's largest healthcare service providers listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia. The third phase covering 10ha will be completed by 2010.
KPJ Healthcare Bhd managing director Datin Paduka Siti Sa'diah Sheikh Bakir said by that time, PNC expected to train more than 8,000 students at any one time in various healthcare-related disciplines, from throughout the country and the region.
"With this sound growth and having applied to the Ministry of Higher Education, PNC also aspires to be upgraded to university college status and be named KPJ Healthcare University College before the year-end," she said after the launching of its new campus by Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed in Kota Seriemas here.
Also present was Johor Corporation chief executive and KPJ Healthcare Bhd chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim.
PNC's purpose-built new campus, is a fruition of the smart partnership between Island & Peninsula and PNC to provide quality nursing and allied health training in line with the government's aspiration to make Malaysia a hub for healthcare and educational excellence.
The college has 30 experienced teaching staff and is equipped with lecture theatres and auditoriums, tutorial rooms ,laboratories, a spacious library, cafeteria and full student residential facilities on a 2.6ha site. It can now accommodate more than 1,000 students.
Siti Sa'diah said with expansion, PNC hoped to have at least 20 per cent of its student population comprising international students by 2011.
She said this year, PNC also planned to open its branch campus in Johor Baharu to meet the increasing demand for nurses and allied health professionals in the rapidly developing southern region.
"With the commitment and support of KPJ's 17 local hospitals with more than 500 medical consultants and over 5,500 staff, PNC has a strong competitive edge in providing comprehensive clinical education and practical experience to students," she added.
To date, PNC has produced more than 1,800 graduates in both basic and post-basic programmes, while 1,100 students are undergoing its courses at the moment.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Malaysia taking steps to meet health issues
Star: GENEVA: Investing in human capital development and the capabilities of Malaysia’s laboratories are among the steps being taken to meet challenges posed by infectious diseases and disasters, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said training and infrastructure development were key areas to be addressed in meeting the challenges.
This, he said, included equipping the ministry’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Command Centre with teleconferencing to facilitate local, regional and international communication if the need arose.
“Vaccine procurement and development are also areas that we are paying attention to,” he said in his speech at the 60th World Health Organisation Assembly here yesterday.
“Malaysia has and will continue to play its role to further strengthen international health security.”
Dr Chua said the world faced many challenges in health security with emerging and re-emerging infections, natural and man-made disasters, as well as human conflicts.
He said the world would continue to see devastation caused by tsunamis, earthquakes and floods and their impact on the health of those affected.
Other issues of concern were biological, chemical and radiological toxic wastes, their unsafe use and disposal.
Dr Chua also said that rapid modes of transport, increased travel and trade and increasing international migration of people contributed to the spread of diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian flu.
Stating that Malaysia had contributed US$1mil (RM3.4mil) for global polio eradication, he reiterated the country’s commitment to working with the WHO in strengthening health security.
Malaysia, he said, had and would continue to take steps to enforce the International Health Regulations such as introducing new legislation to regulate the import and export of human remains, human tissues and pathogenic organisms and substances.
He said training and infrastructure development were key areas to be addressed in meeting the challenges.
This, he said, included equipping the ministry’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Command Centre with teleconferencing to facilitate local, regional and international communication if the need arose.
“Vaccine procurement and development are also areas that we are paying attention to,” he said in his speech at the 60th World Health Organisation Assembly here yesterday.
“Malaysia has and will continue to play its role to further strengthen international health security.”
Dr Chua said the world faced many challenges in health security with emerging and re-emerging infections, natural and man-made disasters, as well as human conflicts.
He said the world would continue to see devastation caused by tsunamis, earthquakes and floods and their impact on the health of those affected.
Other issues of concern were biological, chemical and radiological toxic wastes, their unsafe use and disposal.
Dr Chua also said that rapid modes of transport, increased travel and trade and increasing international migration of people contributed to the spread of diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian flu.
Stating that Malaysia had contributed US$1mil (RM3.4mil) for global polio eradication, he reiterated the country’s commitment to working with the WHO in strengthening health security.
Malaysia, he said, had and would continue to take steps to enforce the International Health Regulations such as introducing new legislation to regulate the import and export of human remains, human tissues and pathogenic organisms and substances.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Children are not picky about food, just not that hungry
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: You may think your child is a picky eater, but is he really? And if she is a picky eater, why?
Children need different amounts of food at different stages of their growth.
And with the best intentions in the world, we often try to feed our children too much.
When they refuse, we think they are being picky, but actually they’re just not hungry, says an American paediatrics professor.
"Many parents run to the paediatrician complaining that their children are picky eaters because they don’t eat as much as they did when they were infants or toddlers," said Ohio State University clinical professor of paediatrics Dr William MacLean.
But if everyone ate as much as they did at infancy, everyone would be ridiculously obese, he added.
He also said working mothers did not always realise how much food their children were actually eating.
"Babysitters, maids, grandmothers and even fathers give them snacks. Sometimes, they have a late, heavy lunch.
"So when mum comes home from work and her child doesn’t want any dinner, she thinks he’s not eating enough. She shouldn’t panic. She should ask how much the child has eaten," Dr MacLean said at a media briefing entitled Picky Eating; A Growing Concern that Cannot be Ignored.
He said certain medical conditions could lead to picky eating and should be investigated but often the parents were just trying too hard to get their child to eat.
Let the child eat by herself at her own speed, even if she does make a mess.
If the child is still too young to eat by herself, give him a time out and wait for a while if she refuses to eat.
He said it was important for the child to have a pleasant eating experience so that she wouldn’t associate mealtimes with bad things.
He also stressed that parents should be practical when it came to their children’s growth.
"Some children are skinnier than others, while others are shorter than the rest.
"Most don’t have trouble gaining weight over time. Some children come from parents who are shorter than other parents.
"Growth depends a lot on genetic potential," he said, adding that supplements could not replace nutritionally-balanced meals.
He said parents should keep track and measure the child’s weight and height to see if it was normal for her age.
If a problem arises, the measurements can help doctors determine whether or not the child could have an eating disorder.
MacLean has been a nutritional consultant for the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation in Rome and is the Scientific Advisory Board member for the Nutrition Research Institute of Peru.
The briefing was organised by Abbott Nutrition.
Children need different amounts of food at different stages of their growth.
And with the best intentions in the world, we often try to feed our children too much.
When they refuse, we think they are being picky, but actually they’re just not hungry, says an American paediatrics professor.
"Many parents run to the paediatrician complaining that their children are picky eaters because they don’t eat as much as they did when they were infants or toddlers," said Ohio State University clinical professor of paediatrics Dr William MacLean.
But if everyone ate as much as they did at infancy, everyone would be ridiculously obese, he added.
He also said working mothers did not always realise how much food their children were actually eating.
"Babysitters, maids, grandmothers and even fathers give them snacks. Sometimes, they have a late, heavy lunch.
"So when mum comes home from work and her child doesn’t want any dinner, she thinks he’s not eating enough. She shouldn’t panic. She should ask how much the child has eaten," Dr MacLean said at a media briefing entitled Picky Eating; A Growing Concern that Cannot be Ignored.
He said certain medical conditions could lead to picky eating and should be investigated but often the parents were just trying too hard to get their child to eat.
Let the child eat by herself at her own speed, even if she does make a mess.
If the child is still too young to eat by herself, give him a time out and wait for a while if she refuses to eat.
He said it was important for the child to have a pleasant eating experience so that she wouldn’t associate mealtimes with bad things.
He also stressed that parents should be practical when it came to their children’s growth.
"Some children are skinnier than others, while others are shorter than the rest.
"Most don’t have trouble gaining weight over time. Some children come from parents who are shorter than other parents.
"Growth depends a lot on genetic potential," he said, adding that supplements could not replace nutritionally-balanced meals.
He said parents should keep track and measure the child’s weight and height to see if it was normal for her age.
If a problem arises, the measurements can help doctors determine whether or not the child could have an eating disorder.
MacLean has been a nutritional consultant for the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation in Rome and is the Scientific Advisory Board member for the Nutrition Research Institute of Peru.
The briefing was organised by Abbott Nutrition.
Paying tribute to Florence Nightingales
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: "Once a nurse, forever a nurse". This has been the guiding principle of retired matron Zubaidah Mohd Said, throughout her 33-year nursing career.
Today, at the golden age of 70 and walking with some difficulty, she is still a picture of calmness and inspiration as she received an award in the service category in conjunction with the International Nurses Day 2007 yesterday.
Zubaidah’s illustrious career began in 1960 when she was a staff nurse at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
She rose through the ranks to become a nursing sister and worked in district hospitals in Klang and Taiping before her posting to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.
Prior to her retirement in 1989, she was the assistant principal matron of the nursing division in the Ministry of Health.
Instead of enjoying a quiet retirement, she served as a consultant under Perunding Alam Bina for the Malacca Hospital for three years before becoming the director of nursing at the Subang Medical Centre until 1994.
To Zubaidah, the award was the best birthday present as she turns 71, in August.
"It is also the best present for Mothers Day and, of course, International Nurses Day," she said.
She reminded nurses not to be too absorbed in technology to the extent that they lose the human touch.
Lee Siew Hoon, 72, meanwhile, is a shining example of the importance of lifelong learning.
The winner in the education category stressed that nurses needed to be innovative to progress in their careers.
"They should not remain static. At the age of 67, I decided to pursue my Master’s in Public Health and graduated in 2002."
Lee, who is now the deputy chairman of the Malaysian Nursing Foundation, had initiated the formation of the Malaysian Nurses Association.
She had also served as the secretary and vice-president of the association in the past.
This sprightly Florence Nightingale is still involved in research in the nursing field through the Malaysian Nursing Foundation.
The third award recipient was 59-year-old matron Mariam Madhar Ali who was recognised for her outstanding service to the community.
She is a counsellor at shelters for abused women and children in Negri Sembilan.
"My greatest satisfaction was when I was working in the rural and remote areas in the ’70s and ’80s. The women were reluctant to go to the hospitals to deliver their babies.
"When we managed to get them to the hospitals and delivered their babies safely, it was immensely satisfying."
She does not recall any unhappy moments in her career.
"I wanted to do my job well as a nurse and that in itself was satisfying."
Mariam also paid tribute to her husband Abdul Razak Yaacob, a retired human resource manager, whom she said had always supported her where her career was concerned.
"When I had to work in the remote areas, he took care of the kids and this would go on for days.
"He also encouraged me to improve myself and because of him I furthered my studies," she said.
Today, at the golden age of 70 and walking with some difficulty, she is still a picture of calmness and inspiration as she received an award in the service category in conjunction with the International Nurses Day 2007 yesterday.
Zubaidah’s illustrious career began in 1960 when she was a staff nurse at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
She rose through the ranks to become a nursing sister and worked in district hospitals in Klang and Taiping before her posting to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.
Prior to her retirement in 1989, she was the assistant principal matron of the nursing division in the Ministry of Health.
Instead of enjoying a quiet retirement, she served as a consultant under Perunding Alam Bina for the Malacca Hospital for three years before becoming the director of nursing at the Subang Medical Centre until 1994.
To Zubaidah, the award was the best birthday present as she turns 71, in August.
"It is also the best present for Mothers Day and, of course, International Nurses Day," she said.
She reminded nurses not to be too absorbed in technology to the extent that they lose the human touch.
Lee Siew Hoon, 72, meanwhile, is a shining example of the importance of lifelong learning.
The winner in the education category stressed that nurses needed to be innovative to progress in their careers.
"They should not remain static. At the age of 67, I decided to pursue my Master’s in Public Health and graduated in 2002."
Lee, who is now the deputy chairman of the Malaysian Nursing Foundation, had initiated the formation of the Malaysian Nurses Association.
She had also served as the secretary and vice-president of the association in the past.
This sprightly Florence Nightingale is still involved in research in the nursing field through the Malaysian Nursing Foundation.
The third award recipient was 59-year-old matron Mariam Madhar Ali who was recognised for her outstanding service to the community.
She is a counsellor at shelters for abused women and children in Negri Sembilan.
"My greatest satisfaction was when I was working in the rural and remote areas in the ’70s and ’80s. The women were reluctant to go to the hospitals to deliver their babies.
"When we managed to get them to the hospitals and delivered their babies safely, it was immensely satisfying."
She does not recall any unhappy moments in her career.
"I wanted to do my job well as a nurse and that in itself was satisfying."
Mariam also paid tribute to her husband Abdul Razak Yaacob, a retired human resource manager, whom she said had always supported her where her career was concerned.
"When I had to work in the remote areas, he took care of the kids and this would go on for days.
"He also encouraged me to improve myself and because of him I furthered my studies," she said.
Serve locally, PM urges nurses
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has urged trained nurses to serve locally rather than go abroad.
“About 400 of our nurses leave the country every year to serve overseas.
“I hope the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) and the Health Ministry will work together to ensure that our country does not run dry of experienced and capable nurses,” he said in his speech to a crowd of about 2,300 nurses at the launch of International Nurses Day yesterday
In his speech, read out by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the Prime Minister said professional nurses were fast becoming a commodity in the job market.
According to MNA, there are about 60,000 nurses nationwide.
Abdullah said the Government, in acknowledging nurses with leadership skills and experience, provided them opportunities to become hospital directors. Two nurses, Fatimah Supiah Otet and Ling Heng Choo, are serving as hospital directors in Sarawak.
Abdullah said that the success of health tourism would hinge on the cooperation and support from the nursing fraternity.
At the event themed Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces=quality patient care, three nurses were presented with special awards – Mariam Madhar Ali for her contribution to the community, Lee Siew Hoon for her contribution in education and Zubaidah Mohd Said for her nursing services.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 12.
“About 400 of our nurses leave the country every year to serve overseas.
“I hope the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) and the Health Ministry will work together to ensure that our country does not run dry of experienced and capable nurses,” he said in his speech to a crowd of about 2,300 nurses at the launch of International Nurses Day yesterday
In his speech, read out by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the Prime Minister said professional nurses were fast becoming a commodity in the job market.
According to MNA, there are about 60,000 nurses nationwide.
Abdullah said the Government, in acknowledging nurses with leadership skills and experience, provided them opportunities to become hospital directors. Two nurses, Fatimah Supiah Otet and Ling Heng Choo, are serving as hospital directors in Sarawak.
Abdullah said that the success of health tourism would hinge on the cooperation and support from the nursing fraternity.
At the event themed Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces=quality patient care, three nurses were presented with special awards – Mariam Madhar Ali for her contribution to the community, Lee Siew Hoon for her contribution in education and Zubaidah Mohd Said for her nursing services.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 12.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Disease management vital for asthma patients
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Asthma patients may think that their condition restricts them from physical exercise, but if they manage their disease with medication they can lead a normal life, health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.
A recent Asia-Pacific study showed that in Malaysia, like in China, more than 50% of children had to miss school while 23% of adults missed work because of asthma.
The study said Asia-Pacific recorded a higher rate of absence from work and school due to asthma, with the disease impacting highly on daily activities due to poor asthma control, compared with in the United States or Europe.
It showed that asthma management in the region was below the international recommended level of care.
“The disease becomes a burden to the country, families and the patients. But while it is a chronic and lifelong disease, it is not untreatable. It won’t go away, so sufferers just have to cope with it.
“Furthermore, treatment has evolved and there is now better medication that gives patients a better quality of life. When you control the disease, you can lead a normal life,” Dr Ismail said at a jogathon held in conjunction with the Fifth World Asthma Day yesterday.
Co-organised by the Asthma Council Malaysia, Lung Foundation of Malaysia and Malaysian Thoracic Society, with support from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, the event saw participation by 1,400 asthma patients and others.
Dr Ismail said the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood showed that 8% to 10% of children in Malaysia suffered from asthma while for adults it was 6%.
Asthma Council Malaysia's Dr Norzila Mohamed Zainudin said asthma was an urban disease and its prevalence in countries such as Australia, United States and Britain was higher at between 15% and 20% of the population.
Meanwhile, Dr Ismail said the plan for a biotech company that developed artificial blood to invest in Malaysia was an exciting idea that might provide the country more innovative ways of meeting its blood supply needs.
A recent Asia-Pacific study showed that in Malaysia, like in China, more than 50% of children had to miss school while 23% of adults missed work because of asthma.
The study said Asia-Pacific recorded a higher rate of absence from work and school due to asthma, with the disease impacting highly on daily activities due to poor asthma control, compared with in the United States or Europe.
It showed that asthma management in the region was below the international recommended level of care.
“The disease becomes a burden to the country, families and the patients. But while it is a chronic and lifelong disease, it is not untreatable. It won’t go away, so sufferers just have to cope with it.
“Furthermore, treatment has evolved and there is now better medication that gives patients a better quality of life. When you control the disease, you can lead a normal life,” Dr Ismail said at a jogathon held in conjunction with the Fifth World Asthma Day yesterday.
Co-organised by the Asthma Council Malaysia, Lung Foundation of Malaysia and Malaysian Thoracic Society, with support from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, the event saw participation by 1,400 asthma patients and others.
Dr Ismail said the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood showed that 8% to 10% of children in Malaysia suffered from asthma while for adults it was 6%.
Asthma Council Malaysia's Dr Norzila Mohamed Zainudin said asthma was an urban disease and its prevalence in countries such as Australia, United States and Britain was higher at between 15% and 20% of the population.
Meanwhile, Dr Ismail said the plan for a biotech company that developed artificial blood to invest in Malaysia was an exciting idea that might provide the country more innovative ways of meeting its blood supply needs.
13 clinics to provide subsidised mammogram tests at RM50
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen clinics throughout the country will be providing mammogram tests for breast cancer with government subsidies of RM50 per check-up.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the clinics were part of the first phase of the subsidised mammogram test programme.
She hoped to see at least one clinic in every state constituency by phase three of the programme.
She said the National Cancer Society estimated in 2003 that one in every 19 women was at risk of getting breast cancer and there were 46.2 breast cancer cases in every 100,000 women, she said.
“This shows that our women do not know much about breast cancer and mammogram tests.
“We are worried that some women may not be able to afford the test,” said Shahrizat, adding that each mammogram test costs at least RM90.
Those who qualify for the subsidy must be between 40 and 69 years old and have a monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
Shahrizat was speaking to reporters after launching the subsidised mammogram test programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday in conjunction with the ministry’s celebration of Mother’s Day.
Besides giving out free mammogram test certificates to 10 selected women, the ministry also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records with the most number of women (2,389) taking part in the mammogram test in a day.
On Sunday Star’s front page report about unscrupulous charity organisations using third parties to solicit funds, Shahrizat said her ministry was keeping a close watch on these organisations.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the clinics were part of the first phase of the subsidised mammogram test programme.
She hoped to see at least one clinic in every state constituency by phase three of the programme.
She said the National Cancer Society estimated in 2003 that one in every 19 women was at risk of getting breast cancer and there were 46.2 breast cancer cases in every 100,000 women, she said.
“This shows that our women do not know much about breast cancer and mammogram tests.
“We are worried that some women may not be able to afford the test,” said Shahrizat, adding that each mammogram test costs at least RM90.
Those who qualify for the subsidy must be between 40 and 69 years old and have a monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
Shahrizat was speaking to reporters after launching the subsidised mammogram test programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday in conjunction with the ministry’s celebration of Mother’s Day.
Besides giving out free mammogram test certificates to 10 selected women, the ministry also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records with the most number of women (2,389) taking part in the mammogram test in a day.
On Sunday Star’s front page report about unscrupulous charity organisations using third parties to solicit funds, Shahrizat said her ministry was keeping a close watch on these organisations.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Govt mulls anti-cancer vaccine
NST: THE government is still studying the viability of vaccinating women against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the ministry needed to study the suitability and efficacy of the vaccine as it was still new on the market and not many countries were using it. He was replying to a question by Senator Samsiah Samsuddin who asked the government to consider making it obligatory for all school-going girls to be vaccinated to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. He said cervical cancer was the second most common form of cancer among women after breast cancer, with 19 cases occurring in every 1,000 women. Dr Abdul Latiff added, however, that the vaccine did not offer 100 per cent protection.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the ministry needed to study the suitability and efficacy of the vaccine as it was still new on the market and not many countries were using it. He was replying to a question by Senator Samsiah Samsuddin who asked the government to consider making it obligatory for all school-going girls to be vaccinated to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. He said cervical cancer was the second most common form of cancer among women after breast cancer, with 19 cases occurring in every 1,000 women. Dr Abdul Latiff added, however, that the vaccine did not offer 100 per cent protection.
Timely boost for medical association
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Emergency Medical Support Association (Memsa) has received a timely boost for its community service programmes.
It recently received a diagnostic equipment set from Kencana Petroleum Berhad.
The CardioVision MS2000 will enable Memsa to carry out arterial stiffness index (ASI) checks besides the usual blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.
ASI is an important diagnostic measurement to indicate whether a person’s blood vessels are still elastic or have hardened.
The hardening of arteries or arterioscleroris will cause the blood vessels to lose elasticity and become brittle, interfering with the normal flow of blood. This can lead to heart attacks, stroke or problems to key organs.
All you have to do is key in your cholesterol and blood sugar readings into the CardioVision MS2000. Within seconds, you will know the state of your arteries.
Memsa is a non-governmental organisation which lends support to other community service organisations to conduct medical camps for the less fortunate.
Call Memsa at 03-62753698 or email memsa.ems@gmail.com
It recently received a diagnostic equipment set from Kencana Petroleum Berhad.
The CardioVision MS2000 will enable Memsa to carry out arterial stiffness index (ASI) checks besides the usual blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.
ASI is an important diagnostic measurement to indicate whether a person’s blood vessels are still elastic or have hardened.
The hardening of arteries or arterioscleroris will cause the blood vessels to lose elasticity and become brittle, interfering with the normal flow of blood. This can lead to heart attacks, stroke or problems to key organs.
All you have to do is key in your cholesterol and blood sugar readings into the CardioVision MS2000. Within seconds, you will know the state of your arteries.
Memsa is a non-governmental organisation which lends support to other community service organisations to conduct medical camps for the less fortunate.
Call Memsa at 03-62753698 or email memsa.ems@gmail.com
Move to register lupus patients
Star: PETALING JAYA: A national registry to identify and register patients suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) will be set up soon so that a concerted effort can be taken by the Health Ministry to overcome the chronic disease.
The SLE Association Malaysia (SLEAM) will start the ball rolling. Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Lee Kah Choon said there were an estimated 10,000 Malaysians afflicted with the disease.
He, however, said this could only be the tip of the iceberg.
“There might still be many patients out there who are not aware that they may be lupus sufferers and so we must have the data to know how to tackle it,” Dr Lee said after participating in the World Lupus Day proclamation yesterday.
SLE is an auto-immune disease meaning it causes the immune system to turn against parts of the body it is supposed to protect. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.
“Unfortunately, SLE is not an easy disease to diagnose as the symptoms that show up mimic many common illnesses,” said SLEAM acting president Assoc Prof Dr Esha Das Gupta.
Dr Esha said the “disease with a thousand faces” projected symptoms like painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever and extreme fatigue.
She said it could be fatal if it affected the kidneys, heart or brain but was highly treatable if detected early.
“As statistics go, 90% of sufferers are women while men and children make up the remaining 10%. There is usually a triggering factor in a person, who is genetically inclined, that will cause the disease,” she said.
Dr Esha added that it was also a disease of the young (15 - 45 years of age) and its economic impact was large considering it could strike those in the prime of their life.
As for treatment, Dr Esha said there were specialist government hospitals equipped with combined clinics where the relevant specialists would sit side by side to treat patients.
Dr Esha said the association was also looking to hire counsellors to help those afflicted with the disease to cope, as they were now relying on volunteers who were also lupus sufferers.
The SLE Association Malaysia (SLEAM) will start the ball rolling. Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Lee Kah Choon said there were an estimated 10,000 Malaysians afflicted with the disease.
He, however, said this could only be the tip of the iceberg.
“There might still be many patients out there who are not aware that they may be lupus sufferers and so we must have the data to know how to tackle it,” Dr Lee said after participating in the World Lupus Day proclamation yesterday.
SLE is an auto-immune disease meaning it causes the immune system to turn against parts of the body it is supposed to protect. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.
“Unfortunately, SLE is not an easy disease to diagnose as the symptoms that show up mimic many common illnesses,” said SLEAM acting president Assoc Prof Dr Esha Das Gupta.
Dr Esha said the “disease with a thousand faces” projected symptoms like painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever and extreme fatigue.
She said it could be fatal if it affected the kidneys, heart or brain but was highly treatable if detected early.
“As statistics go, 90% of sufferers are women while men and children make up the remaining 10%. There is usually a triggering factor in a person, who is genetically inclined, that will cause the disease,” she said.
Dr Esha added that it was also a disease of the young (15 - 45 years of age) and its economic impact was large considering it could strike those in the prime of their life.
As for treatment, Dr Esha said there were specialist government hospitals equipped with combined clinics where the relevant specialists would sit side by side to treat patients.
Dr Esha said the association was also looking to hire counsellors to help those afflicted with the disease to cope, as they were now relying on volunteers who were also lupus sufferers.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Rural doctor shortage can be solved: MMA
Daily Express: Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) supports the call by the Minister of Health to politicians to refrain from interfering with postings of doctors to rural areas.
"This gross disparity in distribution of doctors is not something that cannot be solved and we would like to share feedback from our members," said its President, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, in a statement, Tuesday.
He said for the doctors who serve in East Malaysia, the heavier workload, more complex cases handled and more operative experience are seen as advantageous for their clinical training.
"Most of the district doctors are on alternate day call or at best one in three calls. Given that there is a chronic shortage, this situation exists for the length of time they serve which sometimes exceeds two years.
"There must be better support mechanisms for the junior doctors (fresh from housemanship training) who may be required to perform procedures that may tax all their abilities.
"The fear of making a mistake in an unsupervised situation is a constant stress. This issue certainly requires proper risk management by the Ministry of Health. We need more experienced doctors where the transfer of cases can take more than two hours," he said.
"Unlike in West Malaysia, patients in Sabah and Sarawak do not bypass the district hospital to crowd the specialist hospitals because of transport issues.
"Economic reasons also preclude the ability for most to seek private care.
"Thus the outpatient, inpatient and operative workload of the doctor in Kudat or Kapit hospitals is much higher than in comparable sized hospitals in the Peninsula," he added.
He noted that most district hospitals have less than a quarter of their posts filled.
Besides struggling to cope with daily workloads, it is near impossible to allow doctors to attend training courses.
"Similarly, it is difficult to get relief doctors even to attend required service induction and orientation programmes," he said.
Many in their third year are still not confirmed in service, which renders them ineligible for postgraduate entry. Furthermore, the lack of senior specialists for training and motivating the new doctors creates a vicious cycle.
The MMA would advise that the solution is not to hire more foreign doctors. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation would show that there are aspects that can be improved.
"In the past 30 years, we have already submitted many proposals, including faster promotions and more credit points for postgraduate training," said Dr Teoh.
However, these have not been uniformly addressed and the process is not transparent to all young doctors. The latest proposal by SCHOMOS (Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialist), is for instance in critical allowance for all doctors serving in East Malaysia. While the reception to this proposal has been encouraging, the authorities must expedite the implementation before going abroad to recruit more foreign doctors, he said.
He pointed out that the provision of significant financial incentives has been proven in many countries to improve the urban rural distribution of doctors and hoped that it will be implemented as soon as possible.
"We are confident that if these allowances are attractive enough, it will be more viable and practical to have our doctors to serve rather than casting abroad for foreign doctors," he said, adding the total economic and social cost will also be much lower than employing expatriates.
Dr Teoh said there are other issues regarding work permits which need to be resolved with the State governments.
However, the relative lack of equipment and other supportive facilities also frustrate the clinician and allocating bigger budgets for these hospitals will hopefully be able to compensate in part for the shortfalls.
It may prove easier to move money than to move personnel, he said.
"We are confident that a meaningful solution is possible and necessary so that the people of East Malaysia can receive equivalent care after 50 years as a nation. Soon, perhaps a stint in East Malaysia will be privilege and essential for career advancements, such that the Health Minister, will have his fellow parliamentarians lobbying for doctors vying to serve in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
"This gross disparity in distribution of doctors is not something that cannot be solved and we would like to share feedback from our members," said its President, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, in a statement, Tuesday.
He said for the doctors who serve in East Malaysia, the heavier workload, more complex cases handled and more operative experience are seen as advantageous for their clinical training.
"Most of the district doctors are on alternate day call or at best one in three calls. Given that there is a chronic shortage, this situation exists for the length of time they serve which sometimes exceeds two years.
"There must be better support mechanisms for the junior doctors (fresh from housemanship training) who may be required to perform procedures that may tax all their abilities.
"The fear of making a mistake in an unsupervised situation is a constant stress. This issue certainly requires proper risk management by the Ministry of Health. We need more experienced doctors where the transfer of cases can take more than two hours," he said.
"Unlike in West Malaysia, patients in Sabah and Sarawak do not bypass the district hospital to crowd the specialist hospitals because of transport issues.
"Economic reasons also preclude the ability for most to seek private care.
"Thus the outpatient, inpatient and operative workload of the doctor in Kudat or Kapit hospitals is much higher than in comparable sized hospitals in the Peninsula," he added.
He noted that most district hospitals have less than a quarter of their posts filled.
Besides struggling to cope with daily workloads, it is near impossible to allow doctors to attend training courses.
"Similarly, it is difficult to get relief doctors even to attend required service induction and orientation programmes," he said.
Many in their third year are still not confirmed in service, which renders them ineligible for postgraduate entry. Furthermore, the lack of senior specialists for training and motivating the new doctors creates a vicious cycle.
The MMA would advise that the solution is not to hire more foreign doctors. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation would show that there are aspects that can be improved.
"In the past 30 years, we have already submitted many proposals, including faster promotions and more credit points for postgraduate training," said Dr Teoh.
However, these have not been uniformly addressed and the process is not transparent to all young doctors. The latest proposal by SCHOMOS (Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialist), is for instance in critical allowance for all doctors serving in East Malaysia. While the reception to this proposal has been encouraging, the authorities must expedite the implementation before going abroad to recruit more foreign doctors, he said.
He pointed out that the provision of significant financial incentives has been proven in many countries to improve the urban rural distribution of doctors and hoped that it will be implemented as soon as possible.
"We are confident that if these allowances are attractive enough, it will be more viable and practical to have our doctors to serve rather than casting abroad for foreign doctors," he said, adding the total economic and social cost will also be much lower than employing expatriates.
Dr Teoh said there are other issues regarding work permits which need to be resolved with the State governments.
However, the relative lack of equipment and other supportive facilities also frustrate the clinician and allocating bigger budgets for these hospitals will hopefully be able to compensate in part for the shortfalls.
It may prove easier to move money than to move personnel, he said.
"We are confident that a meaningful solution is possible and necessary so that the people of East Malaysia can receive equivalent care after 50 years as a nation. Soon, perhaps a stint in East Malaysia will be privilege and essential for career advancements, such that the Health Minister, will have his fellow parliamentarians lobbying for doctors vying to serve in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
Medical tourists claim RTD treated them like criminals
Sun2Surf: PENANG (May 9, 2007): Two years ago, cancer patient Manahara Siahaan(pix) , 75, of Medan arrived at Penang International Airport in a wheelchair.
When he attempted to board an airport limousine to get to the hospital he was supposed to go for his treatment, the driver refused to take him.
Manahara, a businessman diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 1998, then contacted the hospital which sent a van to pick him up.
He was among those who were in a hospital van yesterday which was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel at the airport.
"I have been coming here every three weeks over the past five years for my treatment at Mount Miriam Hospital and also Penang Adventist Hospital," he said.
"Each time, I stay for at least five days at a hotel, and spend between RM5,000 and RM6,000.
"Patients like me need professional assistance and the van drivers know how to handle us as we come here often.
"This is something the limousine drivers cannot provide. We would not mind paying them but they cannot assist us medically.
"I also know of others arriving from Medan including those with diabetic problems, whom the limousine drivers have refused to ferry.
"All of us have been coming to Penang because right from the word go, from the time we seek treatment at the Adventist Hospital in Medan until we come here, the service provided is impeccable," said Manahara, who in 2004 was told by doctors he had six months to live but yesterday was given the all-clear sign.
Another patient Anna Flora Hutabarat (pix), 57, the sister of Rumondang Hutajulu, 63, who complained to theSun about yesterday's incident, said she and the rest of the group were fasting prior to their medical checkup and were upset when they were made to wait for half an hour in the scorching heat before they were allowed to leave.
Anna has been coming here for the past four years for her kidney ailment while Rumondang underwent kidney surgery in the hospital today.
"I even told the RTD officer this fact, that we were fasting, and all we wanted to do was to get to the hospital for our check-ups, but he accused us of coming here for a holiday, as we all looked well enough to him as we were wearing make-up.
"We come here because of the service, and the cost of treatment is much cheaper than what is offered in Singapore and other neighbouring countries.
"The last thing we expected is to be treated like criminals," she told theSun in an interview.
Another patient Dina Noviarity (pix), 45, who accompanied her father Pak Kadir, 76, who had fluid in his lungs said she has been making trips to the hospital for the past four years.
"Even my mother underwent a heart operation in the hospital last year and we spend a lot of money. This incident leaves a very bad taste in our mouth.
"We do not know if we would still want to come back for our medical checkups in future after this," she added.
When he attempted to board an airport limousine to get to the hospital he was supposed to go for his treatment, the driver refused to take him.
Manahara, a businessman diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 1998, then contacted the hospital which sent a van to pick him up.
He was among those who were in a hospital van yesterday which was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel at the airport.
"I have been coming here every three weeks over the past five years for my treatment at Mount Miriam Hospital and also Penang Adventist Hospital," he said.
"Each time, I stay for at least five days at a hotel, and spend between RM5,000 and RM6,000.
"Patients like me need professional assistance and the van drivers know how to handle us as we come here often.
"This is something the limousine drivers cannot provide. We would not mind paying them but they cannot assist us medically.
"I also know of others arriving from Medan including those with diabetic problems, whom the limousine drivers have refused to ferry.
"All of us have been coming to Penang because right from the word go, from the time we seek treatment at the Adventist Hospital in Medan until we come here, the service provided is impeccable," said Manahara, who in 2004 was told by doctors he had six months to live but yesterday was given the all-clear sign.
Another patient Anna Flora Hutabarat (pix), 57, the sister of Rumondang Hutajulu, 63, who complained to theSun about yesterday's incident, said she and the rest of the group were fasting prior to their medical checkup and were upset when they were made to wait for half an hour in the scorching heat before they were allowed to leave.
Anna has been coming here for the past four years for her kidney ailment while Rumondang underwent kidney surgery in the hospital today.
"I even told the RTD officer this fact, that we were fasting, and all we wanted to do was to get to the hospital for our check-ups, but he accused us of coming here for a holiday, as we all looked well enough to him as we were wearing make-up.
"We come here because of the service, and the cost of treatment is much cheaper than what is offered in Singapore and other neighbouring countries.
"The last thing we expected is to be treated like criminals," she told theSun in an interview.
Another patient Dina Noviarity (pix), 45, who accompanied her father Pak Kadir, 76, who had fluid in his lungs said she has been making trips to the hospital for the past four years.
"Even my mother underwent a heart operation in the hospital last year and we spend a lot of money. This incident leaves a very bad taste in our mouth.
"We do not know if we would still want to come back for our medical checkups in future after this," she added.
Hospital needs permit to ferry patients
Sun2Surf: PENANG (May 9, 2007): Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran when contacted today said it is illegal for hospitals to provide transport services for their patients.
"Even if they are doing it as a free service for their patients, they still need a permit or licence to do so, either from us, the Health or Tourism Ministry to use their vans for such purposes.
"Otherwise, the service is considered illegal. The same also applies to vans sent by hotels to pick up guests from the airport.
"They must have permits from us or be licensed by the ministry to do so," he added.
Following the incident where a hospital van was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel after fetching patients from the airport yesterday, the hospital hired a tour bus to transport patients arriving today.
It is learnt that over the past week, RTD officials had also issued similar summonses to vans from other private hospitals on the island which also ferried patients from the airport to the hospital.
The problem has been ongoing for the past four years and limousine operators have been unhappy with hospital vans picking up the patients, which they claimed have been eating into their business.
A source said due to the problem, a few years ago, several hospitals even met the limousine operators to seek a solution to the problem but it did not materialise due to the limousine operators' refusal to fetch all the patients regardness of their medical conditions.
Meanwhile, RTD director Hassan Yaccob when contacted said an internal investigation has been commenced into yesterday's incident.
"I will be meeting with state tourism committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow and other relevant authorities tomorrow to help resolve this issue," he said in a telephone interview.
"Even if they are doing it as a free service for their patients, they still need a permit or licence to do so, either from us, the Health or Tourism Ministry to use their vans for such purposes.
"Otherwise, the service is considered illegal. The same also applies to vans sent by hotels to pick up guests from the airport.
"They must have permits from us or be licensed by the ministry to do so," he added.
Following the incident where a hospital van was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel after fetching patients from the airport yesterday, the hospital hired a tour bus to transport patients arriving today.
It is learnt that over the past week, RTD officials had also issued similar summonses to vans from other private hospitals on the island which also ferried patients from the airport to the hospital.
The problem has been ongoing for the past four years and limousine operators have been unhappy with hospital vans picking up the patients, which they claimed have been eating into their business.
A source said due to the problem, a few years ago, several hospitals even met the limousine operators to seek a solution to the problem but it did not materialise due to the limousine operators' refusal to fetch all the patients regardness of their medical conditions.
Meanwhile, RTD director Hassan Yaccob when contacted said an internal investigation has been commenced into yesterday's incident.
"I will be meeting with state tourism committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow and other relevant authorities tomorrow to help resolve this issue," he said in a telephone interview.
Perak Sees 100 Percent Rise In Dengue Fever Cases
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Perak has registered a 100 percent increase in dengue fever with 53 cases for the April 29-May 5 period compared with 26 cases in the previous week.
A Health Ministry statement released, here Wednesday said overall dengue cases had dropped by 2.7 percent except for Perak, Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.
Selangor recorded eight more cases with 240 (232 previously), the highest while Johor had five more with 58, Melaka had one more with 21 while Putrajaya had three cases when there was none previously.
Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan saw less cases with 102 (117) and 18 (23) previously.
For the April 29-May 5 period, there were 717 suspected cases of dengue fever compared with 737 cases in the previous week of which 674 cases were suspected dengue and 43 cases were suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever cases.
However, of the 717 cases only 208 cases were confirmed positive by dengue serology tests with no death recorded.
The ministry urged all parties to increase prevention and control of dengue fever by conducting checks on breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes.
The statement said vacant land formed the main breeding ground (7.4 percent) followed by government buildings and factories (5.3), health facilities (4), construction sites (3.4), rubbish dumps (2.7) and schools (2).
A total of 281 notices and 203 summonses were issued against owners of premises over the last fortnight nationwide with fines amounting to RM31,570.
A Health Ministry statement released, here Wednesday said overall dengue cases had dropped by 2.7 percent except for Perak, Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.
Selangor recorded eight more cases with 240 (232 previously), the highest while Johor had five more with 58, Melaka had one more with 21 while Putrajaya had three cases when there was none previously.
Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan saw less cases with 102 (117) and 18 (23) previously.
For the April 29-May 5 period, there were 717 suspected cases of dengue fever compared with 737 cases in the previous week of which 674 cases were suspected dengue and 43 cases were suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever cases.
However, of the 717 cases only 208 cases were confirmed positive by dengue serology tests with no death recorded.
The ministry urged all parties to increase prevention and control of dengue fever by conducting checks on breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes.
The statement said vacant land formed the main breeding ground (7.4 percent) followed by government buildings and factories (5.3), health facilities (4), construction sites (3.4), rubbish dumps (2.7) and schools (2).
A total of 281 notices and 203 summonses were issued against owners of premises over the last fortnight nationwide with fines amounting to RM31,570.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Hospital probes parang attack
NST: KLANG: Authorities at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital have initiated a probe into Sunday’s robbery in which an undergraduate was seriously injured.
Hospital director Dr Yahya Baba said this was the first such incident at the hospital, and security officers are also looking at how to prevent a recurrence.
At about 10pm, 23-year-old Nur Atiqah Yaacob was slashed three times by a parang-wielding robber in an isolated carpark of the hospital.
Her left hand was nearly severed at the wrist, her right hand was injured and she needed 10 stitches to close a gash on her head.
Yahya said the hospital had adequate guards to monitor the hospital’s four entrances, and measures were in place to protect the staff working night shifts.
But, he said, Nur Atiqah should not have been in the carpark at that time of night because visiting hours were over.
Hospital director Dr Yahya Baba said this was the first such incident at the hospital, and security officers are also looking at how to prevent a recurrence.
At about 10pm, 23-year-old Nur Atiqah Yaacob was slashed three times by a parang-wielding robber in an isolated carpark of the hospital.
Her left hand was nearly severed at the wrist, her right hand was injured and she needed 10 stitches to close a gash on her head.
Yahya said the hospital had adequate guards to monitor the hospital’s four entrances, and measures were in place to protect the staff working night shifts.
But, he said, Nur Atiqah should not have been in the carpark at that time of night because visiting hours were over.
Doing medicine in Egypt
Star: CAIRO: The Higher Education Ministry will standardise its procedures to facilitate the sending of students to study medicine in Egypt.
“Last September, 499 first-year students arrived in Egypt to study medicine at seven universities. This is our first big batch, so there are many logistical issues that need to be ironed out such as minimum entry qualifications, errant agents and housing,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed who was on a week-long working trip to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Speaking to The Star after a dialogue with about 500 Malaysian students at the Malaysian Hall here on Monday, he said Malaysia has been sending students over to Egypt for religious studies for decades and has just started sponsoring students to take up the highly in demand, critical programme in the Northern African country because of its wide advantages.
“Studying medicine in Egypt is unique because students learn in English and use Arabic in the society so they can improve their proficiency in both. And for some universities like Al-Azhar University, they need to study and memorise the Quran too,” he added.
There are currently more than 640 public and private Malaysian students taking up medicine in the country.
Mustapa also had a special dialogue with 250 Malaysian medical students to get feedback on the problems they face such as their difficulty in the Arabic language and delay in the payment of fees which bar them from sitting for their exams.
To help address the problems, a committee that will be headed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt and student leaders has been set up.
On the issue of errant education agents, Mustapa said he had met with the relevant sponsors in Malaysia and proposed a new system to avoid abuses.
Mustapa also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian Higher Education Minister Dr Amr Ezzat Salma to foster more exchanges in medicine between the two countries.
“Last September, 499 first-year students arrived in Egypt to study medicine at seven universities. This is our first big batch, so there are many logistical issues that need to be ironed out such as minimum entry qualifications, errant agents and housing,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed who was on a week-long working trip to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Speaking to The Star after a dialogue with about 500 Malaysian students at the Malaysian Hall here on Monday, he said Malaysia has been sending students over to Egypt for religious studies for decades and has just started sponsoring students to take up the highly in demand, critical programme in the Northern African country because of its wide advantages.
“Studying medicine in Egypt is unique because students learn in English and use Arabic in the society so they can improve their proficiency in both. And for some universities like Al-Azhar University, they need to study and memorise the Quran too,” he added.
There are currently more than 640 public and private Malaysian students taking up medicine in the country.
Mustapa also had a special dialogue with 250 Malaysian medical students to get feedback on the problems they face such as their difficulty in the Arabic language and delay in the payment of fees which bar them from sitting for their exams.
To help address the problems, a committee that will be headed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt and student leaders has been set up.
On the issue of errant education agents, Mustapa said he had met with the relevant sponsors in Malaysia and proposed a new system to avoid abuses.
Mustapa also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian Higher Education Minister Dr Amr Ezzat Salma to foster more exchanges in medicine between the two countries.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Dengue vaccine still a long way off
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It could take another 15 to 20 years before an effective vaccine or a cure is found for dengue.
Extensive research is being conducted in several countries, including the United States, India and Malaysia, following its emergence as a major public health problem globally.
However, 200 years after the first dengue fever epidemic was reported in Asia, Africa and North America, there was still no sign of a vaccine.
Currently, the most promising research involved a plant-based anti-viral preparation known as Dengimm.
A five-member research team from University Malaya Medical Centre had carried out evaluation studies on the preparation's potential in the hope that it could be used as an alternative approach for early treatment of the disease.
"An effective vaccine must provide high level and lasting immunity and, at the moment, many approaches are taken in the development of a dengue vaccine.
"This includes vaccines which will be able to cripple highly infective dengue viruses," said Professor Shamala Devi, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference & Research at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya.
The most common treatment for dengue today involves easing its symptoms. Once diagnosed with dengue fever, a patient is prescribed plenty of bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine such as paracetamol to reduce the fever.
Drinking lots of water is vital as it prevents dehydration. If the patient is unable to drink orally, he is usually given fluid intravenously.
Over-the-counter pain-reducing medicines are also considered safe for most to ease the pain.
"Although intravenous fluids may be all that is required for treatment, good nursing care and observation are also essential as the symptoms of dengue may change rapidly and the patient may end up in critical condition," said Shamala.
As it will take a long time to produce an effective vaccine, the public has been urged to take precautions to stop its spread.
This includes controlling the mosquito vector in and around the house where most transmissions occur. Among the precautions include avoid having stagnant water for more than a week as the life cycle of the Aedes mosquito lasts for seven to 14 days.
"You should also change the water in your pet's water container regularly and clean water containers.
"Be proactive and contact the authorities if you suspect a case of dengue fever in your neighbourhood.
"You can also participate in community efforts like gotong-royong and make insecticide spraying a weekly routine at home."
Windows and doors should also be kept open when fogging is carried out as this would enable the insecticide to get to the Aedes mosquitoes and larvae inside the house.
Extensive research is being conducted in several countries, including the United States, India and Malaysia, following its emergence as a major public health problem globally.
However, 200 years after the first dengue fever epidemic was reported in Asia, Africa and North America, there was still no sign of a vaccine.
Currently, the most promising research involved a plant-based anti-viral preparation known as Dengimm.
A five-member research team from University Malaya Medical Centre had carried out evaluation studies on the preparation's potential in the hope that it could be used as an alternative approach for early treatment of the disease.
"An effective vaccine must provide high level and lasting immunity and, at the moment, many approaches are taken in the development of a dengue vaccine.
"This includes vaccines which will be able to cripple highly infective dengue viruses," said Professor Shamala Devi, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference & Research at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya.
The most common treatment for dengue today involves easing its symptoms. Once diagnosed with dengue fever, a patient is prescribed plenty of bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine such as paracetamol to reduce the fever.
Drinking lots of water is vital as it prevents dehydration. If the patient is unable to drink orally, he is usually given fluid intravenously.
Over-the-counter pain-reducing medicines are also considered safe for most to ease the pain.
"Although intravenous fluids may be all that is required for treatment, good nursing care and observation are also essential as the symptoms of dengue may change rapidly and the patient may end up in critical condition," said Shamala.
As it will take a long time to produce an effective vaccine, the public has been urged to take precautions to stop its spread.
This includes controlling the mosquito vector in and around the house where most transmissions occur. Among the precautions include avoid having stagnant water for more than a week as the life cycle of the Aedes mosquito lasts for seven to 14 days.
"You should also change the water in your pet's water container regularly and clean water containers.
"Be proactive and contact the authorities if you suspect a case of dengue fever in your neighbourhood.
"You can also participate in community efforts like gotong-royong and make insecticide spraying a weekly routine at home."
Windows and doors should also be kept open when fogging is carried out as this would enable the insecticide to get to the Aedes mosquitoes and larvae inside the house.
Safety audit at all NS camps
Sun2Surf: BANGI (May 4, 2007): A safety audit system will be introduced at all National Service (NS) training camps by the National Service Training Department (JLKN) to ensure they are safe for use, National ServiceTraining Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said today.
He said the system would be implemented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at all 80 NS camps in the country to ensure they were administered according to the required operation standards.
Lee, who is NIOSH chairman, said the system had received the greenlight from the Defence Ministry.
"A pilot project had been carried out where NIOSH audited six camps since last year. The audit reports will be handed to JLKN for further action, including setting the dates for auditing at the remaining camps," he told reporters after launching the World Occupational Safety and Health Day organised by NIOSH here.
Lee said NIOSH officers would do the auditing where they would check the equipment and infrastructure at NS camps to ensure they met the required standards.
He said the move was in line with a Defence Ministry directive for all camp operators to obtain certification from appointed consultants, the latest by next month.
"All camp commandants, the trainers and NS trainees should realise the importance of safety and not compromise on the matter," Bernama quoted Lee as saying today.
On another matter, Lee said statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) showed a 60% drop in the number of workplace accidents from 120,000 cases in 1994 to 58,321 last year.
He said the number of accidents reported to Socso in 2000 was 95,006 cases followed by 95,926 cases in 2001, 81,810 in 2002, 73,858 in 2003, 69,132 in 2004 and 61,182 in 2005.
The drop was due to the high commitment from the government, employers and awareness among the workers on ensuring safety at the workplace, he added.
He said the system would be implemented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at all 80 NS camps in the country to ensure they were administered according to the required operation standards.
Lee, who is NIOSH chairman, said the system had received the greenlight from the Defence Ministry.
"A pilot project had been carried out where NIOSH audited six camps since last year. The audit reports will be handed to JLKN for further action, including setting the dates for auditing at the remaining camps," he told reporters after launching the World Occupational Safety and Health Day organised by NIOSH here.
Lee said NIOSH officers would do the auditing where they would check the equipment and infrastructure at NS camps to ensure they met the required standards.
He said the move was in line with a Defence Ministry directive for all camp operators to obtain certification from appointed consultants, the latest by next month.
"All camp commandants, the trainers and NS trainees should realise the importance of safety and not compromise on the matter," Bernama quoted Lee as saying today.
On another matter, Lee said statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) showed a 60% drop in the number of workplace accidents from 120,000 cases in 1994 to 58,321 last year.
He said the number of accidents reported to Socso in 2000 was 95,006 cases followed by 95,926 cases in 2001, 81,810 in 2002, 73,858 in 2003, 69,132 in 2004 and 61,182 in 2005.
The drop was due to the high commitment from the government, employers and awareness among the workers on ensuring safety at the workplace, he added.
Health Ministry opens crisis centre
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has opened a centre to coordinate efforts to address health issues during epidemics, crises and disasters.
The Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) will collaborate and maintain a communications network with local as well as foreign organisations and institutes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the centre would help the ministry strengthen its disaster and crisis management capabilities in tackling health and rehabilitation issues.
He said the CPRC had played an important role in collecting and disseminating information during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) scare.
“The effective coordination and dissemination of information through this centre had prevented local transmission of SARS,” he added.
However, there were small hiccups during the launch yesterday, causing Dr Chua to take a swipe at the country’s broadband connection.
“The Malaysian lines need upgrading,” he told reporters when a teleconference with state health directors was disrupted by intermittent connection.
The Terengganu state health director, who was briefing Dr Chua on a case, could hardly be heard.
“Linking (to the states) is not a problem but the line is a problem.
“As you have seen, when it is congested you cannot hear.
“Maybe (Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim) Keng Yaik will not be happy,” he said.
The RM2mil CPRC, under the disease control director, is equipped with four computers, six LCD monitors, Internet access, and two hotlines as well as facsimile and TV satellite facilities to obtain up-to-date reports on a crisis or disaster.
It can be activated based on several criteria, such as when a disease breaks out in more than one state.
It can also be activated when there is a crisis or disaster with high morbidity or mortality rate, or those occurring in a cluster manner or extraordinary incidences caused by an infectious disease with unknown pathogen.
Others are situations involving extraordinary events in other countries, large-scale disasters, whether natural or man-made; bio-terrorism and Level Three disasters (complex or involving bigger areas or more than one country).
The centre’s hotline number is 03-8881 0600.
The Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) will collaborate and maintain a communications network with local as well as foreign organisations and institutes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the centre would help the ministry strengthen its disaster and crisis management capabilities in tackling health and rehabilitation issues.
He said the CPRC had played an important role in collecting and disseminating information during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) scare.
“The effective coordination and dissemination of information through this centre had prevented local transmission of SARS,” he added.
However, there were small hiccups during the launch yesterday, causing Dr Chua to take a swipe at the country’s broadband connection.
“The Malaysian lines need upgrading,” he told reporters when a teleconference with state health directors was disrupted by intermittent connection.
The Terengganu state health director, who was briefing Dr Chua on a case, could hardly be heard.
“Linking (to the states) is not a problem but the line is a problem.
“As you have seen, when it is congested you cannot hear.
“Maybe (Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim) Keng Yaik will not be happy,” he said.
The RM2mil CPRC, under the disease control director, is equipped with four computers, six LCD monitors, Internet access, and two hotlines as well as facsimile and TV satellite facilities to obtain up-to-date reports on a crisis or disaster.
It can be activated based on several criteria, such as when a disease breaks out in more than one state.
It can also be activated when there is a crisis or disaster with high morbidity or mortality rate, or those occurring in a cluster manner or extraordinary incidences caused by an infectious disease with unknown pathogen.
Others are situations involving extraordinary events in other countries, large-scale disasters, whether natural or man-made; bio-terrorism and Level Three disasters (complex or involving bigger areas or more than one country).
The centre’s hotline number is 03-8881 0600.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Local biotech firms to get much-needed boost
NST: STEM-CELL research and development in Malaysia will be given a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the country’s lead development agency for the biotechnology industry, Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd (Biotech Corp), and the Manipal Education and Medical Group International of India today.
It will be done on the sidelines of BIO 2007, the world’s largest annual biotechnology convention and exhibition, here.
Both chairmen — Tan Sri Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus for Biotech Corp and Dr Ramdas Pai for Manipal Group — are expected to be the signatories.
Under the MoU, a Manipal Group subsidiary will be established in Malaysia to spearhead stem-cell research.
This is one of a flurry of MoUs that will be concluded between Malaysian biotechnology companies and foreign partners at BIO 2007, and witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is leading the 350-strong Malaysian delegation to the convention.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, commenting on Friday on the large number of MoUs to be inked, had said that it augured well for the development of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
He said serious efforts were being made to attract local and foreign investments into the sector and in developing Malaysia as a serious player in the field.
Biotech Corp will also sign two MoUs with Avesta Gengraine Technologies Pte Ltd and Avesta Biotherapeutics & Research Pte Ltd of India.
On Saturday, it signed one with the organiser of BIO 2007, the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, to enhance Malaysia’s image as a biotechnology hub in Asia and to demonstrate its commitment to put in place an economic, political and policy framework in Malaysia to realise this aim.
Malaysian company Inno Biologics will strike a partnership with three companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH of Germany, one of the world’s top leading pharmaceutical companies involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing human pharmaceuticals and animal health products.
The other MoUs are between Jamaluddin’s ministry and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the development of science and technology for the manufacturing of bio-plastics in Malaysia; Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre and 454 Life Sciences Corporation of USA; and 1st Global Biotech Sdn Bhd Malaysia and Biozyme Technology Corporation, Taiwan’s largest herbal enzyme manufacturer.
Kedah BioResources Corporation Sdn Bhd will sign two MoUs with the Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Insect Biotech Co.
Another MoU signing to take place tomorrow is between Felda and Twin Rivers Technologies over the feasibility of Felda Holdings Berhad acquiring a controlling stake of North America’s fastest growing oleo-chemical supplier.
It will be done on the sidelines of BIO 2007, the world’s largest annual biotechnology convention and exhibition, here.
Both chairmen — Tan Sri Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus for Biotech Corp and Dr Ramdas Pai for Manipal Group — are expected to be the signatories.
Under the MoU, a Manipal Group subsidiary will be established in Malaysia to spearhead stem-cell research.
This is one of a flurry of MoUs that will be concluded between Malaysian biotechnology companies and foreign partners at BIO 2007, and witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is leading the 350-strong Malaysian delegation to the convention.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, commenting on Friday on the large number of MoUs to be inked, had said that it augured well for the development of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
He said serious efforts were being made to attract local and foreign investments into the sector and in developing Malaysia as a serious player in the field.
Biotech Corp will also sign two MoUs with Avesta Gengraine Technologies Pte Ltd and Avesta Biotherapeutics & Research Pte Ltd of India.
On Saturday, it signed one with the organiser of BIO 2007, the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, to enhance Malaysia’s image as a biotechnology hub in Asia and to demonstrate its commitment to put in place an economic, political and policy framework in Malaysia to realise this aim.
Malaysian company Inno Biologics will strike a partnership with three companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH of Germany, one of the world’s top leading pharmaceutical companies involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing human pharmaceuticals and animal health products.
The other MoUs are between Jamaluddin’s ministry and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the development of science and technology for the manufacturing of bio-plastics in Malaysia; Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre and 454 Life Sciences Corporation of USA; and 1st Global Biotech Sdn Bhd Malaysia and Biozyme Technology Corporation, Taiwan’s largest herbal enzyme manufacturer.
Kedah BioResources Corporation Sdn Bhd will sign two MoUs with the Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Insect Biotech Co.
Another MoU signing to take place tomorrow is between Felda and Twin Rivers Technologies over the feasibility of Felda Holdings Berhad acquiring a controlling stake of North America’s fastest growing oleo-chemical supplier.
School asthma clubs to cut absenteeism
NST: IPOH: Asthma Clubs may make their debut in schools to minimise absenteeism among students.
The Perak Chest Society is looking into setting up the clubs to help students who have asthma cope with it.
If the move becomes a reality, the Asthma Clubs will be the first of their kind in the country.
"There is no database on the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren. We are conducting a survey at SK Perempuan Methodist and SMK Perempuan Methodist in Ipoh to get feedback on how serious the sickness is among students," said Perak Chest Society president Dr Leong Oon Keong.
"We will identify students who have been diagnosed and those who may suffer from asthma based on the symptoms they have."
The proposed Asthma Clubs are part of the society’s Asthma Friendly School programme.
He said once the society had obtained feedback from the schools, it would brief the education department about the proposed project.
"We want to inculcate self management of the ailment among students as asthma is incurable," he said, adding that students, parents, guardians, teachers and doctors would participate in the clubs.
Dr Leong was speaking after attending the launch of an Emergency Asthma Management Course at a private hospital here on Saturday.
Perak MCA English Bureau chairman Datuk Thong Fah Chong was the guest of honour at the course, which was attended by 150 participants in conjunction with World Asthma Day on May 1.
Thong said the course provided basic knowledge on how to recognise impending attacks.
It also provided tips on how to manage an acute asthma attack before expert medical assistance was available.
"It is hoped that in the future, with the assistance of the Asthma Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Thoracic Society, the course will be developed into a certificate course similar to the basic life support course."
The Perak Chest Society is looking into setting up the clubs to help students who have asthma cope with it.
If the move becomes a reality, the Asthma Clubs will be the first of their kind in the country.
"There is no database on the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren. We are conducting a survey at SK Perempuan Methodist and SMK Perempuan Methodist in Ipoh to get feedback on how serious the sickness is among students," said Perak Chest Society president Dr Leong Oon Keong.
"We will identify students who have been diagnosed and those who may suffer from asthma based on the symptoms they have."
The proposed Asthma Clubs are part of the society’s Asthma Friendly School programme.
He said once the society had obtained feedback from the schools, it would brief the education department about the proposed project.
"We want to inculcate self management of the ailment among students as asthma is incurable," he said, adding that students, parents, guardians, teachers and doctors would participate in the clubs.
Dr Leong was speaking after attending the launch of an Emergency Asthma Management Course at a private hospital here on Saturday.
Perak MCA English Bureau chairman Datuk Thong Fah Chong was the guest of honour at the course, which was attended by 150 participants in conjunction with World Asthma Day on May 1.
Thong said the course provided basic knowledge on how to recognise impending attacks.
It also provided tips on how to manage an acute asthma attack before expert medical assistance was available.
"It is hoped that in the future, with the assistance of the Asthma Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Thoracic Society, the course will be developed into a certificate course similar to the basic life support course."
Parasitic problems lurking behind contact lenses
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Contact lens users beware. There may be parasites lurking behind your image-enhancing eyewear.
If you are careless in your cleansing regime, you are opening yourself up to potential corneal inflammation.
A less-than-adequate cleaning of your contact lens allows one-cell microscopic aquatic parasites to invade the cornea and lead to acanthamoeba keratitis, or corneal ulcer acanthamoeba.
It is a rare, but very painful and potentially blinding, infection of the cornea, the transparent covering of the eye.
The infection rate is approximately one in 30,000 contact lens wearers.
In about 85 per cent of such cases, the condition is associated with contact lens use.
Symptoms of the infection include a sensation of having something in the eye, watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swelling of the upper eyelid and extreme pain.
If the disease is detected early, when only the surface layer of the cornea is infected, it may respond rapidly to treatment.
However, if it is recognised late, intensive treatment may be needed for up to 12 months. Infection can also reoccur after treatment.
In a poster presentation on Contamination of Used Contact Lenses by Acanthamoeba species, carried out by Putri Noradyani MH, et al, from Universiti Kebangsaan Ma-laysia, on 99 lens users with no symptoms, it was found that:
# the acanthamoeba parasite is ubiquitous in various lens wearer environment. Contamination was possible from air, dust, unclean hands and use of tap water.
(Acanthamoeba is also found in chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs and even in bottled water. It is also present, without causing infection, in the nasal passages of healthy people.)
# contact lens storage cases washed in tap water and kept wet, serve as a suitable condition for the growth of bacteria and fungus, thus becoming a food source for the parasite; and,
# a few studies have shown the adherence of acanthamoeba trophozoites (feeding stage) on the surface of new and worn contact lenses, especially in water contact lenses which are popular now.
Many contact lens users are known to ignore the advice of their optician and lens care instructions.
They rinse their lenses or storage cases in tap water, which may introduce the parasite to the case.
Once inside the case, it can survive and grow, feeding on bacteria that may also contaminate the case. The organisms are then transferred from the case to the cornea on the contact lens.
The lens holds the organisms in place on the eye, and this may ultimately lead to infection.
If you are careless in your cleansing regime, you are opening yourself up to potential corneal inflammation.
A less-than-adequate cleaning of your contact lens allows one-cell microscopic aquatic parasites to invade the cornea and lead to acanthamoeba keratitis, or corneal ulcer acanthamoeba.
It is a rare, but very painful and potentially blinding, infection of the cornea, the transparent covering of the eye.
The infection rate is approximately one in 30,000 contact lens wearers.
In about 85 per cent of such cases, the condition is associated with contact lens use.
Symptoms of the infection include a sensation of having something in the eye, watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swelling of the upper eyelid and extreme pain.
If the disease is detected early, when only the surface layer of the cornea is infected, it may respond rapidly to treatment.
However, if it is recognised late, intensive treatment may be needed for up to 12 months. Infection can also reoccur after treatment.
In a poster presentation on Contamination of Used Contact Lenses by Acanthamoeba species, carried out by Putri Noradyani MH, et al, from Universiti Kebangsaan Ma-laysia, on 99 lens users with no symptoms, it was found that:
# the acanthamoeba parasite is ubiquitous in various lens wearer environment. Contamination was possible from air, dust, unclean hands and use of tap water.
(Acanthamoeba is also found in chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs and even in bottled water. It is also present, without causing infection, in the nasal passages of healthy people.)
# contact lens storage cases washed in tap water and kept wet, serve as a suitable condition for the growth of bacteria and fungus, thus becoming a food source for the parasite; and,
# a few studies have shown the adherence of acanthamoeba trophozoites (feeding stage) on the surface of new and worn contact lenses, especially in water contact lenses which are popular now.
Many contact lens users are known to ignore the advice of their optician and lens care instructions.
They rinse their lenses or storage cases in tap water, which may introduce the parasite to the case.
Once inside the case, it can survive and grow, feeding on bacteria that may also contaminate the case. The organisms are then transferred from the case to the cornea on the contact lens.
The lens holds the organisms in place on the eye, and this may ultimately lead to infection.
Hidden danger at playground, parks
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Dogs make lovely and loyal pets, but there are health risks of which owners should be made aware.
These domestic companions can be host to parasitic worms that can pass infection to humans. Children are particularly susceptible.
Infected dogs that defecate in public parks and playgrounds pose a particular hazard. Their faeces contaminates the soil.
Dogs infected with adult hookworms (Toxocara canis or T. canis) can pass out thousands of eggs daily.
In a study conducted by researchers Yusri M.Y. et al from the Institute of Medical Research and the Laotian Ministry of Health titled Detection of Parasitic Infection Among Rural and Urban Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia, it was found that six species of nematodes (worms), including an unknown one, and a species of cestode (tapeworms) were found in 175 stool samples taken randomly.
The worms were hookworms, threadworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Two areas of different demographic characteristics were studied, namely an urban area in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, and two rural areas — the aboriginal settlements of Pos Sendut and Pos Lenjang in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.
The two settlements were considered a low socio-economic population which depended on rivers for water supply and sanitation.
The study was conducted from January to July last year.
The findings on canine faeces showed some interesting results:
• All canine faeces showed the highest prevalence of roundworms;
• Urban dogs showed greater presence of hookworms and whipworms; and,
• Rural dogs showed more roundworms.
In the case of soil contamination, the samples were tested for hookworm contamination as a potential source of human infection.
Urban soil samples showed a higher contamination rate, with hookworm eggs most abundant.
The conclusions drawn were that direct infection from dog to human is not hazardous as the eggs need two weeks to become infectious.
It is more hazardous for people to be exposed to a contaminated environment. Children in playgrounds and people walking barefeet are at high risk of being infected.
However, a 2003 report by British veterinarians discovered that people may become infected from the T. canis worm simply by stroking a dog that carries the parasite.
They discovered that the worm can be found in dog fur in addition to canine faeces. Of 60 dogs that they examined, a quarter had eggs of the worm in their fur.
These domestic companions can be host to parasitic worms that can pass infection to humans. Children are particularly susceptible.
Infected dogs that defecate in public parks and playgrounds pose a particular hazard. Their faeces contaminates the soil.
Dogs infected with adult hookworms (Toxocara canis or T. canis) can pass out thousands of eggs daily.
In a study conducted by researchers Yusri M.Y. et al from the Institute of Medical Research and the Laotian Ministry of Health titled Detection of Parasitic Infection Among Rural and Urban Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia, it was found that six species of nematodes (worms), including an unknown one, and a species of cestode (tapeworms) were found in 175 stool samples taken randomly.
The worms were hookworms, threadworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Two areas of different demographic characteristics were studied, namely an urban area in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, and two rural areas — the aboriginal settlements of Pos Sendut and Pos Lenjang in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.
The two settlements were considered a low socio-economic population which depended on rivers for water supply and sanitation.
The study was conducted from January to July last year.
The findings on canine faeces showed some interesting results:
• All canine faeces showed the highest prevalence of roundworms;
• Urban dogs showed greater presence of hookworms and whipworms; and,
• Rural dogs showed more roundworms.
In the case of soil contamination, the samples were tested for hookworm contamination as a potential source of human infection.
Urban soil samples showed a higher contamination rate, with hookworm eggs most abundant.
The conclusions drawn were that direct infection from dog to human is not hazardous as the eggs need two weeks to become infectious.
It is more hazardous for people to be exposed to a contaminated environment. Children in playgrounds and people walking barefeet are at high risk of being infected.
However, a 2003 report by British veterinarians discovered that people may become infected from the T. canis worm simply by stroking a dog that carries the parasite.
They discovered that the worm can be found in dog fur in addition to canine faeces. Of 60 dogs that they examined, a quarter had eggs of the worm in their fur.
Viral threat from deforestation
NST: What have monkeys got to do with dengue? And what have dogs got to do with hookworm infection? Plenty, it appears, as TERESA YONG found out at a recent seminar on parasitology
KUALA LUMPUR: Much has been said about the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate deforestation.
Chopping down trees, however, means much more than just that.
Everyone knows deforestation takes away the natural habitat of all kinds of jungle animals and drives them closer to human habitats.
What most do not know is that these animals put us at more risk from all kinds of diseases.
Studies done in 1986 suggest dengue viruses are maintained in a primate cycle involving monkeys and vectors of the aedes (Ae) niveus group.
This raises the possibility that the Ae albopictus mosquito may introduce the sylvatic (primate) virus to humans now that these primates live close to people in the urban areas, said Dr Indra Vythilingam, a research officer and former head of the Parasitology Unit, Institute of Medical Research.
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by two types of mosquitoes, Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus.
First reported in Malaysia in 1902, dengue affects 100 million people worldwide.
Dengue cases had more than doubled from 17,368 in 2001 to 39,654 in 2005. The fatality rate showed a similar trend over the same period, increasing from 50 to 107, according to Health Ministry statistics.
Malaysia has one of the best dengue control programmes in the region and yet cases of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever are increasing, said Dr Indra.
She presented a plenary paper on Emerging Threats of Vector-borne Diseases in Malaysia at the three-day 43rd Annual Scientific Seminar of Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Centenary Celebration of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (UK) here recently.
She pointed out that a number of vector-borne diseases discovered decades ago still persist now. These diseases include malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Some have become of greater public health importance now than before.
"Dengue is a good example of one that is increasing in the number of cases over the years. It has acquired a higher status since it poses a great threat to the people in urban areas."
Chikungunya, another viral disease, is also resurfacing in Malaysia and the main vectors are the same for dengue. Two outbreaks were reported in Klang in 1998 and last year in Bagan Panchor, Perak.
Malaria, which kills a child every second in Africa, is well under control in Malaysia.
"However, our neighbouring countries are not so fortunate and malaria is a serious problem there. Now, due to good diagnostic techniques, we are seeing simian malaria in humans.
"Perhaps this could lead in the future to simian malaria being transmitted from humans to humans," she warned.
Of the parasitic vector-borne diseases, filariasis is rare in Malaysia. However, of late, an increasing number of cases of Wuchereria bancrofti (which causes elephantiasis) are being imported into the country.
Culex mosquitoes, the main vector, is abundant and they are susceptible to the parasite.
Dr Indra said there was too much emphasis on fogging to kill adult mosquitoes. Instead, she said, the breeding sites should be eliminated.
Dr Indra said the health system must be strengthened so that health workers can provide effective intervention and assess the success in controlling the vector-borne diseases.
Besides deforestation, other factors which increase the risk of vector-borne disease transmission include natural disasters and poorly planned urbanisation which leads to the mushrooming of settlements with poor water supply.
Environmental changes and rapid air travel also directly affect the emergence and resurgence of such diseases, said Dr Indra.
KUALA LUMPUR: Much has been said about the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate deforestation.
Chopping down trees, however, means much more than just that.
Everyone knows deforestation takes away the natural habitat of all kinds of jungle animals and drives them closer to human habitats.
What most do not know is that these animals put us at more risk from all kinds of diseases.
Studies done in 1986 suggest dengue viruses are maintained in a primate cycle involving monkeys and vectors of the aedes (Ae) niveus group.
This raises the possibility that the Ae albopictus mosquito may introduce the sylvatic (primate) virus to humans now that these primates live close to people in the urban areas, said Dr Indra Vythilingam, a research officer and former head of the Parasitology Unit, Institute of Medical Research.
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by two types of mosquitoes, Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus.
First reported in Malaysia in 1902, dengue affects 100 million people worldwide.
Dengue cases had more than doubled from 17,368 in 2001 to 39,654 in 2005. The fatality rate showed a similar trend over the same period, increasing from 50 to 107, according to Health Ministry statistics.
Malaysia has one of the best dengue control programmes in the region and yet cases of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever are increasing, said Dr Indra.
She presented a plenary paper on Emerging Threats of Vector-borne Diseases in Malaysia at the three-day 43rd Annual Scientific Seminar of Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Centenary Celebration of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (UK) here recently.
She pointed out that a number of vector-borne diseases discovered decades ago still persist now. These diseases include malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Some have become of greater public health importance now than before.
"Dengue is a good example of one that is increasing in the number of cases over the years. It has acquired a higher status since it poses a great threat to the people in urban areas."
Chikungunya, another viral disease, is also resurfacing in Malaysia and the main vectors are the same for dengue. Two outbreaks were reported in Klang in 1998 and last year in Bagan Panchor, Perak.
Malaria, which kills a child every second in Africa, is well under control in Malaysia.
"However, our neighbouring countries are not so fortunate and malaria is a serious problem there. Now, due to good diagnostic techniques, we are seeing simian malaria in humans.
"Perhaps this could lead in the future to simian malaria being transmitted from humans to humans," she warned.
Of the parasitic vector-borne diseases, filariasis is rare in Malaysia. However, of late, an increasing number of cases of Wuchereria bancrofti (which causes elephantiasis) are being imported into the country.
Culex mosquitoes, the main vector, is abundant and they are susceptible to the parasite.
Dr Indra said there was too much emphasis on fogging to kill adult mosquitoes. Instead, she said, the breeding sites should be eliminated.
Dr Indra said the health system must be strengthened so that health workers can provide effective intervention and assess the success in controlling the vector-borne diseases.
Besides deforestation, other factors which increase the risk of vector-borne disease transmission include natural disasters and poorly planned urbanisation which leads to the mushrooming of settlements with poor water supply.
Environmental changes and rapid air travel also directly affect the emergence and resurgence of such diseases, said Dr Indra.
Health Ministry to educate farmers on use of pesticides
Star: PENANG: The Ministry of Health wants farmers to exercise caution in their use of pesticides to ensure that locally-produced vegetables are safe for consumption.
Its parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said besides taking action against errant farmers, the ministry would educate them on the issue.
“The problem will not be solved until the farmers understand the negative consequences and economic impact caused by the misuse of pesticides,” he said.
Lee said this a press conference yesterday after closing the Program Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa IPT.
He believed that even errant farmers would stop producing “toxic vegetables” if they understood the pros and cons.
Lee was commenting on a recent media report that pesticide-tainted vegetables were sent to markets.
He added that vegetables in Malaysia were safe for consumption as random checks by the ministry had shown that only a small percentage of local vegetables were tainted with pesticide.
“Our vegetables are still very safe to eat.
“We will constantly monitor the situation,” he said.
He also urged non-governmental organisations to help authorities monitor the situation and inform the ministry if they were aware of farmers using excessive pesticide.
Its parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said besides taking action against errant farmers, the ministry would educate them on the issue.
“The problem will not be solved until the farmers understand the negative consequences and economic impact caused by the misuse of pesticides,” he said.
Lee said this a press conference yesterday after closing the Program Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa IPT.
He believed that even errant farmers would stop producing “toxic vegetables” if they understood the pros and cons.
Lee was commenting on a recent media report that pesticide-tainted vegetables were sent to markets.
He added that vegetables in Malaysia were safe for consumption as random checks by the ministry had shown that only a small percentage of local vegetables were tainted with pesticide.
“Our vegetables are still very safe to eat.
“We will constantly monitor the situation,” he said.
He also urged non-governmental organisations to help authorities monitor the situation and inform the ministry if they were aware of farmers using excessive pesticide.
Hope for leukaemia patients
Star: PETALING JAYA: Leukaemia patients can find hope in a newly introduced technology that can accurately evaluate the progress of transplanted donor cells in a recipient's body.
Previously, when a bone marrow transplant was carried out, it could not be accurately or immediately gauged if the recipient was reacting positively to the donor cells.
Now with the bone marrow transplant bio-analyser, doctors can quickly quantify the presence of donor blood cells.
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) paediatric haematology-oncology unit academic, Assoc Prof Hany Ariffin, said usually, failure would only be known if a relapse occurred which meant the transplant was wasted.
“As the cost of a transplant is about RM150,000 for one patient, it is necessary to make sure intervention can take place early should anything go wrong so that money is not wasted and lives are saved,'' she said.
Prof Hany said with the aid of the bio-analyser machine, such leukaemia patients could be assured of better chances of success.
The good news is that the Lion's Club Petaling Jaya and the Sin Chew Foundation have sponsored a bio-analyser machine, costing RM90,000.
The money was initially to be used to treat an 18-year-old leukaemia patient, who before dying 10 years ago asked the foundation to use the money to help another leukaemia patient.
Wong Kim Yau, 17, who suffers from acute leukaemia, is among those who have benefited from the technology.
“Because of the machine, we were able to detect early that Wong's initial transplant had failed and took the necessary steps to prevent a relapse,” she said.
Previously, when a bone marrow transplant was carried out, it could not be accurately or immediately gauged if the recipient was reacting positively to the donor cells.
Now with the bone marrow transplant bio-analyser, doctors can quickly quantify the presence of donor blood cells.
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) paediatric haematology-oncology unit academic, Assoc Prof Hany Ariffin, said usually, failure would only be known if a relapse occurred which meant the transplant was wasted.
“As the cost of a transplant is about RM150,000 for one patient, it is necessary to make sure intervention can take place early should anything go wrong so that money is not wasted and lives are saved,'' she said.
Prof Hany said with the aid of the bio-analyser machine, such leukaemia patients could be assured of better chances of success.
The good news is that the Lion's Club Petaling Jaya and the Sin Chew Foundation have sponsored a bio-analyser machine, costing RM90,000.
The money was initially to be used to treat an 18-year-old leukaemia patient, who before dying 10 years ago asked the foundation to use the money to help another leukaemia patient.
Wong Kim Yau, 17, who suffers from acute leukaemia, is among those who have benefited from the technology.
“Because of the machine, we were able to detect early that Wong's initial transplant had failed and took the necessary steps to prevent a relapse,” she said.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
No to pleas from doctors posted to rural areas
NST: KOTA KINABALU: The Health Ministry will not entertain all appeals, including through political connections, by newly-graduated doctors from being posted to rural areas or to certain states.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that if the ministry were to consider all the appeals, it would create a lot of problems including derailing the government’s plan to bridge the doctor-population ratio in certain areas and states.
"As the health minister, I have instructed my officers not to entertain the appeals, including those with political support.
"I’m not saying we’re not going to consider at all but reasons like far away from home are not acceptable.
"Some of the doctors are medical graduates who studied in places like London which is very far away from their home.
"If they’re posted to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, then it’s nothing compared to London," he said after visiting the Putatan health clinic.
Dr Chua said his ministry would usually receive a lot of appeal letters and phone calls, including from politicians and elected representatives, at the end of May and in early June when doctors are posted to government hospitals nationwide.
"Frankly, to me, giving reasons like taking care of parents is unacceptable. How many people now stay with their parents after they’ve started working?"
He, however, said the ministry would consider appeals for postings to general hospitals from doctors pursuing studies at specialist level and had to undergo training at recognised hospitals.
He said the current doctor-population ratio in Sabah was 1:2,000 while in the peninsula it was 1:1,200.
"Imagine, if we entertain all the appeals, what would happen to rural areas in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu and even Johor if our doctors do not want to serve there?"
Earlier, in his speech, Dr Chua said a new health clinic would be built in Penampang under a special allocation to replace the existing facility in the district which could not cope with the needs of the increasing population.
Without disclosing the cost, he said the problem over the project site had been settled and construction was expected to start by the year-end.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that if the ministry were to consider all the appeals, it would create a lot of problems including derailing the government’s plan to bridge the doctor-population ratio in certain areas and states.
"As the health minister, I have instructed my officers not to entertain the appeals, including those with political support.
"I’m not saying we’re not going to consider at all but reasons like far away from home are not acceptable.
"Some of the doctors are medical graduates who studied in places like London which is very far away from their home.
"If they’re posted to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, then it’s nothing compared to London," he said after visiting the Putatan health clinic.
Dr Chua said his ministry would usually receive a lot of appeal letters and phone calls, including from politicians and elected representatives, at the end of May and in early June when doctors are posted to government hospitals nationwide.
"Frankly, to me, giving reasons like taking care of parents is unacceptable. How many people now stay with their parents after they’ve started working?"
He, however, said the ministry would consider appeals for postings to general hospitals from doctors pursuing studies at specialist level and had to undergo training at recognised hospitals.
He said the current doctor-population ratio in Sabah was 1:2,000 while in the peninsula it was 1:1,200.
"Imagine, if we entertain all the appeals, what would happen to rural areas in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu and even Johor if our doctors do not want to serve there?"
Earlier, in his speech, Dr Chua said a new health clinic would be built in Penampang under a special allocation to replace the existing facility in the district which could not cope with the needs of the increasing population.
Without disclosing the cost, he said the problem over the project site had been settled and construction was expected to start by the year-end.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Make aliens pay medical bills
Star: KOTA KINABALU: Hospitals nationwide have been instructed to make foreigners pay their bills as the Government cannot afford to subsidise their health cost at the expense of locals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said hospital directors should be strict to ensure that all outstanding payments were collected from foreigners who used government health facilities.
He said not only were foreigners avoiding paying the medical bills, they were also stealing hospital equipment, including beds in some cases, when they “escaped” or discharged themselves at their own risk from hospitals.
Foreigners make up about 35% of the outpatients and in-patients at hospitals, especially in Sabah.
Dr Chua told reporters that about RM12mil were lost in unpaid health bills nationwide last year.
The foreigners were mainly Indonesians and Filipinos in Sabah, he added.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said hospital directors should be strict to ensure that all outstanding payments were collected from foreigners who used government health facilities.
He said not only were foreigners avoiding paying the medical bills, they were also stealing hospital equipment, including beds in some cases, when they “escaped” or discharged themselves at their own risk from hospitals.
Foreigners make up about 35% of the outpatients and in-patients at hospitals, especially in Sabah.
Dr Chua told reporters that about RM12mil were lost in unpaid health bills nationwide last year.
The foreigners were mainly Indonesians and Filipinos in Sabah, he added.
Health Ministry Assures Public Fruits, Vegetables Safe
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry today assured the public that fruits and vegetables sold in the Malaysian market are safe.
The Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division Director Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad said the monitoring programme for pesticides in fruits and vegetables in Malaysia, locally produced or imported, did not reflect an alarming situation on their safety.
"However, the ministry will continue to monitor the level of pesticides in fruits and vegetables to ensure supply of safe food to consumers in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
He was commenting on news reports yesterday that tainted vegetables from illegal farms run by foreign workers using toxic doses of pesticides on their produce had reached an "alarming situation" in the Malaysian market and posed a risk to the health of consumers.
Abdul Rahim said that to ensure supply of safe food to consumers, his department, under the Food Act 1983, will continue to take samples at markets and retails premises for analysis.
He said any contravention detected will trigger the procedure of tracing the suppliers of the vegetables or fruits until the farm level.
On this matter, he said, sellers and suppliers are advised to keep the invoices or receipts of their purchases for the purpose of detection, and failure to do so would make them liable to court action.
Abdul Rahim said the allegation of unsafe vegetables in the market using "cocktails" of pesticides has long been suspected.
He said the regular programme of vegetables monitoring was implemented in 1997 following an incident where Malaysian vegetables were rejected by Singapore in the same year.
Following the incident, 3,735 samples of vegetables and fruits were tested in 1998 and 202 samples or 5.4 per cent were found to contravene the Food Regulations 1985. He said that since then, the contravention rate has declined.
"Over the last four years, our monitoring showed that the contravention rate is below two per cent and it is below the national average for all types of food sold in the country," he said.
The Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division Director Dr Abdul Rahim Mohamad said the monitoring programme for pesticides in fruits and vegetables in Malaysia, locally produced or imported, did not reflect an alarming situation on their safety.
"However, the ministry will continue to monitor the level of pesticides in fruits and vegetables to ensure supply of safe food to consumers in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
He was commenting on news reports yesterday that tainted vegetables from illegal farms run by foreign workers using toxic doses of pesticides on their produce had reached an "alarming situation" in the Malaysian market and posed a risk to the health of consumers.
Abdul Rahim said that to ensure supply of safe food to consumers, his department, under the Food Act 1983, will continue to take samples at markets and retails premises for analysis.
He said any contravention detected will trigger the procedure of tracing the suppliers of the vegetables or fruits until the farm level.
On this matter, he said, sellers and suppliers are advised to keep the invoices or receipts of their purchases for the purpose of detection, and failure to do so would make them liable to court action.
Abdul Rahim said the allegation of unsafe vegetables in the market using "cocktails" of pesticides has long been suspected.
He said the regular programme of vegetables monitoring was implemented in 1997 following an incident where Malaysian vegetables were rejected by Singapore in the same year.
Following the incident, 3,735 samples of vegetables and fruits were tested in 1998 and 202 samples or 5.4 per cent were found to contravene the Food Regulations 1985. He said that since then, the contravention rate has declined.
"Over the last four years, our monitoring showed that the contravention rate is below two per cent and it is below the national average for all types of food sold in the country," he said.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Dialysis centres not up to mark
Star: KLANG: Services provided by some haemodialysis centres are not up to mark, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He added that they do not separate the (haemodialysis) machines for Hepatitis A, B and C patients.
“This causes cross infections,” he told reporters after opening the Meru central market haemodialysis centre here yesterday.
He said all centres must have qualified or trained medical staff to handle the medical jobs.
Dr Chua added that there must also be people at the centres to handle emergency cases, saying that the ministry had closed a few centres that did not meet stipulated specifications. He, however, declined to elaborate on this.
Dr Chua called on the NGOs to register their haemodialysis centres with the Health Ministry to ensure they provide quality service to patients.
He added that this was stipulated under the Private Health Care Facilities and Services Act 1998.
“A total of 260 centres provided by private hospitals and NGOs have registered with us.”
Dr Chua said it was important for all haemodialysis centres to register in order for the ministry to monitor their operation standards.
The minister said there are 15,000 kidney patients in the country surviving on haemodialysis treatment.
This worked out to 450 patients in every one million Malaysians – one of the highest rates in the world.
“Half of these patients are those with diabetic complications,” he said, adding that 10% of Malaysians were diabetic and this was expected to grow to 13% by 2020.
He said there were 2,500 new kidney patients each year and this had raised some concerns, especially as there were patients as young as 15.
There are altogether 1,133 haemodialysis machines at public hospitals to treat 35% of the total number of patients nationwide.
Dr Chua said the Government spent RM17mil last year to provide haemodialysis treatment to poor patients and spent another RM3mil on the machines for various centres.
The ministry will apply for another RM20mil to expand haemodialysis services this year, he added.
He added that they do not separate the (haemodialysis) machines for Hepatitis A, B and C patients.
“This causes cross infections,” he told reporters after opening the Meru central market haemodialysis centre here yesterday.
He said all centres must have qualified or trained medical staff to handle the medical jobs.
Dr Chua added that there must also be people at the centres to handle emergency cases, saying that the ministry had closed a few centres that did not meet stipulated specifications. He, however, declined to elaborate on this.
Dr Chua called on the NGOs to register their haemodialysis centres with the Health Ministry to ensure they provide quality service to patients.
He added that this was stipulated under the Private Health Care Facilities and Services Act 1998.
“A total of 260 centres provided by private hospitals and NGOs have registered with us.”
Dr Chua said it was important for all haemodialysis centres to register in order for the ministry to monitor their operation standards.
The minister said there are 15,000 kidney patients in the country surviving on haemodialysis treatment.
This worked out to 450 patients in every one million Malaysians – one of the highest rates in the world.
“Half of these patients are those with diabetic complications,” he said, adding that 10% of Malaysians were diabetic and this was expected to grow to 13% by 2020.
He said there were 2,500 new kidney patients each year and this had raised some concerns, especially as there were patients as young as 15.
There are altogether 1,133 haemodialysis machines at public hospitals to treat 35% of the total number of patients nationwide.
Dr Chua said the Government spent RM17mil last year to provide haemodialysis treatment to poor patients and spent another RM3mil on the machines for various centres.
The ministry will apply for another RM20mil to expand haemodialysis services this year, he added.
Portal on Thalassaemia launched
NST: Following the alarming rate of Malaysians born with thalassaemia, an inherited genetic blood disorder, the Health Ministry today launched a dedicated portal to create awareness on the illness.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the portal, www.mythalassaemia.net.my provided information on the illness and treatment availabe to the patients.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), five per cent of the world’s population are carriers of the genes, or red blood cells or haemoglobin disorder.
“Every year about 300,000 babies are born with thalassaemia worldwide, of whom between 60,000 and 70,000 suffer thalassaemia major and this is worrying us,” he said when opening the national level International Thalassaemia Day here today.
Chua said a study by the ministry a few years ago showed that thalassaemia was a major illness among Malaysians following the screening of form four students in Penang, Melaka and Sabah.
“From the latest figures, 3,115 people in the whole country suffer thalassaemia major, of whom about 1,200 or almost 40 percent are from Sabah,” he said.
He said as thalassaemia was an inherited disrorder of the haemoglobin, it could be controlled or prevented via four initiatives for which the federal government had allocated RM40.8 million this year.
He said the programme included providing free medicines and infusion pumps to patients especially children, and supplying equipment to 21 hospital laboratories and 15 clinics to conduct thalassaemia blood screening.
“Family members of thalassaemia patients aged 16 and above are advised to undergo blood screening to find out their risk status so that remedial action can be taken,” he said.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the portal, www.mythalassaemia.net.my provided information on the illness and treatment availabe to the patients.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), five per cent of the world’s population are carriers of the genes, or red blood cells or haemoglobin disorder.
“Every year about 300,000 babies are born with thalassaemia worldwide, of whom between 60,000 and 70,000 suffer thalassaemia major and this is worrying us,” he said when opening the national level International Thalassaemia Day here today.
Chua said a study by the ministry a few years ago showed that thalassaemia was a major illness among Malaysians following the screening of form four students in Penang, Melaka and Sabah.
“From the latest figures, 3,115 people in the whole country suffer thalassaemia major, of whom about 1,200 or almost 40 percent are from Sabah,” he said.
He said as thalassaemia was an inherited disrorder of the haemoglobin, it could be controlled or prevented via four initiatives for which the federal government had allocated RM40.8 million this year.
He said the programme included providing free medicines and infusion pumps to patients especially children, and supplying equipment to 21 hospital laboratories and 15 clinics to conduct thalassaemia blood screening.
“Family members of thalassaemia patients aged 16 and above are advised to undergo blood screening to find out their risk status so that remedial action can be taken,” he said.
Woman waits 2 hours, then gives birth outside home
Star: A WOMAN had to give birth in front of her house with the help of her husband and two police personnel after having waited two hours for an ambulance , Harian Metro reported.
Rossdiana Faddly, 28, gave birth to a 2.31kg baby girl in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, at about 6.30am last week.
Shahril Daud, 30, said he called a private hospital when his wife suffered labour pains at about 4.30am but was told to contact another hospital as his house was too far from the hospital.
“The second private hospital also rejected my request saying that their ambulances were not in service at that moment,” he said, adding that he then called Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
The hospital agreed to send an ambulance as soon as possible.
At 6.30am, a desperate Shahril called the Wangsa Maju police station and two police personnel Constables Mohd Zahri Ramzan and Dzulaiha Mohd Nahapiah were sent to the scene before a call was made to the Defence Department for an ambulance.
The report said the HKL ambulance showed up two hours after Shahril had called the hospital.
Rossdiana Faddly, 28, gave birth to a 2.31kg baby girl in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, at about 6.30am last week.
Shahril Daud, 30, said he called a private hospital when his wife suffered labour pains at about 4.30am but was told to contact another hospital as his house was too far from the hospital.
“The second private hospital also rejected my request saying that their ambulances were not in service at that moment,” he said, adding that he then called Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
The hospital agreed to send an ambulance as soon as possible.
At 6.30am, a desperate Shahril called the Wangsa Maju police station and two police personnel Constables Mohd Zahri Ramzan and Dzulaiha Mohd Nahapiah were sent to the scene before a call was made to the Defence Department for an ambulance.
The report said the HKL ambulance showed up two hours after Shahril had called the hospital.
Full disclosure on any health crisis
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has pledged to give “prompt, frank and full information” to the people when dealing with any health crisis in the country.
“We will not block information from public knowledge or suppress it. We will disclose all information to prevent rumours and confusion.
“We do not want to destroy the people’s confidence in us,” said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said quick response was crucial to contain outbreaks and save lives.
“During a crisis, it is imperative to tell the truth and tell it fast. When you do that, rumours can be managed and nerves can be calmed,” he said in his speech at the opening of the International Conference on the Management of Information Pertaining to Health Crisis.
Najib pointed out that intense emotions flowed from a lack of knowledge and understanding of the real situation.
This, he said, could lead to outlandish claims being made, resulting in chaos and panic among the people as they might find it difficult to distinguish between the real and rumoured situation.
He said that in a health crisis situation, it would not serve the interest of the nation to hide information.
Najib said that, henceforth, the Cabinet had decided that whenever there was a health crisis here, an articulate and knowledgeable spokesman would be designated to give out quick and accurate information to the media.
The spokesman, he said, would probably be someone “very high up” in the Health Ministry.
He noted that in today’s borderless world, there was the emergence of new viruses and contagious diseases.
Since the World Health Organisation issued a global alert on SARS in March 2003, he said South-East Asia was the worst affected with 10.3% of the deaths (27 deaths) coming from the region.
“We will not block information from public knowledge or suppress it. We will disclose all information to prevent rumours and confusion.
“We do not want to destroy the people’s confidence in us,” said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said quick response was crucial to contain outbreaks and save lives.
“During a crisis, it is imperative to tell the truth and tell it fast. When you do that, rumours can be managed and nerves can be calmed,” he said in his speech at the opening of the International Conference on the Management of Information Pertaining to Health Crisis.
Najib pointed out that intense emotions flowed from a lack of knowledge and understanding of the real situation.
This, he said, could lead to outlandish claims being made, resulting in chaos and panic among the people as they might find it difficult to distinguish between the real and rumoured situation.
He said that in a health crisis situation, it would not serve the interest of the nation to hide information.
Najib said that, henceforth, the Cabinet had decided that whenever there was a health crisis here, an articulate and knowledgeable spokesman would be designated to give out quick and accurate information to the media.
The spokesman, he said, would probably be someone “very high up” in the Health Ministry.
He noted that in today’s borderless world, there was the emergence of new viruses and contagious diseases.
Since the World Health Organisation issued a global alert on SARS in March 2003, he said South-East Asia was the worst affected with 10.3% of the deaths (27 deaths) coming from the region.
Government takes bold steps to fight blood disorder
Star: KUNDASANG: Health authorities are taking bold measures to combat thalassaemia by urging couples who carry the faulty gene either not to marry or have children.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said battling the hereditary disease on all fronts began with discouraging couples who are both thalassaemia gene carriers from getting married, as there was a high risk of their children contracting the gene.
“Love is blind, (but) sometimes we cannot be blind to the risks involved, so it is important that such couples are properly counselled,” he said when launching the national-level International Thalassaemia Day.
Dr Chua said that if such couples decided to go ahead with the marriage, then the authorities would advise them to avoid having children.
In cases where a child is conceived, the authorities would recommend abortion, although a final decision lay with the couple themselves, taking into consideration their religious practices, he added.
Malaysia currently has 800,000 to 1.2 million thalassaemia carriers nationwide.
Dr Chua said his ministry was also targeting secondary schoolchildren for thalassaemia screening, as well as helping identified carriers not to be discriminated against.
Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder which destroys red blood cells. While some are only carriers of the gene, those affected by the disease known as “thalassaemia major” have to undergo regular blood transfusions to replace damaged red blood cells at least once a month.
But the blood transfusion causes high levels of iron deposits to build up in their heart and kidneys, which could lead to system failure within 10 years.
Dr Chua said a gelatine agent was introduced through an infusion pump to remove the iron deposits in the body.
“The patients will go through a normal life but there is a lot of suffering,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said battling the hereditary disease on all fronts began with discouraging couples who are both thalassaemia gene carriers from getting married, as there was a high risk of their children contracting the gene.
“Love is blind, (but) sometimes we cannot be blind to the risks involved, so it is important that such couples are properly counselled,” he said when launching the national-level International Thalassaemia Day.
Dr Chua said that if such couples decided to go ahead with the marriage, then the authorities would advise them to avoid having children.
In cases where a child is conceived, the authorities would recommend abortion, although a final decision lay with the couple themselves, taking into consideration their religious practices, he added.
Malaysia currently has 800,000 to 1.2 million thalassaemia carriers nationwide.
Dr Chua said his ministry was also targeting secondary schoolchildren for thalassaemia screening, as well as helping identified carriers not to be discriminated against.
Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder which destroys red blood cells. While some are only carriers of the gene, those affected by the disease known as “thalassaemia major” have to undergo regular blood transfusions to replace damaged red blood cells at least once a month.
But the blood transfusion causes high levels of iron deposits to build up in their heart and kidneys, which could lead to system failure within 10 years.
Dr Chua said a gelatine agent was introduced through an infusion pump to remove the iron deposits in the body.
“The patients will go through a normal life but there is a lot of suffering,” he said.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Lessons on synthetic drug abuse
NST: PUTRAJAYA: An anti-drugs subject may be introduced in universities to address the rising abuse of synthetic drugs among young people.
The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) is fine-tuning the proposal.
Nada deputy director-general (operations), Prof Dr Mahmood Nazar Mohamed, said university students would be able to earn one credit from the programme which would go towards their cumulative grade point average.
"We hope to launch it soon. We are drawing up the budget now."
Mahmood said the anti-drugs co-curricular subject would focus on drug issues and trends, and teach students how to reach out to drug users.
They will learn about methods used in the rehabilitation of drug addicts and drug prevention education.
The proposal is in line with Nada’s strategies to stem drug use, especially synthetic drugs, among youngsters and professionals.
Synthetic drugs or amphe-tamine-type stimulants (ATS) include Ecstasy, syabu, ice, and ketamine.
"We want to target university students so that they would stay away from drugs when they enter the working world."
Statistics from Nada’s national drugs information system (Nadi) showed that last year, 1,700 teenagers and those in their 20s were sent for rehabilitation for synthetic drug use. There were also some 1,200 who fell under the 30-50 years age group.
More than 25 per cent were repeat cases. The highest number of synthetic drug addicts were Malays (52 per cent); Chinese (22 per cent); Sabah and Sarawak ethnic groups (19 per cent); and Indians (two per cent). The rest were foreigners.
Nearly 21 per cent were general workers, 12.8 per cent worked in sales and marketing, 12.5 per cent were construction workers, and the rest students, service workers and farmers.
The data only takes into account synthetic drug users needing rehab, which meant they were drug-dependent.
It does not include drug users and abusers — terms used to describe casual users and regular users.
Nada, with the Health Ministry, also proposed the setting up of an ATS research and treatment centre in Sungai Buloh.
"The centre will help us understand ATS addiction better and how to tailor effective treatment for ATS users."
Heavy use of synthetic drugs can cause mental illness, symptoms of which can manifest themselves after three months of use.
Because of that, ATS addicts require psychiatric treatment to stabilise them before they can proceed to normal therapy.
The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) is fine-tuning the proposal.
Nada deputy director-general (operations), Prof Dr Mahmood Nazar Mohamed, said university students would be able to earn one credit from the programme which would go towards their cumulative grade point average.
"We hope to launch it soon. We are drawing up the budget now."
Mahmood said the anti-drugs co-curricular subject would focus on drug issues and trends, and teach students how to reach out to drug users.
They will learn about methods used in the rehabilitation of drug addicts and drug prevention education.
The proposal is in line with Nada’s strategies to stem drug use, especially synthetic drugs, among youngsters and professionals.
Synthetic drugs or amphe-tamine-type stimulants (ATS) include Ecstasy, syabu, ice, and ketamine.
"We want to target university students so that they would stay away from drugs when they enter the working world."
Statistics from Nada’s national drugs information system (Nadi) showed that last year, 1,700 teenagers and those in their 20s were sent for rehabilitation for synthetic drug use. There were also some 1,200 who fell under the 30-50 years age group.
More than 25 per cent were repeat cases. The highest number of synthetic drug addicts were Malays (52 per cent); Chinese (22 per cent); Sabah and Sarawak ethnic groups (19 per cent); and Indians (two per cent). The rest were foreigners.
Nearly 21 per cent were general workers, 12.8 per cent worked in sales and marketing, 12.5 per cent were construction workers, and the rest students, service workers and farmers.
The data only takes into account synthetic drug users needing rehab, which meant they were drug-dependent.
It does not include drug users and abusers — terms used to describe casual users and regular users.
Nada, with the Health Ministry, also proposed the setting up of an ATS research and treatment centre in Sungai Buloh.
"The centre will help us understand ATS addiction better and how to tailor effective treatment for ATS users."
Heavy use of synthetic drugs can cause mental illness, symptoms of which can manifest themselves after three months of use.
Because of that, ATS addicts require psychiatric treatment to stabilise them before they can proceed to normal therapy.
Don’t have kids, those with HIV/AIDS advised
Star: THOSE suffering from HIV/AIDS, especially former drug addicts, are advised not to have children as there is a worrying trend of people being infected with the disease in the country, Harian Metro reported.
Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Mohd Yunus Pathi said this was important as there had been cases of children born to parents suffering from the disease being infected with HIV/AIDS.
“They don't think about the consequences the child has to face.
“At the beginning, the child does not show any symptoms or signs of being infected with the disease, but after several years the situation changes,” he added.
Mohd Yunus said such couples must be given adequate counselling on their sexual practices and that they should adhere to the advice given by the doctors.
“We at Pengasih always provide counselling and treatment to ensure that former drug addicts, and those infected with HIV/AIDS, are not left out,” he said.
Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Mohd Yunus Pathi said this was important as there had been cases of children born to parents suffering from the disease being infected with HIV/AIDS.
“They don't think about the consequences the child has to face.
“At the beginning, the child does not show any symptoms or signs of being infected with the disease, but after several years the situation changes,” he added.
Mohd Yunus said such couples must be given adequate counselling on their sexual practices and that they should adhere to the advice given by the doctors.
“We at Pengasih always provide counselling and treatment to ensure that former drug addicts, and those infected with HIV/AIDS, are not left out,” he said.
Physio centre for claimants
Star: KUALA TERENGGANU: Some 19,000 applicants for Social Security Organisation (Socso) aid nationwide suffer from backaches, neck, shoulder and knee pains.
On realising the seriousness of the matter, the Human Resources Ministry has established a physiotherapy centre, dubbed BADC, in Ampangan and Ipoh to treat such ailments, said Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar.
“The centre is modelled on those in Finland and Luxemburg where effective treatment is given to those suffering from such ailments,” he said here yesterday.
On cases of several Socso claims being rejected immediately by the board, Abdul Rahman said that in most cases, the applications were incomplete or without supporting documentation.
He noted that an average of two to three per cent of the applications were rejected annually.
“Claimants can appeal for reconsideration and our panel of doctors will make the decision on whether to accept or otherwise,” he said.
On realising the seriousness of the matter, the Human Resources Ministry has established a physiotherapy centre, dubbed BADC, in Ampangan and Ipoh to treat such ailments, said Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar.
“The centre is modelled on those in Finland and Luxemburg where effective treatment is given to those suffering from such ailments,” he said here yesterday.
On cases of several Socso claims being rejected immediately by the board, Abdul Rahman said that in most cases, the applications were incomplete or without supporting documentation.
He noted that an average of two to three per cent of the applications were rejected annually.
“Claimants can appeal for reconsideration and our panel of doctors will make the decision on whether to accept or otherwise,” he said.
Incentives for health centres
Star: DUBAI: The Tourism Ministry will be proposing a list of incentives to the Cabinet to attract foreign companies to invest in alternative medicine clinics and wellness centres in the country.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said his ministry had had discussions with hospitals and clinics in Switzerland, Russia, China and the United States about opening up clinics in Port Dickson, where a 61sq kilometre area had been allocated for the purpose.
“They would like to open a centre here to service the Asian region because at the moment people are travelling all the way to Europe and Russia to get treatment.
“They are also looking at Thailand and Singapore and are waiting to see what kind of incentives we will give them,” he said at the Arabian Travel Market here on Tuesday, where Malaysia is one of the key exhibitors.
The Malaysian delegation has more than 130 participants from 81 organisations, including hotels, travel agents, airlines, tourism boards and state governments.
Tengku Adnan said the incentives his ministry would be proposing to the Cabinet would include giving entrepreneurs tax holidays and smoothening the process of bringing in equipment and items to the country.
He said Port Dickson was chosen due to its strategic location.
“It is near Sepang and KLIA, making it very accessible. Also, the common belief is that the salty sea air works wonders in speeding up the healing process.
“Port Dickson’s existing infrastructure, with its numerous hotels and resorts, was another key factor in choosing the location,” he added.
Besides alternative medicine and traditional medicine like acupuncture, ayurveda and traditional Malay remedies, other forms of medical practitioners like plastic surgeons and dental surgeons would also be invited to invest in the programme.
“We have spoken to a number of dental clinics that do surgery and implants and they are quite keen to open centres in Malaysia as the cost is only about one-third of that in Europe,” he said.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said his ministry had had discussions with hospitals and clinics in Switzerland, Russia, China and the United States about opening up clinics in Port Dickson, where a 61sq kilometre area had been allocated for the purpose.
“They would like to open a centre here to service the Asian region because at the moment people are travelling all the way to Europe and Russia to get treatment.
“They are also looking at Thailand and Singapore and are waiting to see what kind of incentives we will give them,” he said at the Arabian Travel Market here on Tuesday, where Malaysia is one of the key exhibitors.
The Malaysian delegation has more than 130 participants from 81 organisations, including hotels, travel agents, airlines, tourism boards and state governments.
Tengku Adnan said the incentives his ministry would be proposing to the Cabinet would include giving entrepreneurs tax holidays and smoothening the process of bringing in equipment and items to the country.
He said Port Dickson was chosen due to its strategic location.
“It is near Sepang and KLIA, making it very accessible. Also, the common belief is that the salty sea air works wonders in speeding up the healing process.
“Port Dickson’s existing infrastructure, with its numerous hotels and resorts, was another key factor in choosing the location,” he added.
Besides alternative medicine and traditional medicine like acupuncture, ayurveda and traditional Malay remedies, other forms of medical practitioners like plastic surgeons and dental surgeons would also be invited to invest in the programme.
“We have spoken to a number of dental clinics that do surgery and implants and they are quite keen to open centres in Malaysia as the cost is only about one-third of that in Europe,” he said.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
More teens get diabetes due to taste for sweet life
NST: PETALING JAYA: Diabetes is on the rise among teenagers.
Government and private hospitals are seeing more cases of those between 13 and 19 coming in with symptoms of the disease.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the government was concerned about the phenomenon as this meant that the next generation of Malaysians would generally suffer poor health.
"Diabetes at that age will lead to complications in their adult life. It can affect their organs, especially their eyes and kidneys," he said after launching the Diabetes Community Portal of the Malaysian Diabetes Association.
While acknowledging that overall statistics were not available, he said he had received reports that government hospitals and clinics were seeing more cases of teenage diabetics.
"Doctors are seeing a higher number of teenagers with Type 2 diabetes as compared to previous years with many of them being overweight."
Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in adults with child diabetics normally suffering from Type 1 diabetes, which is often congenital.
Dr Chua attributed the increase to a sedentary lifestyle and over-indulgence in sweetened carbonated drinks and unhealthy food.
Malaysia has the most overweight people in Asia with 25 per cent of the population falling into this category.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital consultant paediatric endocrinologist Prof Dr Wu Loo Ling said Type 2 diabetes among teenagers was definitely on the rise.
"I have seen children as young as seven coming in with this type of diabetes. This was rare five years ago."
She has had at least 50 teenagers with diabetes in recent months.
"People, especially the Chinese, tend to think that if one is fat, it is a sign of prosperity. They do not realise that it is actually a serious problem."
On why more teenagers were diabetic, Dr Wu said they were eating food high in sugar and fat.
"They spend more time watching TV and on computer games instead of outdoor games."
Universiti Malaya Medical Centre director Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said the hospital was definitely seeing a rise in the number of teenagers seeking treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
"This is a worrying trend as we did not have this problem years back."
He also blamed the phenomenon on an unhealthy lifestyle.
Government and private hospitals are seeing more cases of those between 13 and 19 coming in with symptoms of the disease.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the government was concerned about the phenomenon as this meant that the next generation of Malaysians would generally suffer poor health.
"Diabetes at that age will lead to complications in their adult life. It can affect their organs, especially their eyes and kidneys," he said after launching the Diabetes Community Portal of the Malaysian Diabetes Association.
While acknowledging that overall statistics were not available, he said he had received reports that government hospitals and clinics were seeing more cases of teenage diabetics.
"Doctors are seeing a higher number of teenagers with Type 2 diabetes as compared to previous years with many of them being overweight."
Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in adults with child diabetics normally suffering from Type 1 diabetes, which is often congenital.
Dr Chua attributed the increase to a sedentary lifestyle and over-indulgence in sweetened carbonated drinks and unhealthy food.
Malaysia has the most overweight people in Asia with 25 per cent of the population falling into this category.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital consultant paediatric endocrinologist Prof Dr Wu Loo Ling said Type 2 diabetes among teenagers was definitely on the rise.
"I have seen children as young as seven coming in with this type of diabetes. This was rare five years ago."
She has had at least 50 teenagers with diabetes in recent months.
"People, especially the Chinese, tend to think that if one is fat, it is a sign of prosperity. They do not realise that it is actually a serious problem."
On why more teenagers were diabetic, Dr Wu said they were eating food high in sugar and fat.
"They spend more time watching TV and on computer games instead of outdoor games."
Universiti Malaya Medical Centre director Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said the hospital was definitely seeing a rise in the number of teenagers seeking treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
"This is a worrying trend as we did not have this problem years back."
He also blamed the phenomenon on an unhealthy lifestyle.
Be responsible, Malaysians told
Star: PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have to be responsible for their own health and the Government will not play guardian angel, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
“The Government cannot be a guardian angel. You have to exercise a certain amount of discipline,” he said after launching the Malaysian Diabetes Association's community portal, www.diabetes.org.my, yesterday
“You cannot fault the Government. This is a question of behaviour, a decision that should be made by an individual,” he said in response to questions on the ministry’s Healthy Lifestyle campaign.
Launched in 1991, the campaign’s success has been “limited.”
The components of the campaign are a need for exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.
Asked if the campaign was ineffective because many fast food outlets were allowed to operate at all hours, he said that “this is not a question of the Government limiting activities of an individual or business.”
“Like in the matter of consuming alcohol, no one asks you to get drunk. It does not mean that because we do not encourage alcohol consumption, outlets selling it have to be closed down. You have to choose.”
Dr Chua also revealed that a recent study carried out by the Institute of Health Management showed that only 10.5% of diabetics, who underwent follow-up treatment at establishments under the ministry, had their condition under control.
The study also showed that 6.1% of patients aged between 30 and 39 had their condition under control.
It is estimated that more than one million Malaysians have diabetes while the number of patients admitted into government hospitals due to diabetic complications had increased 100% from 21,872 in 1995 to 41,375 in 2005.
“The Government cannot be a guardian angel. You have to exercise a certain amount of discipline,” he said after launching the Malaysian Diabetes Association's community portal, www.diabetes.org.my, yesterday
“You cannot fault the Government. This is a question of behaviour, a decision that should be made by an individual,” he said in response to questions on the ministry’s Healthy Lifestyle campaign.
Launched in 1991, the campaign’s success has been “limited.”
The components of the campaign are a need for exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.
Asked if the campaign was ineffective because many fast food outlets were allowed to operate at all hours, he said that “this is not a question of the Government limiting activities of an individual or business.”
“Like in the matter of consuming alcohol, no one asks you to get drunk. It does not mean that because we do not encourage alcohol consumption, outlets selling it have to be closed down. You have to choose.”
Dr Chua also revealed that a recent study carried out by the Institute of Health Management showed that only 10.5% of diabetics, who underwent follow-up treatment at establishments under the ministry, had their condition under control.
The study also showed that 6.1% of patients aged between 30 and 39 had their condition under control.
It is estimated that more than one million Malaysians have diabetes while the number of patients admitted into government hospitals due to diabetic complications had increased 100% from 21,872 in 1995 to 41,375 in 2005.
MMA to ministry: No neckties, please
Star: PETALING JAYA: No neckties, please. Doctors want the Health Ministry to release them from regulations requiring them to wear the item while on hospital ward rounds.
“The point is that neckties are not the most frequently washed apparel and there have been studies that show that neckties carry contaminants that could cause infection,” said Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin.
“And when doctors are doing their clinical rounds, they dangle all over the place. And how many people wash their ties? They require dry cleaning and that can cost about RM15 per tie,” he said.
Dr Teoh, however, acknowledged that doctors who wore neckties inspired confidence and displayed a professional aura and that continuously washing one’s hands was the best way to prevent infection.
In a 2004 study, it was shown that the ties doctors wear carried infection-causing bacteria that could potentially be transmitted to patients.
The study, which looked at 42 neckties worn by doctors at the New York Hospital Medical Centre of Queens found that nearly half of the neckties contained bacteria which can cause dangerous conditions such as pneumonia and blood infections.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the policy of requiring doctors to wear their white coats, shirts and neckties would not change unless there was a “body of evidence” which proved that neckties caused infections to spread.
“It is a long established policy that we have had since Merdeka. Doctors must maintain their dignity and dress properly,” he said.
“The point is that neckties are not the most frequently washed apparel and there have been studies that show that neckties carry contaminants that could cause infection,” said Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin.
“And when doctors are doing their clinical rounds, they dangle all over the place. And how many people wash their ties? They require dry cleaning and that can cost about RM15 per tie,” he said.
Dr Teoh, however, acknowledged that doctors who wore neckties inspired confidence and displayed a professional aura and that continuously washing one’s hands was the best way to prevent infection.
In a 2004 study, it was shown that the ties doctors wear carried infection-causing bacteria that could potentially be transmitted to patients.
The study, which looked at 42 neckties worn by doctors at the New York Hospital Medical Centre of Queens found that nearly half of the neckties contained bacteria which can cause dangerous conditions such as pneumonia and blood infections.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the policy of requiring doctors to wear their white coats, shirts and neckties would not change unless there was a “body of evidence” which proved that neckties caused infections to spread.
“It is a long established policy that we have had since Merdeka. Doctors must maintain their dignity and dress properly,” he said.
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