NST: PUTRAJAYA: Unpredictable weather has led to an increase in dengue cases in the country.
At present, between 200 and 300 confirmed cases are reported weekly. The Health Ministry blames this on the wet and dry spells.
Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said this had been the trend for the past month.
He said that the cases were more prevalent in urban and densely-populated areas.
Lee said there were between 900 and 1,000 suspected cases a week, much higher than the "comfortable level" of 600 a week.
"Anything more than 600 cases a week and we must be very careful.
"Of the number of suspected cases each week, 20 to 30 per cent are confirmed dengue cases," he said yesterday after launching a seminar on obesity by Puspanita (association for wives of civil servants).
Lee said the situation was because of rainy spells interspersed with hot and dry periods, which allowed stagnant water to serve as breeding grounds for the aedes mosquito.
Breeding grounds were mainly found in homes and construction sites.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor topped the list of dengue hotspots in the country.
It was reported that Southeast Asia was in the midst of a dengue surge.
The disease was already endemic to the region but experts believed that global warming was worsening the situation and could produce more virulent strains of the dengue virus.
Lee said the Institute of Medical Research and universities were working closely with the World Health Organisation to curb the disease.
He added that Malaysia also regularly exchanged information with Singapore, with the last meeting held two weeks ago.
"Singapore has also reported about 200 to 300 confirmed cases a week."
Earlier, Lee read the text of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s speech onobesity, which was said to be more prevalent among women than men.
Ministry statistics last year showed that for every 100 people aged 25 to 64, there were 14 men and 19 women who were obese.
Among children, a study conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia found that 10.5 per cent of schoolchildren were overweight and six per cent were obese.
Malaysia has the second highest overweight problem in Southeast Asia.
Dr Chua said: "Being fat is no longer a sign of wealth and prosperity. It is an open door to chronic diseases like heart ailments, diabetes and stroke.
"It also increases the risk of cancer, osteoarthritis and stones in the gall bladder."
He said women tended to be fatter than men because of their physiological make-up with more fat cells, and were therefore at a higher risk of becoming obese.
The minister said the cure to obesity, besides good eating habits, was instilling a love for exercise in children.
Adults, he added, should develop the habit of exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
"Weight loss must be gradual. Don’t resort to drastic measures such as taking slimming pills that can cause illnesses or even death."
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Chua: Five Warded For Observation Against Bird Flu
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- A husband and wife were among five latest admissions to hospitals for observation against the bird flu after having fever and coming into contact with dead chicken.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the couple, aged 53 and 45 from Felda Selanca 5, Rompin had been admitted to the isolation ward at the Segamat Hospital, Johor.
"They were found to be suffering from fever, cold and cough on June 5 and had come into contact with dead chicken when they buried the fowl at their farm in Kampung Tok Cik Dol, Tanah Merah, Kelantan," he said in a statement, here today.
He said that besides the couple, two siblings aged one-year-and-nine-months and 10 months from Jalan Gambang, Kuantan were also admitted to the Kuantan Hospital for observation yesterday after suffering from fever, cough and cold.
They were admitted to hospital as one of their elder brothers had come into contact with dead chicken below their house, he said.
Dr Chua said an 11-year-old boy was also admitted to the isolation ward at the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday after being referred to the hospital by a private clinic in Sungai Buloh.
"All the patients are in stable condition," he said.
The minister said that as of yesterday, the five were among the 21 cases under investigation at isolation wards at hospitals in several states.
"Sixteen of them had been confirmed negative of the Avian Influenza virus," he added.
He said cumulatively, 768 homes had been visited and 4,608 residents of Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Sungai Buloh had been interviewed and examined as of yesterday since the Avian Influenza viral infection among chicken was detected in the area on June 5.
All the houses and residents concerned were located within 300 metres of the affected area.
Meanwhile, the Veterinary Services Department (JPH) said in a separate statement that investigation carried out at a farm in Kampung Padang Mukim Gajah, Kedah where 30 chicken were reported to have died since last month revealed that they were negative of the H5N1 virus.
The test was confirmed on June 9 by the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) Ipoh.
In addition, a VRI test on two ducks that died at Kampung Lembah Harapan, Seberang Takir, Kuala Terengganu also proved that the ducks were free of the H5N1 virus.
The JPH said it had also traced the latest case of four fighting cocks that died at the Block Q, PKNS Flat, Keramat here yesterday. They were also found to be free of the H5N1 virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the couple, aged 53 and 45 from Felda Selanca 5, Rompin had been admitted to the isolation ward at the Segamat Hospital, Johor.
"They were found to be suffering from fever, cold and cough on June 5 and had come into contact with dead chicken when they buried the fowl at their farm in Kampung Tok Cik Dol, Tanah Merah, Kelantan," he said in a statement, here today.
He said that besides the couple, two siblings aged one-year-and-nine-months and 10 months from Jalan Gambang, Kuantan were also admitted to the Kuantan Hospital for observation yesterday after suffering from fever, cough and cold.
They were admitted to hospital as one of their elder brothers had come into contact with dead chicken below their house, he said.
Dr Chua said an 11-year-old boy was also admitted to the isolation ward at the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday after being referred to the hospital by a private clinic in Sungai Buloh.
"All the patients are in stable condition," he said.
The minister said that as of yesterday, the five were among the 21 cases under investigation at isolation wards at hospitals in several states.
"Sixteen of them had been confirmed negative of the Avian Influenza virus," he added.
He said cumulatively, 768 homes had been visited and 4,608 residents of Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Sungai Buloh had been interviewed and examined as of yesterday since the Avian Influenza viral infection among chicken was detected in the area on June 5.
All the houses and residents concerned were located within 300 metres of the affected area.
Meanwhile, the Veterinary Services Department (JPH) said in a separate statement that investigation carried out at a farm in Kampung Padang Mukim Gajah, Kedah where 30 chicken were reported to have died since last month revealed that they were negative of the H5N1 virus.
The test was confirmed on June 9 by the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) Ipoh.
In addition, a VRI test on two ducks that died at Kampung Lembah Harapan, Seberang Takir, Kuala Terengganu also proved that the ducks were free of the H5N1 virus.
The JPH said it had also traced the latest case of four fighting cocks that died at the Block Q, PKNS Flat, Keramat here yesterday. They were also found to be free of the H5N1 virus.
Malaysia may face serious trouble if it does not make its own vaccines
Star: PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may find itself in “serious trouble” if it does not make its own vaccines because vaccine-producing nations may not want to share their supply in the event of a global influenza pandemic.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said it was imperative that Malaysia manufactures its own vaccines so it need not be dependent on other countries.
"For Malaysia, it is not only about providing halal vaccine but also to be self-reliant,” he told reporters on Tuesday after attending the Organisation of Islamic Conference Ministerial Conference Scientific Programme here.
“When it (the flu pandemic) happens in any part of world, I do not think those countries are going to share vaccines with us.
“In that kind of situation, if we do not have the capacity to produce the vaccine, then we are in serious trouble. That is why we are so obsessed,” he added.
The National Institute of Natural Products, Vaccines and Biologicals (9Bio) is expected to produce vaccines within two years beginning with vaccines for diseases like polio, tetanus and diptheria.
Another move by 9Bio is to do research on vaccines which can prevent diseases peculiar to the region like dengue fever and the Nipah virus.
Vaccines produced by the institute will be halal.
Dr Ismail said that Malaysia had taken the lead to do so as it realised that there was a “plea” for more Muslim countries to produce their own vaccines rather than procure it somewhere else.
Malaysia also hopes to be a major supplier of such vaccines together with Indonesia.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said it was imperative that Malaysia manufactures its own vaccines so it need not be dependent on other countries.
"For Malaysia, it is not only about providing halal vaccine but also to be self-reliant,” he told reporters on Tuesday after attending the Organisation of Islamic Conference Ministerial Conference Scientific Programme here.
“When it (the flu pandemic) happens in any part of world, I do not think those countries are going to share vaccines with us.
“In that kind of situation, if we do not have the capacity to produce the vaccine, then we are in serious trouble. That is why we are so obsessed,” he added.
The National Institute of Natural Products, Vaccines and Biologicals (9Bio) is expected to produce vaccines within two years beginning with vaccines for diseases like polio, tetanus and diptheria.
Another move by 9Bio is to do research on vaccines which can prevent diseases peculiar to the region like dengue fever and the Nipah virus.
Vaccines produced by the institute will be halal.
Dr Ismail said that Malaysia had taken the lead to do so as it realised that there was a “plea” for more Muslim countries to produce their own vaccines rather than procure it somewhere else.
Malaysia also hopes to be a major supplier of such vaccines together with Indonesia.
Official says dengue fever cases on the 'high side'
Star: PUTRAJAYA: For many people there is more likelihood of them catching dengue fever than bird flu.
Parliamentary-secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the number of suspected dengue cases in the country remained on the "high side" at around 900 each week.
"Usually, the number of confirmed dengue cases will be around 20% to 30% of this figure so this puts it at an average of 200 to 300 cases weekly, which is quite serious and puts us on par with countries like Singapore.
"This has been the pattern for the country over the past month. It is probably due to the weather we have been facing, that is, rain with intermittent dry spells.
"Rainwater collects and becomes breeding grounds for the aedes.
"The eggs would hatch seven days later and become a menace," he told reporters after opening a seminar on women's obesity and health at Puspanita here on Tuesday.
The ''hot spots'' for suspected dengue cases remained the various urban centres in Kuala Lumpur - where on Sunday, much of the city was under water after a four-hour downpour - and Selangor, added Lee.
On the report by experts that Southeast Asian countries could be facing a surge in dengue cases and that this year could be the worst ever due to climate change, Lee said
Malaysia had recently met with the Singaporean health authorities to exchange views on fighting the scourge.
"We also shared information and research results on the behaviour of the aedes mosquitoes with the Singaporeans. We are also working with the World Health Organisation to control any outbreak.
"We will be attending a few international seminars on this disease and we are carrying our own research at the Institute of Medical Research," he said.
Earlier, when reading the speech by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Lee said more women in Malaysia had the propensity for obesity as compared to men.
"For every 100 men between ages 25 and 64, 14 will be fat or obese, while for the women, there will be 19," he added.
He said most of us were still depending on our wives and mothers to serve us our meals and added, "So changing our women's attitude about the right nutritional intake will go a long way towards changing our eating habits."
Parliamentary-secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the number of suspected dengue cases in the country remained on the "high side" at around 900 each week.
"Usually, the number of confirmed dengue cases will be around 20% to 30% of this figure so this puts it at an average of 200 to 300 cases weekly, which is quite serious and puts us on par with countries like Singapore.
"This has been the pattern for the country over the past month. It is probably due to the weather we have been facing, that is, rain with intermittent dry spells.
"Rainwater collects and becomes breeding grounds for the aedes.
"The eggs would hatch seven days later and become a menace," he told reporters after opening a seminar on women's obesity and health at Puspanita here on Tuesday.
The ''hot spots'' for suspected dengue cases remained the various urban centres in Kuala Lumpur - where on Sunday, much of the city was under water after a four-hour downpour - and Selangor, added Lee.
On the report by experts that Southeast Asian countries could be facing a surge in dengue cases and that this year could be the worst ever due to climate change, Lee said
Malaysia had recently met with the Singaporean health authorities to exchange views on fighting the scourge.
"We also shared information and research results on the behaviour of the aedes mosquitoes with the Singaporeans. We are also working with the World Health Organisation to control any outbreak.
"We will be attending a few international seminars on this disease and we are carrying our own research at the Institute of Medical Research," he said.
Earlier, when reading the speech by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Lee said more women in Malaysia had the propensity for obesity as compared to men.
"For every 100 men between ages 25 and 64, 14 will be fat or obese, while for the women, there will be 19," he added.
He said most of us were still depending on our wives and mothers to serve us our meals and added, "So changing our women's attitude about the right nutritional intake will go a long way towards changing our eating habits."
Telekom wins control of 999 line
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Telekom Malaysia Bhd has won a decade-long tussle with the police over control of 999 calls, perpetuating a system that has long been criticised for its slow response times.
The New Straits Times understands that the national utility has convinced senior government officials that it could not give police direct access to emergency calls and its subscriber database unless it was paid between RM500 million and RM1 billion a year.
Bukit Aman has been asking the national utility to route all distress calls directly to police command centres and open up its subscriber databases, a move which would drastically reduce the time it would take to respond to emergencies.
Instead, Telekom offered to operate all emergency numbers and keep its telephone number listings private, maintaining the status quo, sources said.
Callers have to deal with two sets of telephonists, Telekom’s and that of the police, on top of the time it takes to transfer the call from one to the other.
Police also said that the absence of caller identification makes it difficult for them to locate the calls and identify cranks.
Yesterday, the Internal Security Ministry announced that Telekom has been made the co-ordinator for a new emergency call system that will regroup all emergency calls under the 999 number.
Parallel emergency numbers, such as 991 for the Civil Defence Department and 994 for Fire and Rescue, were introduced in 1991.
The police have contended for years that emergency response times could be drastically reduced if 999 calls are patched through directly to their dispatchers.
Police also believe that emergency response times would continue to be slow while Telekom operators take emergency calls because 999 was a "hunting" line.
At present, emergency calls are handled by Telekom Malaysia operators, who usually handle enquiries on telephone number listings.
This means a call put through from here to 999 could be picked up by an operator in Kuala Terengganu or Kuching if the operators in the city are busy, for example.
Delays arise when operators unfamiliar with streets and addresses in the city spend valuable seconds or minutes determining the exact location of a caller who may well be facing a life and death situation.
The Telekom operator would also have to spend time locating the correct police station or command centre to relay the information.
Such delays appear to have driven the police to set up their own hotline service, Rakan Cop, in 2004. The service has helped speed up police response times tremendously.
But this could be even quicker if 999 calls are patched through directly to police command centres, according to sources.
With access to Telekom’s database of customers, the police’s C4I real-time mapping system can post callers’ addresses immediately on an electronic map which also indicates where patrol cars are located.
This would make it easy for the C4I commander to dispatch the nearest patrol car.
Since the C4I was launched in 2005, police response times have been shortened, to about eight minutes on average in Selangor and here.
Opening up the database would also allow police to map crime hotspots and trace crank callers, sources said.
Yesterday, Internal Security secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said Telekom had been instructed to upgrade the system to one that could handle multiple calls at one time.
"The government introduced different numbers because the previous 999 (system) was plagued with a lot of problems like unanswered calls."
The current system, of different numbers for different emergency services, has "caused confusion", he said.
The New Straits Times understands that the national utility has convinced senior government officials that it could not give police direct access to emergency calls and its subscriber database unless it was paid between RM500 million and RM1 billion a year.
Bukit Aman has been asking the national utility to route all distress calls directly to police command centres and open up its subscriber databases, a move which would drastically reduce the time it would take to respond to emergencies.
Instead, Telekom offered to operate all emergency numbers and keep its telephone number listings private, maintaining the status quo, sources said.
Callers have to deal with two sets of telephonists, Telekom’s and that of the police, on top of the time it takes to transfer the call from one to the other.
Police also said that the absence of caller identification makes it difficult for them to locate the calls and identify cranks.
Yesterday, the Internal Security Ministry announced that Telekom has been made the co-ordinator for a new emergency call system that will regroup all emergency calls under the 999 number.
Parallel emergency numbers, such as 991 for the Civil Defence Department and 994 for Fire and Rescue, were introduced in 1991.
The police have contended for years that emergency response times could be drastically reduced if 999 calls are patched through directly to their dispatchers.
Police also believe that emergency response times would continue to be slow while Telekom operators take emergency calls because 999 was a "hunting" line.
At present, emergency calls are handled by Telekom Malaysia operators, who usually handle enquiries on telephone number listings.
This means a call put through from here to 999 could be picked up by an operator in Kuala Terengganu or Kuching if the operators in the city are busy, for example.
Delays arise when operators unfamiliar with streets and addresses in the city spend valuable seconds or minutes determining the exact location of a caller who may well be facing a life and death situation.
The Telekom operator would also have to spend time locating the correct police station or command centre to relay the information.
Such delays appear to have driven the police to set up their own hotline service, Rakan Cop, in 2004. The service has helped speed up police response times tremendously.
But this could be even quicker if 999 calls are patched through directly to police command centres, according to sources.
With access to Telekom’s database of customers, the police’s C4I real-time mapping system can post callers’ addresses immediately on an electronic map which also indicates where patrol cars are located.
This would make it easy for the C4I commander to dispatch the nearest patrol car.
Since the C4I was launched in 2005, police response times have been shortened, to about eight minutes on average in Selangor and here.
Opening up the database would also allow police to map crime hotspots and trace crank callers, sources said.
Yesterday, Internal Security secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said Telekom had been instructed to upgrade the system to one that could handle multiple calls at one time.
"The government introduced different numbers because the previous 999 (system) was plagued with a lot of problems like unanswered calls."
The current system, of different numbers for different emergency services, has "caused confusion", he said.
Colorectal cancer warning for men
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Cancer of the colon and rectum is the most common form of the disease affecting men in Malaysia, surpassing lung cancer.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday that colorectal cancer was the most frequent kind of cancer among men, accounting for 14.2% of all cancer cases.
Previously, the main cause of the illness among men was lung cancer.
“It is the third most frequent for women in our country, which is 10.1% of all cancers among women.
“And the prevalence and percentage of patients having colorectal cancer is increasing every year,” he said in his speech when opening the Malaysian Society of Gastrointestinal Diseases’ First Congress on GIT Cancers - The Patient’s Perspective.
He said that gastrointestinal problems were the seventh cause of death in government hospitals. They also accounted for 5.2% of all admissions, which amounted to 98,955.
“A lot of these diseases can be dangerous and fatal,” he said.
Later during a press conference, he advised those who were aged 50 and above to go for a colonoscopy every year and those who had a family history of the cancer to have the test twice a year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday that colorectal cancer was the most frequent kind of cancer among men, accounting for 14.2% of all cancer cases.
Previously, the main cause of the illness among men was lung cancer.
“It is the third most frequent for women in our country, which is 10.1% of all cancers among women.
“And the prevalence and percentage of patients having colorectal cancer is increasing every year,” he said in his speech when opening the Malaysian Society of Gastrointestinal Diseases’ First Congress on GIT Cancers - The Patient’s Perspective.
He said that gastrointestinal problems were the seventh cause of death in government hospitals. They also accounted for 5.2% of all admissions, which amounted to 98,955.
“A lot of these diseases can be dangerous and fatal,” he said.
Later during a press conference, he advised those who were aged 50 and above to go for a colonoscopy every year and those who had a family history of the cancer to have the test twice a year.
999 Is The Number For All Emergency Calls From Next Year
SEREMBAN, June 11 (Bernama) -- Effective next year, only "999" will be used as the common number for all emergency calls, Internal Security Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said.
He said this was in line with efforts to coordinate all emergency calls made to the relevant authorities like police, health and fire and rescue departments as well as other security agencies.
He said the move would overcome the problem of "missed calls" and crank calls.
"There're complaints from the public that we've too many numbers for emergency calls, and that sometimes the calls will go unanswered," he told reporters after attending a parade marking the end of training for Civil Defence Department (JPA3) personnel here today.
Abdul Aziz said Telekom Malaysia would be tasked to handle the new system.
Callers and locations of all emergency calls would be traced to address the problem of hoax calls which now reaches the 98 per cent level, he added.
The present numbers for emergency calls are 991 to the JPA3, 994 (Fire and Rescue Department) and 999 (police and ambulance).
He said this was in line with efforts to coordinate all emergency calls made to the relevant authorities like police, health and fire and rescue departments as well as other security agencies.
He said the move would overcome the problem of "missed calls" and crank calls.
"There're complaints from the public that we've too many numbers for emergency calls, and that sometimes the calls will go unanswered," he told reporters after attending a parade marking the end of training for Civil Defence Department (JPA3) personnel here today.
Abdul Aziz said Telekom Malaysia would be tasked to handle the new system.
Callers and locations of all emergency calls would be traced to address the problem of hoax calls which now reaches the 98 per cent level, he added.
The present numbers for emergency calls are 991 to the JPA3, 994 (Fire and Rescue Department) and 999 (police and ambulance).
Humans Unaffected By Recent Bird Flu Outbreak, Says Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has confirmed that all the 46 people monitored for suspected bird flu in Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu and Melaka since Tuesday were not infected by the H5N1 virus.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said they were only categorised as patients under investigation because they did not display the normal symptoms of bird flu infection.
He said 30 of them were monitored in their homes and the rest at the hospitals where they had been admitted.
"Of the 16 placed in isolation wards, 11 were confirmed to be negative. Of these, nine were allowed to return home and two have been placed in the normal ward.
"Only four people from Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Sungai Buloh, are still being kept in isolation. They are in stable condition and are waiting for the results of tests done before being allowed to go home," he said.
The H5N1 virus surfaced in Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir on June 2, causing 3,962 chickens, ducks and other birds in the village to be culled by the Veterinary Services Department.
Dr Chua said crisis management operations rooms were opened up simultaneously on Thursday at the Selangor Health Department, Petaling Health Office and Sungai Buloh Hospital and coordinated by the Disease Control Division of the ministry in Putrajaya to combat the outbreak.
The centre can be contacted at 03-8881 0600 or 03-8881 0700.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, siblings Mohd Yassir Arafad, 16, and Mohd Khairul Izwan, 13, who were admitted to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for suspected bird flu, have been declared to be free of the virus.
Yassir, a Form Four student of Sekolah Menengah Ibrahim Fikri, and Khairul, who were admitted after complaining of fever on Saturday, returned home at 1.45 pm today.
Their father, Johari Yahya, 48, a Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council employee, said he was thankful and happy that his children are free of the virus.
"This is good news indeed and it means that my family will no longer be quarantined and I can return to work tomorrow," he told Bernama.
Johari said the family planned to hold a "kenduri" (feast) to thank God for good fortune and for having spared them from the deadly virus.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said they were only categorised as patients under investigation because they did not display the normal symptoms of bird flu infection.
He said 30 of them were monitored in their homes and the rest at the hospitals where they had been admitted.
"Of the 16 placed in isolation wards, 11 were confirmed to be negative. Of these, nine were allowed to return home and two have been placed in the normal ward.
"Only four people from Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Sungai Buloh, are still being kept in isolation. They are in stable condition and are waiting for the results of tests done before being allowed to go home," he said.
The H5N1 virus surfaced in Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir on June 2, causing 3,962 chickens, ducks and other birds in the village to be culled by the Veterinary Services Department.
Dr Chua said crisis management operations rooms were opened up simultaneously on Thursday at the Selangor Health Department, Petaling Health Office and Sungai Buloh Hospital and coordinated by the Disease Control Division of the ministry in Putrajaya to combat the outbreak.
The centre can be contacted at 03-8881 0600 or 03-8881 0700.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, siblings Mohd Yassir Arafad, 16, and Mohd Khairul Izwan, 13, who were admitted to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for suspected bird flu, have been declared to be free of the virus.
Yassir, a Form Four student of Sekolah Menengah Ibrahim Fikri, and Khairul, who were admitted after complaining of fever on Saturday, returned home at 1.45 pm today.
Their father, Johari Yahya, 48, a Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council employee, said he was thankful and happy that his children are free of the virus.
"This is good news indeed and it means that my family will no longer be quarantined and I can return to work tomorrow," he told Bernama.
Johari said the family planned to hold a "kenduri" (feast) to thank God for good fortune and for having spared them from the deadly virus.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Guidelines to ensure safe school milk
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is preparing guidelines for all manufacturers and handlers of milk for the school milk programme to ensure there are no more cases of food poisoning.
These guidelines, said its parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, would ensure the milk was properly packed and distributed.
"We want to assure parents that all contaminated batches of milk have been seized and destroyed under Section 4(8) of the Food Act 1983. There is no cause for worry," he said.
On May 16, 100 pupils of SJK (T) Vallambrosa in Klang fell ill after drinking milk, making Selangor the fifth state to be hit by the problem.
The next day, Sarawak was affected, with five pupils of SK Pajar Sejingkat being admitted to hospital after drinking the milk.
On May 5, the ministry had found that 35 per cent of samples taken from milk supplied to schools in Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Terengganu were contaminated.
Lee said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to educate canteen operators on the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene when handling food.
As of April 30, there were 2,393 cases of food poisoning reported nationwide, a 38 per cent increase from last year. Of the 2,393 cases this year, 67 per cent affected were schoolchildren.
Lee said there were several factors that triggered food poisoning.
Often, he said, cooked food was prepared in an unhygienic manner and kept too long at temperatures conducive for germs to multiply.
"Sometimes food is also not thoroughly cooked and served only half-cooked.
"Food must be stored either in temperatures below 5° Celsius or above 60°C to ensure there is no contamination. Also, cooked food should not be stored with uncooked food."
Often, Lee added, handlers were not aware of the need for personal hygiene and a clean kitchen environment.
"We have set up a task force to investigate at which point the milk was contaminated — whether at the stage of manufacturing, transporting, storing or the manner it was handled," he said.
Asked what could be done to prevent food poisoning from food brought to school by students, he said: "Teachers and parents must do their part to teach students how to properly store and transport food to avoid any form of contamination.
"We (the ministry) cannot prevent students from bringing their own food, neither can we stop them from sharing it with friends.
"So, the only way is for us to educate students on the proper handling methods to ensure their food is safe."
These guidelines, said its parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, would ensure the milk was properly packed and distributed.
"We want to assure parents that all contaminated batches of milk have been seized and destroyed under Section 4(8) of the Food Act 1983. There is no cause for worry," he said.
On May 16, 100 pupils of SJK (T) Vallambrosa in Klang fell ill after drinking milk, making Selangor the fifth state to be hit by the problem.
The next day, Sarawak was affected, with five pupils of SK Pajar Sejingkat being admitted to hospital after drinking the milk.
On May 5, the ministry had found that 35 per cent of samples taken from milk supplied to schools in Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Terengganu were contaminated.
Lee said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to educate canteen operators on the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene when handling food.
As of April 30, there were 2,393 cases of food poisoning reported nationwide, a 38 per cent increase from last year. Of the 2,393 cases this year, 67 per cent affected were schoolchildren.
Lee said there were several factors that triggered food poisoning.
Often, he said, cooked food was prepared in an unhygienic manner and kept too long at temperatures conducive for germs to multiply.
"Sometimes food is also not thoroughly cooked and served only half-cooked.
"Food must be stored either in temperatures below 5° Celsius or above 60°C to ensure there is no contamination. Also, cooked food should not be stored with uncooked food."
Often, Lee added, handlers were not aware of the need for personal hygiene and a clean kitchen environment.
"We have set up a task force to investigate at which point the milk was contaminated — whether at the stage of manufacturing, transporting, storing or the manner it was handled," he said.
Asked what could be done to prevent food poisoning from food brought to school by students, he said: "Teachers and parents must do their part to teach students how to properly store and transport food to avoid any form of contamination.
"We (the ministry) cannot prevent students from bringing their own food, neither can we stop them from sharing it with friends.
"So, the only way is for us to educate students on the proper handling methods to ensure their food is safe."
Move to ban smoking in parks
NST: GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry is "in the midst of reviewing" its proposal to ban smoking in all entertainment outlets, says Health Ministry parliamentary-secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
He said yesterday the government would be expanding the non-smoking areas to include public parks, food outlets and business premises as part of the smoke-free campaign launched early this year.
The move to extend the ban to parks stemmed from complaints from the public, especially non-governmental organisations.
"People going to the parks for outdoor activities should not be deprived of the chance to breathe fresh air. Smokers who pollute the clean air at parks must be penalised," he said after launching Cancer Survivor’s Day 2007 at Mount Miriam Hospital here.
Lee said studies showed that smoking was the cause of 30 per cent of the cancer cases in the country. "There is, therefore, a need for the government to clamp down on smoking."
His ministry had allocated RM200,000 early this year to reward owners of private buildings who banned smoking on their premises.
He said yesterday the government would be expanding the non-smoking areas to include public parks, food outlets and business premises as part of the smoke-free campaign launched early this year.
The move to extend the ban to parks stemmed from complaints from the public, especially non-governmental organisations.
"People going to the parks for outdoor activities should not be deprived of the chance to breathe fresh air. Smokers who pollute the clean air at parks must be penalised," he said after launching Cancer Survivor’s Day 2007 at Mount Miriam Hospital here.
Lee said studies showed that smoking was the cause of 30 per cent of the cancer cases in the country. "There is, therefore, a need for the government to clamp down on smoking."
His ministry had allocated RM200,000 early this year to reward owners of private buildings who banned smoking on their premises.
Pledge organs to change lives
Star: PETALING JAYA: The 103 Malaysians who had donated their corneas since 2001 have offered many blind people the chance to see the world again.
Just three cornea donors so far this year have given the gift of sight to six blind people.
National Transplant Resource Centre senior coordinator Jamaliah Kario said that in the operations carried out in the first four months of this year the recipients were given one cornea each.
“So many blind people are waiting for a cornea transplant. We could only give one cornea to each person so that they could at least see with one eye,” she told The Star.
“I hope more people would come forward to pledge their organs and give a better quality of life to others when they die,” she said, adding that six people had donated their organs and tissues between January and March this year.
Jamaliah said 72,691 Malaysians had pledged to donate organs and tissues. Of them, 5,969 have pledged to donate their corneas since 1997.
However, she said many pledges made by donors when they were alive could not be honoured when they died because of objections from family members.
“We hope prospective donors will tell their families about their intention to donate and get their approval so that this does not happen.
“Otherwise, it is such a waste. A donor who donates all his organs and tissues can make a difference to 10 to 15 people’s lives,” she said.
Doctors would be able to harvest corneas, eyes, heart valves, blood vessels, skin and bones when a person was declared brain-dead, Jamaliah said.
“If a person dies at home, his family members can contact any nearby government hospitals within six hours so that surgeons are able to harvest the corneas at home,” she said.
If you would like to become an organ donor, contact the toll-free number 1-800-88-9080 or 03-2694 2704/2705.
Just three cornea donors so far this year have given the gift of sight to six blind people.
National Transplant Resource Centre senior coordinator Jamaliah Kario said that in the operations carried out in the first four months of this year the recipients were given one cornea each.
“So many blind people are waiting for a cornea transplant. We could only give one cornea to each person so that they could at least see with one eye,” she told The Star.
“I hope more people would come forward to pledge their organs and give a better quality of life to others when they die,” she said, adding that six people had donated their organs and tissues between January and March this year.
Jamaliah said 72,691 Malaysians had pledged to donate organs and tissues. Of them, 5,969 have pledged to donate their corneas since 1997.
However, she said many pledges made by donors when they were alive could not be honoured when they died because of objections from family members.
“We hope prospective donors will tell their families about their intention to donate and get their approval so that this does not happen.
“Otherwise, it is such a waste. A donor who donates all his organs and tissues can make a difference to 10 to 15 people’s lives,” she said.
Doctors would be able to harvest corneas, eyes, heart valves, blood vessels, skin and bones when a person was declared brain-dead, Jamaliah said.
“If a person dies at home, his family members can contact any nearby government hospitals within six hours so that surgeons are able to harvest the corneas at home,” she said.
If you would like to become an organ donor, contact the toll-free number 1-800-88-9080 or 03-2694 2704/2705.
Teenager in contact with dead poultry warded
Star: PETALING JAYA: A teenage boy in Terengganu who came into contact with dead poultry that he reared has been admitted into hospital for fever and cough.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said in a statement yesterday that the Terengganu Health Depart- ment had reported that at 2pm on Saturday, a 16-year-old youth from Seberang Takir, whose chickens and ducks had died, was admitted to the Kuala Terengganu Hospital.
He added that a specimen had been sent to the Institute for Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur to test for the avian flu virus.
The Kuala Terengganu Veterinary Services Department had investigated the poultry and sent a sample for analysis at the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh, and the results would be known within a day.
Dr Chua also said that a 31-year-old man who worked at the Uni- versity Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) had been referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital and subsequently warded there.
The man lived at the Subang Suria apartment, which is within a400m radius of where the virus had been detected, and is reported to be in stable condition.
The avian flu virus was detected last Tuesday in Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir in Sungai Buloh.
Dr Chua said that active surveillance was no longer being carried out as all homes within 300m of the location had been visited and interviews with residents had been completed.
“Monitoring and observation are being focussed on the 30 villagers who have been put under home surveillance, and all are healthy. This activity will last for a week from the last day of culling,” he said.
He said that the nine cases in Sungai Buloh and Malacca had tested negative for the avian flu virus, adding that five cases at the Sungai Buloh hospital were discharged while the remaining two had been transferred to a normal ward for suspicion of dengue fever. The two cases in Malacca and two siblings in Kedah were also discharged.
He said that 43 people had been monitored so far, with 30 put under home surveillance and 13 others under observation.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said it could not be immediately confirmed if fighting cockerels brought in from neighbouring countries were the cause of the outbreak.
“The virus could have been brought in by wild migratory birds,” he said in Penang yesterday.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin when contacted said that “mop up” activities would begin today after culling ended yesterday.
He said that owners would not get compensation for any poultry culled during the cleaning up process.
Some 3,692 poultry have been culled and he estimated that between RM80,000 and RM100,000 in compensation had been paid. About 600 fighting cockerels had been culled as of Saturday.
Dr Abd Aziz added that a strategy to further strengthen the national preparedness plan to combat bird flu would be proposed to the Government.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said in a statement yesterday that the Terengganu Health Depart- ment had reported that at 2pm on Saturday, a 16-year-old youth from Seberang Takir, whose chickens and ducks had died, was admitted to the Kuala Terengganu Hospital.
He added that a specimen had been sent to the Institute for Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur to test for the avian flu virus.
The Kuala Terengganu Veterinary Services Department had investigated the poultry and sent a sample for analysis at the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh, and the results would be known within a day.
Dr Chua also said that a 31-year-old man who worked at the Uni- versity Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) had been referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital and subsequently warded there.
The man lived at the Subang Suria apartment, which is within a400m radius of where the virus had been detected, and is reported to be in stable condition.
The avian flu virus was detected last Tuesday in Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir in Sungai Buloh.
Dr Chua said that active surveillance was no longer being carried out as all homes within 300m of the location had been visited and interviews with residents had been completed.
“Monitoring and observation are being focussed on the 30 villagers who have been put under home surveillance, and all are healthy. This activity will last for a week from the last day of culling,” he said.
He said that the nine cases in Sungai Buloh and Malacca had tested negative for the avian flu virus, adding that five cases at the Sungai Buloh hospital were discharged while the remaining two had been transferred to a normal ward for suspicion of dengue fever. The two cases in Malacca and two siblings in Kedah were also discharged.
He said that 43 people had been monitored so far, with 30 put under home surveillance and 13 others under observation.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said it could not be immediately confirmed if fighting cockerels brought in from neighbouring countries were the cause of the outbreak.
“The virus could have been brought in by wild migratory birds,” he said in Penang yesterday.
Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin when contacted said that “mop up” activities would begin today after culling ended yesterday.
He said that owners would not get compensation for any poultry culled during the cleaning up process.
Some 3,692 poultry have been culled and he estimated that between RM80,000 and RM100,000 in compensation had been paid. About 600 fighting cockerels had been culled as of Saturday.
Dr Abd Aziz added that a strategy to further strengthen the national preparedness plan to combat bird flu would be proposed to the Government.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Needle exchange programme to cover three more towns
NST: SERDANG: The Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) aimed at checking HIV/AIDS will be expanded to Alor Star, Kuantan and Kota Baru this year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Some 3,600 people are expected to benefit from the programme.
"Until February, 1,707 people in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang had benefited from the programme compared with the initial target of 1,200 clients," Dr Chua said when opening the Prostar 2007 convention at Universiti Putra Malaysia here.
His speech was read out by deputy director-general of Health (Public Health) Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
Prostar is an AIDS awareness programme for youths. The NSEP and methadone therapy are part of government efforts to fight HIV/AIDS as most of the infected patients are intravenous drug users (IDUs)
On methadone therapy, Dr Chua said 1,241 patients had registered for the one-year programme and the government had expanded it to 17 hospitals and 24 health clinics.
"From only 10 health centres it has been extended to more than 50 centres and 5,000 drug addicts nationwide. This is a five-fold increase."
Allocation for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS had seen a big jump from RM40 million annually since 1993 and an additional RM500 million from 2006 to 2010, mostly for the "harm reduction" programme.
The government’s National Strategy Plan (NSP) against HIV/AIDS is for the period from 2006 to 2010.
On the Prostar programme, Dr Chua said the government had allocated RM3.8 million for 1,395 School Prostar Clubs, 104 Prostar Clubs and 11 Prostar service centres with membership of 11,036 nationwide
Some 3,600 people are expected to benefit from the programme.
"Until February, 1,707 people in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang had benefited from the programme compared with the initial target of 1,200 clients," Dr Chua said when opening the Prostar 2007 convention at Universiti Putra Malaysia here.
His speech was read out by deputy director-general of Health (Public Health) Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
Prostar is an AIDS awareness programme for youths. The NSEP and methadone therapy are part of government efforts to fight HIV/AIDS as most of the infected patients are intravenous drug users (IDUs)
On methadone therapy, Dr Chua said 1,241 patients had registered for the one-year programme and the government had expanded it to 17 hospitals and 24 health clinics.
"From only 10 health centres it has been extended to more than 50 centres and 5,000 drug addicts nationwide. This is a five-fold increase."
Allocation for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS had seen a big jump from RM40 million annually since 1993 and an additional RM500 million from 2006 to 2010, mostly for the "harm reduction" programme.
The government’s National Strategy Plan (NSP) against HIV/AIDS is for the period from 2006 to 2010.
On the Prostar programme, Dr Chua said the government had allocated RM3.8 million for 1,395 School Prostar Clubs, 104 Prostar Clubs and 11 Prostar service centres with membership of 11,036 nationwide
Fighting cocks under suspicion
NST: SUNGAI BULOH: There is suspicion that fighting cockerels brought in from neighbouring countries could have caused the recent cases of bird flu.
This is because Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, the village where 67 avian flu-infected chickens were found dead, is a transit point for fighting cockerels.
Villagers said the birds were being sold or rented out for cock-fighting competitions organised by Indonesian and Cambodians with permanent resident status staying in the area.
Village Security and Development Committee chairman Safiee Lisut said more than 600 fighting cocks have been culled by the Veterinary Services Department.
He said there were still some fighting cocks in the village and added that the authorities were looking for them.
"The fighting cocks fetch a good price, up to RM150 per bird," he added.
Safiee said some 300 Indonesians and 200 Cambodians were living in his village and that there were more in Kampung Kubu Gajah, Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam, Kampung Paya Jaras Tengah and Kampung Paya Jaras Hulu.
The department’s director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin did not discount the possibility that the virus could have spread from fighting cocks brought in from other countries.
"We do not have conclusive evidence yet as investigations are going on," he said, adding that the results would be disclosed next week.
Bernama said the government could be asked to ban the import and rearing of fighting cocks to help prevent the spread of avian influenza or bird flu.
The news agency quoted Dr Abd Aziz as saying that the department would push for a cabinet directive to ban fighting cocks if it found evidence that the bird flu cases in Paya Jaras originated from these birds.
As of yesterday morning, another 643 poultry were destroyed by the department.
This brings the total number of culled birds to 3,830.
In August 2004, 18,000 chickens were culled in Kelantan after a bird flu outbreak. The H5N1 virus was traced to a fighting cock brought in from Thailand.
Bird flu cases that occurred in February 2006 in Setapak, near here, and in several villages in Perak and Penang were also said to have been caused by fighting cocks brought into the country by foreign workers.
A total of 58,457 fowl were culled and 8,437 eggs were destroyed that year.
This is because Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, the village where 67 avian flu-infected chickens were found dead, is a transit point for fighting cockerels.
Villagers said the birds were being sold or rented out for cock-fighting competitions organised by Indonesian and Cambodians with permanent resident status staying in the area.
Village Security and Development Committee chairman Safiee Lisut said more than 600 fighting cocks have been culled by the Veterinary Services Department.
He said there were still some fighting cocks in the village and added that the authorities were looking for them.
"The fighting cocks fetch a good price, up to RM150 per bird," he added.
Safiee said some 300 Indonesians and 200 Cambodians were living in his village and that there were more in Kampung Kubu Gajah, Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam, Kampung Paya Jaras Tengah and Kampung Paya Jaras Hulu.
The department’s director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin did not discount the possibility that the virus could have spread from fighting cocks brought in from other countries.
"We do not have conclusive evidence yet as investigations are going on," he said, adding that the results would be disclosed next week.
Bernama said the government could be asked to ban the import and rearing of fighting cocks to help prevent the spread of avian influenza or bird flu.
The news agency quoted Dr Abd Aziz as saying that the department would push for a cabinet directive to ban fighting cocks if it found evidence that the bird flu cases in Paya Jaras originated from these birds.
As of yesterday morning, another 643 poultry were destroyed by the department.
This brings the total number of culled birds to 3,830.
In August 2004, 18,000 chickens were culled in Kelantan after a bird flu outbreak. The H5N1 virus was traced to a fighting cock brought in from Thailand.
Bird flu cases that occurred in February 2006 in Setapak, near here, and in several villages in Perak and Penang were also said to have been caused by fighting cocks brought into the country by foreign workers.
A total of 58,457 fowl were culled and 8,437 eggs were destroyed that year.
Call to upgrade teaching hospitals
Star: PETALING JAYA: More government funding is needed to put three teaching hospitals on par with those in the region.
Public university management director-general Datuk Prof Dr Hassan Said said the facilities and equipment at these hospitals needed to be upgraded to improve their performance and capabilities.
The hospitals are University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kelantan.
“The Higher Education Ministry has done an audit and a report has been drawn up outlining the requirements of the three hospitals to enable them to undertake complicated cases as well as to improve their performance,” Prof Hassan said.
“The fact that the three hospitals are medical centres that provide important services to the community as well as being teaching hospitals is a crucial factor the ministry has taken into consideration,” he added.
Prof Hassan was representing Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed at the 10th anniversary Cadaveric Kidney Transplant Programme celebration yesterday.
At the event, Universiti Malaya deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Amin Jalaluddin said the country’s transplantation programme must be more organised as kidney transplantation was one of three forms of treatment for sufferers of end-stage renal failure.
“Kidney transplants offer patients a better survival rate and better quality of life,” Prof Mohd Amin said.
UMMC consultant nephrologist Prof Dr Tan Si-Yen said the programme was targeted at improving the current rate of transplantation and services.
“There are 3,000 new cases of kidney failures annually, up from 2,500 new cases from several years ago.
“There are three forms of treatment – haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplant. The vast majority of patients opt for haemodialysis,” Prof Tan said.
Organ transplantation was a distant dream about 50 years ago.
It has since been transformed into a major branch of surgery and a form of treatment.
Public university management director-general Datuk Prof Dr Hassan Said said the facilities and equipment at these hospitals needed to be upgraded to improve their performance and capabilities.
The hospitals are University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kelantan.
“The Higher Education Ministry has done an audit and a report has been drawn up outlining the requirements of the three hospitals to enable them to undertake complicated cases as well as to improve their performance,” Prof Hassan said.
“The fact that the three hospitals are medical centres that provide important services to the community as well as being teaching hospitals is a crucial factor the ministry has taken into consideration,” he added.
Prof Hassan was representing Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed at the 10th anniversary Cadaveric Kidney Transplant Programme celebration yesterday.
At the event, Universiti Malaya deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Amin Jalaluddin said the country’s transplantation programme must be more organised as kidney transplantation was one of three forms of treatment for sufferers of end-stage renal failure.
“Kidney transplants offer patients a better survival rate and better quality of life,” Prof Mohd Amin said.
UMMC consultant nephrologist Prof Dr Tan Si-Yen said the programme was targeted at improving the current rate of transplantation and services.
“There are 3,000 new cases of kidney failures annually, up from 2,500 new cases from several years ago.
“There are three forms of treatment – haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplant. The vast majority of patients opt for haemodialysis,” Prof Tan said.
Organ transplantation was a distant dream about 50 years ago.
It has since been transformed into a major branch of surgery and a form of treatment.
Chua: No one infected with bird flu
Star: PENANG: No one in the country has been infected with bird flu so far, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
He said the five patients at Sungai Buloh Hospital and two more at the Alor Star Hospital had returned home after testing negative for the virus.
“Two more are under observation in Sungai Buloh and one more in Malacca.
“The patient in Malacca fell sick after returning from Sungai Buloh,” he told newsmen before visiting Taman Tun Sardon flats here with Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting yesterday.
Dr Chua said that, to date, health officers had visited 768 houses and screened 4,608 residents in Sungai Buloh.
He said that during their rounds, 30 residents with upper respiratory infection were placed under home surveillance.
He also said Asia-Pacific health ministers during a recent meeting in Sydney were impressed with Malaysia's success in preventing the virus from infecting humans.
He said the country's success was due to its political commitment and close cooperation between the health and veterinary departments.
“Also, our efforts would be futile without the cooperation of poultry farmers. Many of them readily came forward to assist in our culling operations,” he said.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and Seri Delima assemblyman Datuk Koay Kar Huah.
In Alor Star, state Veterinary Services Department director Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam said samples taken from dead and live fowls from Kampung Padang in Pokok Sena have tested negative for bird flu.
“Although all samples are negative, active surveillance will be carried out continuously in all districts,” he said yesterday.
Kedah went on high alert on Friday when two brothers developed high fever after returning from their grandfather’s house in Kampung Padang in Mukim Gajah Mati, where at least 30 chickens had died over a period of one month.
Ahmad Adam Aimy Ahmad Halimy, three, and his brother Ahmad Ariff, 18 months, are being kept isolated in a ward in Alor Star Hospital as a precaution. Their fever has gone.
Dr Chua said in a statement that the brothers were suffering from acute respiratory infection.
Kedah health department director Dr Hasnah Ismail said that although the fowl samples had been found to be negative for bird flu virus, the two boys would only be discharged on the Health Ministry’s advice.
He said the five patients at Sungai Buloh Hospital and two more at the Alor Star Hospital had returned home after testing negative for the virus.
“Two more are under observation in Sungai Buloh and one more in Malacca.
“The patient in Malacca fell sick after returning from Sungai Buloh,” he told newsmen before visiting Taman Tun Sardon flats here with Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting yesterday.
Dr Chua said that, to date, health officers had visited 768 houses and screened 4,608 residents in Sungai Buloh.
He said that during their rounds, 30 residents with upper respiratory infection were placed under home surveillance.
He also said Asia-Pacific health ministers during a recent meeting in Sydney were impressed with Malaysia's success in preventing the virus from infecting humans.
He said the country's success was due to its political commitment and close cooperation between the health and veterinary departments.
“Also, our efforts would be futile without the cooperation of poultry farmers. Many of them readily came forward to assist in our culling operations,” he said.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and Seri Delima assemblyman Datuk Koay Kar Huah.
In Alor Star, state Veterinary Services Department director Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam said samples taken from dead and live fowls from Kampung Padang in Pokok Sena have tested negative for bird flu.
“Although all samples are negative, active surveillance will be carried out continuously in all districts,” he said yesterday.
Kedah went on high alert on Friday when two brothers developed high fever after returning from their grandfather’s house in Kampung Padang in Mukim Gajah Mati, where at least 30 chickens had died over a period of one month.
Ahmad Adam Aimy Ahmad Halimy, three, and his brother Ahmad Ariff, 18 months, are being kept isolated in a ward in Alor Star Hospital as a precaution. Their fever has gone.
Dr Chua said in a statement that the brothers were suffering from acute respiratory infection.
Kedah health department director Dr Hasnah Ismail said that although the fowl samples had been found to be negative for bird flu virus, the two boys would only be discharged on the Health Ministry’s advice.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Bird Flu: Five People Admitted To Hospital For Observation
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Five residents of Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir -- four men and a woman -- were admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday for observation after showing flu-like symptoms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the residents, aged between 11 months and 35, were in stable condition.
He said they were staying within the 300m radius of the area where chickens were tested positive for the A/H5 virus.
"They went to the hospital to get treatment and have been isolated because of the symptoms," he said in a statement today.
Dr Chua said until 6pm yesterday, checks had been conducted on 476 houses and 3,204 residents of Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir and Kampung Kubu Gajah in Sungai Buloh by the Selangor Health Department officials.
"So far, there's still no case which meets the definition of the avian influenza infection among humans detected," he added.
Dr Chua said a total of 187 officers were involved in various operations to prevent and monitor the disease, including 22 at the Sungai Buloh Hospital isolation ward and 55 from the Veterinary Services Department.
He said health education programmes would continue to be conducted in the affected areas and an additional 530 health pamphlets and health alert cards would be distributed to the residents.
Until now, 889 health pamphlets and health alert cards had been distributed, he added.
The minister said that the ministry's Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre in Putrajaya, which opened yesterday, had received five calls from the public complaining of fowls roaming in their neighbourhood and seeking advice on measures to prevent bird flu.
Dr Chua also said culling of the fowls within a kilometre radius of the outbreak, comprising Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Kampung Paya Jaras Tengah, Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam and Kampung Kubu Gajah, which began at 8pm yesterday, would continue.
He advised residents in the affected areas to inform health authorities if their fowls died under suspicious circumstances and to seek immediate treatment if they came down with fever, coughing, sore throat or breathing difficulties or had direct contact with dead chickens.
Residents are also advised to ensure their hygiene by washing their hands with water and soap often.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the residents, aged between 11 months and 35, were in stable condition.
He said they were staying within the 300m radius of the area where chickens were tested positive for the A/H5 virus.
"They went to the hospital to get treatment and have been isolated because of the symptoms," he said in a statement today.
Dr Chua said until 6pm yesterday, checks had been conducted on 476 houses and 3,204 residents of Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir and Kampung Kubu Gajah in Sungai Buloh by the Selangor Health Department officials.
"So far, there's still no case which meets the definition of the avian influenza infection among humans detected," he added.
Dr Chua said a total of 187 officers were involved in various operations to prevent and monitor the disease, including 22 at the Sungai Buloh Hospital isolation ward and 55 from the Veterinary Services Department.
He said health education programmes would continue to be conducted in the affected areas and an additional 530 health pamphlets and health alert cards would be distributed to the residents.
Until now, 889 health pamphlets and health alert cards had been distributed, he added.
The minister said that the ministry's Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre in Putrajaya, which opened yesterday, had received five calls from the public complaining of fowls roaming in their neighbourhood and seeking advice on measures to prevent bird flu.
Dr Chua also said culling of the fowls within a kilometre radius of the outbreak, comprising Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, Kampung Paya Jaras Tengah, Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam and Kampung Kubu Gajah, which began at 8pm yesterday, would continue.
He advised residents in the affected areas to inform health authorities if their fowls died under suspicious circumstances and to seek immediate treatment if they came down with fever, coughing, sore throat or breathing difficulties or had direct contact with dead chickens.
Residents are also advised to ensure their hygiene by washing their hands with water and soap often.
Hospital gets backup scanner after robbery victim hullabaloo
Star: MALACCA: Hospital Melaka has bought a new scanner as backup for the current one, a hospital spokesman said.
The scanner, which had caused some controversy over the treatment of a wounded robbery victim on Monday, will arrive in 2008.
“It is not true how the media portrayed us as if we did not treat the victim immediately because we treat all patients who come to us regardless of race, age or gender,” the spokesman said when contacted.
Controversy sparked when the victim was allegedly not treated due to a faulty CT scanner when he was rushed to the hospital after being shot in the abdomen by unhappy robbers.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who visited hospital director Dr Abu Bakar Mohammud for a discussion on Thursday, said he was told that the doctor who attended to the victim was relatively young and did not have enough experience to do a surgery without the aid of the scanner.
“That is why they had to wait until the specialist arrived to do the surgery. However, initial care and treatment were provided during the wait.
“The director apologised to the victim’s wife for her anguish and inconvenience and she had accepted the apology and will not press charges,” said Lim, adding the victim’s wife had approached him for help.
Meanwhile police are still investigating the case.
On Monday, the 56-year-old businessman had just returned to his home Taman Setia Jaya in Bukit Katil at 1.45am after a game of pool with friends. When he reached the house gate, two men - one armed with a knife and another with a gun - approached him. The robbers forced him to wake his wife up and tied their hands before ransacking the house.
There was then a struggle between the businessman and the robbers and he was shot. Those with information are urged to contact the state police hotline at 06) 284-1999.
The scanner, which had caused some controversy over the treatment of a wounded robbery victim on Monday, will arrive in 2008.
“It is not true how the media portrayed us as if we did not treat the victim immediately because we treat all patients who come to us regardless of race, age or gender,” the spokesman said when contacted.
Controversy sparked when the victim was allegedly not treated due to a faulty CT scanner when he was rushed to the hospital after being shot in the abdomen by unhappy robbers.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who visited hospital director Dr Abu Bakar Mohammud for a discussion on Thursday, said he was told that the doctor who attended to the victim was relatively young and did not have enough experience to do a surgery without the aid of the scanner.
“That is why they had to wait until the specialist arrived to do the surgery. However, initial care and treatment were provided during the wait.
“The director apologised to the victim’s wife for her anguish and inconvenience and she had accepted the apology and will not press charges,” said Lim, adding the victim’s wife had approached him for help.
Meanwhile police are still investigating the case.
On Monday, the 56-year-old businessman had just returned to his home Taman Setia Jaya in Bukit Katil at 1.45am after a game of pool with friends. When he reached the house gate, two men - one armed with a knife and another with a gun - approached him. The robbers forced him to wake his wife up and tied their hands before ransacking the house.
There was then a struggle between the businessman and the robbers and he was shot. Those with information are urged to contact the state police hotline at 06) 284-1999.
Lend a hand and learn about diseases
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Help those in need and learn how to protect your children from diseases.
This is the goal of a charity fund set up by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Malaysia to help raise money for welfare organisations.
The WyethAID Charity Fund aims to provide a platform for Malaysians to participate in easing the financial burden of local welfare organisations while increasing awareness about health issues.
"It has always been our commitment to lead the way to a healthier world," Wyeth Malaysia managing director Thomas Sichort said at the fund’s launch recently.
"We have had a long history of pioneering developments that improve the lives of millions across the world and our success in Malaysia stems from the support we have received."
The initial focus of WyethAID is on pneumococcal diseases, an illness that has grown to be a major threat to the health of children worldwide.
The World Health Organisation estimates that pneumococcal diseases result in more than one million deaths each year in children under the age of five in developing countries, mostly due to pneumonia.
And yet, only 31 per cent of Malaysian parents are aware of the disease, according to the 2006 Global Pneumococcal Disease Awareness Survey.
Present at the launch were pneumococcal disease awareness ambassadors, singer Sheila Majid and radio presenter Simon D’ Cruz.
For more details on how you can participate, check out www.wyethaid.com.my
This is the goal of a charity fund set up by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Malaysia to help raise money for welfare organisations.
The WyethAID Charity Fund aims to provide a platform for Malaysians to participate in easing the financial burden of local welfare organisations while increasing awareness about health issues.
"It has always been our commitment to lead the way to a healthier world," Wyeth Malaysia managing director Thomas Sichort said at the fund’s launch recently.
"We have had a long history of pioneering developments that improve the lives of millions across the world and our success in Malaysia stems from the support we have received."
The initial focus of WyethAID is on pneumococcal diseases, an illness that has grown to be a major threat to the health of children worldwide.
The World Health Organisation estimates that pneumococcal diseases result in more than one million deaths each year in children under the age of five in developing countries, mostly due to pneumonia.
And yet, only 31 per cent of Malaysian parents are aware of the disease, according to the 2006 Global Pneumococcal Disease Awareness Survey.
Present at the launch were pneumococcal disease awareness ambassadors, singer Sheila Majid and radio presenter Simon D’ Cruz.
For more details on how you can participate, check out www.wyethaid.com.my
Culling of birds begins
Star: SUNGAI BULOH: All poultry and even birds within a one kilometre radius of the avian flu outbreak point in Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir here are being destroyed, said Datuk Mah Siew Keong.
The Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister said the ministry was also conducting surveillance over a 10km radius from the point of origin to ascertain if other poultry had contracted the virus.
The source of the H5N1 virus, however, has not been established.
“As at noon yesterday, more than 2,000 poultry have been culled and we are positive that the remaining 4,000 poultry within the one kilometre radius will be destroyed in two days.
“We are not taking any chances. There are 120 staff members including policemen, Rela members and Veterinary Services Department officers working to finish the task soon,” said Mah when he visited the area yesterday.
Mah said the poultry identified outside the 1km radius would be tested for the virus and culled if they tested positive for the virus.
He said that the co-operation from villagers was vital and urged those who were hiding their poultry or prized birds to surrender them.
“This has been confirmed as an isolated case and the situation is under control but we still need to be absolutely sure we're not overlooking anything,” he said, adding that these people could be fined.
Mah also gave an assurance that due compensation would be given for their losses. He said booths would be set up for villagers to claim their losses on the spot.
Compensation would range from 20 sen to RM10. Among the compensation rates are 20 sen for each chicken egg destroyed, RM9.50 for each chicken and RM10 for each duck and goose.
In Banting, suppliers and dealers of broiler chicken and eggs had been told to not “make use” of the detection of the H5N1 virus as an excuse to increase prices.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said the birds affected by this were mainly those reared on a small scale by villagers and no major farms had been affected.
“The supply of chicken and eggs in the state is not affected by the virus so I hope suppliers and dealers will not take advantage of the situation and increase prices to make quick gains,” he told reporters after attending the People Complaints Inventory.
The Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister said the ministry was also conducting surveillance over a 10km radius from the point of origin to ascertain if other poultry had contracted the virus.
The source of the H5N1 virus, however, has not been established.
“As at noon yesterday, more than 2,000 poultry have been culled and we are positive that the remaining 4,000 poultry within the one kilometre radius will be destroyed in two days.
“We are not taking any chances. There are 120 staff members including policemen, Rela members and Veterinary Services Department officers working to finish the task soon,” said Mah when he visited the area yesterday.
Mah said the poultry identified outside the 1km radius would be tested for the virus and culled if they tested positive for the virus.
He said that the co-operation from villagers was vital and urged those who were hiding their poultry or prized birds to surrender them.
“This has been confirmed as an isolated case and the situation is under control but we still need to be absolutely sure we're not overlooking anything,” he said, adding that these people could be fined.
Mah also gave an assurance that due compensation would be given for their losses. He said booths would be set up for villagers to claim their losses on the spot.
Compensation would range from 20 sen to RM10. Among the compensation rates are 20 sen for each chicken egg destroyed, RM9.50 for each chicken and RM10 for each duck and goose.
In Banting, suppliers and dealers of broiler chicken and eggs had been told to not “make use” of the detection of the H5N1 virus as an excuse to increase prices.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said the birds affected by this were mainly those reared on a small scale by villagers and no major farms had been affected.
“The supply of chicken and eggs in the state is not affected by the virus so I hope suppliers and dealers will not take advantage of the situation and increase prices to make quick gains,” he told reporters after attending the People Complaints Inventory.
Ministry takes no chances
Star: PETALING JAYA: No bird flu cases have been detected among humans following the detection of virus at Kg Paya Jaras Hilir near Sg Buloh on Tuesday, said the Health Minister.
However, the ministry was not taking any chances and had taken precautionary steps including opening up operation centres, interviewing villagers and distributing bird flu awareness brochures, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek said
He said that active case detection (ACD) had been carried out within a 300m radius from where the dead chicken were found.
“The ministry has conducted checks on 71 houses involving 307 residents. No one was infected,” he said.
However, the Sg Buloh Hospital is on standby to accept any suspected avian influenza cases he said.
Dr Chua said that anyone who had had contact with an infected chicken or who had fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should seek treatment at a nearby clinic or hospital.
He also advised residents to alert the nearby district health office, clinic or the veterinary office if they found more dead chicken in their village.
Four operations centres was opened yesterday at the Selangor state health department, Petaling health office, Sg Buloh Hospital and also at the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at the ministry's Disease Control Unit. The CPRC hotline number is 03-8881-0600 or 03-8881-0700.
He said health officers had also been briefed on the Alert, Enhanced Surveillance and Management of Avian Influenza in Human guideline.
“All health and Veterinary Services Department officers involved in the culling of the chickens will also be placed under a 14-day surveillance as precautionary measure,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah government slapped a ban on the import of fresh chicken from Peninsular Malaysia following the discovery of the bird flu virus.
The state government also imposed strict checks at entry points from neighbouring countries.
State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said in Kota Kinabalu that, as of yesterday, the state was free of the virus.
“We have stepped up our surveillance and monitoring all entry points,” Abdul Rahim said yesterday.
“Our checks are not only on chicken but other animals,” he said, adding that it was aimed at stopping smuggling of livestock from Philippines and Indonesia into the state.
However, the ministry was not taking any chances and had taken precautionary steps including opening up operation centres, interviewing villagers and distributing bird flu awareness brochures, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek said
He said that active case detection (ACD) had been carried out within a 300m radius from where the dead chicken were found.
“The ministry has conducted checks on 71 houses involving 307 residents. No one was infected,” he said.
However, the Sg Buloh Hospital is on standby to accept any suspected avian influenza cases he said.
Dr Chua said that anyone who had had contact with an infected chicken or who had fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should seek treatment at a nearby clinic or hospital.
He also advised residents to alert the nearby district health office, clinic or the veterinary office if they found more dead chicken in their village.
Four operations centres was opened yesterday at the Selangor state health department, Petaling health office, Sg Buloh Hospital and also at the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at the ministry's Disease Control Unit. The CPRC hotline number is 03-8881-0600 or 03-8881-0700.
He said health officers had also been briefed on the Alert, Enhanced Surveillance and Management of Avian Influenza in Human guideline.
“All health and Veterinary Services Department officers involved in the culling of the chickens will also be placed under a 14-day surveillance as precautionary measure,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah government slapped a ban on the import of fresh chicken from Peninsular Malaysia following the discovery of the bird flu virus.
The state government also imposed strict checks at entry points from neighbouring countries.
State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said in Kota Kinabalu that, as of yesterday, the state was free of the virus.
“We have stepped up our surveillance and monitoring all entry points,” Abdul Rahim said yesterday.
“Our checks are not only on chicken but other animals,” he said, adding that it was aimed at stopping smuggling of livestock from Philippines and Indonesia into the state.
Melaka Hospital Needs To Expand Haemodialysis Centre
MELAKA, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Hospital needs to expand its haemodialysis centre and have more machines because many patients still rely on the centre for treatment, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam says.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of a health programme at the hospital here Thursday, he said the hospital presently had 16 haemodialysis machines and would get another nine soon.
He hoped that the hospital could add more haemodialysis machines to 50 to cope with the number of patients requiring such treatment and realise the state government's plan to make Melaka a centre for haemodialysis treatment.
"Private hospitals are not willing to provide treatment for RM10. So, the Melaka Hospital has to do it," he said and added that the hospital could re-employ retired doctors, nurses and attendants to cope with the manpower shortage.
He said that there were 250 kidney patients in Melaka and most of them could not afford to pay for haemodialysis treatment.
Besides the Melaka Hospital, the Alor Gajah Hospital has four haemodialysis machines while the Jasin Hospital will open its haemodialysis centre next month.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of a health programme at the hospital here Thursday, he said the hospital presently had 16 haemodialysis machines and would get another nine soon.
He hoped that the hospital could add more haemodialysis machines to 50 to cope with the number of patients requiring such treatment and realise the state government's plan to make Melaka a centre for haemodialysis treatment.
"Private hospitals are not willing to provide treatment for RM10. So, the Melaka Hospital has to do it," he said and added that the hospital could re-employ retired doctors, nurses and attendants to cope with the manpower shortage.
He said that there were 250 kidney patients in Melaka and most of them could not afford to pay for haemodialysis treatment.
Besides the Melaka Hospital, the Alor Gajah Hospital has four haemodialysis machines while the Jasin Hospital will open its haemodialysis centre next month.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
No more sweaty palms and smelly feet
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: For six years, 12-year-old Tan Juin Hong lived with the embarrassment of having sweaty palms and smelly feet.
"My palms sweat so much that my books and papers would get wet when I write. I had to carry a handkerchief or a towel to wipe my palms all the time," said the Chung Hwa Seremban student.
The excessive sweating also caused his feet to smell.
But, Tan can now put the handkerchiefs and towels away as his problem has finally come to an end following an Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday.
He is the youngest patient to have undergone the video-assisted thoracic surgery which was performed by consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeswant Dillon.
Tan’s mother Cheok Guat Ling, 39, said she became aware that her son was suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) when he was in Standard One.
"I took him to the Port Dickson Hospital and the doctors thought his problem could be due to thyroid.
"A battery of tests, however, ruled out thyroid and other diseases.
"They then told him that he would have to live with his sweaty palms and feet."
Desperate, Cheok took her only son to several sinsehs (traditional healers) over the last few years but nothing helped.
"I finally came to know about the ETS in IJN and brought him last month to see Dr Jeswant. As his condition was bad, the doctor recommended surgery," said Cheok who is happy that Tan would now be like other boys.
Dr Jeswant said the surgery which took about one-and-a-half hours was minimally invasive and as a result, patients suffered less pain and enjoyed early recovery with only a day of hospitalisation.
He said some 2.5 million Malaysians suffer from sweaty face, palms, armpit and feet.
"It is not life-threatening but it is a socially embarrassing disorder which can affect people psychologically and emotionally," said Dr Jeswant.
"My palms sweat so much that my books and papers would get wet when I write. I had to carry a handkerchief or a towel to wipe my palms all the time," said the Chung Hwa Seremban student.
The excessive sweating also caused his feet to smell.
But, Tan can now put the handkerchiefs and towels away as his problem has finally come to an end following an Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday.
He is the youngest patient to have undergone the video-assisted thoracic surgery which was performed by consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeswant Dillon.
Tan’s mother Cheok Guat Ling, 39, said she became aware that her son was suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) when he was in Standard One.
"I took him to the Port Dickson Hospital and the doctors thought his problem could be due to thyroid.
"A battery of tests, however, ruled out thyroid and other diseases.
"They then told him that he would have to live with his sweaty palms and feet."
Desperate, Cheok took her only son to several sinsehs (traditional healers) over the last few years but nothing helped.
"I finally came to know about the ETS in IJN and brought him last month to see Dr Jeswant. As his condition was bad, the doctor recommended surgery," said Cheok who is happy that Tan would now be like other boys.
Dr Jeswant said the surgery which took about one-and-a-half hours was minimally invasive and as a result, patients suffered less pain and enjoyed early recovery with only a day of hospitalisation.
He said some 2.5 million Malaysians suffer from sweaty face, palms, armpit and feet.
"It is not life-threatening but it is a socially embarrassing disorder which can affect people psychologically and emotionally," said Dr Jeswant.
Health teams to conduct search
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Health teams from Petaling and Gombak are looking for people who had come into contact with the dead birds.
The Sungai Buloh Hospital has been designated for use by people showing symptoms of the avian flu.
Deputy director-general of Health Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the hospital was ready to take in patients with symptoms of the disease while all health centres and clinics within the affected area had been also put on alert.
He said the Health Ministry would began a surveillance covering a 300-metre radius from the chicken pens, where the infected chickens were found.
He advised anyone showing symptoms of the disease to seek immediate medical attention.
The symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from influenza-like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle ache, eye infection and pneumonia.
The Sungai Buloh Hospital has been designated for use by people showing symptoms of the avian flu.
Deputy director-general of Health Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the hospital was ready to take in patients with symptoms of the disease while all health centres and clinics within the affected area had been also put on alert.
He said the Health Ministry would began a surveillance covering a 300-metre radius from the chicken pens, where the infected chickens were found.
He advised anyone showing symptoms of the disease to seek immediate medical attention.
The symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from influenza-like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle ache, eye infection and pneumonia.
Bird flu strikes in Sungai Buloh
NST: PUTRAJAYA:The bird flu or avian influenza, carrying the H5N1 virus, has made a comeback with the death of 67 chickens at a village in Sungai Buloh.
The chickens died at Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir over three days from Saturday.
This was announced yesterday by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Da- tuk Dr Zulkifli Idris who said two of the chickens tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
He said his ministry had notified the Federation of Live Fowl Associations of Malaysia to remind its members to exercise caution in the wake of the latest bird flu outbreak.
"As is normal practice, we have also notified the Singapore AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) so that the transparency of the ministry is not questioned and import from unaffected areas could continue as usual," he said at a press conference, which was also attended by the Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
Zulkifli said measures had been drawn up to ensure the virus was contained.
This included the setting up of eight teams comprising 96 officers, working in shifts to destroy all chickens within a 10km radius of the outbreak.
Besides Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, three other villages — Kampung Paya Jaras Hulu, Kampung Pa- ya Jaras Dalam and Kampung Kubu Gajah — are within a 1km radius of the affected area.
Some 2,000 chickens are expected to be destroyed.
The last outbreak of bird flu occurred last year in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, in February and several villages in Perak in March. The country was declared free of the virus in June last year.
Abdul Aziz, who visited the area at noon yesterday, said the outbreak was an isolated case.
There has been no new death of chicken.
"The department is investigating the source of the H5N1 virus.
"We expect our operations to destroy the chickens to be completed in 36 hours," he said, adding that all state VSDs had been alerted.
Compensation will be paid to owners of chickens affected by the culling exercise.
Abdul Aziz said the villagers had informed him that the deaths of birds occurred during the start of the school holidays.
"There were not many birds in the kampung concerned. In our one-hour survey, we only saw some 20 birds."
Abdul Aziz said the nearest commercial chicken farm was 12 to 20km away. A duck farm, however, is located 300 metres from the place of the outbreak.
Adnan Mohd Isa’s mother hen and 12 chicks were among those culled last night.
"I accept the officials taking the chickens away as it is in public interest and also for health reasons," he said.
In Kuala Langat, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said 12,000 people lived in the villages and they had been told to hand over their chickens to the VSD.
It is estimated that there are 7,000 chickens and 5,000 ducks in these villages.
Dr Khir advised villagers to see a doctor immediately if they came down with fever.
The chickens died at Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir over three days from Saturday.
This was announced yesterday by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Da- tuk Dr Zulkifli Idris who said two of the chickens tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
He said his ministry had notified the Federation of Live Fowl Associations of Malaysia to remind its members to exercise caution in the wake of the latest bird flu outbreak.
"As is normal practice, we have also notified the Singapore AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) so that the transparency of the ministry is not questioned and import from unaffected areas could continue as usual," he said at a press conference, which was also attended by the Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
Zulkifli said measures had been drawn up to ensure the virus was contained.
This included the setting up of eight teams comprising 96 officers, working in shifts to destroy all chickens within a 10km radius of the outbreak.
Besides Kampung Paya Jaras Hilir, three other villages — Kampung Paya Jaras Hulu, Kampung Pa- ya Jaras Dalam and Kampung Kubu Gajah — are within a 1km radius of the affected area.
Some 2,000 chickens are expected to be destroyed.
The last outbreak of bird flu occurred last year in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, in February and several villages in Perak in March. The country was declared free of the virus in June last year.
Abdul Aziz, who visited the area at noon yesterday, said the outbreak was an isolated case.
There has been no new death of chicken.
"The department is investigating the source of the H5N1 virus.
"We expect our operations to destroy the chickens to be completed in 36 hours," he said, adding that all state VSDs had been alerted.
Compensation will be paid to owners of chickens affected by the culling exercise.
Abdul Aziz said the villagers had informed him that the deaths of birds occurred during the start of the school holidays.
"There were not many birds in the kampung concerned. In our one-hour survey, we only saw some 20 birds."
Abdul Aziz said the nearest commercial chicken farm was 12 to 20km away. A duck farm, however, is located 300 metres from the place of the outbreak.
Adnan Mohd Isa’s mother hen and 12 chicks were among those culled last night.
"I accept the officials taking the chickens away as it is in public interest and also for health reasons," he said.
In Kuala Langat, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said 12,000 people lived in the villages and they had been told to hand over their chickens to the VSD.
It is estimated that there are 7,000 chickens and 5,000 ducks in these villages.
Dr Khir advised villagers to see a doctor immediately if they came down with fever.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Council registration: Doctors in a tangle over red tape
NST: By : P.P., I.L., M.R., S.Y.Y. and N.O., Ipoh
WE are a group of doctors from Ipoh Hospital who have just completed our housemanship posting.
Upon completion of our housemanship, we are supposed to apply for full registration with the Malaysian Medical Council. Previously, there were many doctors who could not fully register with the council despite being in practice for more than two years.
This is due to the fact that the council imposed stringent regulations in which all documents had to be submitted immediately after completion of housemanship.
Otherwise, these doctors risk not being able to secure full recognition by the council. To avoid such a hassle, we have been advised by our hospital to submit our documents (log books, certificates and evaluations) even before we completed our housemanship postings.
To our dismay, the council refused to process our registration, saying that we had handed in our documents too early and, thus, those log books and evaluation forms were signed off too early by our supervisors. The council demanded an explanation from ourselves and Ipoh Hospital.
We have written letters to the council explaining the situation. However, the administration of Ipoh Hospital has to get an explanation from the relevant departments.
Looking at the red tape and "efficiency" of civil servants, this process could take months or years, resulting in the fact that many doctors in government service have yet to be recognised fully by the council despite being in practice for three years.
Refusing to offer full registration, and thus, recognition, to doctors who have served the government on the basis that the documents were handed late or in this case, too early, is unacceptable.
At the rate doctors are being produced by our medical schools, there are bound to be more doctors who will not be recognised fully by the council as long as it continues to question every detail.
In other words, there could be more "bogus" doctors practising in government hospitals even though these doctors have the experience and training, just because their evaluation forms were signed off too early or too late by their supervisors and were not accepted by the council.
WE are a group of doctors from Ipoh Hospital who have just completed our housemanship posting.
Upon completion of our housemanship, we are supposed to apply for full registration with the Malaysian Medical Council. Previously, there were many doctors who could not fully register with the council despite being in practice for more than two years.
This is due to the fact that the council imposed stringent regulations in which all documents had to be submitted immediately after completion of housemanship.
Otherwise, these doctors risk not being able to secure full recognition by the council. To avoid such a hassle, we have been advised by our hospital to submit our documents (log books, certificates and evaluations) even before we completed our housemanship postings.
To our dismay, the council refused to process our registration, saying that we had handed in our documents too early and, thus, those log books and evaluation forms were signed off too early by our supervisors. The council demanded an explanation from ourselves and Ipoh Hospital.
We have written letters to the council explaining the situation. However, the administration of Ipoh Hospital has to get an explanation from the relevant departments.
Looking at the red tape and "efficiency" of civil servants, this process could take months or years, resulting in the fact that many doctors in government service have yet to be recognised fully by the council despite being in practice for three years.
Refusing to offer full registration, and thus, recognition, to doctors who have served the government on the basis that the documents were handed late or in this case, too early, is unacceptable.
At the rate doctors are being produced by our medical schools, there are bound to be more doctors who will not be recognised fully by the council as long as it continues to question every detail.
In other words, there could be more "bogus" doctors practising in government hospitals even though these doctors have the experience and training, just because their evaluation forms were signed off too early or too late by their supervisors and were not accepted by the council.
Doctors' Registration: No short cuts for doctors to meet conditions
NST: By : TAN SRI DR MOHD ISMAIL MERICAN, Malaysian Medical Council
WHILE I sympathise with P.P., I.L., M.R., S.Y.Y. and N.O. of Ipoh ("Council registration: Doctors in a tangle over red tape" — NST, May 29) on their predicament, I would like to draw attention to the legal requirements enacted under the Medical Act 1971 which regulates the practice of medical practitioners in Malaysia.
Sections 26 and 27 of the Act state explicitly the privileges of fully-registered practitioners. House officers are not eligible for these privileges until they are conferred full registration.
In other words, practitioners can practise medicine only upon their full registration. Undue delay in submitting application for full registration may implicate not only provisionally-registered house officers but also their employers.
It cannot be denied that there had been undue delays in the issuance of full registration in the past.
In the majority of cases, the legal formalities for the issuance of full registration were not fulfilled. The documents were either incomplete or improper.
Pursuant to Section 13(2) of the Act, for instance, it is compulsory for all house officers to obtain experience for a period of not less than four months each in medical, surgical and obstetrics and gynaecology disciplines before they can be given full registration.
As such, when documents are endorsed by supervisors and dated before the four-month period is over, legally the said officer has not fulfilled the above legal requirement and, thus, is not eligible for full registration.
To overcome the legal implications arising from late registrations, efforts have been taken by the Malaysian Medical Council to consolidate all circulars regarding this matter.
The dilemma is a result of this exercise that came into effect in June last year.
Despite hiccups, the exercise was successful. The latest statistics show that the number of late submissions and incomplete and improper documentation have dropped from 70 per cent last year to 40 per cent last month. We expect further reduction from now on.
It is the statutory duty of the MMC to ensure that all the statutory requirements are met with.
I wish to stress that the issuance of proper documents is not only to make sure that the public receives treatment from only qualified practitioners but also to protect the doctors in case of litigation. Hence, the issue of red tape does not arise.
The onus is on the doctor and the hospital director to adhere to procedures.
Where documentation is in order, practitioners can be assured that certificates will be issued within one month.
I advise the writers and other practitioners to check with their training hospital directors and abide by the circulars instead of bemoaning the process. This has nothing to do with bureaucracy.
The law requires it and you have to comply with the law, fully realising that without this important step, any form of practice is illegal.
If house officers keep this is mind, then we should not have any problem. Some say they have sent the forms to MMC, but many of such forms were cursorily filled.
Please be reminded that there is no short cut to ensure legitimacy of medical practice. It is the duty of the doctors as well as the employers to make sure that all documents submitted to the MMC are complete and sent within the stipulated time period.
The law has to be complied with. I urge all doctors to give due attention to this initial but important step of their career.
As president of MMC, I wish to emphasise that the council does not condone any disregard or ignorance of the act. For that matter, I urge all medical practitioners not only to be well informed of the Act governing their profession but, more importantly, to comprehend and comply with all its statutory requirements.
WHILE I sympathise with P.P., I.L., M.R., S.Y.Y. and N.O. of Ipoh ("Council registration: Doctors in a tangle over red tape" — NST, May 29) on their predicament, I would like to draw attention to the legal requirements enacted under the Medical Act 1971 which regulates the practice of medical practitioners in Malaysia.
Sections 26 and 27 of the Act state explicitly the privileges of fully-registered practitioners. House officers are not eligible for these privileges until they are conferred full registration.
In other words, practitioners can practise medicine only upon their full registration. Undue delay in submitting application for full registration may implicate not only provisionally-registered house officers but also their employers.
It cannot be denied that there had been undue delays in the issuance of full registration in the past.
In the majority of cases, the legal formalities for the issuance of full registration were not fulfilled. The documents were either incomplete or improper.
Pursuant to Section 13(2) of the Act, for instance, it is compulsory for all house officers to obtain experience for a period of not less than four months each in medical, surgical and obstetrics and gynaecology disciplines before they can be given full registration.
As such, when documents are endorsed by supervisors and dated before the four-month period is over, legally the said officer has not fulfilled the above legal requirement and, thus, is not eligible for full registration.
To overcome the legal implications arising from late registrations, efforts have been taken by the Malaysian Medical Council to consolidate all circulars regarding this matter.
The dilemma is a result of this exercise that came into effect in June last year.
Despite hiccups, the exercise was successful. The latest statistics show that the number of late submissions and incomplete and improper documentation have dropped from 70 per cent last year to 40 per cent last month. We expect further reduction from now on.
It is the statutory duty of the MMC to ensure that all the statutory requirements are met with.
I wish to stress that the issuance of proper documents is not only to make sure that the public receives treatment from only qualified practitioners but also to protect the doctors in case of litigation. Hence, the issue of red tape does not arise.
The onus is on the doctor and the hospital director to adhere to procedures.
Where documentation is in order, practitioners can be assured that certificates will be issued within one month.
I advise the writers and other practitioners to check with their training hospital directors and abide by the circulars instead of bemoaning the process. This has nothing to do with bureaucracy.
The law requires it and you have to comply with the law, fully realising that without this important step, any form of practice is illegal.
If house officers keep this is mind, then we should not have any problem. Some say they have sent the forms to MMC, but many of such forms were cursorily filled.
Please be reminded that there is no short cut to ensure legitimacy of medical practice. It is the duty of the doctors as well as the employers to make sure that all documents submitted to the MMC are complete and sent within the stipulated time period.
The law has to be complied with. I urge all doctors to give due attention to this initial but important step of their career.
As president of MMC, I wish to emphasise that the council does not condone any disregard or ignorance of the act. For that matter, I urge all medical practitioners not only to be well informed of the Act governing their profession but, more importantly, to comprehend and comply with all its statutory requirements.
All patients must be treated
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The director-general of Health is livid that a hospital did not treat a patient with gunshot wounds.
"No patient should be turned away by hospitals even if their equipment is not functioning," said Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
"All patients must be accepted, assessed and ascertained how best to treat them. If necessary, assistance from elsewhere should be sought."
"The same goes for private hospitals and medical institutions. They are bound to give the best treatment possible, despite their limitations."
He was commenting on a case in Malacca where a used-car dealer, who was shot in the gut, had to stomach the pain for several hours on Monday after four hospitals would not treat him.
"In the case of Malacca Hospital, it was true that the CT scan machine had malfunctioned, but it was not absolutely necessary to perform a CT scan initially on this patient."
He said the scan may be required once the patient was more stable and after immediate treatment was rendered.
"I was also informed by the hospital that the patient or his relative had made a request for him to be transferred to a private hospital.
"As always, there are two sides to a story. It is not our practice to discharge ill patients, but the patient was discharged, at his own risk, after making arrangements to send the patient to the private hospital. We were told later that three private hospitals did not want to admit him," said Dr Ismail.
He said that following this, surgeons at the Malacca Hospital then decided to operate on the victim as his condition was deteriorating.
"An abdominal X-ray was taken before the surgery. The patient, who is in the intensive care unit, is now stable."
Ismail said the patient also had other medical problems such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and infection.
Tioh Geok Piu, 56, was brought to the hospital at 2.50am on Monday with gunshot wounds.
Tioh was shot when two men entered his double-storey house in Taman Setia Jaya, Bukit Piatu, and tried to rob him.
On arriving at Malacca Hospital, Tioh’s family had called three private hospitals — Putra, Makhota and Pantai Specialist Centre but the medical institutions had given different reasons why they could not admit him.
In Malacca, the family and friends of Tioh were happy that he was no longer in danger and his condition had improved.
His friend, Ong Hian Yong, 56, said he met Tioh at the hospital but he was weak and unable to speak.
State Health Department director Dr Noraini Baba said Tioh would be under observation in the Intensive Care Unit.
"No patient should be turned away by hospitals even if their equipment is not functioning," said Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
"All patients must be accepted, assessed and ascertained how best to treat them. If necessary, assistance from elsewhere should be sought."
"The same goes for private hospitals and medical institutions. They are bound to give the best treatment possible, despite their limitations."
He was commenting on a case in Malacca where a used-car dealer, who was shot in the gut, had to stomach the pain for several hours on Monday after four hospitals would not treat him.
"In the case of Malacca Hospital, it was true that the CT scan machine had malfunctioned, but it was not absolutely necessary to perform a CT scan initially on this patient."
He said the scan may be required once the patient was more stable and after immediate treatment was rendered.
"I was also informed by the hospital that the patient or his relative had made a request for him to be transferred to a private hospital.
"As always, there are two sides to a story. It is not our practice to discharge ill patients, but the patient was discharged, at his own risk, after making arrangements to send the patient to the private hospital. We were told later that three private hospitals did not want to admit him," said Dr Ismail.
He said that following this, surgeons at the Malacca Hospital then decided to operate on the victim as his condition was deteriorating.
"An abdominal X-ray was taken before the surgery. The patient, who is in the intensive care unit, is now stable."
Ismail said the patient also had other medical problems such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and infection.
Tioh Geok Piu, 56, was brought to the hospital at 2.50am on Monday with gunshot wounds.
Tioh was shot when two men entered his double-storey house in Taman Setia Jaya, Bukit Piatu, and tried to rob him.
On arriving at Malacca Hospital, Tioh’s family had called three private hospitals — Putra, Makhota and Pantai Specialist Centre but the medical institutions had given different reasons why they could not admit him.
In Malacca, the family and friends of Tioh were happy that he was no longer in danger and his condition had improved.
His friend, Ong Hian Yong, 56, said he met Tioh at the hospital but he was weak and unable to speak.
State Health Department director Dr Noraini Baba said Tioh would be under observation in the Intensive Care Unit.
Learn to spot signs of autism
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Providers for young children, including parents and kindergarten and primary school teachers, should be trained to recognise signs of autism.
Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said yesterday that the children would benefit from early identification of the neurological disorder, which would lead to intervention and consequently providing them with a better life.
“With rehabilitation, they can learn how to manage themselves, and parents play an important role,” she said at a press conference to announce a seminar and workshop on autism.
“All childcare providers like kindergarten teachers, Year One teachers, parents and even grandparents should have the training to recognise the signs. This is so that they can be referred for further investigation with the proper institution.”
Autism is a physical disorder of the brain which is characterised by severe communication and behaviour problems. Some symptoms are that children have one-sided conversations, do not show interest, do not make eye contact, hate change, talk repeatedly about the same thing and do not play with others.
The Wanita MCA Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) Lifelong Learning Centre, together with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), is organising a seminar and workshop this Saturday on the third floor auditorium at Wisma MCA, from 8am to 6pm.
Dr Ng said the joint programme would be expanded to a series of roadshows to create awareness on autism among Malaysians and provide the basic skills on how to deal with those with the disorder.
She added that help would also be given to Nasom for capacity building and training. The society has been given a RM13mil grant by the Government to carry out activities such as setting up a national autistic training centre in Klang.
Nasom chairman Teh Beng Choon said that early intervention for autistic children was helpful, citing his son Lucas, 12, who previously would not talk to people, but now could “not stop talking.”
Lucas, he added, was now attending private school where he had been placed in a Form Two class and did not display characteristics such as using his hand to hit his head or repeating things that people had said.
“His biggest challenge is to find friends. They do not like the fact that he shows them that he is smarter than them,” Teh said.
“He is very lonely but he is very close to his elder sister and younger brother.”
Teh added that families needed not only support in the way of government policies, but also opportunities for their children to thrive both academically and socially.
“Awareness is still very far behind where the children can be accepted for all their peculiarities, so that they trust and have confidence in you,” he said.
Those interested in attending the workshop can call 03-2161 8044 (ext 105) or fax to 03-2161 8211. Registration fee is RM10 with breakfast, lunch and tea provided. For more information on Nasom, call 03-4022 3744 or e-mail nasom@streamyx.com
Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said yesterday that the children would benefit from early identification of the neurological disorder, which would lead to intervention and consequently providing them with a better life.
“With rehabilitation, they can learn how to manage themselves, and parents play an important role,” she said at a press conference to announce a seminar and workshop on autism.
“All childcare providers like kindergarten teachers, Year One teachers, parents and even grandparents should have the training to recognise the signs. This is so that they can be referred for further investigation with the proper institution.”
Autism is a physical disorder of the brain which is characterised by severe communication and behaviour problems. Some symptoms are that children have one-sided conversations, do not show interest, do not make eye contact, hate change, talk repeatedly about the same thing and do not play with others.
The Wanita MCA Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) Lifelong Learning Centre, together with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), is organising a seminar and workshop this Saturday on the third floor auditorium at Wisma MCA, from 8am to 6pm.
Dr Ng said the joint programme would be expanded to a series of roadshows to create awareness on autism among Malaysians and provide the basic skills on how to deal with those with the disorder.
She added that help would also be given to Nasom for capacity building and training. The society has been given a RM13mil grant by the Government to carry out activities such as setting up a national autistic training centre in Klang.
Nasom chairman Teh Beng Choon said that early intervention for autistic children was helpful, citing his son Lucas, 12, who previously would not talk to people, but now could “not stop talking.”
Lucas, he added, was now attending private school where he had been placed in a Form Two class and did not display characteristics such as using his hand to hit his head or repeating things that people had said.
“His biggest challenge is to find friends. They do not like the fact that he shows them that he is smarter than them,” Teh said.
“He is very lonely but he is very close to his elder sister and younger brother.”
Teh added that families needed not only support in the way of government policies, but also opportunities for their children to thrive both academically and socially.
“Awareness is still very far behind where the children can be accepted for all their peculiarities, so that they trust and have confidence in you,” he said.
Those interested in attending the workshop can call 03-2161 8044 (ext 105) or fax to 03-2161 8211. Registration fee is RM10 with breakfast, lunch and tea provided. For more information on Nasom, call 03-4022 3744 or e-mail nasom@streamyx.com
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Shot, yet 4 hospitals could not treat victim
NST: MALACCA: A used-car dealer who was shot in the gut had to stomach the pain for several hours yesterday after four hospitals could not treat him for a variety of reasons.
Tioh Geok Piu, 56, could not have surgery at the Malacca Hospital where he arrived an hour after the 1.45am incident as the CT scanning machine had malfunctioned.
Doctors told his wife Lau Hong Eng, 46, that hospital procedure required a CT scan before such an operation.
Calls to three private hospitals — Putra Hospital, Makhota Hospital and Pantai Specialist Centre — proved futile.
Lau said the hospitals told her that they did not treat gunshot wounds.
She then spent three hours trying to convince doctors at Malacca Hospital to operate on her husband without the CT scan.
They finally relented at 7am after an abdominal X-ray.
Tioh is fighting for his life at the intensive care unit of the hospital.
The drama began earlier when Tioh arrived at his double-storey house in Taman Setia Jaya, Bukit Piatu, to find two men at the gate.
The men, who were armed with a gun and a knife, forced him into the house and demanded cash and valuables.
"I was asleep but woke up when I heard my room door opening. I saw two men with my husband, one of whom was holding a gun," Lau said.
The robbers then tied her hands with a rope before ransacking the room for valuables.
The robbers found a Rolex watch, a gold chain, a passport and some cash.
"One of them then shouted at my husband in Cantonese that he had such a big house but so little in cash and valuables."
Tioh told the robbers that he had just returned from Kuala Lumpur and had left most of the valuables there.
It is believed that Tioh struggled with one of the robbers who then shot him.
The bullet entered the left side of his stomach and exited on the other side.
The robbers then pushed Tioh and Lau into the toilet and fled.
A few minutes later, Lau managed to untie herself and told her 15-year-old daughter, who had hidden in her room with her two siblings, to call the police and a friend in Semabok.
The friend rushed Tioh to Malacca Hospital.
The robbers dropped the gun, a Wincester .380, in their haste.
State police chief Datuk Mortadza Nazarene said Tioh was believed to have been shot when he tried to fight the robbers.
Meanwhile, Makhota Hospital public relations executive Jessica Yeo said Tioh could not be treated as the hospital’s cardio-thorasic surgeon was on leave.
Pantai Specialist Centre chief spokesman said no beds were available at the hospital’s ICU.
Putra Hospital chief executive officer Radhana Salleh said she would investigate the matter.
Tioh Geok Piu, 56, could not have surgery at the Malacca Hospital where he arrived an hour after the 1.45am incident as the CT scanning machine had malfunctioned.
Doctors told his wife Lau Hong Eng, 46, that hospital procedure required a CT scan before such an operation.
Calls to three private hospitals — Putra Hospital, Makhota Hospital and Pantai Specialist Centre — proved futile.
Lau said the hospitals told her that they did not treat gunshot wounds.
She then spent three hours trying to convince doctors at Malacca Hospital to operate on her husband without the CT scan.
They finally relented at 7am after an abdominal X-ray.
Tioh is fighting for his life at the intensive care unit of the hospital.
The drama began earlier when Tioh arrived at his double-storey house in Taman Setia Jaya, Bukit Piatu, to find two men at the gate.
The men, who were armed with a gun and a knife, forced him into the house and demanded cash and valuables.
"I was asleep but woke up when I heard my room door opening. I saw two men with my husband, one of whom was holding a gun," Lau said.
The robbers then tied her hands with a rope before ransacking the room for valuables.
The robbers found a Rolex watch, a gold chain, a passport and some cash.
"One of them then shouted at my husband in Cantonese that he had such a big house but so little in cash and valuables."
Tioh told the robbers that he had just returned from Kuala Lumpur and had left most of the valuables there.
It is believed that Tioh struggled with one of the robbers who then shot him.
The bullet entered the left side of his stomach and exited on the other side.
The robbers then pushed Tioh and Lau into the toilet and fled.
A few minutes later, Lau managed to untie herself and told her 15-year-old daughter, who had hidden in her room with her two siblings, to call the police and a friend in Semabok.
The friend rushed Tioh to Malacca Hospital.
The robbers dropped the gun, a Wincester .380, in their haste.
State police chief Datuk Mortadza Nazarene said Tioh was believed to have been shot when he tried to fight the robbers.
Meanwhile, Makhota Hospital public relations executive Jessica Yeo said Tioh could not be treated as the hospital’s cardio-thorasic surgeon was on leave.
Pantai Specialist Centre chief spokesman said no beds were available at the hospital’s ICU.
Putra Hospital chief executive officer Radhana Salleh said she would investigate the matter.
Pre-1995 transfusions carry Hepatitis C risk
Star: PENANG: Hepatitis C is on the rise and those who have had blood transfusions before 1995 are advised to go for a medical check-up.
Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) vice-president Datuk Dr Robert Ding Pooi Huat said this was because, prior to 1995, blood donors were not required to undergo screening for Hepatitis C.
“As Hepatitis C is transmittable through contact with infected blood, it is advised that those who received blood transfusion prior to 1995 to conduct a check-up,” he said, adding that the disease could cause chronic liver disease.
Dr Ding said that about 20 to 30% of chronic Hepatitis C individuals developed cirrhosis (hardening of liver) over a 20-year period.
“What worries us most is that the number of infected individuals is rising. There were 134 new cases of Hepatitis C reported in Penang last year, the highest in a year so far compared to only 19 in 2005,” he said.
Dr Ding was speaking at a press conference on Penang Hepatitis Day yesterday.
Also present were organising committee treasurer Datin Dr Goh Geok Tin, committee members Gan Chook Tin and Ng Choong Khee.
On the Penang Hepatitis Day, Dr Ding said MLF would hold a campaign on June 10 from 10am to 7pm at Queensbay Mall.
Among others, there will be free liver enzyme test for the first 300 adults, blood test for Hepatitis A, B and C and Hepatitis A and B vaccination at a special rate. There will also be a public lecture on the “ABC of Hepatitis”.
Contact MLF at 04-226 7989 for details.
Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) vice-president Datuk Dr Robert Ding Pooi Huat said this was because, prior to 1995, blood donors were not required to undergo screening for Hepatitis C.
“As Hepatitis C is transmittable through contact with infected blood, it is advised that those who received blood transfusion prior to 1995 to conduct a check-up,” he said, adding that the disease could cause chronic liver disease.
Dr Ding said that about 20 to 30% of chronic Hepatitis C individuals developed cirrhosis (hardening of liver) over a 20-year period.
“What worries us most is that the number of infected individuals is rising. There were 134 new cases of Hepatitis C reported in Penang last year, the highest in a year so far compared to only 19 in 2005,” he said.
Dr Ding was speaking at a press conference on Penang Hepatitis Day yesterday.
Also present were organising committee treasurer Datin Dr Goh Geok Tin, committee members Gan Chook Tin and Ng Choong Khee.
On the Penang Hepatitis Day, Dr Ding said MLF would hold a campaign on June 10 from 10am to 7pm at Queensbay Mall.
Among others, there will be free liver enzyme test for the first 300 adults, blood test for Hepatitis A, B and C and Hepatitis A and B vaccination at a special rate. There will also be a public lecture on the “ABC of Hepatitis”.
Contact MLF at 04-226 7989 for details.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Penang’s medical standards laudable
NST: GEORGE TOWN: The state’s medical standards are on par with that of developed nations.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said based on the 800 people to one doctor ratio, which was the same in European countries, Penang could be considered a "developed" medical state.
"However, we must continue to improve our medical standards, and maybe in the next 10 years we can catch up with the United States, which has a patient-doctor ratio of 400 to one," he said when launching the state Gerakan health care campaign at SJK (C) Han Chiang yesterday.
More than 1,000 people turned up at the school to have their blood pressure and bone density checked.
There were also counters set up by health product companies, offering samples of products such as cultured milk and unpolished rice.
Children were not left out of the campaign as a colouring contest was organised for them. They were also given e-worming medicine by medical officers.
At the event, Koh also reiterated the government’s commitment to improve its health services. He said the authorities had never failed to upgrade its health and medical facilities over the years.
"We have good facilities. For example, Penang has five heart centres in a state of only 1.5 million people," he said, adding that these centres not only served the region but also patients from Singapore, Indonesia and Europe.
The state government was also actively promoting Penang as a centre for pharmaceutical and nutriceutical research, he said.
"We have persuaded the federal government to set up one of three biotechnology institutes at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus."
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said based on the 800 people to one doctor ratio, which was the same in European countries, Penang could be considered a "developed" medical state.
"However, we must continue to improve our medical standards, and maybe in the next 10 years we can catch up with the United States, which has a patient-doctor ratio of 400 to one," he said when launching the state Gerakan health care campaign at SJK (C) Han Chiang yesterday.
More than 1,000 people turned up at the school to have their blood pressure and bone density checked.
There were also counters set up by health product companies, offering samples of products such as cultured milk and unpolished rice.
Children were not left out of the campaign as a colouring contest was organised for them. They were also given e-worming medicine by medical officers.
At the event, Koh also reiterated the government’s commitment to improve its health services. He said the authorities had never failed to upgrade its health and medical facilities over the years.
"We have good facilities. For example, Penang has five heart centres in a state of only 1.5 million people," he said, adding that these centres not only served the region but also patients from Singapore, Indonesia and Europe.
The state government was also actively promoting Penang as a centre for pharmaceutical and nutriceutical research, he said.
"We have persuaded the federal government to set up one of three biotechnology institutes at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus."
Foreigners who pose a health threat
NST: TAIPING: Nearly 50,000 foreign workers are walking the streets with either tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria or a host of diseases wiped out decades ago in the country.
This came to light after 3.4 per cent of the 1.3 million foreigners who arrived last year failed medical checks conducted by Fomema Sdn Bhd.
They had been given clean bills of health in their respective countries.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said their numbers were alarming and a cause for concern.
According to Fomema, the figures on unfit workers had increased from 2.2 per cent in 2002 to 3.3 per cent in 2005.
"When we translate this into real numbers, alarm bells start to ring," he said after launching a blood donation campaign here.
He was concerned that unfit workers had diseases that had been eradicated or substancially reduced over the years.
Chua said it was the responsibility of employers to ensure that foreign workers were free of diseases when they entered the country.
He noted that some employers did not send their workers for check-ups to avoid high overheads.
"If workers have infectious diseases, the employers should send them back."
This came to light after 3.4 per cent of the 1.3 million foreigners who arrived last year failed medical checks conducted by Fomema Sdn Bhd.
They had been given clean bills of health in their respective countries.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said their numbers were alarming and a cause for concern.
According to Fomema, the figures on unfit workers had increased from 2.2 per cent in 2002 to 3.3 per cent in 2005.
"When we translate this into real numbers, alarm bells start to ring," he said after launching a blood donation campaign here.
He was concerned that unfit workers had diseases that had been eradicated or substancially reduced over the years.
Chua said it was the responsibility of employers to ensure that foreign workers were free of diseases when they entered the country.
He noted that some employers did not send their workers for check-ups to avoid high overheads.
"If workers have infectious diseases, the employers should send them back."
Negri Sembilan medical facility seeks donations to survive
Star: SEREMBAN: An ambitious RM20mil charity drive is being undertaken to renovate and revive the past glory of the Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Hospital (NSCMH) and Medical Centre.
A new management team headed by Datuk Dr Nellie S.L. Tan is looking into purchasing modern medical equipment – including cardiac motors, a CT Scanner and an MRI machine – and financing renovation work, including the setting-up of a specialist block and additional wards.
NSCMH, a non-profit hospital set up in 1932, is well known in the state and has provided various charitable services. But it is fighting for survival following huge financial losses.
Dr Tan said the hospital was collaborating with the Nilai Cancer Centre, Hospis Malaysia and Masterskill (M) Sdn Bhd, which operated the Masterskill College of Nursing and Health, to expand its expertise and widen its range of services.
“The new committee took over last November and there are plans to move away from conservative business practices and for better services to generate more income,” she told The Star.
Dr Tan said a memorandum would also be signed with PD Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd to promote medical tourism in Negri Sembilan.
She said recording artiste Low Sook Yee, who is also known as Suki, had agreed to promote NSCMH, especially to the younger generation.
Dr Tan said NSCMH was appealing to the public to contribute RM10 per person and for those born at the hospital to donate RM100 each.
Other than maternity services, the hospital also offers specialist services in the fields of anaesthesiology, ENT, neonatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic, paediatric, radiology, physiotherapy and surgery.
She said the hospital provided free treatment to those who were physically and mentally disabled as well as those from orphanages while others were charged RM100 for consultation and a five-day supply of basic medication.
“We only charge RM600 for delivery by a midwife with a hospitalisation package,” she said, adding that some came from as far as Penang to deliver here.
Those wanting to contribute can contact 06-763 0410.
A new management team headed by Datuk Dr Nellie S.L. Tan is looking into purchasing modern medical equipment – including cardiac motors, a CT Scanner and an MRI machine – and financing renovation work, including the setting-up of a specialist block and additional wards.
NSCMH, a non-profit hospital set up in 1932, is well known in the state and has provided various charitable services. But it is fighting for survival following huge financial losses.
Dr Tan said the hospital was collaborating with the Nilai Cancer Centre, Hospis Malaysia and Masterskill (M) Sdn Bhd, which operated the Masterskill College of Nursing and Health, to expand its expertise and widen its range of services.
“The new committee took over last November and there are plans to move away from conservative business practices and for better services to generate more income,” she told The Star.
Dr Tan said a memorandum would also be signed with PD Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd to promote medical tourism in Negri Sembilan.
She said recording artiste Low Sook Yee, who is also known as Suki, had agreed to promote NSCMH, especially to the younger generation.
Dr Tan said NSCMH was appealing to the public to contribute RM10 per person and for those born at the hospital to donate RM100 each.
Other than maternity services, the hospital also offers specialist services in the fields of anaesthesiology, ENT, neonatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic, paediatric, radiology, physiotherapy and surgery.
She said the hospital provided free treatment to those who were physically and mentally disabled as well as those from orphanages while others were charged RM100 for consultation and a five-day supply of basic medication.
“We only charge RM600 for delivery by a midwife with a hospitalisation package,” she said, adding that some came from as far as Penang to deliver here.
Those wanting to contribute can contact 06-763 0410.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Picture state of your organ
NST: Dr Rahmat Omar tells ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ how his interest in photography became an important tool in his profession as an ear, nose and throat/head and neck surgeon, leading to a collection of more than 10,000 images, including those of rare conditions
Dr Rahmat Omar capturing a growth in a patient’s ear using his modified digital camera. Endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body.
HIS interest in photography was piqued when Dr Rahmat Omar was doing the final year of his Master’s in otolaryngology — the study of the anatomy, function, and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat — at Universiti Malaya.
"I got myself a digital camera and started toying with it to familiarise myself with its use," said Dr Rahmat.
During his free time, he took pictures of anything that came his way, and once he had mastered the electronic device, he began using it in his work.
Dr Rahmat said he began to think of endoscopic images, pictures of the inside of a body taken using a lens at the end of an optic tube, in 2001.
"I wanted to use it to detect what was inside the ear, nose and throat of my patients. But I knew it couldn’t be done without some modifications to my camera."
With the help of a laboratory technologist, he managed to find the tools needed — an adaptor ring for the camera and a suitable endoscope and the necessary optics.
"I paid for the equipment because I was serious about having images of what I saw inside my patients."
While most doctors walk around with a stethoscope, Dr Rahmat is always totting a digital camera.
"I always get my patients’ approval before taking pictures inside the ear, nose or throat. Sometimes I give them the photographs."
He has built up a library of about 10,000 images taken all over the region. Some of them are of rare conditions.
Five have already been published in the professional journal ENT, and another 10 are awaiting publication.
Dr Rahmat has also spent RM15,000 on equipment to improve processing of the pictures and document them for study and educational purposes.
Not only do endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body, they also help surgeons to better plan their operations.
Dr Rahmat dreams of having his own website where he can display his images and video clips — a huge undertaking for someone with his busy schedule.
He said he was looking for a website developer to help him set up a homepage.
Dr Rahmat says that his wife, who works at the UM Molecular Microbiology Medicine Department, has been an invaluable support throughout his career.
Dr Rahmat hopes his interest and passion would be emulated by other ENT specialists.
Dr Rahmat Omar capturing a growth in a patient’s ear using his modified digital camera. Endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body.
HIS interest in photography was piqued when Dr Rahmat Omar was doing the final year of his Master’s in otolaryngology — the study of the anatomy, function, and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat — at Universiti Malaya.
"I got myself a digital camera and started toying with it to familiarise myself with its use," said Dr Rahmat.
During his free time, he took pictures of anything that came his way, and once he had mastered the electronic device, he began using it in his work.
Dr Rahmat said he began to think of endoscopic images, pictures of the inside of a body taken using a lens at the end of an optic tube, in 2001.
"I wanted to use it to detect what was inside the ear, nose and throat of my patients. But I knew it couldn’t be done without some modifications to my camera."
With the help of a laboratory technologist, he managed to find the tools needed — an adaptor ring for the camera and a suitable endoscope and the necessary optics.
"I paid for the equipment because I was serious about having images of what I saw inside my patients."
While most doctors walk around with a stethoscope, Dr Rahmat is always totting a digital camera.
"I always get my patients’ approval before taking pictures inside the ear, nose or throat. Sometimes I give them the photographs."
He has built up a library of about 10,000 images taken all over the region. Some of them are of rare conditions.
Five have already been published in the professional journal ENT, and another 10 are awaiting publication.
Dr Rahmat has also spent RM15,000 on equipment to improve processing of the pictures and document them for study and educational purposes.
Not only do endoscopic images give ENT specialists a clearer picture of the formation of these structures in the body, they also help surgeons to better plan their operations.
Dr Rahmat dreams of having his own website where he can display his images and video clips — a huge undertaking for someone with his busy schedule.
He said he was looking for a website developer to help him set up a homepage.
Dr Rahmat says that his wife, who works at the UM Molecular Microbiology Medicine Department, has been an invaluable support throughout his career.
Dr Rahmat hopes his interest and passion would be emulated by other ENT specialists.
More than music to the ears, now it also heals
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: After a stressful day at the office, all you want to do is put on some soothing music and relax.
And this, apparently, is not mere indulgence but has actual benefits on your health.
Music therapy (MT) is an increasingly popular alternative treatment and it is being actively researched and practised worldwide.
It is, in fact, an established form of treatment that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.
Music therapy improves the quality of life for those who are well, and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.
It helps to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation.
MT is well-suited for very young children as it stimulates the brain when it is still malleable. It also works for those coping with autism-spectrum challenges, language difficulties, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar, and those needing to build social skills and or facing challenges with schoolwork.
The therapy revolves around the fusing of music or sound to deliver specific refined tones or frequencies which relate to the physiology of the human body.
"The science of adapting tones to physiology is an art," said Dr T. Mythily, a renowned classical vocalist and music therapist, who is also a cognitive neuro-psychologist and music therapist at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India.
She heads the Prahlab Music Therapy wing, which is the only research and treatment facility of its kind in Asia.
MT is one of the oldest known treatments, dating back 5,000 years, and it originates from India.
Its practice had been quoted in epics such as the Mahabaratha and the Bagavad Gita.
According to these epics, a pregnant mother was treated by Lord Narayanna, where it was found that the foetus became more active when the veenai (Indian classical instrument) was played.
The learning ability and physical development of the child were greater than that of other children at the time.
Research shows that when we listen to music, our minds relate to various stimulus in known patterns and produce a result or conclusion through our behaviour.
The frequencies and vibrations react to the nervous system producing a given goal, for example, calmness in stressful situations.
MT is used in paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiac and neurological fields.
Among others, it has been found to be successful in treating hyperactivity, enhancing speech fluency, overcoming learning disability and ensuring motor skills development in children.
In research conducted by Dr Mythily, music was played to 84 foetuses in their mothers’ wombs.
It was found that there was increased activity, and more movement could be felt.
The mothers, too, experienced an easier delivery and the child later showed enhanced learning ability and faster development of motor skills compared with a child who was not exposed to MT.
In other research conducted on workers at the Reserve Bank of India who complained of high stress levels, MT was found to be successful in reducing blood pressure readings over a period of three months.
Many researchers are excited over the possibility of using MT as a holistic approach to treatment with no side-effects. The therapy is administered over a course of 10 to 40 minutes, two to three times daily, depending on the ailment.
Malaysian MT practitioner Shoba Ramanathan, who operates a private clinic in Petaling Jaya, said there had been a marked increase in the number of patients seeking MT as treatment.
The number of cases had risen from five cases a week in 2001 to 30 a week this year, she said.
"I specialise in using MT to treat children with special needs, for example those who are hyperactive or have cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome."
An assessment is made of the child before a treatment programme is drawn up. Specific goals are measured over a period of three months and the duration of each treatment session is 45 minutes.
Shoba said there had been measurable improvement in the children’s motor skills and basic physical and mental keeness, which could be transferred into real-life capabilities.
They also learned better in school, were calmer and able to communicate effectively.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the use of MT as a form of treatment was "not unacceptable".
Dr Edward Chan from the Malaysian Psychology Centre, meanwhile, said MT was an alternative and complementary treatment used for children with difficulties. He said there had been cases where the vocal capabilities of the children improved with MT.
However, the use of MT, Dr Chan said, was still in its infancy here.
And this, apparently, is not mere indulgence but has actual benefits on your health.
Music therapy (MT) is an increasingly popular alternative treatment and it is being actively researched and practised worldwide.
It is, in fact, an established form of treatment that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.
Music therapy improves the quality of life for those who are well, and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.
It helps to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation.
MT is well-suited for very young children as it stimulates the brain when it is still malleable. It also works for those coping with autism-spectrum challenges, language difficulties, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar, and those needing to build social skills and or facing challenges with schoolwork.
The therapy revolves around the fusing of music or sound to deliver specific refined tones or frequencies which relate to the physiology of the human body.
"The science of adapting tones to physiology is an art," said Dr T. Mythily, a renowned classical vocalist and music therapist, who is also a cognitive neuro-psychologist and music therapist at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India.
She heads the Prahlab Music Therapy wing, which is the only research and treatment facility of its kind in Asia.
MT is one of the oldest known treatments, dating back 5,000 years, and it originates from India.
Its practice had been quoted in epics such as the Mahabaratha and the Bagavad Gita.
According to these epics, a pregnant mother was treated by Lord Narayanna, where it was found that the foetus became more active when the veenai (Indian classical instrument) was played.
The learning ability and physical development of the child were greater than that of other children at the time.
Research shows that when we listen to music, our minds relate to various stimulus in known patterns and produce a result or conclusion through our behaviour.
The frequencies and vibrations react to the nervous system producing a given goal, for example, calmness in stressful situations.
MT is used in paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiac and neurological fields.
Among others, it has been found to be successful in treating hyperactivity, enhancing speech fluency, overcoming learning disability and ensuring motor skills development in children.
In research conducted by Dr Mythily, music was played to 84 foetuses in their mothers’ wombs.
It was found that there was increased activity, and more movement could be felt.
The mothers, too, experienced an easier delivery and the child later showed enhanced learning ability and faster development of motor skills compared with a child who was not exposed to MT.
In other research conducted on workers at the Reserve Bank of India who complained of high stress levels, MT was found to be successful in reducing blood pressure readings over a period of three months.
Many researchers are excited over the possibility of using MT as a holistic approach to treatment with no side-effects. The therapy is administered over a course of 10 to 40 minutes, two to three times daily, depending on the ailment.
Malaysian MT practitioner Shoba Ramanathan, who operates a private clinic in Petaling Jaya, said there had been a marked increase in the number of patients seeking MT as treatment.
The number of cases had risen from five cases a week in 2001 to 30 a week this year, she said.
"I specialise in using MT to treat children with special needs, for example those who are hyperactive or have cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome."
An assessment is made of the child before a treatment programme is drawn up. Specific goals are measured over a period of three months and the duration of each treatment session is 45 minutes.
Shoba said there had been measurable improvement in the children’s motor skills and basic physical and mental keeness, which could be transferred into real-life capabilities.
They also learned better in school, were calmer and able to communicate effectively.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the use of MT as a form of treatment was "not unacceptable".
Dr Edward Chan from the Malaysian Psychology Centre, meanwhile, said MT was an alternative and complementary treatment used for children with difficulties. He said there had been cases where the vocal capabilities of the children improved with MT.
However, the use of MT, Dr Chan said, was still in its infancy here.
Health officials inspect illegal abortion ‘dens’
NST: YONG PENG: Officers from the Health Ministry, on a check of premises carrying out illegal abortions, inspected a clinic and a shop along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam yesterday.
The seven-member team from the ministry’s Medical Practice Division based in Putrajaya, was led by its director Dr Mohamed Khairi Yakub.
"Illegal abortion is a serious offence and we are launching an immediate investigation into the case," Dr Khairi said yesterday.
The clinic was being investigated under the Medical Act 1971 and Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to see if it had registered the practice, he added.
"We are also investigating if the medical practitioner employed by the clinic has been performing illegal abortions at a shop lot about two blocks away."
A four-member team from the state Health Department Medical Practice Control Unit (Ukap), based in Johor Baru, was also present during the inspection.
Dr Khairi urged those with information on illegal abortions and other unlawful medical practices to contact Ukap assistant director Dr Haslina Zamani at 07-2245188 or the Putrajaya office at 03-88831039.
The investigation was launched after the New Straits Times reported on Friday that a shop, sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop within a row of two-storey shop houses along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam, contained a makeshift surgery room for illegal abortions conducted by a doctor employed at a clinic located about two blocks away.
The seven-member team from the ministry’s Medical Practice Division based in Putrajaya, was led by its director Dr Mohamed Khairi Yakub.
"Illegal abortion is a serious offence and we are launching an immediate investigation into the case," Dr Khairi said yesterday.
The clinic was being investigated under the Medical Act 1971 and Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to see if it had registered the practice, he added.
"We are also investigating if the medical practitioner employed by the clinic has been performing illegal abortions at a shop lot about two blocks away."
A four-member team from the state Health Department Medical Practice Control Unit (Ukap), based in Johor Baru, was also present during the inspection.
Dr Khairi urged those with information on illegal abortions and other unlawful medical practices to contact Ukap assistant director Dr Haslina Zamani at 07-2245188 or the Putrajaya office at 03-88831039.
The investigation was launched after the New Straits Times reported on Friday that a shop, sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop within a row of two-storey shop houses along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam, contained a makeshift surgery room for illegal abortions conducted by a doctor employed at a clinic located about two blocks away.
Researchers produce Viagra alternative from walnuts
Star: PETALING JAYA: It may sound nutty, but walnuts may just be the remedy for erectile dysfunction.
Developed by a team of researchers at Universiti Malaya (UM) for the past two years, a tablet containing walnut extract has shown potential as a local alternative to Viagra.
One of the researchers, UM Faculty of Medicine Physiology Department lecturer Prof Dr Kim Kah Hwi, said that so far 40 volunteers had tried the tablet and responded positively.
On its efficacy, Prof Kim said the new pill was comparable to Viagra and he claimed that it was safer as well, although a person would have to consume about 3.3kg of walnuts for the same effect as one tablet.
“It takes about an hour for the effects to set in and it will last for about four hours.
“Furthermore, because it is not a drug, it is safe for those with hypertension or diabetes, or (those) who have recently had heart bypasses,” he said, adding that some of the volunteers had undergone bypass surgeries.
Prof Kim said the active ingredient was arginine, an amino acid that is absorbed into the body and converted into nitric oxide.
“This enlarges blood vessels and enhances blood flow to the penis,” he said, adding that the walnuts were sourced from China because they were cheaper there.
As to how he ventured into exploring walnuts to treat erectile dysfunction, he said it all began with something he read.
“I read articles about Romans and French having eaten walnuts for this purpose. I thought if it had been documented that long ago, then there surely has to be something there,” he said.
Prof Kim said his team then spent two years to find the correct extraction method.
The tablet, called “N-Hanz”, also bagged the gold medal for best invention at the recent International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition 2007.
Prof Kim said that the tablet had been approved by the Health Ministry.
Developed by a team of researchers at Universiti Malaya (UM) for the past two years, a tablet containing walnut extract has shown potential as a local alternative to Viagra.
One of the researchers, UM Faculty of Medicine Physiology Department lecturer Prof Dr Kim Kah Hwi, said that so far 40 volunteers had tried the tablet and responded positively.
On its efficacy, Prof Kim said the new pill was comparable to Viagra and he claimed that it was safer as well, although a person would have to consume about 3.3kg of walnuts for the same effect as one tablet.
“It takes about an hour for the effects to set in and it will last for about four hours.
“Furthermore, because it is not a drug, it is safe for those with hypertension or diabetes, or (those) who have recently had heart bypasses,” he said, adding that some of the volunteers had undergone bypass surgeries.
Prof Kim said the active ingredient was arginine, an amino acid that is absorbed into the body and converted into nitric oxide.
“This enlarges blood vessels and enhances blood flow to the penis,” he said, adding that the walnuts were sourced from China because they were cheaper there.
As to how he ventured into exploring walnuts to treat erectile dysfunction, he said it all began with something he read.
“I read articles about Romans and French having eaten walnuts for this purpose. I thought if it had been documented that long ago, then there surely has to be something there,” he said.
Prof Kim said his team then spent two years to find the correct extraction method.
The tablet, called “N-Hanz”, also bagged the gold medal for best invention at the recent International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition 2007.
Prof Kim said that the tablet had been approved by the Health Ministry.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
‘Illegal abortion’ probe under way
NST: YONG PENG: State Health Department officers were sent here to investigate claims of a makeshift surgery room in a shoplot in Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam yesterday.
They found the premises, allegedly the site of illegally performed abortions, closed.
Also closed was a clinic two blocks away which employs the doctor who allegedly performs the illegal abortions.
It is understood that the clinic had opened for business as usual at 8am but was closed three hours later.
The officers, from the department’s Medical Practice Control Unit based in Johor Baru, arrived at 11.30am and found a notice pasted on the clinic’s aluminium grille stating that it would reopen on Monday.
"We are investigating the allegations and will submit the report to the Health Ministry for immediate action," said a department spokesman.
The clinic, which offers X-ray services and claims to be a panel clinic for Fomema Sdn Bhd, has been operating for more than five years.
(Fomema is a company tasked with screening the health of foreign workers.)
The clinic is also being investigated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that a shoplot sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop in a row of two-storey shop houses along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam, contained a makeshift surgery room for illegal abortions done by a general medical practitioner.
Under the Penal Code, medical practitioners registered under the Medical Act 1971 are allowed to give an opinion in good faith to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Otherwise, the abortion is deemed illegal.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association ethics committee chairman Dr Ravindran Jegasothy said a pregnant woman must give her consent to a doctor before she could undergo an abortion.
"Illegal abortions are usually carried out by non-medical practitioners under unsafe conditions and, therefore, puts a woman’s life at risk.
"Abortion is an issue debated in every country on moral and religious grounds.
"Some countries have banned abortion, some are more liberal, while Malaysia takes the middle approach on the issue by granting a law to allow medical practitioners to perform abortions under certain conditions," he said.
Dr Ravindran said restrictive laws could cause women to opt for unsafe and dangerous abortion methods performed by untrained abortionists.
"There are many issues such as rape, incest and medical conditions which would lead a woman to come to the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy. It is best to consult a doctor and get counseling before going for abortion," he said.
They found the premises, allegedly the site of illegally performed abortions, closed.
Also closed was a clinic two blocks away which employs the doctor who allegedly performs the illegal abortions.
It is understood that the clinic had opened for business as usual at 8am but was closed three hours later.
The officers, from the department’s Medical Practice Control Unit based in Johor Baru, arrived at 11.30am and found a notice pasted on the clinic’s aluminium grille stating that it would reopen on Monday.
"We are investigating the allegations and will submit the report to the Health Ministry for immediate action," said a department spokesman.
The clinic, which offers X-ray services and claims to be a panel clinic for Fomema Sdn Bhd, has been operating for more than five years.
(Fomema is a company tasked with screening the health of foreign workers.)
The clinic is also being investigated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that a shoplot sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop in a row of two-storey shop houses along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam, contained a makeshift surgery room for illegal abortions done by a general medical practitioner.
Under the Penal Code, medical practitioners registered under the Medical Act 1971 are allowed to give an opinion in good faith to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Otherwise, the abortion is deemed illegal.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association ethics committee chairman Dr Ravindran Jegasothy said a pregnant woman must give her consent to a doctor before she could undergo an abortion.
"Illegal abortions are usually carried out by non-medical practitioners under unsafe conditions and, therefore, puts a woman’s life at risk.
"Abortion is an issue debated in every country on moral and religious grounds.
"Some countries have banned abortion, some are more liberal, while Malaysia takes the middle approach on the issue by granting a law to allow medical practitioners to perform abortions under certain conditions," he said.
Dr Ravindran said restrictive laws could cause women to opt for unsafe and dangerous abortion methods performed by untrained abortionists.
"There are many issues such as rape, incest and medical conditions which would lead a woman to come to the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy. It is best to consult a doctor and get counseling before going for abortion," he said.
Friday, June 01, 2007
‘Open secret’ abortions
NST: YONG PENG: A young woman walks into the plain, blue shoplot which could have passed for just another vacant unit in town.Not long after, she staggers out — pale and wearing a sarong.
Those in the know would nudge each other — another unwanted pregnancy has been illegally terminated.
The abortion "clinic", as it is whispered among locals, is sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop, within a row of nondescript, two-storey shophouses in the middle of town.
Located along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam in Johor, the clinic has been operating for years and although it has no signboards, desperate women like Suraya (all names have been changed) have no difficulty locating the place.
Suraya, who held two jobs, had decided not to continue with her eight-week pregnancy, as she was having financial problems and going through a bad patch with her husband.
She had asked around and a friend told her about the clinic. She also found out that the general practitioner who ran the place had another clinic some blocks away.
Desperate, Suraya paid RM200 as a non-refundable deposit and confirmed her appointment for the next day. She was told that the procedure would cost her RM400 in total.
Suraya had expected it to be quick, painless and safe. However, as it turned out, the experience left her physically and emotionally scarred.
She had been told to take two white pills two hours before the procedure.
She then turned up at the doctor’s clinic at 8am with a friend, Latipah, who was to take her home after the abortion.
Suraya paid the doctor the remaining RM200. The doctor then took them to the shoplot. Latipah then left, after telling Suraya to telephone her when the procedure was over.
The shoplot had a presentable reception area with marble flooring and wood panelling on the walls.
The "operation theatre", however, was a different story.
It was a makeshift surgery room with an old operating table, a stretcher, minimal medical equipmentand no proper lighting, except for standard fluorescent lights.
The doctor was assisted, not by a nurse, but a cleaning woman.
"Once inside the room, the doctor asked me to lie down on the operating table. She then secured my legs with a pair of stirrups and injected a clear liquid into the veins on the back of my hand.
"I heard her telling her assistant that the dosage was not working. I realised then that the clear liquid was an anaesthetic to block the pain.
"Since the anaesthetic did not work, I was alert and could feel the pain throughout the procedure.
"I saw her inserting a plastic tube, like a thin long straw, into me.
"I felt something jabbing and scraping my insides. It felt as if bits of my body were being drained into a vacuum tank.
"I gritted my teeth and desperately tried to block out the excruciating pain, which made me feel like a limb was being torn off my body.
"It was over in about 15 minutes but I was so weak, I could not even lift my legs off the stirrups or hoist myself off the operating table. The doctor and the cleaning lady had to lift me onto the stretcher. They asked me to rest. Then the doctor disappeared, leaving me with her helper.
"I rested for about 20 minutes and asked to go to the toilet. The toilet was filthy. I then telephoned Latipah to come and take me home," said Suraya, shuddering at the memory.
Latipah said that when she turned up at the abortion clinic, she saw a trembling Suraya staggering out of the operating room, unaided.
"She was pale and trembling. I was afraid that she might faint."
Suraya was in pain for several days, but, thankfully, she did not bleed after the operation. Nevertheless, she was traumatised by the whole procedure.
"It was a stupid thing to do. I regretted doing it," she said softly.
Meanwhile, a worker in a shop near the abortion clinic, who wanted to be known as only Ayuni, said she would often see pale women staggering out of the shoplot about 9.30am.
When asked why no one had lodged a report, Ayuni said the locals preferred not to get involved.
"The abortion clinic is an open secret. Let the authorities do their job."
Those in the know would nudge each other — another unwanted pregnancy has been illegally terminated.
The abortion "clinic", as it is whispered among locals, is sandwiched between a car accessory outlet and a workshop, within a row of nondescript, two-storey shophouses in the middle of town.
Located along Jalan Yong Peng-Air Hitam in Johor, the clinic has been operating for years and although it has no signboards, desperate women like Suraya (all names have been changed) have no difficulty locating the place.
Suraya, who held two jobs, had decided not to continue with her eight-week pregnancy, as she was having financial problems and going through a bad patch with her husband.
She had asked around and a friend told her about the clinic. She also found out that the general practitioner who ran the place had another clinic some blocks away.
Desperate, Suraya paid RM200 as a non-refundable deposit and confirmed her appointment for the next day. She was told that the procedure would cost her RM400 in total.
Suraya had expected it to be quick, painless and safe. However, as it turned out, the experience left her physically and emotionally scarred.
She had been told to take two white pills two hours before the procedure.
She then turned up at the doctor’s clinic at 8am with a friend, Latipah, who was to take her home after the abortion.
Suraya paid the doctor the remaining RM200. The doctor then took them to the shoplot. Latipah then left, after telling Suraya to telephone her when the procedure was over.
The shoplot had a presentable reception area with marble flooring and wood panelling on the walls.
The "operation theatre", however, was a different story.
It was a makeshift surgery room with an old operating table, a stretcher, minimal medical equipmentand no proper lighting, except for standard fluorescent lights.
The doctor was assisted, not by a nurse, but a cleaning woman.
"Once inside the room, the doctor asked me to lie down on the operating table. She then secured my legs with a pair of stirrups and injected a clear liquid into the veins on the back of my hand.
"I heard her telling her assistant that the dosage was not working. I realised then that the clear liquid was an anaesthetic to block the pain.
"Since the anaesthetic did not work, I was alert and could feel the pain throughout the procedure.
"I saw her inserting a plastic tube, like a thin long straw, into me.
"I felt something jabbing and scraping my insides. It felt as if bits of my body were being drained into a vacuum tank.
"I gritted my teeth and desperately tried to block out the excruciating pain, which made me feel like a limb was being torn off my body.
"It was over in about 15 minutes but I was so weak, I could not even lift my legs off the stirrups or hoist myself off the operating table. The doctor and the cleaning lady had to lift me onto the stretcher. They asked me to rest. Then the doctor disappeared, leaving me with her helper.
"I rested for about 20 minutes and asked to go to the toilet. The toilet was filthy. I then telephoned Latipah to come and take me home," said Suraya, shuddering at the memory.
Latipah said that when she turned up at the abortion clinic, she saw a trembling Suraya staggering out of the operating room, unaided.
"She was pale and trembling. I was afraid that she might faint."
Suraya was in pain for several days, but, thankfully, she did not bleed after the operation. Nevertheless, she was traumatised by the whole procedure.
"It was a stupid thing to do. I regretted doing it," she said softly.
Meanwhile, a worker in a shop near the abortion clinic, who wanted to be known as only Ayuni, said she would often see pale women staggering out of the shoplot about 9.30am.
When asked why no one had lodged a report, Ayuni said the locals preferred not to get involved.
"The abortion clinic is an open secret. Let the authorities do their job."
RM15m goes up in smoke daily
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The poison stick is drawing millions of Malaysians into spending more than RM15 million daily.
Despite an aggressive campaign by the government to say "tak nak" to cigarettes, Malaysians are smoking 30 million sticks a day, which adds up to a staggering RM6 billion going up in smoke a year.
According to the Malaysian Medical Association’s committee on Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) which looked at the smoking habits of the average Malaysian, 50 per cent of more than 3.5 million smokers nationwide smoked nearly 10 sticks a day.
If the remaining 50 per cent smoked five cigarettes a day, this would amount to a grand total of nearly 11 million cigarettes a day.
ASH chairman Prof Dr Lekhraj Rampal is concerned that many of the smokers were between 15 and 25 years old.
"Tobacco is hazardous to health. There are about 4,000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke, with more than 50 of them likely to cause cancer," he said.
Many Malaysians were dying of diseases related to smoking at a productive age, he added.
"But what is even more serious is the fact that thousands of young people who have never smoked are also dying due to diseases arising out of second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS)."
The World Health Organisation estimates that around 700 million children or almost half of the world’s children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, particularly at home.
Speaking to the media in conjunction with "World No Tobacco Day", Dr Rampal said the majority of male smokers in the country were Malays, followed by Chinese and Indians.
As for women, Chinese topped the list with Malays and Indians behind them.
Dr Rampal said ASH would propose that the government increased the tobacco tax by 30 per cent in the 2008 Budget.
"The high price will discourage schoolchildren, college students and the poor from smoking, and the money the government gets from the taxes can be used for those who want to quit smoking and for ‘No Smoking’ campaigns and programmes."
He said high taxes would also stop the tobacco price war.
"The government should strictly enforce the ban on advertisements and promotions by cigarette companies at restaurants.
"We, in fact, want cigarettes to be sold ‘under the counter’ rather than being displayed prominently at the back of counters in shops and restaurants," he added.
On this year’s theme of "100 per cent smoke-free environment as the only effective way to protect people everywhere from exposure to SHS", Dr Rampal said the government should ban smoking in all work and public places.
"The WHO has signalled an urgent need for countries to make all indoor and public places 100 per cent smoke-free as a smoke-free environment is the only proven way to adequately protect the health from the effects of second-hand tobacco smoke."
In March 2004, Ireland became the first nation in the world to create and enjoy smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places, including restaurants and pubs.
Within three months, Norway’s smoke-free legislation came into force.
Since then, their examples have been followed by countries such as New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay.
Dr Rampal said Malaysia had progressed in terms of smoke-free policies in hospitals, schools, government departments, air-conditioned restaurants and several private sector work places, including the electronic and print media companies.
Despite an aggressive campaign by the government to say "tak nak" to cigarettes, Malaysians are smoking 30 million sticks a day, which adds up to a staggering RM6 billion going up in smoke a year.
According to the Malaysian Medical Association’s committee on Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) which looked at the smoking habits of the average Malaysian, 50 per cent of more than 3.5 million smokers nationwide smoked nearly 10 sticks a day.
If the remaining 50 per cent smoked five cigarettes a day, this would amount to a grand total of nearly 11 million cigarettes a day.
ASH chairman Prof Dr Lekhraj Rampal is concerned that many of the smokers were between 15 and 25 years old.
"Tobacco is hazardous to health. There are about 4,000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke, with more than 50 of them likely to cause cancer," he said.
Many Malaysians were dying of diseases related to smoking at a productive age, he added.
"But what is even more serious is the fact that thousands of young people who have never smoked are also dying due to diseases arising out of second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS)."
The World Health Organisation estimates that around 700 million children or almost half of the world’s children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, particularly at home.
Speaking to the media in conjunction with "World No Tobacco Day", Dr Rampal said the majority of male smokers in the country were Malays, followed by Chinese and Indians.
As for women, Chinese topped the list with Malays and Indians behind them.
Dr Rampal said ASH would propose that the government increased the tobacco tax by 30 per cent in the 2008 Budget.
"The high price will discourage schoolchildren, college students and the poor from smoking, and the money the government gets from the taxes can be used for those who want to quit smoking and for ‘No Smoking’ campaigns and programmes."
He said high taxes would also stop the tobacco price war.
"The government should strictly enforce the ban on advertisements and promotions by cigarette companies at restaurants.
"We, in fact, want cigarettes to be sold ‘under the counter’ rather than being displayed prominently at the back of counters in shops and restaurants," he added.
On this year’s theme of "100 per cent smoke-free environment as the only effective way to protect people everywhere from exposure to SHS", Dr Rampal said the government should ban smoking in all work and public places.
"The WHO has signalled an urgent need for countries to make all indoor and public places 100 per cent smoke-free as a smoke-free environment is the only proven way to adequately protect the health from the effects of second-hand tobacco smoke."
In March 2004, Ireland became the first nation in the world to create and enjoy smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places, including restaurants and pubs.
Within three months, Norway’s smoke-free legislation came into force.
Since then, their examples have been followed by countries such as New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay.
Dr Rampal said Malaysia had progressed in terms of smoke-free policies in hospitals, schools, government departments, air-conditioned restaurants and several private sector work places, including the electronic and print media companies.
Ministry: Assunta not at fault
Star: PETALING JAYA: Assunta Hospital fulfilled its legal obligation of providing emergency treatment to Yek Yow Ngan, who died in a car accident after being allegedly pursued by a gang of armed men.
In a statement here yesterday, the Health Ministry's medical practice division said facts showed that the hospital had taken all necessary steps in arranging proper transfer and referral of the patient to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).
The division conducted an investigation following allegations that it refused to provide emergency treatment to Yek unless a deposit was paid.
Division director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub met up with the hospital management and interviewed the attending medical officer and the two staff nurses on duty at that time.
Yek's son Yeong Hon had claimed that Assunta Hospital had demanded a RM10,000 deposit from him before his mother could be treated.
However, the statement said Yeong Hon was informed by hospital of the cost of further treatment only after emergency treatment was rendered.
“The patient, who was in critical condition, was brought in by her son at about 4.10am to 5am on Sunday and was immediately resuscitated by the medical officer and his staff,” the statement said.
It said the patient was revived at about 5am and her condition was stabilised before she was sent for a CT scan and chest X-rays to determine any internal injury.
The medical officer then decided that the patient needed further intensive treatment and had to be monitored at the intensive care unit.
The hospital then informed Yeong Hon of the cost of further treatment.
“However, the hospital was told that the patient's son could not afford the cost and was requested to transfer the patient to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre or HKL,” the statement said.
The medical officer then made the necessary arrangements by paging the two hospitals.
At 5.45am, the patient was transferred by ambulance, accompanied by Yeong Hon, a medical officer and a staff nurse.
On Wednesday, Yeong Hon called for justice and hoped that truth behind Yek's death would be revealed.
In a statement here yesterday, the Health Ministry's medical practice division said facts showed that the hospital had taken all necessary steps in arranging proper transfer and referral of the patient to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).
The division conducted an investigation following allegations that it refused to provide emergency treatment to Yek unless a deposit was paid.
Division director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub met up with the hospital management and interviewed the attending medical officer and the two staff nurses on duty at that time.
Yek's son Yeong Hon had claimed that Assunta Hospital had demanded a RM10,000 deposit from him before his mother could be treated.
However, the statement said Yeong Hon was informed by hospital of the cost of further treatment only after emergency treatment was rendered.
“The patient, who was in critical condition, was brought in by her son at about 4.10am to 5am on Sunday and was immediately resuscitated by the medical officer and his staff,” the statement said.
It said the patient was revived at about 5am and her condition was stabilised before she was sent for a CT scan and chest X-rays to determine any internal injury.
The medical officer then decided that the patient needed further intensive treatment and had to be monitored at the intensive care unit.
The hospital then informed Yeong Hon of the cost of further treatment.
“However, the hospital was told that the patient's son could not afford the cost and was requested to transfer the patient to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre or HKL,” the statement said.
The medical officer then made the necessary arrangements by paging the two hospitals.
At 5.45am, the patient was transferred by ambulance, accompanied by Yeong Hon, a medical officer and a staff nurse.
On Wednesday, Yeong Hon called for justice and hoped that truth behind Yek's death would be revealed.
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