NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The inclusion of pictorial graphic health warnings on cigarette packs is to create a stronger message on the detrimental effects of smoking.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the pictures were more effective in shocking people than the current warnings in words.
"Pictorial graphics will leave a longer impression than words," he said after opening the National Heart Association of Malaysia Public Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course, which was attended by 400 participants.
He was responding to a report in the New Sunday Times yesterday that 13 graphic health warnings against smoking had been short-listed and the ball is now in Liow's court to approve the pictures.
Once approved, cigarette companies will be given six months to comply with the ruling.
Malaysia, which is a signatory to World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, has to ensure that cigarette packets display pictorial graphic health warnings by November.
Liow said some of the pictures which would be printed on cigarette packs included damaged lungs and bad teeth caused by smoking.
He said cigarette companies were supportive of the move as it would create awareness of the negative effects of smoking.
On CPR, Liow said millions of Malaysians did not know how to perform the simple life-saving skills.
On a survey that 45 per cent of physicians and 80 per cent of nurses are hesitant to perform CPR due to fears of contracting diseases and distaste for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Liow said medical professionals should not have such fears.
"As professionals, they should understand that CPR is a basic skill and diseases cannot be contracted if it is performed correctly."
He said the problem was due to lack of awareness as well as their attitude.
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Monday, April 07, 2008
CPR vital to saving lives
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More than 93% of cardiac arrest victims die before they receive in-hospital treatment because bystanders do not know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
This prompted the National Heart Association of Malaysia to organise its first free Public CPR Education Programme yesterday
“CPR in the first four minutes of a sudden heart attack gives a person a 40% chance of survival while waiting for proper medical aid and can prevent brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Training more people on CPR can make a significant difference for cardiac arrest victims,” said project leader Dr Chee Kok Han.
Apart from heart attack cases, CPR is also vital for emergencies such as choking, drowning, or a lack of pulse.
The association found that 45% of physicians and 80% of nurses were unwilling to perform CPR for various reasons including fear of performing CPR wrongly, distaste for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and unfounded fear of contracting disease from the victim.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said a lack of awareness and access to free courses left millions of Malaysians ignorant about how to perform CPR and urged the public to learn CPR from first aid organisations such as St John Ambulance Malaysia and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
“Around 70% to 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home. This is where you and I, and the public can save a life through simple techniques such as CPR,” he said at the programme launch at KLCC Convention Centre yesterday.
All schoolchildren – not just Red Crescent and St John Ambulance members – must know CPR, he said.
The one-day progrxamme themed “Give the Gift of Life, Today” was organised in conjunction with the association's 12th Annual Scientific Meeting
It involved 400 participants axs on cardiovascular health and CPR as well as videos of CPR demonstrations.
This prompted the National Heart Association of Malaysia to organise its first free Public CPR Education Programme yesterday
“CPR in the first four minutes of a sudden heart attack gives a person a 40% chance of survival while waiting for proper medical aid and can prevent brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Training more people on CPR can make a significant difference for cardiac arrest victims,” said project leader Dr Chee Kok Han.
Apart from heart attack cases, CPR is also vital for emergencies such as choking, drowning, or a lack of pulse.
The association found that 45% of physicians and 80% of nurses were unwilling to perform CPR for various reasons including fear of performing CPR wrongly, distaste for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and unfounded fear of contracting disease from the victim.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said a lack of awareness and access to free courses left millions of Malaysians ignorant about how to perform CPR and urged the public to learn CPR from first aid organisations such as St John Ambulance Malaysia and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
“Around 70% to 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home. This is where you and I, and the public can save a life through simple techniques such as CPR,” he said at the programme launch at KLCC Convention Centre yesterday.
All schoolchildren – not just Red Crescent and St John Ambulance members – must know CPR, he said.
The one-day progrxamme themed “Give the Gift of Life, Today” was organised in conjunction with the association's 12th Annual Scientific Meeting
It involved 400 participants axs on cardiovascular health and CPR as well as videos of CPR demonstrations.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
London children's hospital to give UKM training edge
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (formerly known as HUKM) is set to establish itself as a training hub for paediatric surgery in the region with its collaboration with the Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) of London.
UKMMC is the first hospital in Asia to have links with the Great Ormond Street Hospital, the leading children's hospital in the world.
The UKMMC and Gosh will share their resources and expertise in training, telemed-icine and multi-centre trials.
The collaboration was facilitated by paediatric laparoscopic surgeon Professor Dr Tan Hock Lim, who is now attached with UKMMC's Deparment of Surgery.
Malaysian-born Dr Tan was the inaugural Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Adelaide, Australia, and had developed the minimally-invasive surgery programme at Gosh.
The collaboration has been enhanced with the appointment of Professor Dr Agostino Pierro, the Nuffield Professor of Surgery from Gosh, as an adjunct professor with UKMMC.
In her opening address at the international Paediatric Surgical Symposium, UKM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin said Dr Tan's expertise and UKMMC's collaboration with GOSH would put UKM on the world map as a leading centre for advanced paediatric endoscopic surgery.
She added that the appointment of Dr Pierro as an adjunct professor would also enable UKMMC to conduct multi-centre trials with other institutions such as Gosh.
"I believe that this will open up opportunities for us to develop exchange programmes which will allow overseas clinicians to train their future leaders at UKM, and for the best talents in Malaysia to learn from them."
In line with this, UKM will offer an annual Asean fellowship in paediatric laparoscopic surgery for surgeons from Asean, and an international fellowship for surgeons from the rest of the world to work under Dr Tan.
Dr Tan said establishing links with Gosh would bring significant advantages.
"Gosh has tremendous infrastructure for research and clinicians. When I was working there, I knew that any time I had a problem, I could find somebody who knew something."
Dr Pierro, who was in the country last week to conduct an international paediatric surgical symposium, said Gosh had links with many paediatric hospitals throughout the world such as the Toronto Children's Hospital, the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and the Los Angeles Children's Hospital and UKMMC would be part of that link.
UKMMC is the first hospital in Asia to have links with the Great Ormond Street Hospital, the leading children's hospital in the world.
The UKMMC and Gosh will share their resources and expertise in training, telemed-icine and multi-centre trials.
The collaboration was facilitated by paediatric laparoscopic surgeon Professor Dr Tan Hock Lim, who is now attached with UKMMC's Deparment of Surgery.
Malaysian-born Dr Tan was the inaugural Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Adelaide, Australia, and had developed the minimally-invasive surgery programme at Gosh.
The collaboration has been enhanced with the appointment of Professor Dr Agostino Pierro, the Nuffield Professor of Surgery from Gosh, as an adjunct professor with UKMMC.
In her opening address at the international Paediatric Surgical Symposium, UKM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin said Dr Tan's expertise and UKMMC's collaboration with GOSH would put UKM on the world map as a leading centre for advanced paediatric endoscopic surgery.
She added that the appointment of Dr Pierro as an adjunct professor would also enable UKMMC to conduct multi-centre trials with other institutions such as Gosh.
"I believe that this will open up opportunities for us to develop exchange programmes which will allow overseas clinicians to train their future leaders at UKM, and for the best talents in Malaysia to learn from them."
In line with this, UKM will offer an annual Asean fellowship in paediatric laparoscopic surgery for surgeons from Asean, and an international fellowship for surgeons from the rest of the world to work under Dr Tan.
Dr Tan said establishing links with Gosh would bring significant advantages.
"Gosh has tremendous infrastructure for research and clinicians. When I was working there, I knew that any time I had a problem, I could find somebody who knew something."
Dr Pierro, who was in the country last week to conduct an international paediatric surgical symposium, said Gosh had links with many paediatric hospitals throughout the world such as the Toronto Children's Hospital, the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and the Los Angeles Children's Hospital and UKMMC would be part of that link.
Special kids living in a world of their own
NST: A SURVEY has observed that one in every 625 Malaysian children is autistic.
The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), however, believes the survey just represents the tip of an iceberg.
"I'm not convinced (of the figures), because each time I walk into a school, I can see some students displaying autistic symptoms," said society chairman Teh Beng Choon.
Some of the symptoms are inappropriate laughing, behaving in a stand-off manner, apparent insensitivity to pain, adversity to cuddling, extreme crying tantrums, unusual eye contact and uneven motor skills.
Autism is a lifelong complex neurobiological disorder which affects 35 million people worldwide.
It blocks the ability of a child to communicate and inhibits emotional and social development.
It is associated with rigid routines or repetitive behaviours such as obsessively following schedules, or arranging belongings in a very specific way.
Because of their language deficit, a lot of autistic children do not talk, said Teh.
"They may be able to sing complete songs, but they don't talk.
"Some never develop any useful communication skills.
"They are not able to differentiate between 'you' and 'I', or 'they' and 'we'.
"They also cannot grasp the concept of yesterday, today and tomorrow."
Some autistic children have sensory problems.
They tear out the label at the back of their clothes because it is too ticklish or cannot stand the sound from an air-conditioner.
Most also have no comprehension of social rules.
For example, instead of using a spoon, an autistic boy might just eat using his hands.
Each case is different and as the child grows, his autistic characteristics might change.
Autism affects boys more than girls and there is no known cure.
Currently, it is not known how many Malaysians are afflicted with the development disorder, as there is no national registry available.
However, if a US survey last year, which found one in every 150 children to be autistic, were taken as a standard, there would be more than 3,000 new cases each year in Malaysia.
Teh said: "That's a pretty scary thought. Society should be concerned.
"Often, an autistic adult ends up in the welfare system. So eventually, society has to bear the cost."
In recent years, the expense of caring for an autistic individual has risen by leaps and bounds.
In the United States, it was recently estimated that the additional lifetime cost of an autistic person stands at more than US$3 million (RM9.7 million).
Although the cost of living in Malaysia is much lower, the additional cost of raising an autistic child is often beyond the means of an average Malaysian family.
A parent of a 5-year-old autistic child reported that her family spends about RM1,500 on remedial therapies every month.
Speech therapy and physiotherapy cost as much as RM100 per session, and a child needs at least one session a week.
Working parents also often find themselves torn between career and caring for their autistic child.
A mother, who has to pick up her child every day at Nasom before it closes, has been ticked off by her superior for leaving at 5pm sharp, says Teh.
"There is just not enough support for parents with special children.
"There should be government policies in place.
"Depending on people's sympathy is not the way to go."
For more information, contact Nasom at 4, Jalan Chan Chin Mooi off Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-40223744; Fax: 03-40224495
The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), however, believes the survey just represents the tip of an iceberg.
"I'm not convinced (of the figures), because each time I walk into a school, I can see some students displaying autistic symptoms," said society chairman Teh Beng Choon.
Some of the symptoms are inappropriate laughing, behaving in a stand-off manner, apparent insensitivity to pain, adversity to cuddling, extreme crying tantrums, unusual eye contact and uneven motor skills.
Autism is a lifelong complex neurobiological disorder which affects 35 million people worldwide.
It blocks the ability of a child to communicate and inhibits emotional and social development.
It is associated with rigid routines or repetitive behaviours such as obsessively following schedules, or arranging belongings in a very specific way.
Because of their language deficit, a lot of autistic children do not talk, said Teh.
"They may be able to sing complete songs, but they don't talk.
"Some never develop any useful communication skills.
"They are not able to differentiate between 'you' and 'I', or 'they' and 'we'.
"They also cannot grasp the concept of yesterday, today and tomorrow."
Some autistic children have sensory problems.
They tear out the label at the back of their clothes because it is too ticklish or cannot stand the sound from an air-conditioner.
Most also have no comprehension of social rules.
For example, instead of using a spoon, an autistic boy might just eat using his hands.
Each case is different and as the child grows, his autistic characteristics might change.
Autism affects boys more than girls and there is no known cure.
Currently, it is not known how many Malaysians are afflicted with the development disorder, as there is no national registry available.
However, if a US survey last year, which found one in every 150 children to be autistic, were taken as a standard, there would be more than 3,000 new cases each year in Malaysia.
Teh said: "That's a pretty scary thought. Society should be concerned.
"Often, an autistic adult ends up in the welfare system. So eventually, society has to bear the cost."
In recent years, the expense of caring for an autistic individual has risen by leaps and bounds.
In the United States, it was recently estimated that the additional lifetime cost of an autistic person stands at more than US$3 million (RM9.7 million).
Although the cost of living in Malaysia is much lower, the additional cost of raising an autistic child is often beyond the means of an average Malaysian family.
A parent of a 5-year-old autistic child reported that her family spends about RM1,500 on remedial therapies every month.
Speech therapy and physiotherapy cost as much as RM100 per session, and a child needs at least one session a week.
Working parents also often find themselves torn between career and caring for their autistic child.
A mother, who has to pick up her child every day at Nasom before it closes, has been ticked off by her superior for leaving at 5pm sharp, says Teh.
"There is just not enough support for parents with special children.
"There should be government policies in place.
"Depending on people's sympathy is not the way to go."
For more information, contact Nasom at 4, Jalan Chan Chin Mooi off Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-40223744; Fax: 03-40224495
A non-smoker friendly nation
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's efforts at formal tobacco regulation began in the early 1970s when smoking was prohibited in cinemas.
Shortly after, smoking was banned in the hospitals, clinics and health centres of the health and defence ministries.
In the early 1980s, smoking was prohibited in air-conditioned train coaches and in buses, and direct advertisements of cigarettes were banned on radio, television and in government publications.
In 1994, the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations of 1993 came into effect, shortly after cigarette taxes were increased by 100 per cent.
In 1996, smoking was banned on all domestic flights of Malaysia Airlines and in 2000, on all international flights.
Under the government's Control of Tobacco Product Regulations of 2004, smoking is prohibited in many public places, including entertainment centres, cinemas, hospitals, clinics, lifts, toilets, air-conditioned eateries and shops, schoolbuses, public vehicles and public transport terminals.
The list also includes airports, government premises, building areas used for any assembly activity, educational institutions and higher educational institutions, nurseries, floors with service counters in the buildings of banks, financial institutions, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Pos Malaysia Berhad, shopping complex, petrol stations, stadiums, sport complexes, gymnasiums, religious places, libraries and Internet cafes.
Those who smoke in prohibited places, if convicted, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
Shortly after, smoking was banned in the hospitals, clinics and health centres of the health and defence ministries.
In the early 1980s, smoking was prohibited in air-conditioned train coaches and in buses, and direct advertisements of cigarettes were banned on radio, television and in government publications.
In 1994, the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations of 1993 came into effect, shortly after cigarette taxes were increased by 100 per cent.
In 1996, smoking was banned on all domestic flights of Malaysia Airlines and in 2000, on all international flights.
Under the government's Control of Tobacco Product Regulations of 2004, smoking is prohibited in many public places, including entertainment centres, cinemas, hospitals, clinics, lifts, toilets, air-conditioned eateries and shops, schoolbuses, public vehicles and public transport terminals.
The list also includes airports, government premises, building areas used for any assembly activity, educational institutions and higher educational institutions, nurseries, floors with service counters in the buildings of banks, financial institutions, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Pos Malaysia Berhad, shopping complex, petrol stations, stadiums, sport complexes, gymnasiums, religious places, libraries and Internet cafes.
Those who smoke in prohibited places, if convicted, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
Glaucoma – the sneak thief of your sight
Star: PETALING JAYA: It is called the “sneak thief of sight.”
A person could go irreparably blind if glaucoma, which has no symptoms and is painless, is not detected in time.
It accounts for 60% of adult blindness in South-East Asia, said Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital consultant ophthalmologist Dr Linda Teoh.
“Early detection is crucial,” Dr Teoh said yesterday when the hospital offered free public screening for 100 people.
However, the screening was postponed to Saturday due to a power blackout.
Dr Teoh said that regular screening was especially essential for diabetics and those above 40 years of age.
“Glaucoma gives no early warning signs. By the time you realise you are losing your eyesight, the vision you have already lost is gone forever.”
A dilated eye exam, she said was the best way to test for glaucoma. During such an examination, drops are put in each eye to dilate the pupil so that a doctor has a better view of the optic nerve.
“If the doctor detects early signs of glaucoma, the disease can be controlled, and the remaining vision protected,” said Dr Teoh.
Another consultant at the hospital, Dr George Thomas said glaucoma usually occurred when normal fluid pressure inside the eye steadily increased.
“This can lead to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral (side) vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows, and will eventually cause blindness.”
A person could go irreparably blind if glaucoma, which has no symptoms and is painless, is not detected in time.
It accounts for 60% of adult blindness in South-East Asia, said Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital consultant ophthalmologist Dr Linda Teoh.
“Early detection is crucial,” Dr Teoh said yesterday when the hospital offered free public screening for 100 people.
However, the screening was postponed to Saturday due to a power blackout.
Dr Teoh said that regular screening was especially essential for diabetics and those above 40 years of age.
“Glaucoma gives no early warning signs. By the time you realise you are losing your eyesight, the vision you have already lost is gone forever.”
A dilated eye exam, she said was the best way to test for glaucoma. During such an examination, drops are put in each eye to dilate the pupil so that a doctor has a better view of the optic nerve.
“If the doctor detects early signs of glaucoma, the disease can be controlled, and the remaining vision protected,” said Dr Teoh.
Another consultant at the hospital, Dr George Thomas said glaucoma usually occurred when normal fluid pressure inside the eye steadily increased.
“This can lead to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral (side) vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows, and will eventually cause blindness.”
Healthcare groups turn to blogging too
Star: GENTING HIGHLANDS: It is not just political activists who have turned to blogs, healthcare support groups are joining the bandwagon, too.
Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) is the latest to turn to blogs to help bridge the information gap among patients and caregivers.
Two sites www.adfmmalaysia.blogspot.com and www.admalaysia.ning.com (National Alzheimer’s Caregivers Network) are expected to be launched today, the final day of the National Alzheimer’s Caregivers Conference here.
Event organising chairman Ong Eng Joo said members could post articles on the disease on the blogs.
“We are also planning to set up a helpline, where the public can post questions which will be referred to professionals. The answers will be published online,” he told The Star.
Ong said they hoped to incorporate a chat room, which would be moderated by doctors, so that the public have a platform to discuss Alzheimer’s Disease.
He said a pool of 10 to 15 specialists had agreed to be moderators.
Earlier, ADFM patron Datin Seri Wendy Ong, who launched the three-day conference, said: “We know that there is still so much that has to be done to make information more accessible to caregivers, especially those living in remote areas.
“With ADFM setting up a National Caregivers Network, more information on the disease will be shared among the caregivers.”
Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) is the latest to turn to blogs to help bridge the information gap among patients and caregivers.
Two sites www.adfmmalaysia.blogspot.com and www.admalaysia.ning.com (National Alzheimer’s Caregivers Network) are expected to be launched today, the final day of the National Alzheimer’s Caregivers Conference here.
Event organising chairman Ong Eng Joo said members could post articles on the disease on the blogs.
“We are also planning to set up a helpline, where the public can post questions which will be referred to professionals. The answers will be published online,” he told The Star.
Ong said they hoped to incorporate a chat room, which would be moderated by doctors, so that the public have a platform to discuss Alzheimer’s Disease.
He said a pool of 10 to 15 specialists had agreed to be moderators.
Earlier, ADFM patron Datin Seri Wendy Ong, who launched the three-day conference, said: “We know that there is still so much that has to be done to make information more accessible to caregivers, especially those living in remote areas.
“With ADFM setting up a National Caregivers Network, more information on the disease will be shared among the caregivers.”
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Encouraging the use of rear passenger seatbelts
NST: PUTRAJAYA: A campaign on the compulsory use of rear passenger seatbelts will commence once the law is enforced sometime this year.
This is to ensure motorists understand and comply with the life-saving measure which can reduce road deaths by up to 350 a year.
Transport Ministry sources said all paperwork for the law was ready, awaiting the minister's approval for the date of enforcement.
The campaign is said to include advertisements educating the public on how rear seatbelts can save lives.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research director-general Prof Dr Radin Umar said: "The public must be taught that rear seatbelts are not troublesome or inconvenient.
"It has been found worldwide that the use of rear seatbelts results in 30 to 40 per cent less fatalities.
"Backseat passengers who do not wear seatbelts are a danger to the driver and front passenger. They kill not only themselves, but their loved ones sitting in front."
He said studies showed that when an unrestrained rear passenger is thrown forward in a collision, his weight becomes four times more upon impact with the front passenger or driver.
Unbelted backseat passengers also risk being thrown out of the vehicle.
The campaign takes on an urgency also because car ownership in the country is on the rise as cars become cheaper and incomes increase.
"Today, 28 per cent of the motoring public owns or drives a car, MPV or four-wheel-drive.
"And 81 per cent of all backseat occupants have access to a seatbelt, so there is no excuse."
Radin said technical aspects to cover retro-fitting of rear seatbelts in older cars were being finalised.
It was reported last year that those who flouted the law, when it comes into force, would be fined RM80.
This is to ensure motorists understand and comply with the life-saving measure which can reduce road deaths by up to 350 a year.
Transport Ministry sources said all paperwork for the law was ready, awaiting the minister's approval for the date of enforcement.
The campaign is said to include advertisements educating the public on how rear seatbelts can save lives.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research director-general Prof Dr Radin Umar said: "The public must be taught that rear seatbelts are not troublesome or inconvenient.
"It has been found worldwide that the use of rear seatbelts results in 30 to 40 per cent less fatalities.
"Backseat passengers who do not wear seatbelts are a danger to the driver and front passenger. They kill not only themselves, but their loved ones sitting in front."
He said studies showed that when an unrestrained rear passenger is thrown forward in a collision, his weight becomes four times more upon impact with the front passenger or driver.
Unbelted backseat passengers also risk being thrown out of the vehicle.
The campaign takes on an urgency also because car ownership in the country is on the rise as cars become cheaper and incomes increase.
"Today, 28 per cent of the motoring public owns or drives a car, MPV or four-wheel-drive.
"And 81 per cent of all backseat occupants have access to a seatbelt, so there is no excuse."
Radin said technical aspects to cover retro-fitting of rear seatbelts in older cars were being finalised.
It was reported last year that those who flouted the law, when it comes into force, would be fined RM80.
Fee-splitting among doctors unethical
NST: IPOH: Demanding for discounts in exchange for keeping medical practitioners on a panel of doctors is tantamount to forcing them to split their fees, which is neither legal nor ethical, said the Perak Medical Practitioners Society.
"Either we are taken off the panel or we break the rules and get fined. It's a no-win situation," said society president Dr Sarjeet Singh Sidhu, when commenting on the dispute between Joint Inter-Hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd over conditions in their Healthcare Service Panel Agreement.
He said the society, with over 400 doctors in private practice, supported the JIHC in its effort to prevent fee-splitting and ensuring the autonomy of doctors in providing the best healthcare for their patients.
"We want our autonomy. Don't tell us what to do. Don't ask for discounts."
Dr Sarjeet said there were already safeguards to ensure that doctors charge reasonable fees, adding that the healthcare of patients would be compromised if doctors were compelled to stick to a limited budget.
He said Managed Care Organisations should not be allowed to interfere with the medical management of patients. Patients should be allowed to see doctors of their choice and doctors, too, should be allowed to refer their patients as they saw fit.
"Either we are taken off the panel or we break the rules and get fined. It's a no-win situation," said society president Dr Sarjeet Singh Sidhu, when commenting on the dispute between Joint Inter-Hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd over conditions in their Healthcare Service Panel Agreement.
He said the society, with over 400 doctors in private practice, supported the JIHC in its effort to prevent fee-splitting and ensuring the autonomy of doctors in providing the best healthcare for their patients.
"We want our autonomy. Don't tell us what to do. Don't ask for discounts."
Dr Sarjeet said there were already safeguards to ensure that doctors charge reasonable fees, adding that the healthcare of patients would be compromised if doctors were compelled to stick to a limited budget.
He said Managed Care Organisations should not be allowed to interfere with the medical management of patients. Patients should be allowed to see doctors of their choice and doctors, too, should be allowed to refer their patients as they saw fit.
Rise in heart disease a worry
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Heart diseases are on the rise in Malaysia despite improvements in health services and facilities.
They were the second leading cause of death in 2006, accounting for 15.5 per cent of those who died in government hospitals. By 2010, they are projected to be the leading cause of death in Malaysia and other developing countries.
According to the Malaysia Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance 2005/2006, the prevalence of risk factors like physical inactivity was 60.1 per cent, hypercholesterole-mia 53.5 per cent, central obesity 48.6 per cent, smoking 25.5 per cent, hypertension 25.7 per cent, obesity 16.3 per cent and raised blood glucose 11 per cent.
"The causes and cure for heart disease are now known and although many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can be treated or prevented, an estimated 17 million people die of it each year," Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
He was opening the 12th annual scientific meeting of the National Heart Association of Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Dr Ismail attributed a substantial number of deaths to tobacco smoking which increased the risk, two to three fold, of dying from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.
"As the majority of CVD are preventable and controllable, public education is important to address the reduction of risk factors of major CVD," said Dr Ismail.
The Health Ministry has allocated funds under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for health education and promotional activities to bring down the incidence of heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
Dr Ismail said the ministry had also developed a comprehensive cardiac programme which was accessible and affordable to the public.
The ministry has four cardiac centres, one each in Penang, Serdang, Johor Baru and Kuching hospitals. It plans to offer similar services in the Alor Star, Ipoh, Kuantan and Kota Baru hospitals.
There are 17 cardiologists and 17 trainees in cardiology in government hospitals and 150 in the private sector.
National Heart Institute senior consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Robaayah Zambahari said heart diseases were the main cause of death among Malaysian women.
Of the 15,880 women who died in 2006, 4,152 died of heart diseases and 1,898 of cancer. Similarly, of the 11,394 women who died in 1999, 3,055 died of heart diseases and 1,147 of cancer.
They were the second leading cause of death in 2006, accounting for 15.5 per cent of those who died in government hospitals. By 2010, they are projected to be the leading cause of death in Malaysia and other developing countries.
According to the Malaysia Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance 2005/2006, the prevalence of risk factors like physical inactivity was 60.1 per cent, hypercholesterole-mia 53.5 per cent, central obesity 48.6 per cent, smoking 25.5 per cent, hypertension 25.7 per cent, obesity 16.3 per cent and raised blood glucose 11 per cent.
"The causes and cure for heart disease are now known and although many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can be treated or prevented, an estimated 17 million people die of it each year," Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
He was opening the 12th annual scientific meeting of the National Heart Association of Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Dr Ismail attributed a substantial number of deaths to tobacco smoking which increased the risk, two to three fold, of dying from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.
"As the majority of CVD are preventable and controllable, public education is important to address the reduction of risk factors of major CVD," said Dr Ismail.
The Health Ministry has allocated funds under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for health education and promotional activities to bring down the incidence of heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
Dr Ismail said the ministry had also developed a comprehensive cardiac programme which was accessible and affordable to the public.
The ministry has four cardiac centres, one each in Penang, Serdang, Johor Baru and Kuching hospitals. It plans to offer similar services in the Alor Star, Ipoh, Kuantan and Kota Baru hospitals.
There are 17 cardiologists and 17 trainees in cardiology in government hospitals and 150 in the private sector.
National Heart Institute senior consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Robaayah Zambahari said heart diseases were the main cause of death among Malaysian women.
Of the 15,880 women who died in 2006, 4,152 died of heart diseases and 1,898 of cancer. Similarly, of the 11,394 women who died in 1999, 3,055 died of heart diseases and 1,147 of cancer.
Upward trend in dengue cases
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The number of dengue cases has been rising in the past few months, but it remains lower than the same period last year in terms of those infected and fatalities.
A total of 9,889 people had dengue and 26 of them died between January and March 29 compared with 13,949 cases with 34 deaths in the same period last year.
The Health Ministry's disease control director Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman attributed the rise to weather conditions.
The latest casualties are a 24-year-old man and his sister, aged 27, in Beluran, Sabah and a 21-year-old woman in Subang Mewah, Selangor.
A total of 648 were hospitalised between March 23 and 29.
Dr Hasan said the number was higher than the 575 cases reported the previous week.
Eight states, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Sarawak, Perak, Malacca and Johor, reported a rise in cases.
They account for 75.8 per cent of the total cases reported last week.
Selangor topped the list with 262 cases followed by Kuala Lumpur (77), Johor (41), Perak (57), Terengganu (32), Negri Sembilan and Penang (30 each), Sarawak (29), Kedah (21), Sabah and Kelantan (19 each), Pahang (18), Malacca (10), Perlis (two), and Perlis (one)
Last week, 144 compound notices, a total of RM38,800, were slapped on houses and shops where aedes mosquitos were found breeding.
Dr Hasan advised people suffering from high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain to see a doctor immediately as they could be having dengue fever.
Most dengue infections result in a relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever which is fatal in five per cent of cases.
A total of 9,889 people had dengue and 26 of them died between January and March 29 compared with 13,949 cases with 34 deaths in the same period last year.
The Health Ministry's disease control director Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman attributed the rise to weather conditions.
The latest casualties are a 24-year-old man and his sister, aged 27, in Beluran, Sabah and a 21-year-old woman in Subang Mewah, Selangor.
A total of 648 were hospitalised between March 23 and 29.
Dr Hasan said the number was higher than the 575 cases reported the previous week.
Eight states, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Sarawak, Perak, Malacca and Johor, reported a rise in cases.
They account for 75.8 per cent of the total cases reported last week.
Selangor topped the list with 262 cases followed by Kuala Lumpur (77), Johor (41), Perak (57), Terengganu (32), Negri Sembilan and Penang (30 each), Sarawak (29), Kedah (21), Sabah and Kelantan (19 each), Pahang (18), Malacca (10), Perlis (two), and Perlis (one)
Last week, 144 compound notices, a total of RM38,800, were slapped on houses and shops where aedes mosquitos were found breeding.
Dr Hasan advised people suffering from high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain to see a doctor immediately as they could be having dengue fever.
Most dengue infections result in a relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever which is fatal in five per cent of cases.
MMA gives thumbs down to move
Star: PETALING JAYA: Sending patients overseas for treatment is a retrogressive step in healthcare development, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said they received the decision by the Health Minister to send patients to India for heart surgery with mixed feelings, as it seemed like the healthcare industry had moved “back to square one”.
He said there were about 20 private and public hospitals in the country performing heart surgery now.
“Prior to this, 20 years ago, we were sending patients to Britain, Australia, the Philippines, and other countries for surgery. It now looks like we are back to square one,” he said in a statement.
Dr Khoo said since cost was cited as the main reason for sending heart patients to India, the Government had to review the cost of surgeries in the country and work out a sustainable package.
He said although the cost of surgery was relatively low overseas, there were other costs, such as travel and accommodation of accompanying persons.
“Patients who develop complications will find it stressful to stay in a foreign country for a prolonged period of time. Post surgical follow-ups is important, too,” Dr Khoo added.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said they received the decision by the Health Minister to send patients to India for heart surgery with mixed feelings, as it seemed like the healthcare industry had moved “back to square one”.
He said there were about 20 private and public hospitals in the country performing heart surgery now.
“Prior to this, 20 years ago, we were sending patients to Britain, Australia, the Philippines, and other countries for surgery. It now looks like we are back to square one,” he said in a statement.
Dr Khoo said since cost was cited as the main reason for sending heart patients to India, the Government had to review the cost of surgeries in the country and work out a sustainable package.
He said although the cost of surgery was relatively low overseas, there were other costs, such as travel and accommodation of accompanying persons.
“Patients who develop complications will find it stressful to stay in a foreign country for a prolonged period of time. Post surgical follow-ups is important, too,” Dr Khoo added.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Only six MCOs sign up with ministry
Star: PETALING JAYA: Only six of the estimated 56 managed care organisations (MCOs) had registered with the Health Ministry when the deadline expired on March 31.
“Doctors can only deal with registered MCOs. It is wrong for them to deal with those that have yet to register,” Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was considering making the names of the registered MCOs public so that people would know whether the companies they had signed up with are authorised by the ministry to carry out dealings.
“Private healthcare facilities can only deal with those who are registered,” he warned.
He said the ministry was concerned over the number of MCOs which had yet to register as it would be unable to resolve issues raised by parties affected by the dealings.
Under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, an MCO is defined as any organisation or body with whom a private healthcare facility or service provider has an arrangement or contract to provide healthcare services within an agreed financing system.
He said all MCOs would be licensed under the Act so it would be able to regulate their activities in their dealings with private healthcare facilities or service providers.
Dr Ismail also said in a statement that “fee splitting” was prohibited under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Regulations and the Malaysian Medical Council’s code of professional conduct.
“Discount for professional fees is also not allowed. However, discounts are allowed for administrative fees,” he said.
The issue of “fee splitting” is being hotly debated between the Joint Inter-Hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd.
The JIHC is claiming that ING “refused to budge from its proposed terms and conditions in their new Healthcare Service Panel Agreement” where it was in breach of the Act and compromising quality of healthcare.
ING, however said that its proposed fees were within the Act Thirteen Schedule (2006).
“Doctors can only deal with registered MCOs. It is wrong for them to deal with those that have yet to register,” Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was considering making the names of the registered MCOs public so that people would know whether the companies they had signed up with are authorised by the ministry to carry out dealings.
“Private healthcare facilities can only deal with those who are registered,” he warned.
He said the ministry was concerned over the number of MCOs which had yet to register as it would be unable to resolve issues raised by parties affected by the dealings.
Under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, an MCO is defined as any organisation or body with whom a private healthcare facility or service provider has an arrangement or contract to provide healthcare services within an agreed financing system.
He said all MCOs would be licensed under the Act so it would be able to regulate their activities in their dealings with private healthcare facilities or service providers.
Dr Ismail also said in a statement that “fee splitting” was prohibited under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Regulations and the Malaysian Medical Council’s code of professional conduct.
“Discount for professional fees is also not allowed. However, discounts are allowed for administrative fees,” he said.
The issue of “fee splitting” is being hotly debated between the Joint Inter-Hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd.
The JIHC is claiming that ING “refused to budge from its proposed terms and conditions in their new Healthcare Service Panel Agreement” where it was in breach of the Act and compromising quality of healthcare.
ING, however said that its proposed fees were within the Act Thirteen Schedule (2006).
Better hospital upkeep sought
Star: PETALING JAYA: Dissatisfied over the quality of maintenance at government hospitals, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has directed that red tape be cut for remedial steps to be carried out much faster.
“We can put in the infrastructure, but after that there is no follow through with the maintenance,” he said yesterday in an interview.
“I want the red tape to be reduced. The monitoring system needs to be more effective so that it does not take so much time to get things done. It is also up to the people in charge to respond faster.”
Liow highlighted instances where the air-conditioning at some premises was not working and it took a long time for it to be repaired.
“It is because of all this bureaucracy they end up 'sitting on things'. And it is certainly not good for hospitals if they have insufficient air conditioning,” he said.
He also said problems such as the leakage at the Alor Star Hospital had yet to be resolved.
“We have good hospitals but things are not functioning,” he said.
He also said private companies that had the contract to provide non-clinical hospital support services should enhance their monitoring procedures.
“They need to do things without having to be directed. They are the contract providers and should do the monitoring in the first place,” he added.
Among the problems highlighted in the press were the temporary closure of the neo-natal intensive care unit at the RM450mil Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Kedah because of overflowing faeces from a toilet and fungi infestation on its ceiling; leaking sewage pipes at the Ampang Hospital; and faulty air-conditioning system at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Baru that caused fungus growth on the walls and in some of the clinical equipment.
Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which that comes under the Higher Education Ministry, also had to close 10 of its operating theatres because of contamination due to a leak in its sterilisation network.
Liow appealed to those visiting hospitals not to vandalise facilities because everyone had to play their part in maintaining them.
“We can put in the infrastructure, but after that there is no follow through with the maintenance,” he said yesterday in an interview.
“I want the red tape to be reduced. The monitoring system needs to be more effective so that it does not take so much time to get things done. It is also up to the people in charge to respond faster.”
Liow highlighted instances where the air-conditioning at some premises was not working and it took a long time for it to be repaired.
“It is because of all this bureaucracy they end up 'sitting on things'. And it is certainly not good for hospitals if they have insufficient air conditioning,” he said.
He also said problems such as the leakage at the Alor Star Hospital had yet to be resolved.
“We have good hospitals but things are not functioning,” he said.
He also said private companies that had the contract to provide non-clinical hospital support services should enhance their monitoring procedures.
“They need to do things without having to be directed. They are the contract providers and should do the monitoring in the first place,” he added.
Among the problems highlighted in the press were the temporary closure of the neo-natal intensive care unit at the RM450mil Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Kedah because of overflowing faeces from a toilet and fungi infestation on its ceiling; leaking sewage pipes at the Ampang Hospital; and faulty air-conditioning system at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Baru that caused fungus growth on the walls and in some of the clinical equipment.
Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which that comes under the Higher Education Ministry, also had to close 10 of its operating theatres because of contamination due to a leak in its sterilisation network.
Liow appealed to those visiting hospitals not to vandalise facilities because everyone had to play their part in maintaining them.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
One in 5 needs mental care
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Stress levels are rising, and it is estimated that one in five Malaysians needs some form of mental health care.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said at least 20 per cent of the 27 million people in the country suffer from some degree of stress.
The percentage could actually be higher because many people fear the stigma of seeking psychological or psychiatric help, he said yesterday at the launch of a food supplement said to reduce stress. In the last 50 years, society has undergone great changes, he said.
"Our lifestyle has changed tremendously, and so has the food level. We eat five to six times a day but we hardly sweat," he said, adding that a lack of exercise was one of the reasons for stress build-up.
He said Malaysians should not feel embarrassed about seeking help from professionals as many people in the developed world do so.
"It's not part of our culture. But it has been proven that you can reduce stress by talking to someone," he said, adding that people should seek help for stress to prevent their situation from getting worse.
There are 27 government hospitals in the country that offer psychiatric help, he said.
"Olivenol Livin", created by the Italian Prof Dr Roberto Crea, is said to help reduce stress.
The product was launched at the Prince Court Medical Centre.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said at least 20 per cent of the 27 million people in the country suffer from some degree of stress.
The percentage could actually be higher because many people fear the stigma of seeking psychological or psychiatric help, he said yesterday at the launch of a food supplement said to reduce stress. In the last 50 years, society has undergone great changes, he said.
"Our lifestyle has changed tremendously, and so has the food level. We eat five to six times a day but we hardly sweat," he said, adding that a lack of exercise was one of the reasons for stress build-up.
He said Malaysians should not feel embarrassed about seeking help from professionals as many people in the developed world do so.
"It's not part of our culture. But it has been proven that you can reduce stress by talking to someone," he said, adding that people should seek help for stress to prevent their situation from getting worse.
There are 27 government hospitals in the country that offer psychiatric help, he said.
"Olivenol Livin", created by the Italian Prof Dr Roberto Crea, is said to help reduce stress.
The product was launched at the Prince Court Medical Centre.
Separation of doctor/pharmacist duties: 'Patients shouldn't suffer'
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The separation of duties between doctors and pharmacists would only be implemented if it does not burden the public.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad gave this assurance yesterday and said the matter was still being studied.
"We are still conducting research on the matter but it is impractical if the people are adversely affected," he said.
Last week, the New Straits Times had quoted the ministry's director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican as saying that the move to separate the duties of doctors and pharmacists was in the pipeline.
Dr Ismail had said that the pilot project would be implemented in major towns where there were pharmacies located near clinics.
Dr Latif said although the separation of duties had been carried out in other countries, Malaysia might not be able to do the same as there were not enough pharmacists.
The NST had reported that there were about 5,000 registered pharmacists practising in some 1,600 pharmacies in the country.
"Maybe you will not experience the inconvenience if you live in the Klang Valley because you can go to a pharmacy nearby. But in rural areas, like in my village, there's only one pharmacy serving a population of 1,000."
He stressed that the public's welfare would always be the ministry's priority.
He said at present, doctors were still allowed to prescribe and dispense medicine, adding only practitioners in Malaysia and Singapore did not separate the two functions.
On another matter, Dr Latif said the ministry had seized seven herbal products from the market this year.
He said the syndicates had deceived consumers by labelling their products as health products with herbal ingredients but checks found that they also contained harmful ingredients.
He added that those found guilty could be fined up to RM5,000 or two years' jail or both.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad gave this assurance yesterday and said the matter was still being studied.
"We are still conducting research on the matter but it is impractical if the people are adversely affected," he said.
Last week, the New Straits Times had quoted the ministry's director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican as saying that the move to separate the duties of doctors and pharmacists was in the pipeline.
Dr Ismail had said that the pilot project would be implemented in major towns where there were pharmacies located near clinics.
Dr Latif said although the separation of duties had been carried out in other countries, Malaysia might not be able to do the same as there were not enough pharmacists.
The NST had reported that there were about 5,000 registered pharmacists practising in some 1,600 pharmacies in the country.
"Maybe you will not experience the inconvenience if you live in the Klang Valley because you can go to a pharmacy nearby. But in rural areas, like in my village, there's only one pharmacy serving a population of 1,000."
He stressed that the public's welfare would always be the ministry's priority.
He said at present, doctors were still allowed to prescribe and dispense medicine, adding only practitioners in Malaysia and Singapore did not separate the two functions.
On another matter, Dr Latif said the ministry had seized seven herbal products from the market this year.
He said the syndicates had deceived consumers by labelling their products as health products with herbal ingredients but checks found that they also contained harmful ingredients.
He added that those found guilty could be fined up to RM5,000 or two years' jail or both.
Separation of doctor/pharmacist duties: Diverse opinions on plan
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: "You have tonsillitis. This is your prescription slip and you can obtain the medication at any pharmacy."
The conversation above may well be too familiar in the future if the Health Ministry decides to allow doctors to only issue the prescription with patients having to get the medication at pharmacies.
According to a recent news report, the Health Ministry will soon launch a pilot project on the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacies, where, in the future, dispensing medications may be the exclusive rights of pharmacies.
"I think Malaysians are not ready for the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacie," said consumer activist Gurmukh Singh.
Gurmukh said the Health Ministry should consider several factors.
"First, at the moment, I don't think there are pharmacies that open round-the-clock.
"If your child suddenly develops fever or diarrhoea in the wee hours of the morning and you rush him to a 24-hour clinic.
"Imagine your annoyance when the doctor only gives you a prescription slip and asks you to get the medication from a pharmacy.
"After that, your blood pressure shoots up when you can't find a pharmacy or any which opens at that particular hour."
Mother of three Zaidah Zainal, who stays in Green Valley Park near Rawang in Selangor, said there were not many pharmacies in her neighbourhood.
"In my area, there are five clinics, but only one pharmacy is in operation.
"If the health authorities decide to separate the functions, then we should have more retail pharmacies around to cater for the expected higher demand."
Contrary to what people may say, separating the functions can be costly to consumers, said social activist Fatimah Mansur.
"The doctor has to charge consultation fees. If you get your medication at the clinic, the total amount charged is definitely less than the whole amount charged for separate consultation fees and medication," she said.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) recommends a minimum fee of RM30 for a doctor's consultation, but most of the time private practitioners charge less than this amount.
Fatimah said the public prefer to go to only one place, and at present, the clinic serves as a one-stop centre.
"You can get your medical check-up at the clinic. Your blood test can be done, as well as X-rays.
"By the time the doctor has finished with them, the patients maybe too tired to go elsewhere to get their medication."
And the move, if implemented, would be time-consuming and related costs would rise.
"Imagine after seeing your doctor, you have to drive around to look for a pharmacy.
"You may find one, but then the medication required could be unavailable, and you have to look for other pharmacies."
Thus, the actual cost is higher, as the public may have to spend more on petrol for their vehicles, she said.
According to Health Ministry's statistics, there are about 1,600 pharmacies nationwide.
Educationist Ikmail Ahmad Borhanodin said the public should allow the Health Ministry to conduct a study to determine whether the separation of functions is suitable for Malaysians.
"Allow the consumers to make their own choice, as at the moment they let the doctors dispense the medication. They have the choice on whether to get branded or generic drugs, so they can save money."
Ikmail said there are some good points to such a move.
He said doctors are only familiar with medicines that they often prescribe, while pharmacists are always in touch with the drugs industry.
"But, bear in mind that the doctors have the knowledge on medical problems as well as their causes. And they are familiar with the patients too".
The priority is for the public to have good healthcare services, said Gurmukh.
"The pharmacies must improve their services. Sometimes when consumers walk into a pharmacy, the pharmacist is not around and nobody else can dispense the drugs. This is wasting the public's time."
Gurmukh said for a start, the "pharmacist not in" syndrome should be discarded.
"In Malaysia, there are many clinics appointed by employers for the convenience of their sick workers. Employers want to make it easy for themselves and their workers."
Under this concept, employers will foot the medical bills of their sick workers. Usually the employers would pay the panel clinics monthly, after receiving the respective invoices.
"Do we need to have panel pharmacies later?" asked Gurmukh.
The conversation above may well be too familiar in the future if the Health Ministry decides to allow doctors to only issue the prescription with patients having to get the medication at pharmacies.
According to a recent news report, the Health Ministry will soon launch a pilot project on the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacies, where, in the future, dispensing medications may be the exclusive rights of pharmacies.
"I think Malaysians are not ready for the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacie," said consumer activist Gurmukh Singh.
Gurmukh said the Health Ministry should consider several factors.
"First, at the moment, I don't think there are pharmacies that open round-the-clock.
"If your child suddenly develops fever or diarrhoea in the wee hours of the morning and you rush him to a 24-hour clinic.
"Imagine your annoyance when the doctor only gives you a prescription slip and asks you to get the medication from a pharmacy.
"After that, your blood pressure shoots up when you can't find a pharmacy or any which opens at that particular hour."
Mother of three Zaidah Zainal, who stays in Green Valley Park near Rawang in Selangor, said there were not many pharmacies in her neighbourhood.
"In my area, there are five clinics, but only one pharmacy is in operation.
"If the health authorities decide to separate the functions, then we should have more retail pharmacies around to cater for the expected higher demand."
Contrary to what people may say, separating the functions can be costly to consumers, said social activist Fatimah Mansur.
"The doctor has to charge consultation fees. If you get your medication at the clinic, the total amount charged is definitely less than the whole amount charged for separate consultation fees and medication," she said.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) recommends a minimum fee of RM30 for a doctor's consultation, but most of the time private practitioners charge less than this amount.
Fatimah said the public prefer to go to only one place, and at present, the clinic serves as a one-stop centre.
"You can get your medical check-up at the clinic. Your blood test can be done, as well as X-rays.
"By the time the doctor has finished with them, the patients maybe too tired to go elsewhere to get their medication."
And the move, if implemented, would be time-consuming and related costs would rise.
"Imagine after seeing your doctor, you have to drive around to look for a pharmacy.
"You may find one, but then the medication required could be unavailable, and you have to look for other pharmacies."
Thus, the actual cost is higher, as the public may have to spend more on petrol for their vehicles, she said.
According to Health Ministry's statistics, there are about 1,600 pharmacies nationwide.
Educationist Ikmail Ahmad Borhanodin said the public should allow the Health Ministry to conduct a study to determine whether the separation of functions is suitable for Malaysians.
"Allow the consumers to make their own choice, as at the moment they let the doctors dispense the medication. They have the choice on whether to get branded or generic drugs, so they can save money."
Ikmail said there are some good points to such a move.
He said doctors are only familiar with medicines that they often prescribe, while pharmacists are always in touch with the drugs industry.
"But, bear in mind that the doctors have the knowledge on medical problems as well as their causes. And they are familiar with the patients too".
The priority is for the public to have good healthcare services, said Gurmukh.
"The pharmacies must improve their services. Sometimes when consumers walk into a pharmacy, the pharmacist is not around and nobody else can dispense the drugs. This is wasting the public's time."
Gurmukh said for a start, the "pharmacist not in" syndrome should be discarded.
"In Malaysia, there are many clinics appointed by employers for the convenience of their sick workers. Employers want to make it easy for themselves and their workers."
Under this concept, employers will foot the medical bills of their sick workers. Usually the employers would pay the panel clinics monthly, after receiving the respective invoices.
"Do we need to have panel pharmacies later?" asked Gurmukh.
Docs and ING in stalemate over proposal
Star:
KUALA LUMPUR: Talks between the Joint Inter-hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd have reached a stalemate.
JIHC chairman Dr Steven Chow said the last discussion was on March 31 and it came to a halt, claiming that ING “refused to budge from its proposed terms and conditions in their new Healthcare Service Panel Agreement (HSPA)”.
He said that this was concerning “fee splitting”, which would compromise the quality of healthcare and breach the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998.
“It’s like someone saying ‘Doctor, we'll give you a certain number of patients a year but you give us discount on your fees. So you continue to be on our panel and receive our patients’,” he told a press conference at a hospital here.
Dr Chow said that ING’s proposal, a part of their exercise to set up a panel network of specialists in the Klang Valley, could erode the patient’s right to seek treatment from their preferred doctors.
More than one million people are covered under the ING Insurance’s employment benefit scheme.
“Those who stand to lose the most are the patients. There are patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, and they are suddenly asked to go to another hospital. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The JIHC committee represents over 600 specialists in eight hospitals – Pantai Medical Centre, Sunway Hospital, Prince Court Medical Centre, Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Assunta Hospital, Ampang Puteri Hospital, Tawakal Hospital and Damansara Specialist Hospital – in the Klang Valley.
JIHC is also a part of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association of Malaysia with more than 4,000 doctors in the various states.
“This is unfortunate for ING policy holders as those who wish to see us will have to pay upfront and claim later from the insurer.”
He also said that JIHC had written on March 18 to the director-general of Health Tan Sri Ismail Merican asking for the Ministry’s position on the matter.
When contacted, ING said that they were “unaware that these negotiations have come to an end and have not received official notification from JIHC”.
“We are still very keen on continuing negotiations in the hope of arriving at a mutual agreement that would benefit policy-holders,” the statement said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Talks between the Joint Inter-hospital Healthcare Committee (JIHC) and ING Insurance Bhd have reached a stalemate.
JIHC chairman Dr Steven Chow said the last discussion was on March 31 and it came to a halt, claiming that ING “refused to budge from its proposed terms and conditions in their new Healthcare Service Panel Agreement (HSPA)”.
He said that this was concerning “fee splitting”, which would compromise the quality of healthcare and breach the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998.
“It’s like someone saying ‘Doctor, we'll give you a certain number of patients a year but you give us discount on your fees. So you continue to be on our panel and receive our patients’,” he told a press conference at a hospital here.
Dr Chow said that ING’s proposal, a part of their exercise to set up a panel network of specialists in the Klang Valley, could erode the patient’s right to seek treatment from their preferred doctors.
More than one million people are covered under the ING Insurance’s employment benefit scheme.
“Those who stand to lose the most are the patients. There are patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, and they are suddenly asked to go to another hospital. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The JIHC committee represents over 600 specialists in eight hospitals – Pantai Medical Centre, Sunway Hospital, Prince Court Medical Centre, Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Assunta Hospital, Ampang Puteri Hospital, Tawakal Hospital and Damansara Specialist Hospital – in the Klang Valley.
JIHC is also a part of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association of Malaysia with more than 4,000 doctors in the various states.
“This is unfortunate for ING policy holders as those who wish to see us will have to pay upfront and claim later from the insurer.”
He also said that JIHC had written on March 18 to the director-general of Health Tan Sri Ismail Merican asking for the Ministry’s position on the matter.
When contacted, ING said that they were “unaware that these negotiations have come to an end and have not received official notification from JIHC”.
“We are still very keen on continuing negotiations in the hope of arriving at a mutual agreement that would benefit policy-holders,” the statement said.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Drug firms back dispensing split
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors and pharmacists should work as a team for the best care for patients, said Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) president Jimmy Piong.
For them to work as a team, Piong said the Health Ministry should draw up a timeline for the separation of duties between doctors and pharmacists.
He said if pharmacists were given their role to play in the healthcare industry, logistics and infrastructure such as 24-hour pharmacies would not be a problem.
"We are talking about two groups of trained professionals. The doctors are trained to diagnose and treat patients while pharmacists are health professionals who know all about medication," he told the New Straits Times.
"Pharmacists not only dispense medication prescribed by doctors but also counsel patients on the proper use and adverse effects of that medication," he said.
Piong said if doctors were given more time to diagnose diseases, they could spend more quality time with patients rather than trying to manage the pharmacy in their clinics.
He said it was more professional to have diagnosing and prescribing medicine, and dispensing medicine as separate functions.
Furthermore, he added, it was the pharmacists and not the doctors who keep abreast of changes in the field of drugs.
"The majority of doctors do not even know the pharmacists in their area. There's a need for change.
"Doctors should network with pharmacists and tap their area of expertise," said Piong.
He said both parties should work hand-in-hand so that they could jointly provide quality healthcare.
For them to work as a team, Piong said the Health Ministry should draw up a timeline for the separation of duties between doctors and pharmacists.
He said if pharmacists were given their role to play in the healthcare industry, logistics and infrastructure such as 24-hour pharmacies would not be a problem.
"We are talking about two groups of trained professionals. The doctors are trained to diagnose and treat patients while pharmacists are health professionals who know all about medication," he told the New Straits Times.
"Pharmacists not only dispense medication prescribed by doctors but also counsel patients on the proper use and adverse effects of that medication," he said.
Piong said if doctors were given more time to diagnose diseases, they could spend more quality time with patients rather than trying to manage the pharmacy in their clinics.
He said it was more professional to have diagnosing and prescribing medicine, and dispensing medicine as separate functions.
Furthermore, he added, it was the pharmacists and not the doctors who keep abreast of changes in the field of drugs.
"The majority of doctors do not even know the pharmacists in their area. There's a need for change.
"Doctors should network with pharmacists and tap their area of expertise," said Piong.
He said both parties should work hand-in-hand so that they could jointly provide quality healthcare.
Fighting dengue by ending city ignorance
NST: SHAH ALAM: The state has labelled the battle against dengue as a fight against ignorance and warned that urban dwellers ignore the problem to their own peril.
A total of 15,871 cases with 32 deaths were reported last year with 86 per cent of cases concentrated in municipalities.
Selangor executive councilor for health Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said most dengue cases in the state were concentrated in urban centres and a multi-focal approach to counter ignorance was needed.
He said Shah Alam had the most cases with 2,476 reported last year despite it being a modern city, while Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) had 2,081 cases and Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MBSJ) 1,999 cases.
"These numbers are not due to the lack of effort by authorities but because the community is ignorant of how the disease is spread."
He said educating the urban communities and changes in lifestyle were needed to counter the spread of the disease, adding that there had been 10 deaths so far this year.
Selangor Health Department officers who briefed Dr Xavier on the dengue situation in the state yesterday disclosed that both MPSJ and the Ulu Selangor District Council had registered two deaths each, with one each in MBSA, MBKJ, Petaling Jaya City Council, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Klang Municipal Council and Ulu Langat District Council.
Dr Xavier said anti dengue education programmes and advertisements would soon be aired on Selangor FM, the state government's radio station, in order to reach out to the masses.
Health officials would soon be visiting homes suspected of breeding Aedes mosquitoes, on weekends and public holidays.
The move is to ensure owners are at home to allow health officers into the premises.
Notices will be left at unoccupied homes and if the owners failed to contact authorities for joint inspections, drastic actions will be employed.
Dr Xavier said health officials' efforts against dengue were also hindered by abandoned high-rise buildings which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
However, he assured the people that ways would be found to counter all problems, including expanding manpower.
Dr Xavier said a review would also be conducted on private contractors hired to conduct fogging exercises to ensure they were supervised when carrying out the task.
He said there were four strains of dengue in Malaysia and the disease was no longer considered a seasonal problem because of changing weather patterns.
He said mosquito eggs could last up to six months and hatch when water becomes available.
A total of 15,871 cases with 32 deaths were reported last year with 86 per cent of cases concentrated in municipalities.
Selangor executive councilor for health Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said most dengue cases in the state were concentrated in urban centres and a multi-focal approach to counter ignorance was needed.
He said Shah Alam had the most cases with 2,476 reported last year despite it being a modern city, while Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) had 2,081 cases and Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MBSJ) 1,999 cases.
"These numbers are not due to the lack of effort by authorities but because the community is ignorant of how the disease is spread."
He said educating the urban communities and changes in lifestyle were needed to counter the spread of the disease, adding that there had been 10 deaths so far this year.
Selangor Health Department officers who briefed Dr Xavier on the dengue situation in the state yesterday disclosed that both MPSJ and the Ulu Selangor District Council had registered two deaths each, with one each in MBSA, MBKJ, Petaling Jaya City Council, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Klang Municipal Council and Ulu Langat District Council.
Dr Xavier said anti dengue education programmes and advertisements would soon be aired on Selangor FM, the state government's radio station, in order to reach out to the masses.
Health officials would soon be visiting homes suspected of breeding Aedes mosquitoes, on weekends and public holidays.
The move is to ensure owners are at home to allow health officers into the premises.
Notices will be left at unoccupied homes and if the owners failed to contact authorities for joint inspections, drastic actions will be employed.
Dr Xavier said health officials' efforts against dengue were also hindered by abandoned high-rise buildings which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
However, he assured the people that ways would be found to counter all problems, including expanding manpower.
Dr Xavier said a review would also be conducted on private contractors hired to conduct fogging exercises to ensure they were supervised when carrying out the task.
He said there were four strains of dengue in Malaysia and the disease was no longer considered a seasonal problem because of changing weather patterns.
He said mosquito eggs could last up to six months and hatch when water becomes available.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Getting treated closer to home
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is mulling over a proposal to allow repeat patients of government hospitals to seek follow-up treatment at government or private clinics near their homes at minimal cost.
Newly-appointed Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai and ministry officials came up with the proposal recently to lighten the burden of the people.
“We are thinking of ways to help these patients seek treatment at nearby clinics, including private ones, and having a certain understanding on how they could work closely with government hospitals,” he said.
He said the medical records could be sent to a clinic near the patient’s home through a specific channel of communication or the Internet, accessible only to those involved.
Liow said officials would have to come up with innovative ways and study the matter extensively, including the cost to be borne by the Government, before implementation.
“However, our main target is to provide better services.
“Currently, repeat patients have to travel to specific hospitals for follow-ups or treatment.
“The proposal is also part of the ministry’s effort to reduce the waiting period at government clinics as they are facing a shortage of doctors and other medical staff,” he said.
Liow said he was concerned that the current ratio of doctors to patients at government hospitals was just one doctor to 1,121 people, while in developed countries it was 1: 600.
“Only 60% of the posts are filled and this problem has been dragging on for quite some time.
“The Cabinet has addressed this problem many times by giving incentives to doctors, but it appears that the move was not enough to retain them,” he added.
Liow said government hospitals would not be able to compete with the private sector in terms of providing better income and incentives.
Therefore, he added, the only solution was for the two sectors to work together to overcome the many problems.
Newly-appointed Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai and ministry officials came up with the proposal recently to lighten the burden of the people.
“We are thinking of ways to help these patients seek treatment at nearby clinics, including private ones, and having a certain understanding on how they could work closely with government hospitals,” he said.
He said the medical records could be sent to a clinic near the patient’s home through a specific channel of communication or the Internet, accessible only to those involved.
Liow said officials would have to come up with innovative ways and study the matter extensively, including the cost to be borne by the Government, before implementation.
“However, our main target is to provide better services.
“Currently, repeat patients have to travel to specific hospitals for follow-ups or treatment.
“The proposal is also part of the ministry’s effort to reduce the waiting period at government clinics as they are facing a shortage of doctors and other medical staff,” he said.
Liow said he was concerned that the current ratio of doctors to patients at government hospitals was just one doctor to 1,121 people, while in developed countries it was 1: 600.
“Only 60% of the posts are filled and this problem has been dragging on for quite some time.
“The Cabinet has addressed this problem many times by giving incentives to doctors, but it appears that the move was not enough to retain them,” he added.
Liow said government hospitals would not be able to compete with the private sector in terms of providing better income and incentives.
Therefore, he added, the only solution was for the two sectors to work together to overcome the many problems.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pay attention to ADD
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers need to learn how to spot Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) among pupils and get quick help. Otherwise, the children will be doomed to learning difficulties throughout their school years.
About one in five children are afflicted with ADD and, if left unattended, lose motivation, become noisy, naughty and lazy.
These were the findings of a nine-month pilot study on Year One and Two pupils in five Klang Valley primary schools jointly carried out by University Malaya Medical Centre's (UMMC) Child Psychiatry Unit head Dr Aili Hanim Hashim and senior lecturer Dr Subash Kumar Pillai.
Dr Subash said that a few teachers and counsellors, trained to identify ADD pupils in Year One and Two, spotted 50 of them and sent them to the Child Psychiatry Unit.
“They were treated by psychiatrists to cope with learning difficulties and being unable to follow the teacher,” he said.
Some pupils were asked to bring along their parents as they were depressed or suffered emotional problems because the parents constantly quarrelled or were divorced, he said.
“After treatment, the pupils returned to classes and about half of them showed improvement,” he said at a UMMC Seminar on Mental Health Problems Among Children in Schools aimed at raising awareness about the need to promote and protect children's mental health.
“Good mental health is essential for a child's learning, social development and self-esteem.
“It is shown that mental health developed in early childhood becomes the basis of one's mental health throughout adult life,” Dr Subash said.
About one in five children are afflicted with ADD and, if left unattended, lose motivation, become noisy, naughty and lazy.
These were the findings of a nine-month pilot study on Year One and Two pupils in five Klang Valley primary schools jointly carried out by University Malaya Medical Centre's (UMMC) Child Psychiatry Unit head Dr Aili Hanim Hashim and senior lecturer Dr Subash Kumar Pillai.
Dr Subash said that a few teachers and counsellors, trained to identify ADD pupils in Year One and Two, spotted 50 of them and sent them to the Child Psychiatry Unit.
“They were treated by psychiatrists to cope with learning difficulties and being unable to follow the teacher,” he said.
Some pupils were asked to bring along their parents as they were depressed or suffered emotional problems because the parents constantly quarrelled or were divorced, he said.
“After treatment, the pupils returned to classes and about half of them showed improvement,” he said at a UMMC Seminar on Mental Health Problems Among Children in Schools aimed at raising awareness about the need to promote and protect children's mental health.
“Good mental health is essential for a child's learning, social development and self-esteem.
“It is shown that mental health developed in early childhood becomes the basis of one's mental health throughout adult life,” Dr Subash said.
Newcastle medical campus for Iskandar
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Newcastle University will open a medical education branch campus in the Iskandar Development Region (Iskandar), a move which is expected to halve the cost of producing a UK-educated doctor.
South Johor Investment Corporation Bhd senior vice-president (education development) Khairil Anwar Ahmad said construction of the branch campus was expected to start later this year.
The university would have an intake of about 150 students per year, he said.
"We are setting up the campus based on the demands of the university and expect to complete it by 2011.
"It will be one of four international universities that will be opened in Iskandar," he said.
Khairil said arrangements were now being made to allow students to do their practical work at hospitals in the area.
"The students may also be able to do this at healthcare facilities in Iskandar later," he said.
Khairil said Newcastle University was the first foreign university partner in Iskandar.
"The arrangement is that we provide the facility, then lease it to the university," he said.
Malaysia has suffered from a shortage of doctors and a low doctor-to-patient ratio for some time.
In 2002, the country began a programme to bring in foreign doctors to alleviate a shortage of medical practitioners. However, since then the Health Ministry has stopped taking foreign doctors in, with some who were already here being sent back due to poor performance.
Currently, it costs RM1 million to train a doctor in England.
Newcastle University international medical education project manager David Forman said the degrees would be exactly the same as the ones that were offered in the UK.
"It's not just a franchise or training programme. The programme will be the same. There will be no dilution of standards."
South Johor Investment Corporation Bhd senior vice-president (education development) Khairil Anwar Ahmad said construction of the branch campus was expected to start later this year.
The university would have an intake of about 150 students per year, he said.
"We are setting up the campus based on the demands of the university and expect to complete it by 2011.
"It will be one of four international universities that will be opened in Iskandar," he said.
Khairil said arrangements were now being made to allow students to do their practical work at hospitals in the area.
"The students may also be able to do this at healthcare facilities in Iskandar later," he said.
Khairil said Newcastle University was the first foreign university partner in Iskandar.
"The arrangement is that we provide the facility, then lease it to the university," he said.
Malaysia has suffered from a shortage of doctors and a low doctor-to-patient ratio for some time.
In 2002, the country began a programme to bring in foreign doctors to alleviate a shortage of medical practitioners. However, since then the Health Ministry has stopped taking foreign doctors in, with some who were already here being sent back due to poor performance.
Currently, it costs RM1 million to train a doctor in England.
Newcastle University international medical education project manager David Forman said the degrees would be exactly the same as the ones that were offered in the UK.
"It's not just a franchise or training programme. The programme will be the same. There will be no dilution of standards."
E-Kesihatan will not be dumped
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The e-kesihatan system will not be scrapped but will be further studied by the government.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the government was aware of public complaints against the system.
"This is among some of the initiatives that are being looked at again," he said after officiating the sixth Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman convocation at Wisma MCA yesterday.
The transport ministry has been attempting to implement the e-kesihatan system since 2005.
The system was supposed to allow the annual health checks of commercial vehicle drivers in the country to be electronically submitted to the Road Transport Department (RTD).
However, it received widespread criticism from doctors, taxi and bus operators who claimed that the scheme was a money-making operation.
A former RTD director was alleged to be a director of the company responsible for implementing the system.
However, this was refuted by the RTD.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the government was aware of public complaints against the system.
"This is among some of the initiatives that are being looked at again," he said after officiating the sixth Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman convocation at Wisma MCA yesterday.
The transport ministry has been attempting to implement the e-kesihatan system since 2005.
The system was supposed to allow the annual health checks of commercial vehicle drivers in the country to be electronically submitted to the Road Transport Department (RTD).
However, it received widespread criticism from doctors, taxi and bus operators who claimed that the scheme was a money-making operation.
A former RTD director was alleged to be a director of the company responsible for implementing the system.
However, this was refuted by the RTD.
Act meant to weed out unqualified practitioners
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: "Doctors, just write to me at tionglai@gmail.com."
This was Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai's response to complaints about the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
Doctors had complained that the act was being unfairly enforced.
Liow said he was certain the act was not meant to penalise doctors in the private sector, but to help ensure good healthcare services.
"We really have to do something about the irresponsible ones. But this act is not meant to give people problems."
The act compels private practitioners to register with the ministry or face a fine of RM300,000. He said the act was meant to weed out bogus doctors and unqualified practitioners.
Doctors have been writing to the press recently to express their dismay over the Dr Basmullah Yusom case.
Dr Basmullah was jailed when he could not pay a fine of RM120,000 for failing to register his practice with the Health Ministry in January.
Liow, who took office last week, gave his private email address as he has yet to be assigned an official one.
This was Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai's response to complaints about the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
Doctors had complained that the act was being unfairly enforced.
Liow said he was certain the act was not meant to penalise doctors in the private sector, but to help ensure good healthcare services.
"We really have to do something about the irresponsible ones. But this act is not meant to give people problems."
The act compels private practitioners to register with the ministry or face a fine of RM300,000. He said the act was meant to weed out bogus doctors and unqualified practitioners.
Doctors have been writing to the press recently to express their dismay over the Dr Basmullah Yusom case.
Dr Basmullah was jailed when he could not pay a fine of RM120,000 for failing to register his practice with the Health Ministry in January.
Liow, who took office last week, gave his private email address as he has yet to be assigned an official one.
Govt hospitals to send weekly reports
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Government hospitals will be required to send a weekly report to the Health Ministry on patient care services.
They will have to pay special attention to the outpatient department and the intensive care unit.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was especially concerned with the time taken for patients to see doctors as well as the number of doctors available to see patients.
Liow said the waiting time for outpatients at hospitals should be cut from the current average of 45 minutes to 30 minutes.
"I met some patients (at KLH) who have been waiting for two hours to see the doctor," he said.
He said this during his first official tour of the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Liow was briefed by hospital director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain on the running of the hospital.
Liow was accompanied by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
They will have to pay special attention to the outpatient department and the intensive care unit.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was especially concerned with the time taken for patients to see doctors as well as the number of doctors available to see patients.
Liow said the waiting time for outpatients at hospitals should be cut from the current average of 45 minutes to 30 minutes.
"I met some patients (at KLH) who have been waiting for two hours to see the doctor," he said.
He said this during his first official tour of the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Liow was briefed by hospital director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain on the running of the hospital.
Liow was accompanied by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
No decision to stop doctors from dispensing medicine
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has not decided to disallow doctors from dispensing medicines.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday he would like to meet the Malaysian Medical Council, doctors and pharmacists to discuss the matter.
Liow said he was aware of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society's proposal for pharmacists to dispense medication to patients.
"At the moment, we are still looking at the proposal.
We have not made any decision yet," he said after his first official visit to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital yesterday.
Liow was commenting on a New Straits Times report yesterday headlined "Doctors to be disallowed from dispensing medicines" that quoted health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican as saying that the move was in the pipeline.
He had also said that a pilot project on the proposal would be launched soon.
He said the move could not be implemented earlier because of logistics problems, especially the shortage of pharmacies and pharmacists.
Liow said the most important thing was for the people to have a good healthcare system.
"That is the responsibility of the government. We do not want to burden the rakyat with extra costs," he said.
The Malaysian Medical Association is against the proposed move to disallow doctors from dispensing medicines.
President Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said the public should decide if they wanted to get medication from either pharmacists or doctors.
He said a doctor's primary role was to diagnose and treat which included giving appropriate medication to patients.
"Therefore, doctors cannot give up their right to dispense medicine," he said.
Dr Khoo said doctors were already separating the consultation fee from the cost of medication, to avoid being accused of profit-making in dispensing medicines.
The MMA's recommended fee for consultation is RM30 for minor ailments. However, doctors generally provide consultation and medication for less than RM30.
Dr Khoo said pharmacists should not be allowed to prescribe medications without a doctor's prescription.
In another development, a senior medical consultant, who declined to be identified, said some pharmacists were already dispensing medicines and treating patients, especially after checking their glucose level and blood pressure.
"This is already affecting our business," he said
He said pharmacists should refer patients to doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
"Their work is only to dispense medicines prescribed by doctors. Pharmacists cannot become doctors. They cannot prescribe medicines based on basic tests," he said.
A doctor in Klang, who only identified himself as Dr Rahim, asked if pharmacies would be open around the clock to cover prescriptions issued by doctors at 24-hour clinics.
"So who is going to dispense medicines in this context, the doctor or the pharmacies?" he asked.
The Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association, however, said the proposed move to disallow doctors from dispensing medicines was long overdue.
Its president, Jagdev Singh, said pharmacists were best suited to dispense medicines because they were more knowledgeable about "drug to drug interaction, drug to health interaction and adverse reactions".
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday he would like to meet the Malaysian Medical Council, doctors and pharmacists to discuss the matter.
Liow said he was aware of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society's proposal for pharmacists to dispense medication to patients.
"At the moment, we are still looking at the proposal.
We have not made any decision yet," he said after his first official visit to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital yesterday.
Liow was commenting on a New Straits Times report yesterday headlined "Doctors to be disallowed from dispensing medicines" that quoted health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican as saying that the move was in the pipeline.
He had also said that a pilot project on the proposal would be launched soon.
He said the move could not be implemented earlier because of logistics problems, especially the shortage of pharmacies and pharmacists.
Liow said the most important thing was for the people to have a good healthcare system.
"That is the responsibility of the government. We do not want to burden the rakyat with extra costs," he said.
The Malaysian Medical Association is against the proposed move to disallow doctors from dispensing medicines.
President Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said the public should decide if they wanted to get medication from either pharmacists or doctors.
He said a doctor's primary role was to diagnose and treat which included giving appropriate medication to patients.
"Therefore, doctors cannot give up their right to dispense medicine," he said.
Dr Khoo said doctors were already separating the consultation fee from the cost of medication, to avoid being accused of profit-making in dispensing medicines.
The MMA's recommended fee for consultation is RM30 for minor ailments. However, doctors generally provide consultation and medication for less than RM30.
Dr Khoo said pharmacists should not be allowed to prescribe medications without a doctor's prescription.
In another development, a senior medical consultant, who declined to be identified, said some pharmacists were already dispensing medicines and treating patients, especially after checking their glucose level and blood pressure.
"This is already affecting our business," he said
He said pharmacists should refer patients to doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
"Their work is only to dispense medicines prescribed by doctors. Pharmacists cannot become doctors. They cannot prescribe medicines based on basic tests," he said.
A doctor in Klang, who only identified himself as Dr Rahim, asked if pharmacies would be open around the clock to cover prescriptions issued by doctors at 24-hour clinics.
"So who is going to dispense medicines in this context, the doctor or the pharmacies?" he asked.
The Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association, however, said the proposed move to disallow doctors from dispensing medicines was long overdue.
Its president, Jagdev Singh, said pharmacists were best suited to dispense medicines because they were more knowledgeable about "drug to drug interaction, drug to health interaction and adverse reactions".
MMA opposes move to make pharmacist sole dispensing agents
NST: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) will oppose a move by the Health Ministry to make pharmacists the sole dispensing agents in the country.
Its president, Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin, said based on the ministry’s statistics in 2006, the pharmacist-population ratio in the public sector is 1:29,966, the private sector 1:7,828 and the total ratio is 1:6,207.
He said MMA felt that the public should be left to decide from where they wanted to obtain medication, either from a doctor or pharmacist.
“In helping them to make such a choice, the public need to have all the facts regarding the present position, their advantages and disadvantages and the costs to them as individuals and a community, if the system is to be changed,” he said in a statement here today.
Yesterday, Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said soon, doctors would only be allowed to issue Rx-prescribe medications but patients needed to obtain their medication from pharmacies.
Currently, doctors especially at private clinics diagnose diseases, prescribe medicines and dispense them to patients.
Dr Khoo said some local manufacturers did not use the same base substance as the original patented drug.
“Thus, although the amount of active substance is the same, the potency and duration of action may differ...so may the shelf life of the drug.
“This is the main reason most doctors still prefer to use patented medicine, not because we want to gain profit or get incentives,” he said.
Dr Khoo said if the proposal shot off prematurely, patients would face the inconvenience of having to travel to another location to buy the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
He said if there was to be change, it should be made gradually beginning with the larger towns, and pilot studies should be considered so that problems that arise could be ironed out.
“In the meantime, both professions (doctor and pharmacist), together with the ministry could look at this problem objectively and solve it amicably, keeping in mind the interest of patients,” he said.
Its president, Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin, said based on the ministry’s statistics in 2006, the pharmacist-population ratio in the public sector is 1:29,966, the private sector 1:7,828 and the total ratio is 1:6,207.
He said MMA felt that the public should be left to decide from where they wanted to obtain medication, either from a doctor or pharmacist.
“In helping them to make such a choice, the public need to have all the facts regarding the present position, their advantages and disadvantages and the costs to them as individuals and a community, if the system is to be changed,” he said in a statement here today.
Yesterday, Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said soon, doctors would only be allowed to issue Rx-prescribe medications but patients needed to obtain their medication from pharmacies.
Currently, doctors especially at private clinics diagnose diseases, prescribe medicines and dispense them to patients.
Dr Khoo said some local manufacturers did not use the same base substance as the original patented drug.
“Thus, although the amount of active substance is the same, the potency and duration of action may differ...so may the shelf life of the drug.
“This is the main reason most doctors still prefer to use patented medicine, not because we want to gain profit or get incentives,” he said.
Dr Khoo said if the proposal shot off prematurely, patients would face the inconvenience of having to travel to another location to buy the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
He said if there was to be change, it should be made gradually beginning with the larger towns, and pilot studies should be considered so that problems that arise could be ironed out.
“In the meantime, both professions (doctor and pharmacist), together with the ministry could look at this problem objectively and solve it amicably, keeping in mind the interest of patients,” he said.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
No decision on docs dispensing medicine
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has denied a report which said doctors would be prevented from dispensing medicine.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the article, which was published on the front page of a local English daily on Saturday, was not true.
"We have not made any decision at all. We are conducting a study, but it is only at a preliminary stage," he said.
The report said a pilot project on the separation of functions between doctors' clinics and pharmacies would be launched by the Health Ministry.
It also said that the pilot project would be launched at selected major towns, with the ministry closely monitoring the strengths and weaknesses of the system before implementing it nationwide.
Liow said while the Ministry was considering the request by pharmacists, the study had yet to be completed and a pilot project might not even be launched if the findings were not encouraging.
"If we find that people will be affected (negatively), we might not even carry out the pilot project," he said.
He added that he wanted to meet up with doctors and pharmacists to understand more about the issue.
"But most importantly, at the end of the day, the people must enjoy good medical services," he said.
Liow was speaking to reporters after visiting the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital on Saturday.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the article, which was published on the front page of a local English daily on Saturday, was not true.
"We have not made any decision at all. We are conducting a study, but it is only at a preliminary stage," he said.
The report said a pilot project on the separation of functions between doctors' clinics and pharmacies would be launched by the Health Ministry.
It also said that the pilot project would be launched at selected major towns, with the ministry closely monitoring the strengths and weaknesses of the system before implementing it nationwide.
Liow said while the Ministry was considering the request by pharmacists, the study had yet to be completed and a pilot project might not even be launched if the findings were not encouraging.
"If we find that people will be affected (negatively), we might not even carry out the pilot project," he said.
He added that he wanted to meet up with doctors and pharmacists to understand more about the issue.
"But most importantly, at the end of the day, the people must enjoy good medical services," he said.
Liow was speaking to reporters after visiting the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital on Saturday.
TB a problem once again
NST: SERI ISKANDAR: Tuberculosis (TB), a killer disease in the country in the 1950s and 1960s, is once again posing a threat.
There has been an increase in the number of TB cases in the last 10 years.
Malaysian Association of Prevention of Tuberculosis president Datuk Seri Yeop Junior Yeop Adlan said this was despite the government's success in implementing the national TB control programme which brought the number of cases down to below 100 for every 100,000 people.
"However, in the last 10 years, the number of cases has been increasing, with 59.8 cases recorded for every 100,000 people in 1994 and 62.6 cases in 2006," he said at the opening of the state-level World TB Day here yesterday.
Also present were Perak deputy health director (public health) Datin Dr Ranjit Kaur and Perak Tengah district health department medical officer Dr S. Elangovan.
The theme of this year's event, "I am stopping TB", is in line with the World Health Organisation's vision of eliminating TB by the year 2050.
Yeop Junior, who is also MAPTB Perak branch chairman, said that an average of 16,000 cases had been recorded yearly.
Among the factors believed to have contributed to the increase are medical staff who fail to diagnose TB in patients seeking treatment for continuous cough, a symptom of the disease.
They have since been instructed to conduct a thorough examination if a patient complains of a week-long cough.
There has been an increase in the number of TB cases in the last 10 years.
Malaysian Association of Prevention of Tuberculosis president Datuk Seri Yeop Junior Yeop Adlan said this was despite the government's success in implementing the national TB control programme which brought the number of cases down to below 100 for every 100,000 people.
"However, in the last 10 years, the number of cases has been increasing, with 59.8 cases recorded for every 100,000 people in 1994 and 62.6 cases in 2006," he said at the opening of the state-level World TB Day here yesterday.
Also present were Perak deputy health director (public health) Datin Dr Ranjit Kaur and Perak Tengah district health department medical officer Dr S. Elangovan.
The theme of this year's event, "I am stopping TB", is in line with the World Health Organisation's vision of eliminating TB by the year 2050.
Yeop Junior, who is also MAPTB Perak branch chairman, said that an average of 16,000 cases had been recorded yearly.
Among the factors believed to have contributed to the increase are medical staff who fail to diagnose TB in patients seeking treatment for continuous cough, a symptom of the disease.
They have since been instructed to conduct a thorough examination if a patient complains of a week-long cough.
Move will not necessarily cost patients more
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Contrary to public perception, separating the doctor's function as a healer and as a provider of medicine will not necessarily cost patients more.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang Chiew Pheng said this was because consumers would have the choice of drugs.
"Many doctors usually dispense the more branded and expensive medicines simply because they get incentives and bonuses from the drug companies.
"When the consumers get their medication and make up their minds whether to get branded or generic drugs, they end up saving money.
"The Poisons Act 1952 allows for doctors to dispense drugs because there were hardly any pharmacists when the law was passed," he said.
There are now roughly 5,000 pharmacists and 13 pharmacy schools in the country that produce an average of 600 graduates every year.
Chang also said that with serious risks to health due to improper medication, it made better sense for patients to get their drugs from a pharmacist who would have spent four years acquiring the knowledge than from a doctor who had none.
"Doctors are only familiar with medicines that they often prescribe, not knowing adverse reactions and drug interactions. However, pharmacists are constantly in touch with the drugs industry," he said.
With the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacies, Malaysia will join the ranks of other developed countries around the world which separate the role of doctors and pharmacists.
In the last 30 years, Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia have implemented the separation with varying degrees of success.
When South Korean health officials enforced the separation in 2000, tens of thousands of doctors took to the streets and forced clinics around the country to close for three days.
The various countries also experienced teething problems such as administrational confusion when charging corporate patients seeking treatment in panel clinics or claiming health insurance.
Separation laws in several countries also had loopholes, abused by pharmacists who were in cahoots with doctors for patient referrals in exchange for kickbacks.
All this, Chang admitted, could very well also happen in Malaysia if the separation was not closely enforced and scrutinised.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang Chiew Pheng said this was because consumers would have the choice of drugs.
"Many doctors usually dispense the more branded and expensive medicines simply because they get incentives and bonuses from the drug companies.
"When the consumers get their medication and make up their minds whether to get branded or generic drugs, they end up saving money.
"The Poisons Act 1952 allows for doctors to dispense drugs because there were hardly any pharmacists when the law was passed," he said.
There are now roughly 5,000 pharmacists and 13 pharmacy schools in the country that produce an average of 600 graduates every year.
Chang also said that with serious risks to health due to improper medication, it made better sense for patients to get their drugs from a pharmacist who would have spent four years acquiring the knowledge than from a doctor who had none.
"Doctors are only familiar with medicines that they often prescribe, not knowing adverse reactions and drug interactions. However, pharmacists are constantly in touch with the drugs industry," he said.
With the separation of functions between clinics and pharmacies, Malaysia will join the ranks of other developed countries around the world which separate the role of doctors and pharmacists.
In the last 30 years, Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia have implemented the separation with varying degrees of success.
When South Korean health officials enforced the separation in 2000, tens of thousands of doctors took to the streets and forced clinics around the country to close for three days.
The various countries also experienced teething problems such as administrational confusion when charging corporate patients seeking treatment in panel clinics or claiming health insurance.
Separation laws in several countries also had loopholes, abused by pharmacists who were in cahoots with doctors for patient referrals in exchange for kickbacks.
All this, Chang admitted, could very well also happen in Malaysia if the separation was not closely enforced and scrutinised.
Doctors to be disallowed from dispensing medicines
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Soon, doctors will not be allowed to dispense medicines. Doctors will only be allowed to prescribe medications but patients will have to get the medicines from pharmacies.
Currently, doctors diagnose the disease, prescribe the medicines and their own clinics dispense them.
For almost 20 years, pharmacists have been fighting for the "return" of their right to dispense medications but had been unsuccessful for various reasons.
A pilot project on the separation of functions between doctors' clinics and pharmacies will be launched by the Ministry of Health.
It is scheduled to be launched at selected major towns with the ministry closely monitoring the strength and weaknesses of the system before implementing it nationwide.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry was not able to implement this system earlier due to logistics problems, especially the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacies in the country.
"We also have to take into consideration the welfare of patients. If we have the separation, then patients must have easy accessibility to pharmacies to get their prescribed medications," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the ministry had conducted a detailed study, "Pharmacy and clinic Mapping" on various issues ranging from welfare of patients, facilities available and capability of pharmacies to meet the demand.
"We found that the logistics problem is still an issue and needs to be resolved as we do not want patients to be running around looking for pharmacies with the doctors' prescriptions," said Dr Ismail.
Furthermore, he said, the pharmacies should be able to provide quality care.
He said the ministry had been doing the study with various stakeholders, focusing on the spread of community pharmacies or pharmacy outlets in major towns, rural and remote areas.
Some 5,000 registered pharmacists are actively practising in some 1,600 pharmacies nationwide.
In 2004, there were only 3,927 registered pharmacists with about 1,540 retail pharmacies or one for every 16,445 persons.
Dr Ismail said the pilot project would be implemented in major towns based on the study where there were pharmacies near clinics.
"If the pilot project is successful, we will have to look into the existing laws to allow for the separation," he added.
India, South Korea and Taiwan have implemented the separation. Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang Chiew Pheng said the ministry's move to conduct a pilot project was definitely a positive development which would enhance the level of healthcare delivery.
The separation, he added, would benefit patients as doctors could now focus on their clinical, diagnosing, counselling and prescription, while pharmacists could focus on educating patients on how best to optimise the usage of medicines prescribed.
Furthermore, Chang said, pharmacists could help patients choose between generic and branded drugs based on their financial situation.
"With commitment and determination we can overcome teething problems and patients can understand their medicines," he added.
He said if the government went ahead with the separation, then more pharmacies could be set up near clinics for easy accessibility to patients.
Currently, doctors diagnose the disease, prescribe the medicines and their own clinics dispense them.
For almost 20 years, pharmacists have been fighting for the "return" of their right to dispense medications but had been unsuccessful for various reasons.
A pilot project on the separation of functions between doctors' clinics and pharmacies will be launched by the Ministry of Health.
It is scheduled to be launched at selected major towns with the ministry closely monitoring the strength and weaknesses of the system before implementing it nationwide.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry was not able to implement this system earlier due to logistics problems, especially the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacies in the country.
"We also have to take into consideration the welfare of patients. If we have the separation, then patients must have easy accessibility to pharmacies to get their prescribed medications," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the ministry had conducted a detailed study, "Pharmacy and clinic Mapping" on various issues ranging from welfare of patients, facilities available and capability of pharmacies to meet the demand.
"We found that the logistics problem is still an issue and needs to be resolved as we do not want patients to be running around looking for pharmacies with the doctors' prescriptions," said Dr Ismail.
Furthermore, he said, the pharmacies should be able to provide quality care.
He said the ministry had been doing the study with various stakeholders, focusing on the spread of community pharmacies or pharmacy outlets in major towns, rural and remote areas.
Some 5,000 registered pharmacists are actively practising in some 1,600 pharmacies nationwide.
In 2004, there were only 3,927 registered pharmacists with about 1,540 retail pharmacies or one for every 16,445 persons.
Dr Ismail said the pilot project would be implemented in major towns based on the study where there were pharmacies near clinics.
"If the pilot project is successful, we will have to look into the existing laws to allow for the separation," he added.
India, South Korea and Taiwan have implemented the separation. Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president John Chang Chiew Pheng said the ministry's move to conduct a pilot project was definitely a positive development which would enhance the level of healthcare delivery.
The separation, he added, would benefit patients as doctors could now focus on their clinical, diagnosing, counselling and prescription, while pharmacists could focus on educating patients on how best to optimise the usage of medicines prescribed.
Furthermore, Chang said, pharmacists could help patients choose between generic and branded drugs based on their financial situation.
"With commitment and determination we can overcome teething problems and patients can understand their medicines," he added.
He said if the government went ahead with the separation, then more pharmacies could be set up near clinics for easy accessibility to patients.
Friday, March 28, 2008
5.1 million to gain from Socso free check-up
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) will provide a one-time free medical check-up for contributors aged 35 and above.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, who announced this yesterday, said Socso hoped to provide more benefits to its 5.1 million contributors.
He also called on employers to notify Socso of injuries sustained by their workers so that the processing of compensation could be speeded up.
"We have trained more than 900 government doctors to carry out examinations for workers seeking compensation for injuries.
"At the same time, our panel doctors will help speed up rehabilitation of patients so that they can return to work as soon as possible," he said after a three-hour briefing by Socso officials at its headquarters in Jalan Ampang here.
Present were Dr Subramaniam's deputy, Datuk Noraini Ahmad, and ministry secretary-general Datuk Thomas George.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) welcomed the free medical check-up.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said medical check-ups should be conducted more frequently with age.
"Just like a car, the older it gets the more frequent servicing it needs.
"Older people may require not only more frequent medical check-ups but more stringent ones, too. This can be costly," he said.
Dr Khoo said medical check-ups should be conducted from young so that abnormalities could be detected early.
He added that as people today were more health conscious, Socso could undertake more programmes to educate workers on health risks and remedies.
MTUC secretary-general G. Rajasekeran said Socso's free check-up was a good start.He also hoped Socso would make the free check-ups available more frequently to workers exposed to health hazards, such as those working in mines, mills, quarries and factories dealing with chemicals, electronics and asbestos.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, who announced this yesterday, said Socso hoped to provide more benefits to its 5.1 million contributors.
He also called on employers to notify Socso of injuries sustained by their workers so that the processing of compensation could be speeded up.
"We have trained more than 900 government doctors to carry out examinations for workers seeking compensation for injuries.
"At the same time, our panel doctors will help speed up rehabilitation of patients so that they can return to work as soon as possible," he said after a three-hour briefing by Socso officials at its headquarters in Jalan Ampang here.
Present were Dr Subramaniam's deputy, Datuk Noraini Ahmad, and ministry secretary-general Datuk Thomas George.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) welcomed the free medical check-up.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said medical check-ups should be conducted more frequently with age.
"Just like a car, the older it gets the more frequent servicing it needs.
"Older people may require not only more frequent medical check-ups but more stringent ones, too. This can be costly," he said.
Dr Khoo said medical check-ups should be conducted from young so that abnormalities could be detected early.
He added that as people today were more health conscious, Socso could undertake more programmes to educate workers on health risks and remedies.
MTUC secretary-general G. Rajasekeran said Socso's free check-up was a good start.He also hoped Socso would make the free check-ups available more frequently to workers exposed to health hazards, such as those working in mines, mills, quarries and factories dealing with chemicals, electronics and asbestos.
No more fast food ads on kids’ TV shows
Star: PETALING JAYA: Children will now be fed a healthier diet of TV programmes.
Fast food advertisers have agreed not to place advertisements during children's programmes or sponsor such shows with immediate effect.
Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) president Datuk Vincent Lee said new guidelines would set the standards of what could be advertised.
“It will encourage companies to develop and advertise foods we wish our children to consume more of,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
“A pre-vetting system will be introduced to ensure that only advertisements which meet the new standards make it to the television screens and inappropriate advertisements weeded out.”
Lee said fast food advertisers also pledged not to encourage commercials showing excessive food consumption or provide inaccurate or misleading information on nutritional value in any product.
Such commercials would also not imply that a product could replace a complete or balanced diet, he said.
According to the statement, the guidelines had been accepted by the Health Ministry, which also mandated the nutritional labelling of fast food.
Malaysian Advertisers Association president Peter Das said the advertising industry wanted to work with the Government in promoting a healthy lifestyle and diet.
“There is a clear consumer demand for healthy options to which the industry is increasingly responding,” he said.
Fast food advertisers have agreed not to place advertisements during children's programmes or sponsor such shows with immediate effect.
Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) president Datuk Vincent Lee said new guidelines would set the standards of what could be advertised.
“It will encourage companies to develop and advertise foods we wish our children to consume more of,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
“A pre-vetting system will be introduced to ensure that only advertisements which meet the new standards make it to the television screens and inappropriate advertisements weeded out.”
Lee said fast food advertisers also pledged not to encourage commercials showing excessive food consumption or provide inaccurate or misleading information on nutritional value in any product.
Such commercials would also not imply that a product could replace a complete or balanced diet, he said.
According to the statement, the guidelines had been accepted by the Health Ministry, which also mandated the nutritional labelling of fast food.
Malaysian Advertisers Association president Peter Das said the advertising industry wanted to work with the Government in promoting a healthy lifestyle and diet.
“There is a clear consumer demand for healthy options to which the industry is increasingly responding,” he said.
Incentives for doctors working overtime
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has approved the Health Ministry’s proposal for incentive payments to be made to doctors and specialists working overtime and weekends.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said this would allow more elective surgeries to be held on Saturdays and more patients to seek treatment at certain health clinics after office hours.
“We already have these after-office hours services at 33 of our hospitals. The ministry decided to expand this to 16 health clinics so that non-critical patients can seek treatment at these places instead of coming to the emergency units at public hospitals,” he told reporters after chairing the post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
“It will also allow elective surgery to be conducted in 19 hospitals on Saturdays. These are among our measures to reduce the waiting time for patients from 45 minutes currently to 30 minutes. It will cost the ministry a total of RM19.3mil in allocation.”
On Feb 6, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican announced that doctors at selected clinics would be paid more than double or RM80 per hour in incentive payment for overtime while specialists would be paid RM200 per hour to work after office hours and on weekends.
Dr Ismail had said then that the proposal was pending approval from the Cabinet.
Liow said elective surgery on Saturdays were necessary because the number of operations had increased by 23% from 636,867 in 2002 to 782,514 in 2006.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said this would allow more elective surgeries to be held on Saturdays and more patients to seek treatment at certain health clinics after office hours.
“We already have these after-office hours services at 33 of our hospitals. The ministry decided to expand this to 16 health clinics so that non-critical patients can seek treatment at these places instead of coming to the emergency units at public hospitals,” he told reporters after chairing the post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
“It will also allow elective surgery to be conducted in 19 hospitals on Saturdays. These are among our measures to reduce the waiting time for patients from 45 minutes currently to 30 minutes. It will cost the ministry a total of RM19.3mil in allocation.”
On Feb 6, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican announced that doctors at selected clinics would be paid more than double or RM80 per hour in incentive payment for overtime while specialists would be paid RM200 per hour to work after office hours and on weekends.
Dr Ismail had said then that the proposal was pending approval from the Cabinet.
Liow said elective surgery on Saturdays were necessary because the number of operations had increased by 23% from 636,867 in 2002 to 782,514 in 2006.
Clinics to take load off emergency units
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Sixteen health clinics nationwide will start operating after office hours in a bid to lessen the number of patients at the emergency units in hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said these clinics, which see a lot of patients, would offer services from 5pm to 9.30pm.
"We already have these after office hours services at 33 of our hospitals. The ministry decided to expand this to the health clinics so that non-critical patients can seek treatment at these places, instead of coming to the emergency units at public hospitals.
"These are among our measures to reduce the waiting time for patients from 45 minutes currently to 30 minutes, which is our target.
"The Cabinet has also approved the ministry's proposal for doctors and specialists working on weekends to be paid incentives, and for those working overtime to have their fees increased from RM30 per hour currently to RM80," he told reporters Wednesday after chairing the post-Cabinet meeting here.
On Feb 6, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican had announced that doctors at selected clinics would be paid more than double or RM80 per hour in incentive payment while specialists would be paid RM200 per hour to work after office hours and on weekends.
This would allow them more time to serve the public and to conduct elective surgery from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays at 19 selected hospitals to reduce the backlog of cases.
Liow said elective surgery on Saturdays were necessary because the number of operations had increased by 23% from 636,867 in 2002 to 782,514 in 2006.
"This increase has forced our anaesthesiologists and surgeons to give priority to emergency cases. This has caused our non-critical patients to wait between one to six months for their surgery," he said, adding that this could lead to their conditions becoming more chronic and affecting their quality of life.
He said the ministry also planned to include more hospitals and clinics offering such services if this project proved to be successful.
"It will cost the ministry a total of RM19.3mil," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said these clinics, which see a lot of patients, would offer services from 5pm to 9.30pm.
"We already have these after office hours services at 33 of our hospitals. The ministry decided to expand this to the health clinics so that non-critical patients can seek treatment at these places, instead of coming to the emergency units at public hospitals.
"These are among our measures to reduce the waiting time for patients from 45 minutes currently to 30 minutes, which is our target.
"The Cabinet has also approved the ministry's proposal for doctors and specialists working on weekends to be paid incentives, and for those working overtime to have their fees increased from RM30 per hour currently to RM80," he told reporters Wednesday after chairing the post-Cabinet meeting here.
On Feb 6, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican had announced that doctors at selected clinics would be paid more than double or RM80 per hour in incentive payment while specialists would be paid RM200 per hour to work after office hours and on weekends.
This would allow them more time to serve the public and to conduct elective surgery from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays at 19 selected hospitals to reduce the backlog of cases.
Liow said elective surgery on Saturdays were necessary because the number of operations had increased by 23% from 636,867 in 2002 to 782,514 in 2006.
"This increase has forced our anaesthesiologists and surgeons to give priority to emergency cases. This has caused our non-critical patients to wait between one to six months for their surgery," he said, adding that this could lead to their conditions becoming more chronic and affecting their quality of life.
He said the ministry also planned to include more hospitals and clinics offering such services if this project proved to be successful.
"It will cost the ministry a total of RM19.3mil," he said.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kidney Patients On The Rise
KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- About 15,000 kidney patients underwent dialysis nationwide last year and the number is expected to increase to 20,000 by 2010, Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) head of nephrology Dr Ghazali Ahmad said today.
"So far,57 per cent of the chronic kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes and if not treated early, the patients may have to undergo dialysis," he told reporters after the launch of the World Kidney Day by HKL director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain here.
Most kidney failure cases area caused by diabetes, said Dr Ghazali.
He advised the public to maintain balanced and nutritious diet to prevent diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure which are associated with kidney problems.
In her speech, Dr Zaininah said steps should be taken not only to treat kidney patients, but also to slow down the process of kidney failure to delay dialysis and prevent disease that increase the risks of kidney problems.
The annual World Kidney Day organised by the HKL Nephrology Department in collaboration with its Catering and Dietetic Department is aimed at raising public awareness in the prevention, detection, and treatment of kidney disease.
"So far,57 per cent of the chronic kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes and if not treated early, the patients may have to undergo dialysis," he told reporters after the launch of the World Kidney Day by HKL director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain here.
Most kidney failure cases area caused by diabetes, said Dr Ghazali.
He advised the public to maintain balanced and nutritious diet to prevent diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure which are associated with kidney problems.
In her speech, Dr Zaininah said steps should be taken not only to treat kidney patients, but also to slow down the process of kidney failure to delay dialysis and prevent disease that increase the risks of kidney problems.
The annual World Kidney Day organised by the HKL Nephrology Department in collaboration with its Catering and Dietetic Department is aimed at raising public awareness in the prevention, detection, and treatment of kidney disease.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Promotions for house officers in govt hospitals
Star: PUTRAJAYA: At least 2,000 graduate house officers in government hospitals will get an automatic promotion to grade UD44 upon completion of their two-year housemanship in 2010.
They will be getting at least RM6,000 including allowances every month which is almost double what the present graduate house officers are getting.
At present, graduate house officers come under UD41 with a monthly income of RM3,768.39 including allowances. Most of them are stuck under the grade for at least six to seven years or more.
"This is a hefty jump," Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican announced at a press conference here on Wednesday.
He said the promotion exercise was expected to cost RM1.7mil annually.
Dr Ismail said at least 7,000 house officers under UD41 and UD44, who were appointed before 2008, would also get their long overdue promotions, which would cost RM9.8mil.
He said those who had been stuck under the grade for many years would however be placed under the higher scale of UD44.
"Hopefully, this promotion opportunity will indirectly encourage many doctors to remain in the civil service," he said, adding that at least 70% of young doctors under UD41 resigned to join the private sector.
The Health Ministry extended the housemanship from one year to two years in January following several complaints including the unsatisfactory quality of service.
They will be getting at least RM6,000 including allowances every month which is almost double what the present graduate house officers are getting.
At present, graduate house officers come under UD41 with a monthly income of RM3,768.39 including allowances. Most of them are stuck under the grade for at least six to seven years or more.
"This is a hefty jump," Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican announced at a press conference here on Wednesday.
He said the promotion exercise was expected to cost RM1.7mil annually.
Dr Ismail said at least 7,000 house officers under UD41 and UD44, who were appointed before 2008, would also get their long overdue promotions, which would cost RM9.8mil.
He said those who had been stuck under the grade for many years would however be placed under the higher scale of UD44.
"Hopefully, this promotion opportunity will indirectly encourage many doctors to remain in the civil service," he said, adding that at least 70% of young doctors under UD41 resigned to join the private sector.
The Health Ministry extended the housemanship from one year to two years in January following several complaints including the unsatisfactory quality of service.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
University boost
Sun2Surf: PUTRAJAYA (Feb 12, 2008): Improving the standards of medical and healthcare programmes by ensuring qualified educators and quality students. This will be the catalyst to enhance the ranking of Malaysian universities, which has been sliding in the past few years.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said yesterday this is a key component in the government’s efforts to enhance the level of excellence of public universities, including instilling a high-performance culture, increasing transparency, and ensuring autonomy of university management.
To begin with, Mustapa said, Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam will call for a meeting between Mustapa’s ministry and the Health Ministry soon to discuss outstanding matters.
These matters include the placement of medical students in government hospitals, the limited number of places in universities for medical programmes, and the involvement of academicians in tertiary lectures, hospital administration and clinical work.
"We want to find solutions that will meet and benefit the national agenda, not only those that serve the respective ministries’ objectives," Mustapa told a press conference after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak at Najib’s office.
"We are happy that many issues have been resolved but there is a need to strengthen this relationship so that everything is seen from the context of national and global competitiveness."
The meeting was also attended by representatives from the PSD, Treasury, Economic Planning Unit, and the management of 20 public universities. Mustapa said the meeting, the first to look into issues on higher education and researches, also discussed last year’s Times Higher Education Supplement-Quacquarelli- Symonds (THES-QS) World University Rankings, which did not include any Malaysian university in the list of top 200 universities.
He said the government has laid out strategic plans to boost the universities’ rankings, including giving more allocations to universities for research purposes.
The meeting also discussed giving more financial autonomy to vice-chancellors, provided it is taken "with accountability and responsibility".
The VCs would have a freehand in running the universities financially and turning them into high-performance institutions.
However, for this to be realised, it will need the cabinet’s approval and amendments to the existing laws.
Mustapa said they also discussed the Financial Procedure Act in relation to the establishment of subsidiaries.
"If we want to form a subsidiary, we have to go to the Finance Ministry. This is a legal requirement.
Some procedures definitely need to be speeded up and bureaucracy minimised so that the plans can be executed smoothly," he said.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said yesterday this is a key component in the government’s efforts to enhance the level of excellence of public universities, including instilling a high-performance culture, increasing transparency, and ensuring autonomy of university management.
To begin with, Mustapa said, Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam will call for a meeting between Mustapa’s ministry and the Health Ministry soon to discuss outstanding matters.
These matters include the placement of medical students in government hospitals, the limited number of places in universities for medical programmes, and the involvement of academicians in tertiary lectures, hospital administration and clinical work.
"We want to find solutions that will meet and benefit the national agenda, not only those that serve the respective ministries’ objectives," Mustapa told a press conference after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak at Najib’s office.
"We are happy that many issues have been resolved but there is a need to strengthen this relationship so that everything is seen from the context of national and global competitiveness."
The meeting was also attended by representatives from the PSD, Treasury, Economic Planning Unit, and the management of 20 public universities. Mustapa said the meeting, the first to look into issues on higher education and researches, also discussed last year’s Times Higher Education Supplement-Quacquarelli- Symonds (THES-QS) World University Rankings, which did not include any Malaysian university in the list of top 200 universities.
He said the government has laid out strategic plans to boost the universities’ rankings, including giving more allocations to universities for research purposes.
The meeting also discussed giving more financial autonomy to vice-chancellors, provided it is taken "with accountability and responsibility".
The VCs would have a freehand in running the universities financially and turning them into high-performance institutions.
However, for this to be realised, it will need the cabinet’s approval and amendments to the existing laws.
Mustapa said they also discussed the Financial Procedure Act in relation to the establishment of subsidiaries.
"If we want to form a subsidiary, we have to go to the Finance Ministry. This is a legal requirement.
Some procedures definitely need to be speeded up and bureaucracy minimised so that the plans can be executed smoothly," he said.
Move to improve education system in varsities
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The education system in Malaysia’s public universities must be improved with greater transparency and meritocracy, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.
He said this was among the issues decided at the inaugural meeting of various government agencies and university representatives to further boost the performance of the universities.
“We will also continue with our earlier plan to create apex universities and give more autonomous power to universities with financial freedom to the vice-chancellors,” he told reporters after the meeting yesterday.
Mustapa said various government agencies would work together with the Higher Education Ministry to bring an overall improvement to public universities.
The aim is also to push up the world ranking of the country’s 22 local public universities.
He said that in principle, it was agreed that a few regulations and laws pertaining to universities would be amended to pave the way for the planned improvements, including the Financial Procedures Act.
“The amendments would be proposed to the Cabinet in due course,” said Mustapa.
He said that the plan would also include getting highly qualified lecturers, where merit would not be compromised.
Mustapa also said 50 participants from 42 countries would take part in the annual International Bahasa Melayu Oration Competition this year.
The participation this year is nearly double last year’s 23 participating countries, he said.
He said this was among the issues decided at the inaugural meeting of various government agencies and university representatives to further boost the performance of the universities.
“We will also continue with our earlier plan to create apex universities and give more autonomous power to universities with financial freedom to the vice-chancellors,” he told reporters after the meeting yesterday.
Mustapa said various government agencies would work together with the Higher Education Ministry to bring an overall improvement to public universities.
The aim is also to push up the world ranking of the country’s 22 local public universities.
He said that in principle, it was agreed that a few regulations and laws pertaining to universities would be amended to pave the way for the planned improvements, including the Financial Procedures Act.
“The amendments would be proposed to the Cabinet in due course,” said Mustapa.
He said that the plan would also include getting highly qualified lecturers, where merit would not be compromised.
Mustapa also said 50 participants from 42 countries would take part in the annual International Bahasa Melayu Oration Competition this year.
The participation this year is nearly double last year’s 23 participating countries, he said.
Stringent tests, labelling for new drugs, food
NST: PUTRAJAYA: All new food and pharmaceutical products will have to undergo stringent testing before they can be brought on the market.
Both local and foreign producers and manufacturers will have to obtain “pre-market approval” and have their products certified fit for sale.
The Health Ministry Food Safety and Quality Control division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad said under the new requirement, producers of food and pharmaceutical products will need to conduct an analysis on their goods and submit the findings.
They must list clearly any claims of benefit and function, as well as the ingredients, nutrients and additives in the product.
Products will not be allowed on the shelves until they meet the requirements, he said.
And once a product has been approved, it will be given a serial number for easy monitoring.
Under the pre-market approval system, proper labelling of products will be emphasised and misleading product names will be rejected. For example, a biscuit cannot be called “Biskuat", implying that eating it would make one strong (kuat).
“This new system will curb label abuse and rampant false advertising,” Dr Abd Rahim said, adding that this would also ensure that product labels did not breach the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
He said all labels must provide details of the producers and cannot make exaggerated claims, like “a good diet begins with X” and “drink X for a healthier lifestyle".
Claims that a certain product is recommended for those with diabetes, cancer, hypertension and kidney problems are also not allowed.
And producers cannot claim that their product is above the rest, by saying, for example, “X does not contain boric acid", as this negative remark suggests that competitors’ products contain the substance.
Dr Abd Rahim said Thailand and Indonesia had fully implemented this system and Malaysia would do it in stages.
“There are so many products being introduced. For starters, we will focus on children’s products, including milk formula, and perishable goods and products targeted at senior citizens,” he told a media dialogue on food safety and quality yesterday.
Both local and foreign producers and manufacturers will have to obtain “pre-market approval” and have their products certified fit for sale.
The Health Ministry Food Safety and Quality Control division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad said under the new requirement, producers of food and pharmaceutical products will need to conduct an analysis on their goods and submit the findings.
They must list clearly any claims of benefit and function, as well as the ingredients, nutrients and additives in the product.
Products will not be allowed on the shelves until they meet the requirements, he said.
And once a product has been approved, it will be given a serial number for easy monitoring.
Under the pre-market approval system, proper labelling of products will be emphasised and misleading product names will be rejected. For example, a biscuit cannot be called “Biskuat", implying that eating it would make one strong (kuat).
“This new system will curb label abuse and rampant false advertising,” Dr Abd Rahim said, adding that this would also ensure that product labels did not breach the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
He said all labels must provide details of the producers and cannot make exaggerated claims, like “a good diet begins with X” and “drink X for a healthier lifestyle".
Claims that a certain product is recommended for those with diabetes, cancer, hypertension and kidney problems are also not allowed.
And producers cannot claim that their product is above the rest, by saying, for example, “X does not contain boric acid", as this negative remark suggests that competitors’ products contain the substance.
Dr Abd Rahim said Thailand and Indonesia had fully implemented this system and Malaysia would do it in stages.
“There are so many products being introduced. For starters, we will focus on children’s products, including milk formula, and perishable goods and products targeted at senior citizens,” he told a media dialogue on food safety and quality yesterday.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tailgating for a faster drive
NST: KLANG: Some Malaysians have a dirty habit: moving in behind a passing ambulance with its siren blaring so they can take advantage of the freed-up space for a faster, smoother drive.
What these people do not realise is that their bad habit could cause a problem.
An average of two Malaysian Red Crescent Society ambulances are involved in accidents every month in Selangor alone because of the actions of these motorists.
It is taking a huge toll on the resources of the charitable organisation.
Selangor Red Crescent Society deputy chairman Venu- kopalan Chellathurai said more than half of the organisation’s maintenance bills for the six ambulances it operates were for “body work” after being hit from behind.
“Of the RM29,000 spent on repairs last year, almost RM15,000 was used for body work. That’s a huge sum for a non-governmental organisation.”
Inconsiderate motorists who tailgate ambulances responding to emergencies were the main culprits.
“They are oblivious to the danger to themselves, the ambulance crew and patient either in the ambulance or at the scene, due to the delay any accident will cause,” said Venukopalan.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Noel Silas Savarimuthu said in most instances, the culprits did not even bother to stop.
“There is little we can do if we are responding to an emergency; people’s lives are at stake and every second counts.”
He said there had been instances of EMTs being injured when their ambulance was hit from behind by other vehicles.
The society also bemoaned the fact that motorists did not follow the rules when it came to emergency lanes.
The fact that motorists used the emergency lane as “just another lane” during traffic jams, coupled with some who ignored sirens on emergency vehicles, added to the response time for EMTs.
The society believed the problem was in education and enforcement.
Venukopalan said the right response to an ambulance with its siren blaring and beacons flashing was not addressed in the syllabus of local driving tests or current road laws.
“Even the use of sirens and beacons, once reserved for the police, Fire and Rescue Department and ambulances, seems to have been extended to commercial vehicles such as hearses, trucks and buses.”
Venukopalan said the subject should be introduced to future generations of drivers while they are in school.
“The subject should be broached during primary school, reinforced while they study for driving tests and enforced strictly by the enforcement authorities.”
What these people do not realise is that their bad habit could cause a problem.
An average of two Malaysian Red Crescent Society ambulances are involved in accidents every month in Selangor alone because of the actions of these motorists.
It is taking a huge toll on the resources of the charitable organisation.
Selangor Red Crescent Society deputy chairman Venu- kopalan Chellathurai said more than half of the organisation’s maintenance bills for the six ambulances it operates were for “body work” after being hit from behind.
“Of the RM29,000 spent on repairs last year, almost RM15,000 was used for body work. That’s a huge sum for a non-governmental organisation.”
Inconsiderate motorists who tailgate ambulances responding to emergencies were the main culprits.
“They are oblivious to the danger to themselves, the ambulance crew and patient either in the ambulance or at the scene, due to the delay any accident will cause,” said Venukopalan.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Noel Silas Savarimuthu said in most instances, the culprits did not even bother to stop.
“There is little we can do if we are responding to an emergency; people’s lives are at stake and every second counts.”
He said there had been instances of EMTs being injured when their ambulance was hit from behind by other vehicles.
The society also bemoaned the fact that motorists did not follow the rules when it came to emergency lanes.
The fact that motorists used the emergency lane as “just another lane” during traffic jams, coupled with some who ignored sirens on emergency vehicles, added to the response time for EMTs.
The society believed the problem was in education and enforcement.
Venukopalan said the right response to an ambulance with its siren blaring and beacons flashing was not addressed in the syllabus of local driving tests or current road laws.
“Even the use of sirens and beacons, once reserved for the police, Fire and Rescue Department and ambulances, seems to have been extended to commercial vehicles such as hearses, trucks and buses.”
Venukopalan said the subject should be introduced to future generations of drivers while they are in school.
“The subject should be broached during primary school, reinforced while they study for driving tests and enforced strictly by the enforcement authorities.”
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Unregistered clinic: Doctor’s wife files application to reduce fine
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of a doctor who is in jail after failing to settle a RM120,000 fine has filed a revision to reduce the amount.
Norliza Hassan, 44, has also applied for her husband to be released on a good behaviour bond.
Her husband, Dr Basmullah Yusoff, was found guilty of operating his clinic, Pusat Perubatan Al Hilal Sdn Bhd in Kampung Pandan, which was not registered.
He became the first doctor in the country to be convicted under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 Act for operating an unregistered clinic.
He was fined RM120,000 or three months’ jail. He could not raise the amount and has been serving his sentence at the Kajang Prison since Jan 19.
Norliza, a canteen worker, made the application through her counsel Karpal Singh at the High Court registry yesterday.
She named the public prosecutor as the respondent.
Karpal said he had filed a notice of urgency for the application to be heard tomorrow.
In her supporting affidavit, Norliza claimed her husband was unrepresented and was not informed of the maximum fine.
She said the Sessions Court should have informed him of the hefty fine so that he could seek legal aid.
Norliza also claimed that her husband, in a written mitigation, had stated he was unable to raise the RM120,000 fine or pay it in instalments.
Norliza, who was present during the filing, said an enforcement officer from the Health Ministry had posed as a patient before nabbing her husband.
“My husband was treated like a criminal, seeing the number of enforcement officers who raided the clinic,” she said, adding that Dr Basmullah had been operating the clinic for 19 years.
Norliza claimed that her husband did not know the requirement of the Health Ministry to have the clinic registered.
Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had appealed to doctors not to blame him for Dr Basmullah’s jail sentence.
He had said the legislation was to weed out bogus doctors who posed a threat to public health and safety.
“I wanted to ensure that genuine doctors were registered. My paramount concern was patients’ safety.
“We are talking about people’s health and lives,” he had said.
He claimed the ministry had given ample time for doctors to register their clinics.
Under the Act, Dr Basmullah was liable to a maximum fine of RM500,000.
Norliza Hassan, 44, has also applied for her husband to be released on a good behaviour bond.
Her husband, Dr Basmullah Yusoff, was found guilty of operating his clinic, Pusat Perubatan Al Hilal Sdn Bhd in Kampung Pandan, which was not registered.
He became the first doctor in the country to be convicted under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 Act for operating an unregistered clinic.
He was fined RM120,000 or three months’ jail. He could not raise the amount and has been serving his sentence at the Kajang Prison since Jan 19.
Norliza, a canteen worker, made the application through her counsel Karpal Singh at the High Court registry yesterday.
She named the public prosecutor as the respondent.
Karpal said he had filed a notice of urgency for the application to be heard tomorrow.
In her supporting affidavit, Norliza claimed her husband was unrepresented and was not informed of the maximum fine.
She said the Sessions Court should have informed him of the hefty fine so that he could seek legal aid.
Norliza also claimed that her husband, in a written mitigation, had stated he was unable to raise the RM120,000 fine or pay it in instalments.
Norliza, who was present during the filing, said an enforcement officer from the Health Ministry had posed as a patient before nabbing her husband.
“My husband was treated like a criminal, seeing the number of enforcement officers who raided the clinic,” she said, adding that Dr Basmullah had been operating the clinic for 19 years.
Norliza claimed that her husband did not know the requirement of the Health Ministry to have the clinic registered.
Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had appealed to doctors not to blame him for Dr Basmullah’s jail sentence.
He had said the legislation was to weed out bogus doctors who posed a threat to public health and safety.
“I wanted to ensure that genuine doctors were registered. My paramount concern was patients’ safety.
“We are talking about people’s health and lives,” he had said.
He claimed the ministry had given ample time for doctors to register their clinics.
Under the Act, Dr Basmullah was liable to a maximum fine of RM500,000.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Health department steps up checks on foodstuff
Star: JOHOR BARU: The state health department has intensified inspections in a bid to ensure that all festive foodstuff sold is safe for consumption.
An operation, codenamed Ops Shu 2008, began on Jan 24 targeting supermarkets, mini markets and sundry shops in Johor and will go on till the Chinese New Year.
Up to Jan 31, the department had checked 116 premises and sent food samples for analysis.
Johor health director Dr Marzukhi Md Isa said 17 of the 77 samples tested for boric acid were positive.
He said the foodstuff included yellow noodles, koay teow, Nyonya kuih and bak chang and the people responsible would be charged for preparing or selling food containing substances injurious to health.
If convicted, a person can be fined not more than RM100,000 or jailed for up to 10 years or both.
“We also sent 22 samples for beta agonist tests but the results have yet to be finalised,” he told a press conference at his office here yesterday.
He said imported products such as fruits, mushroom, waxed duck and seaweed would be tested for pesticides, colouring, preservatives and heavy metals.
Dr Marzukhi said his officers also seized 620 cans of foodstuff worth some RM78,000 from the premises.
“The canned foods seized were dented, expired or were found to have labelling problems,” he said, adding these products would be destroyed.
Dr Marzukhi said the department would also step up checks on the cleanliness of premises selling food, including restaurants and hawker centres.
An operation, codenamed Ops Shu 2008, began on Jan 24 targeting supermarkets, mini markets and sundry shops in Johor and will go on till the Chinese New Year.
Up to Jan 31, the department had checked 116 premises and sent food samples for analysis.
Johor health director Dr Marzukhi Md Isa said 17 of the 77 samples tested for boric acid were positive.
He said the foodstuff included yellow noodles, koay teow, Nyonya kuih and bak chang and the people responsible would be charged for preparing or selling food containing substances injurious to health.
If convicted, a person can be fined not more than RM100,000 or jailed for up to 10 years or both.
“We also sent 22 samples for beta agonist tests but the results have yet to be finalised,” he told a press conference at his office here yesterday.
He said imported products such as fruits, mushroom, waxed duck and seaweed would be tested for pesticides, colouring, preservatives and heavy metals.
Dr Marzukhi said his officers also seized 620 cans of foodstuff worth some RM78,000 from the premises.
“The canned foods seized were dented, expired or were found to have labelling problems,” he said, adding these products would be destroyed.
Dr Marzukhi said the department would also step up checks on the cleanliness of premises selling food, including restaurants and hawker centres.
Must-do stint for ‘beauty docs’
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Doctors who practise aesthetic medicine will have to go through a training module to ensure they are suitably qualified. And it could take up to three years.
The Health Ministry will soon draw up a training module for aesthetic medicine and doctors who undergo the programme will be acknowledged as specialists.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry and The Academy of Medicine Malaysia did not recognise the field as a sub-speciality now.
“While this is pending, we will not allow a person to call himself an aesthetic specialist,” he told reporters yesterday.
And clinics that use the word “aesthetic” on their signboards must remove it. They could, however, include it in their list of services, he added.
“All doctors have to undergo this three year training locally and overseas before they can claim to be a sub specialist,” Dr Ismail said.
He also revealed a case where a doctor underwent a five-day course and received a certificate.
An additional five days gained him a diploma, he added.
“We have characters like that in our midst,” he said.
From now on, doctors who offer aesthetic procedures must produce proof of their training and qualifications to the ministry’s medical practice division before they are allowed to carry out the procedures.
Currently, 60 establishments have applied for the approval.
“Our role is not to be restrictive but it is our responsibility to the public. Patient safety overrides everything else,” Dr Ismail added.
The Health Ministry will soon draw up a training module for aesthetic medicine and doctors who undergo the programme will be acknowledged as specialists.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry and The Academy of Medicine Malaysia did not recognise the field as a sub-speciality now.
“While this is pending, we will not allow a person to call himself an aesthetic specialist,” he told reporters yesterday.
And clinics that use the word “aesthetic” on their signboards must remove it. They could, however, include it in their list of services, he added.
“All doctors have to undergo this three year training locally and overseas before they can claim to be a sub specialist,” Dr Ismail said.
He also revealed a case where a doctor underwent a five-day course and received a certificate.
An additional five days gained him a diploma, he added.
“We have characters like that in our midst,” he said.
From now on, doctors who offer aesthetic procedures must produce proof of their training and qualifications to the ministry’s medical practice division before they are allowed to carry out the procedures.
Currently, 60 establishments have applied for the approval.
“Our role is not to be restrictive but it is our responsibility to the public. Patient safety overrides everything else,” Dr Ismail added.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Doctor chose to go to jail
NST: PUTRAJAYA: The doctor who is behind bars for three months for failing to pay a RM120,000 fine over his unregistered clinic preferred jail to paying the amount in instalments.
Dr Basmullah Yusom declined the Health Ministry's offer to stay out of jail.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the offer was made to the doctor by the ministry's prosecuting officer.
"It's not that we do not care for doctors or are unsympathetic to them," he said when asked about the strong feelings within the medical fraternity over Dr Basmullah's imprisonment.
Dr Ismail said it was time the ministry put the facts straight on the doctor's case.
"I want the medical fraternity and public to know what exactly happened."
He said action against the Al Hilal Polyclinic and Dr Basmullah was based on a complaint from a legal firm in May 2006.
Among others, he said, the complainant demanded to know the status of the clinic.
"Investigations confirmed that the clinic was unregistered. About the same period, ministry enforcement teams raided unregistered clinics owned by businessmen in Seremban, Klang and other towns and sealed them," he said.
Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek brought the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) into force on May 1, 2006.
Doctors did not want the act passed especially as they could become "criminals" if prosecuted by the ministry for specific offences.
The ministry has so far approved the registration of 6,322 clinics, 1,439 dental clinics and 51 clinics which offer aesthetic procedures.
Dr Ismail said this spoke volumes of the support from the majority of doctors.
He said Dr Basmullah could have registered his clinic after his clinic was sealed on July 11, last year but did not do so.
"Despite the sealing, Dr Basmullah did not take the initiative to register. He also chose not to be represented in court. He pleaded guilty to the charge."
He said the ministry viewed the matter as a landmark case in efforts to regulate the medical care sector.
"If Dr Basmullah feels he has been harshly sentenced by the Sessions Court, he has the right to appeal to a higher court," he added.
Dr Basmullah, 44, pleaded guilty to operating the Al-Hilal Medical Centre Sdn Bhd at 55, Jalan 5/76B, Desa Pandan off Jalan Kampung Pandan since 1998. The father of eight, who claimed he could not raise the fine, is serving his sentence at the Kajang Prison.
Dr Basmullah Yusom declined the Health Ministry's offer to stay out of jail.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the offer was made to the doctor by the ministry's prosecuting officer.
"It's not that we do not care for doctors or are unsympathetic to them," he said when asked about the strong feelings within the medical fraternity over Dr Basmullah's imprisonment.
Dr Ismail said it was time the ministry put the facts straight on the doctor's case.
"I want the medical fraternity and public to know what exactly happened."
He said action against the Al Hilal Polyclinic and Dr Basmullah was based on a complaint from a legal firm in May 2006.
Among others, he said, the complainant demanded to know the status of the clinic.
"Investigations confirmed that the clinic was unregistered. About the same period, ministry enforcement teams raided unregistered clinics owned by businessmen in Seremban, Klang and other towns and sealed them," he said.
Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek brought the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) into force on May 1, 2006.
Doctors did not want the act passed especially as they could become "criminals" if prosecuted by the ministry for specific offences.
The ministry has so far approved the registration of 6,322 clinics, 1,439 dental clinics and 51 clinics which offer aesthetic procedures.
Dr Ismail said this spoke volumes of the support from the majority of doctors.
He said Dr Basmullah could have registered his clinic after his clinic was sealed on July 11, last year but did not do so.
"Despite the sealing, Dr Basmullah did not take the initiative to register. He also chose not to be represented in court. He pleaded guilty to the charge."
He said the ministry viewed the matter as a landmark case in efforts to regulate the medical care sector.
"If Dr Basmullah feels he has been harshly sentenced by the Sessions Court, he has the right to appeal to a higher court," he added.
Dr Basmullah, 44, pleaded guilty to operating the Al-Hilal Medical Centre Sdn Bhd at 55, Jalan 5/76B, Desa Pandan off Jalan Kampung Pandan since 1998. The father of eight, who claimed he could not raise the fine, is serving his sentence at the Kajang Prison.
Doctors cannot use 'aesthetic' on signboards
NST: PUTRAJAYA: A rose by any other name may smell just as sweet but the saying certainly does not apply to Malaysian doctors.
The Health Ministry has decided not to allow medical practitioners to use the word "aesthetic" on signboards to describe themselves.
The most they can do is list down aesthetic procedures on their signboards -- after approval from the ministry.
To date, 60 doctors have applied to practise aesthetic procedures with the ministry yet to decide on the matter.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the term "aesthetic specialist" was misleading as "there is no such entity in the medical field".
"Clinics that offer such services must produce evidence that the doctor has specialised training that tallies with requirements set by the ministry's medical practice division.
"If a doctor meets the standards and has an accredited certification, then we will allow him to offer the services. I must stress that doctors' priority when treating patients is their safety. The ministry will not compromise on this."
Dr Ismail said doctors must undergo a three-year sub-speciality course before operating on patients.
"Only then are they actually qualified to perform aesthetic surgeries," he told a press conference.
He said patients had the right to choose the mode of treatment or procedures to be used for the purpose of improving their physical appearance and general well-being.
The decision comes in the wake of discussions between ministry officials and the Malaysian Medical Council, Malaysian Dental Council, Malaysian Medical Association, the Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Plastics, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, Society for Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine Malaysia and Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine.
The meeting was held following an increase in the number of botched cosmetic surgeries performed by unqualified people.
Dr Ismail said the meeting also decided to develop a structured training module for aesthetic practice.
"The relevant societies have expressed their willingness to develop the module.
"This will be beneficial to local medical practitioners interested in aesthetic practice by serving as an alternative to courses commonly conducted by foreign aesthetic experts," he added.
He was aware of doctors who attended a three- to five- day course on aesthetic procedures before operating on patients.
Dr Ismail said problems over terminology used to describe doctors handling the aesthetic aspect of health would be resolved with the tabling of the Cosmetology Act in parliament later this year.
On the fate of the orthopaedic surgeon who operated on the wife of Labuan MP Datin Fatimah Wan Chik, Dr Ismail said he had been directed to submit his qualifications to the ministry.
"He has yet to submit them. We will have to ascertain if he had the proper qualifications and competency to perform cosmetic surgeries."
He said checks were also being conducted on whether the doctors's clinic in Klang had a licence to be used for such surgery.
Fatimah, who underwent surgery for removal of eyebags, a liposuction and a tummy tuck on Jan 9, is still in a coma at a private hospital here.
The Health Ministry has decided not to allow medical practitioners to use the word "aesthetic" on signboards to describe themselves.
The most they can do is list down aesthetic procedures on their signboards -- after approval from the ministry.
To date, 60 doctors have applied to practise aesthetic procedures with the ministry yet to decide on the matter.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the term "aesthetic specialist" was misleading as "there is no such entity in the medical field".
"Clinics that offer such services must produce evidence that the doctor has specialised training that tallies with requirements set by the ministry's medical practice division.
"If a doctor meets the standards and has an accredited certification, then we will allow him to offer the services. I must stress that doctors' priority when treating patients is their safety. The ministry will not compromise on this."
Dr Ismail said doctors must undergo a three-year sub-speciality course before operating on patients.
"Only then are they actually qualified to perform aesthetic surgeries," he told a press conference.
He said patients had the right to choose the mode of treatment or procedures to be used for the purpose of improving their physical appearance and general well-being.
The decision comes in the wake of discussions between ministry officials and the Malaysian Medical Council, Malaysian Dental Council, Malaysian Medical Association, the Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Plastics, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, Society for Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine Malaysia and Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine.
The meeting was held following an increase in the number of botched cosmetic surgeries performed by unqualified people.
Dr Ismail said the meeting also decided to develop a structured training module for aesthetic practice.
"The relevant societies have expressed their willingness to develop the module.
"This will be beneficial to local medical practitioners interested in aesthetic practice by serving as an alternative to courses commonly conducted by foreign aesthetic experts," he added.
He was aware of doctors who attended a three- to five- day course on aesthetic procedures before operating on patients.
Dr Ismail said problems over terminology used to describe doctors handling the aesthetic aspect of health would be resolved with the tabling of the Cosmetology Act in parliament later this year.
On the fate of the orthopaedic surgeon who operated on the wife of Labuan MP Datin Fatimah Wan Chik, Dr Ismail said he had been directed to submit his qualifications to the ministry.
"He has yet to submit them. We will have to ascertain if he had the proper qualifications and competency to perform cosmetic surgeries."
He said checks were also being conducted on whether the doctors's clinic in Klang had a licence to be used for such surgery.
Fatimah, who underwent surgery for removal of eyebags, a liposuction and a tummy tuck on Jan 9, is still in a coma at a private hospital here.
Aesthetic medicine to be officially recognised
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will draw up a training module for aesthetic medicine that will see medical practitioners who undertake the programme being acknowledged as specialists.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said currently the ministry and The Academy of Medicine Malaysia did not recognise the field as a sub-speciality.
He said stakeholders including professional bodies and associations would draw up a proposal to be presented to the ministry.
They included the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), Malaysian Dental Council, Malaysia Medical Association, The Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Plastics, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons and Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine.
A committee at the ministry would look into the recommendations.
"So, while this is pending, we will not allow a person to call himself an aesthetic specialist," he told reporters on Thursday.
"With the training module, it becomes a recognised sub-speciality with a three-year training scheme. All sub-specialists have to undergo this training locally and overseas before they can come back and claim to be sub-specialists." Dr Ismail said there were cases where the practitioner went for a five-day course and received a certificate. An additional five days gained him a diploma.
"We have characters like that in our midst," he said.
Dr Ismail added that with immediate effect, medical practitioners who currently offered aesthetic practices were required to produce evidence of their training and qualifications to the ministry's medical practice division before being allowed to carry out the procedures.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said currently the ministry and The Academy of Medicine Malaysia did not recognise the field as a sub-speciality.
He said stakeholders including professional bodies and associations would draw up a proposal to be presented to the ministry.
They included the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), Malaysian Dental Council, Malaysia Medical Association, The Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Plastics, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons and Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine.
A committee at the ministry would look into the recommendations.
"So, while this is pending, we will not allow a person to call himself an aesthetic specialist," he told reporters on Thursday.
"With the training module, it becomes a recognised sub-speciality with a three-year training scheme. All sub-specialists have to undergo this training locally and overseas before they can come back and claim to be sub-specialists." Dr Ismail said there were cases where the practitioner went for a five-day course and received a certificate. An additional five days gained him a diploma.
"We have characters like that in our midst," he said.
Dr Ismail added that with immediate effect, medical practitioners who currently offered aesthetic practices were required to produce evidence of their training and qualifications to the ministry's medical practice division before being allowed to carry out the procedures.
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