Star: SHAH ALAM: Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has taken the Selangor Health Department to task for failing to take effective measures which led to the outbreak of 68 dengue fever cases at eight apartment blocks here over the last 100 days.
Among the 68 victims living off Jalan Plumbum in Section 7, 70% were students age 17 to 35 from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
Liow told department director Dr Rosnah Hadis and Petaling medical officer Dr Ismail Samad that effective and proactive measures should have been taken to contain the disease within the two weeks.
“With immediate effect, all measures must be taken if there are more than two cases and within two weeks, the health department and local councils must overcome the problem,” he said. Liow added that there were 48 hot spots in Selangor which are concentrated in the urban areas.
“Even friends of mine are coming down with dengue fever. Our Selangor MCA state liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Liew Yuen Keong was struck with the disease two weeks ago,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Rosnah blamed the dengue outbreak at the Section 7 apartments to the higher rainfall and public apathy that encouraged the breeding of the Aedes mosquitoes.
She added that officers from the department were not able to contain the situation as most of the breeding grounds were actually inside the apartments, especially bath tubs filled with water for weeks while the tenants returned to their home towns for holidays.
Selangor Health Committee chairman Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar called on the residents to cooperate with health officers during fogging operations.
“Residents must allow our men to fog their homes. We are using water-based chemicals for fogging, so it will not leave an oily residue.”
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, February 02, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Dengue hotspots
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Fifty-four areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Perak have been identified as dengue hotspots.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said these areas were not free of dengue although it had been a month since the first case was reported.
An area should be free of new dengue cases for two weeks, following prevention and control measures, as well as cooperation from residents, he said on Friday.
Dr Ismail said 1,255 dengue cases were reported in the areas, with epidemic periods of between 30 and 125 days.
He said the 54 hotspots were as follows:
- SELANGOR: Petaling (Flat A and Flat C Section 7, Terrace A Section 7, Terrace A and Terrace B Section 18, Section U3 Subang Perdana and Section U10 Puncak Perdana); Kajang: (Taman Kajang Perdana, Taman Semenyih Indah, Taman Koperasi Cuepacs Batu 12, Taman Cheras Jaya, Taman Industri Mega, Taman Sri Jelok, Taman Zamrud, Taman Kajang Baru, Taman Kajang Jaya, Section 2 Bandar Sri Putra, Section 2 Bandar Rinching, Zone 1 Taman Sepakat Indah, Zone 1 Section 8 Bandar Baru Bangi, Zon 3 Section 16 Bandar Baru Bangi, Zone 5 Section 16 Bandar Baru Bangi and Zone 4 Taman Bukit Mewah); Shah Alam: (Perdana Apartments Section 13, Flat 18/3 (Eps 2), PKNS Flats Section 20, Section 6 flats, Padang Jawa B, Padang Jawa C, Pangsapuri Anggerik Section 16, Section 10, Section 11, Taman Alam Indah Section 33, Terrace A Section 25, Terrace C Section 27, Terrace A Section 25 and Terrace A Section 8); Gombak: (Bandar Baru Selayang F2, Kampung Laksamana, Taman Pinggiran Batu Caves Z2, Taman Samudera Timur and Taman Sri Gombak Zone 3); Subang Jaya: (Taman Puchong Perdana and Taman Serdang Perdana); Hulu Selangor: (Bandar Baru Batang Kali); Hulu Langat: (Kampung Sg Kantan Kajang and Kajang Prison quarters); and Sepang: (Taman Seroja Zone A).
- KUALA LUMPUR: Mentari, Lestari, and Cendana Apartments, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Sentul Utama Flats, Menara Orkid Bandar Baru Sentul and Taman Setiawangsa.
- PAHANG: Taman Mahkota Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan.
- PERAK: Taman Mewah Kamunting in Taiping.
Dr Ismail said 273 localities were affected by the epidemic, following at least two cases reported in each locality in the last two weeks.
Selangor reported 195 cases, Kuala Lumpur 32, Johor (11), Pahang (nine), Perak (eight), Penang (six), Sabah (three), two each in Kedah, Negri Sembilan and Malacca, and one case each in Terengganu, Kelantan and Sarawak.
Commenting on the dengue situation, Dr Ismail said 1,310 cases and five deaths were reported nationwide from Jan 18 to 25, compared with 1,578 cases and four deaths the previous week.
Dr Ismail said 136 Chikugunya cases were reported in the same period, with the majority of cases in Perak (48), Selangor (24), Johor (17) and Kelantan (16).
The overall number of dengue cases recorded from Jan 1 to 25 had increased, with 4,521 cases and 13 deaths.
Information on dengue and chikugunya can be obtained from the Health Ministry's website www.moh.gov.my
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said these areas were not free of dengue although it had been a month since the first case was reported.
An area should be free of new dengue cases for two weeks, following prevention and control measures, as well as cooperation from residents, he said on Friday.
Dr Ismail said 1,255 dengue cases were reported in the areas, with epidemic periods of between 30 and 125 days.
He said the 54 hotspots were as follows:
- SELANGOR: Petaling (Flat A and Flat C Section 7, Terrace A Section 7, Terrace A and Terrace B Section 18, Section U3 Subang Perdana and Section U10 Puncak Perdana); Kajang: (Taman Kajang Perdana, Taman Semenyih Indah, Taman Koperasi Cuepacs Batu 12, Taman Cheras Jaya, Taman Industri Mega, Taman Sri Jelok, Taman Zamrud, Taman Kajang Baru, Taman Kajang Jaya, Section 2 Bandar Sri Putra, Section 2 Bandar Rinching, Zone 1 Taman Sepakat Indah, Zone 1 Section 8 Bandar Baru Bangi, Zon 3 Section 16 Bandar Baru Bangi, Zone 5 Section 16 Bandar Baru Bangi and Zone 4 Taman Bukit Mewah); Shah Alam: (Perdana Apartments Section 13, Flat 18/3 (Eps 2), PKNS Flats Section 20, Section 6 flats, Padang Jawa B, Padang Jawa C, Pangsapuri Anggerik Section 16, Section 10, Section 11, Taman Alam Indah Section 33, Terrace A Section 25, Terrace C Section 27, Terrace A Section 25 and Terrace A Section 8); Gombak: (Bandar Baru Selayang F2, Kampung Laksamana, Taman Pinggiran Batu Caves Z2, Taman Samudera Timur and Taman Sri Gombak Zone 3); Subang Jaya: (Taman Puchong Perdana and Taman Serdang Perdana); Hulu Selangor: (Bandar Baru Batang Kali); Hulu Langat: (Kampung Sg Kantan Kajang and Kajang Prison quarters); and Sepang: (Taman Seroja Zone A).
- KUALA LUMPUR: Mentari, Lestari, and Cendana Apartments, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Sentul Utama Flats, Menara Orkid Bandar Baru Sentul and Taman Setiawangsa.
- PAHANG: Taman Mahkota Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan.
- PERAK: Taman Mewah Kamunting in Taiping.
Dr Ismail said 273 localities were affected by the epidemic, following at least two cases reported in each locality in the last two weeks.
Selangor reported 195 cases, Kuala Lumpur 32, Johor (11), Pahang (nine), Perak (eight), Penang (six), Sabah (three), two each in Kedah, Negri Sembilan and Malacca, and one case each in Terengganu, Kelantan and Sarawak.
Commenting on the dengue situation, Dr Ismail said 1,310 cases and five deaths were reported nationwide from Jan 18 to 25, compared with 1,578 cases and four deaths the previous week.
Dr Ismail said 136 Chikugunya cases were reported in the same period, with the majority of cases in Perak (48), Selangor (24), Johor (17) and Kelantan (16).
The overall number of dengue cases recorded from Jan 1 to 25 had increased, with 4,521 cases and 13 deaths.
Information on dengue and chikugunya can be obtained from the Health Ministry's website www.moh.gov.my
Housemen lack basic know-how
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Some medical universities, both local and overseas, are churning out doctors who cannot carry out common medical procedures, have no proper clinical exposure, cannot communicate effectively and cannot even take down the history of patients properly for diagnosis and treatment.
Senior medical consultants in government hospitals are now saddled with the task of having to retrain these people to ensure they meet the country's standard of medical practice.
Some of these fresh doctors are retained in their houseman training postings for years, some even up to six years, because they cannot meet the standards. The compulsory housemanship is two years.
In view of this problem, the Malaysian Medical Council has issued letters to all heads of department in government hospitals where housemen are posted to open a file on each of them, containing information on the university they graduated from, their performance and shortcomings.
It is learnt that by the end of the year, the MMC and Health Ministry will nail down the sub-standard medical universities and tell them to buck up.
Kuala Lumpur Hospital's Medical Department head, Datuk Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai, said housemen come from 300 medical colleges all over the world. These colleges churn out 1,200 doctors a year and this number is expected to increase to almost 2,000 next year.
"When they come back to work in Malaysia we have been forced to extend the period of housemanship from one year to two years in order to ensure the standard of medical practice is maintained in this country for the safety of our patients," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Jeyaindran handles about 140 housemen a year and he noticed that some 15 per cent of them do not have enough experience to take down the medical history of patients.
"When they are taught to take the history properly and put the findings and various symptoms in a sequential order they can come to a proper diagnosis very rapidly," he said.
However, he added, this was seriously lacking in many new doctors because they have not been trained during their years in clinical exposure. Thus, during their housemanship training programme they needed to be retrained to do this properly.
"Because they have to be retrained, some of their postings are extended," he said.
Dr Jeyaindran has come up with a syllabus where a house officer must have core knowledge and experience before he leaves for his next posting.
"A houseman who comes in for training should be able to manage hypertension, asthma, diabetes and common medical emergencies appropriately based on current clinical practice guidelines, besides acquiring adequate generic skills," he added.
He said some were never taught this properly during their years in medical school and hence they were taught and assessed in a fair and objective manner during their training.
"We want doctors to examine patients properly and not take notes from the nurses' chart.
"We also do not want doctors to be over-dependent on investigative procedures which is time-consuming and expensive.
"One loses the ability to use clinical acumen to make judgment when he becomes too dependent on procedures for a result and diagnosis," said Dr Jeyaindran.
He also expressed great concern that some house officers were not able to perform even the most common procedures such as setting up an intravenous line, central line, and inserting a chest tube.
There have been complaints from patients that there were housemen who cannot even draw blood for a blood test and had to seek the help of nurses.
"Miscommunication with patients can also lead to a lot of problem and this we have encountered with housemen," he said.
"To be a good doctor it is not how much knowledge you have... it is clinical acumen and the skills developed in treating a patient.
"Medicine is not black and white but lots of grey in between and in order to identify the grey areas the only way is the more you see, the more you do, the more you understand," he added.
Dr Jeyaindran said housemen have become something like a production line.
"They come, they take some history of patients and go away.
"They never come back to check whether their diagnosis of the patient was correct or wrong," he added.
Senior medical consultants in government hospitals are now saddled with the task of having to retrain these people to ensure they meet the country's standard of medical practice.
Some of these fresh doctors are retained in their houseman training postings for years, some even up to six years, because they cannot meet the standards. The compulsory housemanship is two years.
In view of this problem, the Malaysian Medical Council has issued letters to all heads of department in government hospitals where housemen are posted to open a file on each of them, containing information on the university they graduated from, their performance and shortcomings.
It is learnt that by the end of the year, the MMC and Health Ministry will nail down the sub-standard medical universities and tell them to buck up.
Kuala Lumpur Hospital's Medical Department head, Datuk Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai, said housemen come from 300 medical colleges all over the world. These colleges churn out 1,200 doctors a year and this number is expected to increase to almost 2,000 next year.
"When they come back to work in Malaysia we have been forced to extend the period of housemanship from one year to two years in order to ensure the standard of medical practice is maintained in this country for the safety of our patients," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Jeyaindran handles about 140 housemen a year and he noticed that some 15 per cent of them do not have enough experience to take down the medical history of patients.
"When they are taught to take the history properly and put the findings and various symptoms in a sequential order they can come to a proper diagnosis very rapidly," he said.
However, he added, this was seriously lacking in many new doctors because they have not been trained during their years in clinical exposure. Thus, during their housemanship training programme they needed to be retrained to do this properly.
"Because they have to be retrained, some of their postings are extended," he said.
Dr Jeyaindran has come up with a syllabus where a house officer must have core knowledge and experience before he leaves for his next posting.
"A houseman who comes in for training should be able to manage hypertension, asthma, diabetes and common medical emergencies appropriately based on current clinical practice guidelines, besides acquiring adequate generic skills," he added.
He said some were never taught this properly during their years in medical school and hence they were taught and assessed in a fair and objective manner during their training.
"We want doctors to examine patients properly and not take notes from the nurses' chart.
"We also do not want doctors to be over-dependent on investigative procedures which is time-consuming and expensive.
"One loses the ability to use clinical acumen to make judgment when he becomes too dependent on procedures for a result and diagnosis," said Dr Jeyaindran.
He also expressed great concern that some house officers were not able to perform even the most common procedures such as setting up an intravenous line, central line, and inserting a chest tube.
There have been complaints from patients that there were housemen who cannot even draw blood for a blood test and had to seek the help of nurses.
"Miscommunication with patients can also lead to a lot of problem and this we have encountered with housemen," he said.
"To be a good doctor it is not how much knowledge you have... it is clinical acumen and the skills developed in treating a patient.
"Medicine is not black and white but lots of grey in between and in order to identify the grey areas the only way is the more you see, the more you do, the more you understand," he added.
Dr Jeyaindran said housemen have become something like a production line.
"They come, they take some history of patients and go away.
"They never come back to check whether their diagnosis of the patient was correct or wrong," he added.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Carbon dioxide can control Aedes
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Fogging of mosquito breeding grounds can be a hit and miss affair because the mosquitoes may have already moved to another place.
Thus fogging must be done at the right place and time if Aedes, the primary vector for dengue and chikungunya, is to be eliminated, said University Malaya Medical Centre Vector Control Centre specialist Dr Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman.
"We assume where the Aedes breeding grounds are when we carry out fogging but the mosquitoes may have already moved to other places. The pesticide is only effective within a radius of 200 metres."
Dr Wan Yusoff said more effective measures, such as the systematic and continuous use of light traps, which release carbon dioxide, in Aedes breeding grounds should be employed to control the Aedes population.
"The impact of vector control on dengue fever in developed countries has been proven effective in controlling the transmission of the virus."
He said checks should be carried out at potential mosquito breeding grounds such as public toilets, construction sites, abandoned projects, parks and recreational areas, and clogged drains.
"Aedes eggs stick fast to the place where they are laid, such as pails and flower pots, and can withstand long dry spells. When their 'homes' become wet again, the eggs hatch. Thus we must scrub pails and flower pots throughly."
Their "stickiness" and ability to withstand long dry spells explained how Aedes aegypti eggs from Africa could survive a journey to Asia and Aedes albopictus eggs from Asia could make its way to the United States.
Thus fogging must be done at the right place and time if Aedes, the primary vector for dengue and chikungunya, is to be eliminated, said University Malaya Medical Centre Vector Control Centre specialist Dr Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman.
"We assume where the Aedes breeding grounds are when we carry out fogging but the mosquitoes may have already moved to other places. The pesticide is only effective within a radius of 200 metres."
Dr Wan Yusoff said more effective measures, such as the systematic and continuous use of light traps, which release carbon dioxide, in Aedes breeding grounds should be employed to control the Aedes population.
"The impact of vector control on dengue fever in developed countries has been proven effective in controlling the transmission of the virus."
He said checks should be carried out at potential mosquito breeding grounds such as public toilets, construction sites, abandoned projects, parks and recreational areas, and clogged drains.
"Aedes eggs stick fast to the place where they are laid, such as pails and flower pots, and can withstand long dry spells. When their 'homes' become wet again, the eggs hatch. Thus we must scrub pails and flower pots throughly."
Their "stickiness" and ability to withstand long dry spells explained how Aedes aegypti eggs from Africa could survive a journey to Asia and Aedes albopictus eggs from Asia could make its way to the United States.
Combat dengue on more fronts
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Mobile fever clinics should be set up in dengue outbreak areas to arrest the spread of the disease, said the head of medical microbiology at University Ma-laya Medical Centre Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar.
He said infected humans were the main carriers and multipliers of the virus which caused dengue fever.
"The virus circulates in the blood of infected humans for two to seven days, about the same time that they have a fever, and female Aedes mosquitoes may acquire the virus when they feed on an individual during this period. and transmit it to the next human they feed on."
Some studies have shown that monkeys in some parts of the world play a similar role in transmission.
"Early detection and temporary quarantine of the infected person will help reduce transmission of the disease to immediate family members and neighbours, besides fogging," he told the New Straits Times when commenting on the call by Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai to form additional special task force teams at the district level nationwide to intensify the war against dengue.
The task force teams were to embark on a mosquito breeding spot search-and-destroy mission.
The number of dengue cases spiralled to 4,221 with 12 deaths in the first 23 days of this month compared with 2,103 cases, including five deaths, during the corresponding period last year.
Selangor had the highest number with 1,727 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur (307 cases) and Penang (227).
The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades.
Some 2.5 billion people, two fifths of the world's population, are now at risk from dengue. The World Health Organisation estimates 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year.
Dr Sazaly said while the Health Ministry embarked on methods to destroy Aedes mosquitoes, it should also work aggressively on the early detection of people with dengue fever.
It should use techniques that could identify dengue antigens within a day -- Dengue NS1 and PCR molecular detection -- which were available at Institute for Medical Research, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, UMMC, Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor, Penang general hospital and major private hospitals.
"Malaysia is at the peak of the dengue outbreak. The number of cases should go down by March but will rise if Malaysians do not take any initiative to help the government fight dengue."
He called on those returning from the Chinese New Year holidays to ensure that they cleaned out all containers containing water, such as earthenware jars, metal drums and concrete cisterns used for domestic water storage.
He said infected humans were the main carriers and multipliers of the virus which caused dengue fever.
"The virus circulates in the blood of infected humans for two to seven days, about the same time that they have a fever, and female Aedes mosquitoes may acquire the virus when they feed on an individual during this period. and transmit it to the next human they feed on."
Some studies have shown that monkeys in some parts of the world play a similar role in transmission.
"Early detection and temporary quarantine of the infected person will help reduce transmission of the disease to immediate family members and neighbours, besides fogging," he told the New Straits Times when commenting on the call by Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai to form additional special task force teams at the district level nationwide to intensify the war against dengue.
The task force teams were to embark on a mosquito breeding spot search-and-destroy mission.
The number of dengue cases spiralled to 4,221 with 12 deaths in the first 23 days of this month compared with 2,103 cases, including five deaths, during the corresponding period last year.
Selangor had the highest number with 1,727 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur (307 cases) and Penang (227).
The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades.
Some 2.5 billion people, two fifths of the world's population, are now at risk from dengue. The World Health Organisation estimates 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year.
Dr Sazaly said while the Health Ministry embarked on methods to destroy Aedes mosquitoes, it should also work aggressively on the early detection of people with dengue fever.
It should use techniques that could identify dengue antigens within a day -- Dengue NS1 and PCR molecular detection -- which were available at Institute for Medical Research, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, UMMC, Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor, Penang general hospital and major private hospitals.
"Malaysia is at the peak of the dengue outbreak. The number of cases should go down by March but will rise if Malaysians do not take any initiative to help the government fight dengue."
He called on those returning from the Chinese New Year holidays to ensure that they cleaned out all containers containing water, such as earthenware jars, metal drums and concrete cisterns used for domestic water storage.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
‘Full assault’ on dengue next week
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government, which has declared war against dengue, will be launching an all-out campaign against the pesky Aedes mosquito early next week in an effort to bring down the number of cases.
So far, 12 people have died and the number of cases from Jan 1 to Jan 23 this year had nearly doubled to 4,221 compared with 2,153 for the same period last year.
“We have to take drastic action and we will be doing this campaign on a big scale,” Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.
“The people’s involvement in this campaign is important to ensure dengue can be eradicated quickly.
“It is very dangerous and should not be taken lightly as it can be fatal,” he said when met at the MCA Chinese New Year open house celebrations at Wisma MCA here Monday.
Liow urged the public to take extra precautions. “Although we are in the festive season, we still need to be alert as the dengue problem is widespread.
“If you think you have dengue but you are not sure, just go and see the doctor immediately,” he said.
Liow said he had instructed district health departments to set up special taskforces and intensify their fogging activities in all areas.
He said Malaysians should do their part by making sure their homes were mosquito-free, checking for water stagnation and cleaning up regularly.
So far, 12 people have died and the number of cases from Jan 1 to Jan 23 this year had nearly doubled to 4,221 compared with 2,153 for the same period last year.
“We have to take drastic action and we will be doing this campaign on a big scale,” Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.
“The people’s involvement in this campaign is important to ensure dengue can be eradicated quickly.
“It is very dangerous and should not be taken lightly as it can be fatal,” he said when met at the MCA Chinese New Year open house celebrations at Wisma MCA here Monday.
Liow urged the public to take extra precautions. “Although we are in the festive season, we still need to be alert as the dengue problem is widespread.
“If you think you have dengue but you are not sure, just go and see the doctor immediately,” he said.
Liow said he had instructed district health departments to set up special taskforces and intensify their fogging activities in all areas.
He said Malaysians should do their part by making sure their homes were mosquito-free, checking for water stagnation and cleaning up regularly.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Weekly news conference on dengue
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will hold weekly press conferences on the "alarming" dengue situation to impress the urgency of the situation on the public.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican will release the latest figures on the number of victims besides informing people about measures taken to fight dengue.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said 4,221 cases and 12 deaths had been recorded between Jan 1 and Jan 23, which was double that for the same period last year.
"The situation is the worst in Selangor, with 2,223 cases and five deaths, and Federal Territory (409 cases and two deaths)."
He said besides the weather, the lack of hygiene and proper upkeep of home surroundings was to blame for the jump in dengue cases.
He said cases of chikungunya, another Aedes-borne ailment, was also on the rise with 458 cases reported until Jan 23.
Liow, who spoke after giving ang pow to 268 Valley of Hope residents at the national Leprosy Control Centre here yesterday, said food containing peanut butter imported from United States would be screened for salmonella contamination at all ports of entry following reports of contamination in the US.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican will release the latest figures on the number of victims besides informing people about measures taken to fight dengue.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said 4,221 cases and 12 deaths had been recorded between Jan 1 and Jan 23, which was double that for the same period last year.
"The situation is the worst in Selangor, with 2,223 cases and five deaths, and Federal Territory (409 cases and two deaths)."
He said besides the weather, the lack of hygiene and proper upkeep of home surroundings was to blame for the jump in dengue cases.
He said cases of chikungunya, another Aedes-borne ailment, was also on the rise with 458 cases reported until Jan 23.
Liow, who spoke after giving ang pow to 268 Valley of Hope residents at the national Leprosy Control Centre here yesterday, said food containing peanut butter imported from United States would be screened for salmonella contamination at all ports of entry following reports of contamination in the US.
Selangor tops list as dengue cases continue to rise
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The number of dengue cases in the country has continued to climb with 12 deaths from the 4,221 cases recorded since Jan 1.
“I hope everyone will cooperate with us to get the situation under control,” Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai told reporters after handing out ang pow to more than 100 Valley of Hope residents here yesterday.
Selangor remains the state with the highest number of cases at 2,223 with five deaths, compared to 751 cases and one death in the same period last year.
There were 409 cases with two deaths in Kuala Lumpur compared to 270 cases and no casualties in the same period last year.
There were 245 cases reported in Penang and 128 cases in Kedah, compared to 100 and 65 cases in the respective states during the same period last year.
Liow said chikungunya cases had also spiked, totalling 458 as of Friday with Selangor topping the list with 109 cases.
Perak had 96 cases and Kelantan 85.
On Monday, Liow declared war on dengue and called on everyone, including local councils and the public, to work together.
When asked what he thought was the cause for the sudden spike in the number of cases, he replied: “It could partly be due to the weather, but it’s also due to the lack of hygiene and sanitary measures.”
“I hope everyone will cooperate with us to get the situation under control,” Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai told reporters after handing out ang pow to more than 100 Valley of Hope residents here yesterday.
Selangor remains the state with the highest number of cases at 2,223 with five deaths, compared to 751 cases and one death in the same period last year.
There were 409 cases with two deaths in Kuala Lumpur compared to 270 cases and no casualties in the same period last year.
There were 245 cases reported in Penang and 128 cases in Kedah, compared to 100 and 65 cases in the respective states during the same period last year.
Liow said chikungunya cases had also spiked, totalling 458 as of Friday with Selangor topping the list with 109 cases.
Perak had 96 cases and Kelantan 85.
On Monday, Liow declared war on dengue and called on everyone, including local councils and the public, to work together.
When asked what he thought was the cause for the sudden spike in the number of cases, he replied: “It could partly be due to the weather, but it’s also due to the lack of hygiene and sanitary measures.”
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Peanut butter put on health alert
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has placed all peanut butter from the United States on Level 5 alert following several salmonella-linked deaths there, said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
Under Level 5, stringent tests would be carried out first to determine if the product are safe for consumption.
US authorities on Friday said seven people had died from a nationwide outbreak of salmonella associated with tainted peanut butter and paste sourced to the Peanut Corporation of America’s (PCA) plant in Blakely, Georgia.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the bacterial strain as Salmonella Typhimurium.
The CDC said there had been 492 cases in 43 states and one Canadian province of people sickened with the strain as of Thursday, US media reports.
Patients ranged in age from one to 98 and 22% of people afflicted with the bacteria have been hospitalised.
Another 10 US firms Friday recalled products which use PCA peanut butter or paste -- bringing to roughly 360 the number of products affected -- as it emerged that the plant at the centre of the probe laid off most of its roughly 50 workers, US papers said.
The recalled products range from snack bars to crackers and pre-packaged meals and even pet food. But products containing peanuts not sourced from the PCA plant are deemed safe.
The Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating, has said it has no evidence to suggest the contamination originated with any other major manufacturing facility other than the PCA plant.
Under Level 5, stringent tests would be carried out first to determine if the product are safe for consumption.
US authorities on Friday said seven people had died from a nationwide outbreak of salmonella associated with tainted peanut butter and paste sourced to the Peanut Corporation of America’s (PCA) plant in Blakely, Georgia.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the bacterial strain as Salmonella Typhimurium.
The CDC said there had been 492 cases in 43 states and one Canadian province of people sickened with the strain as of Thursday, US media reports.
Patients ranged in age from one to 98 and 22% of people afflicted with the bacteria have been hospitalised.
Another 10 US firms Friday recalled products which use PCA peanut butter or paste -- bringing to roughly 360 the number of products affected -- as it emerged that the plant at the centre of the probe laid off most of its roughly 50 workers, US papers said.
The recalled products range from snack bars to crackers and pre-packaged meals and even pet food. But products containing peanuts not sourced from the PCA plant are deemed safe.
The Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating, has said it has no evidence to suggest the contamination originated with any other major manufacturing facility other than the PCA plant.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ministry wants fight against dengue fever short and simple
Star: PETALING JAYA: Getting the people involved. This will be the thrust of a series of nationwide campaigns the Health Ministry will launch next month in the fight against dengue fever.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said: “This is a drastic action on the ground to curb the spread of dengue. It will be done from state to state. It is about getting the people involved.”
He said final adjustments were being done but the emphasis was on “keeping it short and simple” in managing the disease.
The ministry declared war against dengue and chikungunya on Monday following an unusual jump in cases.
“The numbers are alarming and we are serious about our war against dengue,” said Liow, who is part of an MCA delegation, led by president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, in Beijing.
The campaign is designed to get the involvement of all parties involved including doctors, the public, public health officers and local councils.
“It will complement our current strategies,” Liow said.
He reiterated that the ministry was concerned about the spike in dengue cases and deaths in the first two weeks of the year.
From Jan 4 to Saturday, there were 3,211 cases with eight deaths compared with 1,514 cases and four deaths in the same period last year.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said: “This is a drastic action on the ground to curb the spread of dengue. It will be done from state to state. It is about getting the people involved.”
He said final adjustments were being done but the emphasis was on “keeping it short and simple” in managing the disease.
The ministry declared war against dengue and chikungunya on Monday following an unusual jump in cases.
“The numbers are alarming and we are serious about our war against dengue,” said Liow, who is part of an MCA delegation, led by president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, in Beijing.
The campaign is designed to get the involvement of all parties involved including doctors, the public, public health officers and local councils.
“It will complement our current strategies,” Liow said.
He reiterated that the ministry was concerned about the spike in dengue cases and deaths in the first two weeks of the year.
From Jan 4 to Saturday, there were 3,211 cases with eight deaths compared with 1,514 cases and four deaths in the same period last year.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Homes, shophouses breeding grounds for Aedes
Star: PETALING JAYA: Houses and shophouses registered the highest percentage among premises found to be active breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito.
Deputy director of disease control (vector) Datuk Dr Azmi Hashim said of the premises that checked positive for Aedes breeding, 75% to 80% were houses and shophouses.
“This is a high number and means that many dengue patients were infected in their own homes,” he said in an interview here yesterday.
Dr Azmi was commenting on reports that the Health Ministry had declared war on dengue following an alarming rise in cases and related deaths in the first two weeks of the year.
There have been 3,211 cases with eight deaths, compared to 1,514 cases and four deaths during the same period last year.
Dr Azmi said although state health department officers periodically carried out fogging at neighbourhoods known to be hot-spots for dengue infection, this acted only as a temporary measure.
“Fogging only kills adult mosquitoes. It is more effective for home-owners to destroy all breeding sites around their houses.
“Home owners should clean up their compounds and add larvicide to any water container or pot,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry had published pamphlets advising the public to spend 10 minutes each week checking their homes for Aedes breeding sites.
To report cases of dengue, the public can approach the nearest district health office or call the dengue operations room hotline at 03-8881-0600 or 03-8881-0700.
Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minis-ter Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said the lack of co-operation from the public was the main reason for the increase in dengue cases.
“If people are not concerned, what else can the Government do?” he said during the launch of the second phase of “I Care Vision 20/20” at the Tun Hussein Onn Hospital yesterday.
Dr Latiff said the Government was giving away the Abate larvicide for people to use on mosquito breeding areas and that volunteer groups had been set up through the Combi (Communication for Behavioural Impact) concept to create awareness on dengue.
Deputy director of disease control (vector) Datuk Dr Azmi Hashim said of the premises that checked positive for Aedes breeding, 75% to 80% were houses and shophouses.
“This is a high number and means that many dengue patients were infected in their own homes,” he said in an interview here yesterday.
Dr Azmi was commenting on reports that the Health Ministry had declared war on dengue following an alarming rise in cases and related deaths in the first two weeks of the year.
There have been 3,211 cases with eight deaths, compared to 1,514 cases and four deaths during the same period last year.
Dr Azmi said although state health department officers periodically carried out fogging at neighbourhoods known to be hot-spots for dengue infection, this acted only as a temporary measure.
“Fogging only kills adult mosquitoes. It is more effective for home-owners to destroy all breeding sites around their houses.
“Home owners should clean up their compounds and add larvicide to any water container or pot,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry had published pamphlets advising the public to spend 10 minutes each week checking their homes for Aedes breeding sites.
To report cases of dengue, the public can approach the nearest district health office or call the dengue operations room hotline at 03-8881-0600 or 03-8881-0700.
Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minis-ter Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said the lack of co-operation from the public was the main reason for the increase in dengue cases.
“If people are not concerned, what else can the Government do?” he said during the launch of the second phase of “I Care Vision 20/20” at the Tun Hussein Onn Hospital yesterday.
Dr Latiff said the Government was giving away the Abate larvicide for people to use on mosquito breeding areas and that volunteer groups had been set up through the Combi (Communication for Behavioural Impact) concept to create awareness on dengue.
Ministry's losing war on dengue
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry yesterday took Klang Valley residents to task for a disappointing response to the "war" against dengue.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, said the lack of public cooperation had contributed to the increase in dengue and chikungunya cases.
"The issue here is that city dwellers refuse to get involved in gotong-royong. They think only residents' associations or city councils are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and checking on Aedes breeding sites in their areas."
He said urban residents had a lackadaisical attitude to the problem, thinking that they would not get bitten by the Aedes mosquito.
"They think that others will get the virus but they won't.'
On Monday, the ministry revealed that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor had the highest number of dengue cases over the first 17 days of the year.
Selangor recorded 1,727 cases with four deaths while Kuala Lumpur had 307 cases with one death.
The numbers were far higher compared to the same period last year.
Dr Abdul Latiff said although the awareness campaign on dengue and chikungunya seemed to succeed in other states, the response in the Klang Valley proved otherwise.
"We are going all out to fight the viruses but if the people are not worried about their health, then we don't know what else to do."
Dr Abdul Latiff said the ministry would fine occupants with Aedes breeding grounds.
"We are not planning to increase the fine but we need to emphasise the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme to obtain public cooperation," he said, adding that there were 11,892 Combi volunteers nationwide.
A total of RM3.4 million in fines was collected last year from those found to have Aedes breeding grounds in their homes.
Dr Abdul Latiff was speaking to reporters after launching the "I Care Vision 20/20" project at the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital.
The project, in its second phase, aims to train kindergarten teachers to identify eye problems among children aged between 2 and 6.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, said the lack of public cooperation had contributed to the increase in dengue and chikungunya cases.
"The issue here is that city dwellers refuse to get involved in gotong-royong. They think only residents' associations or city councils are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and checking on Aedes breeding sites in their areas."
He said urban residents had a lackadaisical attitude to the problem, thinking that they would not get bitten by the Aedes mosquito.
"They think that others will get the virus but they won't.'
On Monday, the ministry revealed that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor had the highest number of dengue cases over the first 17 days of the year.
Selangor recorded 1,727 cases with four deaths while Kuala Lumpur had 307 cases with one death.
The numbers were far higher compared to the same period last year.
Dr Abdul Latiff said although the awareness campaign on dengue and chikungunya seemed to succeed in other states, the response in the Klang Valley proved otherwise.
"We are going all out to fight the viruses but if the people are not worried about their health, then we don't know what else to do."
Dr Abdul Latiff said the ministry would fine occupants with Aedes breeding grounds.
"We are not planning to increase the fine but we need to emphasise the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme to obtain public cooperation," he said, adding that there were 11,892 Combi volunteers nationwide.
A total of RM3.4 million in fines was collected last year from those found to have Aedes breeding grounds in their homes.
Dr Abdul Latiff was speaking to reporters after launching the "I Care Vision 20/20" project at the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital.
The project, in its second phase, aims to train kindergarten teachers to identify eye problems among children aged between 2 and 6.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Pharmacists ready to take over dispensing of medicine
NST: SUBANG JAYA: The Malay-sian Pharmaceutical Society has proposed a "zoning" system to enable pharmacists to take over the dispensing of medicine from doctors.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho said the age-old argument of insufficient number of pharmacies in Malaysia was no longer true.
The society conducted a "geo-mapping" study to identify the locations of pharmacies in relation to clinics and found that in major areas like Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Baru and Kuching, the ratio was enough to serve doctors.
Ho said pharmacists could set up 24-hour outlets to cater to the needs of clinics.
MPS wanted the zoning proposal to be implemented in selected towns and to let consumers decide where they wanted to get their prescribed medications.
Some 100 doctors and pharmacists will gather at a symposium, "Future Challenges for Healthcare in Malaysia" here tomorrow and one of the issues to be raised is separation of the role of doctors and pharmacists in providing healthcare.
"It is crucial that consumers are educated on the proper use of medicines."
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho said the age-old argument of insufficient number of pharmacies in Malaysia was no longer true.
The society conducted a "geo-mapping" study to identify the locations of pharmacies in relation to clinics and found that in major areas like Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Baru and Kuching, the ratio was enough to serve doctors.
Ho said pharmacists could set up 24-hour outlets to cater to the needs of clinics.
MPS wanted the zoning proposal to be implemented in selected towns and to let consumers decide where they wanted to get their prescribed medications.
Some 100 doctors and pharmacists will gather at a symposium, "Future Challenges for Healthcare in Malaysia" here tomorrow and one of the issues to be raised is separation of the role of doctors and pharmacists in providing healthcare.
"It is crucial that consumers are educated on the proper use of medicines."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dengue cases going unreported
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Doctors in clinics are reluctant to notify the government of dengue cases, judging from the fact that only two per cent of reports of cases come from private clinics.
Health Department director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said such an attitude could lead to patients dying because doctors at clinics did not want to take responsibility but passed the buck to hospitals.
"This reflects the reluctance to take charge, and passing the responsibility to hospitals is probably to get them to provide the serological confirmation."
The phenomenon baffles Dr Ismail when the number of cases was increasing every year, with 112 deaths reported last year.
The national dengue mortality review revealed that 47.4 per cent of the patients who died were sent to hospitals at a very late stage of their illness, while a quarter of dengue deaths occurred within 24 hours of hospitalisation.
"There are no repercussions for the doctors if they notify the cases. I just don't know why they don't do it.
"In fact, there is only a positive effect. The ministry will immediately carry out fogging exercise in the victim's area," Dr Ismail said after launching the second revision of the Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Management of Dengue Infection in Adults, here, yesterday.
The guidelines focus on management of the dengue infection from the early stages to intensive care.
The guidelines, which will be distributed to health practitioners dealing with dengue, outlines basic symptoms of the infection without having to rely solely on platelet counts.
Dr Ismail urged the public not to leave the prevention and control measures to the government since 80 per cent of dengue cases occurred at homes.
"It only takes 10 minutes a week to ensure that there is no stagnant water and to overturn containers which may be potential Aedes breeding ground.
"The public cannot depend on the local councils to fog their areas. They must do their part."
Health Department director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said such an attitude could lead to patients dying because doctors at clinics did not want to take responsibility but passed the buck to hospitals.
"This reflects the reluctance to take charge, and passing the responsibility to hospitals is probably to get them to provide the serological confirmation."
The phenomenon baffles Dr Ismail when the number of cases was increasing every year, with 112 deaths reported last year.
The national dengue mortality review revealed that 47.4 per cent of the patients who died were sent to hospitals at a very late stage of their illness, while a quarter of dengue deaths occurred within 24 hours of hospitalisation.
"There are no repercussions for the doctors if they notify the cases. I just don't know why they don't do it.
"In fact, there is only a positive effect. The ministry will immediately carry out fogging exercise in the victim's area," Dr Ismail said after launching the second revision of the Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Management of Dengue Infection in Adults, here, yesterday.
The guidelines focus on management of the dengue infection from the early stages to intensive care.
The guidelines, which will be distributed to health practitioners dealing with dengue, outlines basic symptoms of the infection without having to rely solely on platelet counts.
Dr Ismail urged the public not to leave the prevention and control measures to the government since 80 per cent of dengue cases occurred at homes.
"It only takes 10 minutes a week to ensure that there is no stagnant water and to overturn containers which may be potential Aedes breeding ground.
"The public cannot depend on the local councils to fog their areas. They must do their part."
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Six dengue deaths last week takes toll to 106 this year
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Six people died of dengue last week, raising the death toll to 106 this year, but chikungunya had claimed no life so far, said the Health Ministry’s Disease Control Director Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman yesterday.
He said dengue cases recorded in the week from Dec 14 rose 105 to 1,260 compared with the previous week and 537 higher than the target.
There were six deaths during the week - three in Selangor, two in Perak and one in Kuala Lumpur. The number of deaths last year was 97.
Dr Hassan urged the public to find and destroy Aedes breeding grounds inside and outside their houses and allow fogging in their homes.
In terms of enforcement, 315 compound fines totalling RM58,950 and 352 notices were issued during the period, he said in a statement.
On chikungunya, Dr Hasan said 119 cases were reported nationwide during the same period compared with 158 previously.
The new cases involved 91 localities in Kedah (35 cases), Kelantan and Johor (21 each), Selangor (20), Perak (10), Pahang (four), Negri Sembilan (three), Kuala Lumpur and Perlis (two each) and Putrajaya (one case), he said.
To date, 3,984 chikungunya cases had been reported and no one had died from it, he said.
He said dengue cases recorded in the week from Dec 14 rose 105 to 1,260 compared with the previous week and 537 higher than the target.
There were six deaths during the week - three in Selangor, two in Perak and one in Kuala Lumpur. The number of deaths last year was 97.
Dr Hassan urged the public to find and destroy Aedes breeding grounds inside and outside their houses and allow fogging in their homes.
In terms of enforcement, 315 compound fines totalling RM58,950 and 352 notices were issued during the period, he said in a statement.
On chikungunya, Dr Hasan said 119 cases were reported nationwide during the same period compared with 158 previously.
The new cases involved 91 localities in Kedah (35 cases), Kelantan and Johor (21 each), Selangor (20), Perak (10), Pahang (four), Negri Sembilan (three), Kuala Lumpur and Perlis (two each) and Putrajaya (one case), he said.
To date, 3,984 chikungunya cases had been reported and no one had died from it, he said.
Don’t retrench workers at the expense of safety, urges Niosh
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) has cautioned employers not to introduce or implement cost-cutting measures at the expense of the safety and health of their employees.
Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said while Niosh realised that employers would have to take measures to cut costs because of the economic downturn, safety should still be a key issue at the workplace.
“Companies must not cut costs when it comes to maintaining a safe plant and machinery, providing personal protective equipment or even investment in occupational safety and health in general,” he said.
This was because if accidents occurred and lives were lost, productivity would be affected and employers would have to endure greater losses in terms of work stoppage, medical payment, compensation and others, he said in a statement.
Lee also said as workers must be assured of their rights to a safe and healthy work environment, there was a need to provide them with information, education and training so that they would know how best to protect themselves.
Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said while Niosh realised that employers would have to take measures to cut costs because of the economic downturn, safety should still be a key issue at the workplace.
“Companies must not cut costs when it comes to maintaining a safe plant and machinery, providing personal protective equipment or even investment in occupational safety and health in general,” he said.
This was because if accidents occurred and lives were lost, productivity would be affected and employers would have to endure greater losses in terms of work stoppage, medical payment, compensation and others, he said in a statement.
Lee also said as workers must be assured of their rights to a safe and healthy work environment, there was a need to provide them with information, education and training so that they would know how best to protect themselves.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Day off after 24-hour duty for trainee doctors
Star: KUALA TERENGGANU: Trainee doctors will now get a day off after carrying out their 24-hour on-call duty.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the directive will take effect immediately.
He said it applies only to housemen on active call and at the hospital the entire time.
“We will not let these trainee doctors be overworked. We will look into their welfare,” he told reporters yesterday after visiting the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.
Liow was asked to comment on grouses from trainee doctors that they sometimes had to work almost 24 hours and then report to their superiors the next day.
Some trainee doctors complained that they had to work seven days a week without a single rest day during their two-year stint in government hospitals as housemen.
Liow said trainee doctors should also be allowed to concentrate on getting the right exposure and medical proficiency by giving them off-days.
A trainee doctor at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, who only wanted to be known as Sally, said she was relieved to hear that the ministry would look into their welfare.
“Frankly, we are very exhausted as we have to focus on our training and also carry out clinical rounds frequently,” she said. “It is stressful.”
Sally said she and her colleagues were unable to pay attention during their stints due to fatigue and time constraints.
On another matter, Liow said about 4,000 Chikungunya cases were reported throughout the country this year.
He said the virus was first detected in Johor and spread to several states, the latest being Kedah.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the directive will take effect immediately.
He said it applies only to housemen on active call and at the hospital the entire time.
“We will not let these trainee doctors be overworked. We will look into their welfare,” he told reporters yesterday after visiting the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.
Liow was asked to comment on grouses from trainee doctors that they sometimes had to work almost 24 hours and then report to their superiors the next day.
Some trainee doctors complained that they had to work seven days a week without a single rest day during their two-year stint in government hospitals as housemen.
Liow said trainee doctors should also be allowed to concentrate on getting the right exposure and medical proficiency by giving them off-days.
A trainee doctor at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, who only wanted to be known as Sally, said she was relieved to hear that the ministry would look into their welfare.
“Frankly, we are very exhausted as we have to focus on our training and also carry out clinical rounds frequently,” she said. “It is stressful.”
Sally said she and her colleagues were unable to pay attention during their stints due to fatigue and time constraints.
On another matter, Liow said about 4,000 Chikungunya cases were reported throughout the country this year.
He said the virus was first detected in Johor and spread to several states, the latest being Kedah.
Dengue alert, Selangor folk asked to cooperate
Star: SHAH ALAM: Selangor residents have been told to join the state government’s efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds following a warning by the state Health Department of a possible rise in dengue cases over the coming weeks.
State Health, Plantation Workers and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr Xavier Jeyakumar said the warning was issued in view of the current wet weather which has created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
“We are calling on all residents to take a proactive approach in ensuring the safety of their families and to use 10mins of their time per week to clean up the drains and other possible mosquito breeding grounds in and around their houses,” he told a press conference after attending the weekly state executive council meeting here Wednesday.
He said the state government would also direct all local authorities and district health department offices to start fogging exercises in residential areas.
Dr Jeyakumar also called on residents not to lock their homes and walk away when those conducting fogging in their areas visited their houses.
“We have had complaints in the past of residents walking out of their homes when fogging was done and so the insides of their homes could not be fogged to get rid of mosquitoes.
“We assure residents that the oil-based fogging chemical is only used outdoors and the chemical used inside the homes is water based and safe,” he said.
Dr Jeyakumar said the state government decided to issue an early warning as there had already been 39 dengue-related deaths in Selangor this year, with most coming from the more urban neighbourhoods like Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Ampang.
State Health, Plantation Workers and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr Xavier Jeyakumar said the warning was issued in view of the current wet weather which has created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
“We are calling on all residents to take a proactive approach in ensuring the safety of their families and to use 10mins of their time per week to clean up the drains and other possible mosquito breeding grounds in and around their houses,” he told a press conference after attending the weekly state executive council meeting here Wednesday.
He said the state government would also direct all local authorities and district health department offices to start fogging exercises in residential areas.
Dr Jeyakumar also called on residents not to lock their homes and walk away when those conducting fogging in their areas visited their houses.
“We have had complaints in the past of residents walking out of their homes when fogging was done and so the insides of their homes could not be fogged to get rid of mosquitoes.
“We assure residents that the oil-based fogging chemical is only used outdoors and the chemical used inside the homes is water based and safe,” he said.
Dr Jeyakumar said the state government decided to issue an early warning as there had already been 39 dengue-related deaths in Selangor this year, with most coming from the more urban neighbourhoods like Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Ampang.
Friday, December 05, 2008
300,000 may have HIV by 2015
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may have 300,000 people affected by HIV by 2015, said Datuk Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman, the Director of the Disease Control Divison of the Health Ministry.
To combat this epidemic, the Government has committed RM500mil to implement the National Strategic Plan on AIDS and the Harm Reduction programme between 2006 and 2010, he said at the launch of a Health Ministry and Unicef Report 2008 entitled Women and Girls Confronting HIV and AIDS in Malaysia yesterday.
The report was released in conjunction with the Special World AIDS Day 2008.
The National Strategic Plan on AIDS involves various government and non-government bodies as well as international agencies such as Unicef.
The daughter of the Sultan of Kedah, Datuk Seri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz, who launched the event, said the trend of new HIV infections occurring among women in the country had risen alarmingly from 1.2% of total new cases in 1990 to 16% in December 2007.
She said reducing the impact of HIV required that the needs and issues of women be addressed at various levels.
She said there was a need to reverse the underlying socio-economic factors that contributed to women’s HIV risks, such as gender inequality, poverty, lack of economic and educational opportunity, and the lack of legal and human rights protection.
To combat this epidemic, the Government has committed RM500mil to implement the National Strategic Plan on AIDS and the Harm Reduction programme between 2006 and 2010, he said at the launch of a Health Ministry and Unicef Report 2008 entitled Women and Girls Confronting HIV and AIDS in Malaysia yesterday.
The report was released in conjunction with the Special World AIDS Day 2008.
The National Strategic Plan on AIDS involves various government and non-government bodies as well as international agencies such as Unicef.
The daughter of the Sultan of Kedah, Datuk Seri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz, who launched the event, said the trend of new HIV infections occurring among women in the country had risen alarmingly from 1.2% of total new cases in 1990 to 16% in December 2007.
She said reducing the impact of HIV required that the needs and issues of women be addressed at various levels.
She said there was a need to reverse the underlying socio-economic factors that contributed to women’s HIV risks, such as gender inequality, poverty, lack of economic and educational opportunity, and the lack of legal and human rights protection.
Health Ministry to launch massive campaign on organ donation
Star: SEREMBAN: With only one in 20 Malaysians willing to donate their organs, a massive campaign will be launched soon by the Health Ministry to increase awareness on organ donation.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the campaign aimed to get more people to sign up as organ donors.
“It is sad because critically-ill patients have to wait for years to get a donor. We want people to know that we can save lives if they are prepared to donate their organs,” he told reporters yesterday after launching the third National Health and Morbidity Survey Scientific Conference: State Findings here.
He said that despite campaigns by the Government to educate the people on the importance of becoming donors, most were reluctant to do so.
To date, 120,838 people have pledged to become donors.
According to the National Transplant Resource Centre, 4,181 patients are on the waiting list for kidney, heart and lung transplants.
Statistics also show that one in three patients on the waiting list dies before a donor is found.
However, Liow said the Government had no plans to compel people to donate their organs, unlike Singapore which passed a law making its citizens automatic organ donors.
Liow said those who wished to become donors could enlist at any government hospital or clinic and was looking for ways to make it easier for them to do so.
He said the Cabinet had recently approved the need for a masterplan to help the increasing number of cancer patients and educate the people on the disease.
Liow said the National Cancer Management Blueprint would chart the ministry’s plan to deal with cancer patients till 2015 where ministry officers would educate people about cancer as most patients came for treatment when they were already in the advanced stages.
Liow also said that his ministry’s plans to get more females over 20 to go for mammograms and pap smears was also working as the percentage of women who went for mammograms increased from 3.7% in 1996 to 7.9% in 2006.
About 45.7% of women had gone for pap smear tests compared with 26% in 1996.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the campaign aimed to get more people to sign up as organ donors.
“It is sad because critically-ill patients have to wait for years to get a donor. We want people to know that we can save lives if they are prepared to donate their organs,” he told reporters yesterday after launching the third National Health and Morbidity Survey Scientific Conference: State Findings here.
He said that despite campaigns by the Government to educate the people on the importance of becoming donors, most were reluctant to do so.
To date, 120,838 people have pledged to become donors.
According to the National Transplant Resource Centre, 4,181 patients are on the waiting list for kidney, heart and lung transplants.
Statistics also show that one in three patients on the waiting list dies before a donor is found.
However, Liow said the Government had no plans to compel people to donate their organs, unlike Singapore which passed a law making its citizens automatic organ donors.
Liow said those who wished to become donors could enlist at any government hospital or clinic and was looking for ways to make it easier for them to do so.
He said the Cabinet had recently approved the need for a masterplan to help the increasing number of cancer patients and educate the people on the disease.
Liow said the National Cancer Management Blueprint would chart the ministry’s plan to deal with cancer patients till 2015 where ministry officers would educate people about cancer as most patients came for treatment when they were already in the advanced stages.
Liow also said that his ministry’s plans to get more females over 20 to go for mammograms and pap smears was also working as the percentage of women who went for mammograms increased from 3.7% in 1996 to 7.9% in 2006.
About 45.7% of women had gone for pap smear tests compared with 26% in 1996.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Malaysia's 62 neurosurgeons do double duty
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 62 neurosurgeons are "working themselves to death" to save lives.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said this was because they were doing the work of double the number of neurosurgeons needed by the country.
He added the country needed 150 neurosurgeons, or at least one to 200,000 people.
Currently, slightly more than half of the 62 neurosurgeons are in the private sector while the rest are in public service, including at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Speaking at the 13th Asean Congress of Neurological surgeons and 8th Asean Neurosurgical nursing congress, Dr Latiff said the number of neurosurgeons was insufficient based on the 26 million population.
"The ministry is willing to offer the best in terms of financial and professional support to enhance human resource development in the neurosurgical field."
Some 500 medical professionals from Asean countries, Spain and the Middle East are participating in the four-day congress themed "Sub-specialisation and Modernisation of Asean Neurosurgery: Achieving Excellence in Patient Care", held in collaboration with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Education Course.
World Federation of Neurosurgical Society president Professor Dr Jacques Brotchi said the number of young neurosurgeons had increased in all Asean countries due to more established local training, improved quality and supply of advanced equipment, which had contributed to the development of neurosurgery.
"The congress is definitely a place for all participants to interact and learn new things in the field of neurosurgery."
Also present at the event was Asean Neurosurgical Societies president Datuk Dr T. Selvapragasam.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said this was because they were doing the work of double the number of neurosurgeons needed by the country.
He added the country needed 150 neurosurgeons, or at least one to 200,000 people.
Currently, slightly more than half of the 62 neurosurgeons are in the private sector while the rest are in public service, including at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Speaking at the 13th Asean Congress of Neurological surgeons and 8th Asean Neurosurgical nursing congress, Dr Latiff said the number of neurosurgeons was insufficient based on the 26 million population.
"The ministry is willing to offer the best in terms of financial and professional support to enhance human resource development in the neurosurgical field."
Some 500 medical professionals from Asean countries, Spain and the Middle East are participating in the four-day congress themed "Sub-specialisation and Modernisation of Asean Neurosurgery: Achieving Excellence in Patient Care", held in collaboration with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Education Course.
World Federation of Neurosurgical Society president Professor Dr Jacques Brotchi said the number of young neurosurgeons had increased in all Asean countries due to more established local training, improved quality and supply of advanced equipment, which had contributed to the development of neurosurgery.
"The congress is definitely a place for all participants to interact and learn new things in the field of neurosurgery."
Also present at the event was Asean Neurosurgical Societies president Datuk Dr T. Selvapragasam.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
WHO wants more done to stop spread of AIDS
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The World Health Organisation has called on countries in the region to focus on delivering their five-year promise to stop the spread of AIDS.
With only two years left for the goal set by the World AIDS Campaign to be achieved, the United Nations body feels governments must implement comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support programmes.
WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Region Dr Shigeru Omi said a progress report published in June indicated that while such programmes had expanded, more remained to be done.
Last year, only 28 per cent of those in low- to middle-income countries in the Western Pacific Region who needed antiretroviral (ARV) treatment received it.
ARV medications are designed to inhibit the reproduction of HIV in the body. If this treatment is effective, the deterioration of the immune system and the onset of AIDS can be delayed for years.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec 1, had "Leadership" as the theme for last year and this year.
In the Western Pacific Region, about 1.3 million people, including 21,000 children, were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS last year, with around 150,000 new HIV infections and 63,000 AIDS-related deaths.
In Malaysia, as of June, about 82,704 HIV-infected individuals had been reported. Of this, some 14,100 were AIDS cases.
Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said Malaysia had been proactive since the first reported cases in 1986.
However, a MAC survey revealed that ignorance, stigma and prejudice were still rife.
In the last four years, she said, the number of HIV infection cases had declined due to aggressive awareness campaigns and prevention measures.
But she said efforts to control the epidemic should be enhanced because the data collected may not reflect a true picture of the epidemic.
With only two years left for the goal set by the World AIDS Campaign to be achieved, the United Nations body feels governments must implement comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support programmes.
WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Region Dr Shigeru Omi said a progress report published in June indicated that while such programmes had expanded, more remained to be done.
Last year, only 28 per cent of those in low- to middle-income countries in the Western Pacific Region who needed antiretroviral (ARV) treatment received it.
ARV medications are designed to inhibit the reproduction of HIV in the body. If this treatment is effective, the deterioration of the immune system and the onset of AIDS can be delayed for years.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec 1, had "Leadership" as the theme for last year and this year.
In the Western Pacific Region, about 1.3 million people, including 21,000 children, were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS last year, with around 150,000 new HIV infections and 63,000 AIDS-related deaths.
In Malaysia, as of June, about 82,704 HIV-infected individuals had been reported. Of this, some 14,100 were AIDS cases.
Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said Malaysia had been proactive since the first reported cases in 1986.
However, a MAC survey revealed that ignorance, stigma and prejudice were still rife.
In the last four years, she said, the number of HIV infection cases had declined due to aggressive awareness campaigns and prevention measures.
But she said efforts to control the epidemic should be enhanced because the data collected may not reflect a true picture of the epidemic.
Tea tree oil may rid hospital of fungus
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: After spending RM14 million on unsuccessfully trying to rid Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor of fungus, the government may find an answer in tea tree oil, and it will not cost an arm and a leg.
A company marketing the oil has offered samples to the hospital which has been plagued by the problem for years.
The government recently engaged Sistem Hospital Awasan Taraf Sdn Bhd (Sihat) to check the hospital which is infested with aspergillus and penicillium fungi.
Fueltreat Malaysia Sdn Bhd director James Fredericks said the hospital could use the samples on a small area to ascertain its success.
He said it would cost the hospital only "several hundred thousand ringgit" to solve the problem.
He said hospitals in Australia used tea tree oil, spray and cream as they were recognised as an effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic agent.
They are said to damage the cell walls and membranes of bacteria and fungi.
"Pathogens that have acquired immunity to antibiotics -- especially Golden Staph -- appear unable to survive exposure to tea tree oil," he told New Straits Times.
Tea tree oil is said to have an agent that eliminates moulds, fungi and mustiness, besides killing bacteria in the air.
Fredericks said hospitals used tea tree oil because many pathogenic micro-organisms had developed an immunity to antibiotics and sullphonamide drugs, giving rise to deadly strains of "superbugs".
He said tests in Australia also showed that Safe-T-air, a tea tree product used in air-conditioning systems, inhibited the spread of organisms that spread flu-like symptoms, wound infections, conjunctivitis, lung infections and food poisoning.
A hospital spokesman said he did not mind testing the product as the authorities wanted to solve the problem.
Fueltreat Malaysia Sdn Bhd are scheduled to meet hospital authorities this week to explain how the product works.
The spokesman said the problem was serious with measures taken to protect the health of staff and patients.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai was reported to have said that the infection had been caused by the wet ground under the RM557.8 million hospital.
A company marketing the oil has offered samples to the hospital which has been plagued by the problem for years.
The government recently engaged Sistem Hospital Awasan Taraf Sdn Bhd (Sihat) to check the hospital which is infested with aspergillus and penicillium fungi.
Fueltreat Malaysia Sdn Bhd director James Fredericks said the hospital could use the samples on a small area to ascertain its success.
He said it would cost the hospital only "several hundred thousand ringgit" to solve the problem.
He said hospitals in Australia used tea tree oil, spray and cream as they were recognised as an effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic agent.
They are said to damage the cell walls and membranes of bacteria and fungi.
"Pathogens that have acquired immunity to antibiotics -- especially Golden Staph -- appear unable to survive exposure to tea tree oil," he told New Straits Times.
Tea tree oil is said to have an agent that eliminates moulds, fungi and mustiness, besides killing bacteria in the air.
Fredericks said hospitals used tea tree oil because many pathogenic micro-organisms had developed an immunity to antibiotics and sullphonamide drugs, giving rise to deadly strains of "superbugs".
He said tests in Australia also showed that Safe-T-air, a tea tree product used in air-conditioning systems, inhibited the spread of organisms that spread flu-like symptoms, wound infections, conjunctivitis, lung infections and food poisoning.
A hospital spokesman said he did not mind testing the product as the authorities wanted to solve the problem.
Fueltreat Malaysia Sdn Bhd are scheduled to meet hospital authorities this week to explain how the product works.
The spokesman said the problem was serious with measures taken to protect the health of staff and patients.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai was reported to have said that the infection had been caused by the wet ground under the RM557.8 million hospital.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Many medical students suffer from depression
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysian medical students overseas who take examinations in a foreign language suffer from depression when they return.
Physicians for Peace and Social Responsibility (PPSR) vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Hamid Abdul Kadir said that large numbers of young Malaysians were being trained in foreign medical schools in Indonesia, Russia, India, Poland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
At a forum on Saturday organised by the PPSR, it was highlighted that at least five such houseman are found to suffer from mental illnesses every month.
“These countries have varied systems of medical training and different types of patient care, based on the emphasis of the country. As a result, many of the students who go there undergo a culture shock,” said Dr Abdul Hamid.
“Coming from different universities, backgrounds and experiences, they have difficulty relating and working, especially the weaker students,” he said, adding that there had been a sudden sprouting of many public and private medical schools.
While the schools have increased, however, the number of teaching hospitals have not.
Dr Abdul Hamid said that although there was an increasing demand for doctors, the standards and quality of patient care should not be compromised.
“These are the major concerns which the country’s healthcare and medical educational planners have to constantly bear in mind so that the value systems governing the training of our doctors are never lost sight of in the short term and the long term.”
Physicians for Peace and Social Responsibility (PPSR) vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Hamid Abdul Kadir said that large numbers of young Malaysians were being trained in foreign medical schools in Indonesia, Russia, India, Poland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
At a forum on Saturday organised by the PPSR, it was highlighted that at least five such houseman are found to suffer from mental illnesses every month.
“These countries have varied systems of medical training and different types of patient care, based on the emphasis of the country. As a result, many of the students who go there undergo a culture shock,” said Dr Abdul Hamid.
“Coming from different universities, backgrounds and experiences, they have difficulty relating and working, especially the weaker students,” he said, adding that there had been a sudden sprouting of many public and private medical schools.
While the schools have increased, however, the number of teaching hospitals have not.
Dr Abdul Hamid said that although there was an increasing demand for doctors, the standards and quality of patient care should not be compromised.
“These are the major concerns which the country’s healthcare and medical educational planners have to constantly bear in mind so that the value systems governing the training of our doctors are never lost sight of in the short term and the long term.”
Sunday, November 30, 2008
HIV cases on the rise in Malaysia, says UN coordinator
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is suffering a setback in achieving the United Nations (UN) Millenium Development Goal (MDG) to eradicate the HIV/AIDS virus.
UN resident coordinator (Malaysia) Kamal Malhotra said the number of HIV infected people was increasing with the case reported since 1986 reaching 82,704 as of June.
He said the country faced a concentrated epidemic with 1% to 5% of certain categories having contracted the virus, adding that in line with UN guidelines, it needed to focus its resources on five high-risk categories.
These are drug users, sex workers, transsexuals, male homosexuals and migrant workers, he told a press conference after launching the Red Carnival organised by the PT Foundation at Sungei Wang Plaza here yesterday.
According to the United Nations Development Programme Malaysia website, the year 2000 saw 5% of the total population infected with HIV/AIDS. In 2006, the number had increased to 8%.
Malhotra said he believed that one of the best methods to prevent the continuous spread was better education and understanding of the virus itself, which was why he fully supported the Red Carnival.
The Red Carnival, sponsored by CIMB and UN Malaysia and supported by the Health Ministry and Malaysian AIDS Council, is aimed at galvanising the Malaysian youth to create awareness of the disease and reduce the stigma and discrimination against HIV-positives.
UN resident coordinator (Malaysia) Kamal Malhotra said the number of HIV infected people was increasing with the case reported since 1986 reaching 82,704 as of June.
He said the country faced a concentrated epidemic with 1% to 5% of certain categories having contracted the virus, adding that in line with UN guidelines, it needed to focus its resources on five high-risk categories.
These are drug users, sex workers, transsexuals, male homosexuals and migrant workers, he told a press conference after launching the Red Carnival organised by the PT Foundation at Sungei Wang Plaza here yesterday.
According to the United Nations Development Programme Malaysia website, the year 2000 saw 5% of the total population infected with HIV/AIDS. In 2006, the number had increased to 8%.
Malhotra said he believed that one of the best methods to prevent the continuous spread was better education and understanding of the virus itself, which was why he fully supported the Red Carnival.
The Red Carnival, sponsored by CIMB and UN Malaysia and supported by the Health Ministry and Malaysian AIDS Council, is aimed at galvanising the Malaysian youth to create awareness of the disease and reduce the stigma and discrimination against HIV-positives.
At least five doctors to suffer from mental woes every month
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Every month, at least five doctors are found to be suffering from mental illnesses, director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.
He said these doctors were either psychotic or neurotic but still managed to get into medical schools because these schools were not screening students meticulously enough.
“When the doctors complete their two-year housemanship and their applications are submitted for registration with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), they fail to get registered.
“Their supervisors do not certify them as fit to be registered because of indiscipline and poor attitude arising from mental health problems.
“The mental cases range from psychotic to neurotic. Psychotic cases include delusions and hallucinations, and neurotic behaviour includes anxiety, fear and anger due to the competitive environment,” said Dr Ismail.
These medical graduates, totalling about 60 cases a year, are unable to cope with their housemanship as they may have been pressured by their parents to take up medicine.
Dr Ismail said it was disheartening to note this emerging trend due to an inefficient selection process, adding that the mental cases were referred to the Medical Review Panel (MRP).
Since many of these graduates have spent a lot of money on their medical education, the MRP may extend their housemanship and at the same time send them for psychiatric treatment.
“In the event they are assigned to work, they will be thoroughly supervised and counselled by experts and given light duties until their mental condition improves.
“I am not so sure whether we can identify those with attitude problems during an interview unless such problems are obvious,” Dr Ismail said at a forum on Training Future Doctors: Have we got it right?”
About 2,000 medical doctors are registered annually from 21 local medical schools and 400 recognised schools overseas.
Different medical schools around the world have different selection criteria for their students, Dr Ismail said.
However, he said that the ministry was also planning some form of examination to check their attitude, knowledge and experience after they complete their final examination.
Most of the mentally ill students, he said, could have undergone pressure and depression while studying and faced difficulty in coping in a hospital environment.
The other weakness was a lack of proficiency in the English language.
Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said the ministry was currently reviewing universities’ curricula to ensure high standards in medical education and training for doctors.
“Uppermost on our minds will be the safety and well-being of patients,” he said.
He said these doctors were either psychotic or neurotic but still managed to get into medical schools because these schools were not screening students meticulously enough.
“When the doctors complete their two-year housemanship and their applications are submitted for registration with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), they fail to get registered.
“Their supervisors do not certify them as fit to be registered because of indiscipline and poor attitude arising from mental health problems.
“The mental cases range from psychotic to neurotic. Psychotic cases include delusions and hallucinations, and neurotic behaviour includes anxiety, fear and anger due to the competitive environment,” said Dr Ismail.
These medical graduates, totalling about 60 cases a year, are unable to cope with their housemanship as they may have been pressured by their parents to take up medicine.
Dr Ismail said it was disheartening to note this emerging trend due to an inefficient selection process, adding that the mental cases were referred to the Medical Review Panel (MRP).
Since many of these graduates have spent a lot of money on their medical education, the MRP may extend their housemanship and at the same time send them for psychiatric treatment.
“In the event they are assigned to work, they will be thoroughly supervised and counselled by experts and given light duties until their mental condition improves.
“I am not so sure whether we can identify those with attitude problems during an interview unless such problems are obvious,” Dr Ismail said at a forum on Training Future Doctors: Have we got it right?”
About 2,000 medical doctors are registered annually from 21 local medical schools and 400 recognised schools overseas.
Different medical schools around the world have different selection criteria for their students, Dr Ismail said.
However, he said that the ministry was also planning some form of examination to check their attitude, knowledge and experience after they complete their final examination.
Most of the mentally ill students, he said, could have undergone pressure and depression while studying and faced difficulty in coping in a hospital environment.
The other weakness was a lack of proficiency in the English language.
Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said the ministry was currently reviewing universities’ curricula to ensure high standards in medical education and training for doctors.
“Uppermost on our minds will be the safety and well-being of patients,” he said.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
HIV, AIDS patients still fear being ostracised
NST: PETALING JAYA: When she needed her family's support the most, Jenny (not her real name) was shunned by the people around her.
Her mother-in-law kept her daughter, Jasmine, away from her for three years -- all because she was HIV-positive.
Jenny, 38, finally told her 13-year-daughter that she was HIV-positive last November, five years after she was diagnosed.
"When I told her, she cried and cried. She just could not accept it."
Jenny said she had delayed telling Jasmine she was HIV-positive as she had feared that the young girl was not mature enough to understand the condition.
Today, however, Jasmine is her mother's rock. She reminds Jenny to take her medication and looks after her mother's needs.
Not everyone, however, is as understanding as Jasmine.
"People immediately move away from me when they learn that I am HIV-positive," said the widow, whose husband died of AIDS six years ago.
Speaking at a press conference held after the announcement of the results of the AIDS Treatment for Life International Survey (ATLIS) yesterday by the Malaysian Society for HIV Medicine (MaSHM), Jenny said she did not want to be identified or have her picture taken by the media as her daughter was facing discrimination in school for having a HIV-positive mother.
"I rarely expose myself but I thought today (yesterday) I should come and share my story to give other HIV and AIDS patients hope," said Jenny who is now an AIDS counsellor at a government hospital.
In the ATLIS survey, 85 per cent of HIV and AIDS patients worldwide did not reveal they have the condition for fear of social discrimination.
Three big reasons why they did not reveal their condition were fear of losing their family and friends (58 per cent), the impact the news would have on their current relationships (58 per cent) and loss of employment (51 per cent).
The survey also showed that Malaysia had the third largest number of HIV-positive and AIDS patients who were afraid of making their plight known.
"Because of these fears, many HIV and AIDS patients do not come forward to be diagnosed and treated, thereby presenting a danger to both themselves and their loved ones," said Dr Christopher Lee, MaSHM's president and an infectious disease specialist.
The survey also showed that some HIV-positive patients refused to seek or continue treatment as they were afraid of the side-effects.
"Patients are stopping therapy without the guidance of their doctors," said Dr Lee.
He added that there was a strong need for continued HIV and AIDS education regarding disease prevention, treatment adherence, benefits and tolerability of newer treatment options.
Her mother-in-law kept her daughter, Jasmine, away from her for three years -- all because she was HIV-positive.
Jenny, 38, finally told her 13-year-daughter that she was HIV-positive last November, five years after she was diagnosed.
"When I told her, she cried and cried. She just could not accept it."
Jenny said she had delayed telling Jasmine she was HIV-positive as she had feared that the young girl was not mature enough to understand the condition.
Today, however, Jasmine is her mother's rock. She reminds Jenny to take her medication and looks after her mother's needs.
Not everyone, however, is as understanding as Jasmine.
"People immediately move away from me when they learn that I am HIV-positive," said the widow, whose husband died of AIDS six years ago.
Speaking at a press conference held after the announcement of the results of the AIDS Treatment for Life International Survey (ATLIS) yesterday by the Malaysian Society for HIV Medicine (MaSHM), Jenny said she did not want to be identified or have her picture taken by the media as her daughter was facing discrimination in school for having a HIV-positive mother.
"I rarely expose myself but I thought today (yesterday) I should come and share my story to give other HIV and AIDS patients hope," said Jenny who is now an AIDS counsellor at a government hospital.
In the ATLIS survey, 85 per cent of HIV and AIDS patients worldwide did not reveal they have the condition for fear of social discrimination.
Three big reasons why they did not reveal their condition were fear of losing their family and friends (58 per cent), the impact the news would have on their current relationships (58 per cent) and loss of employment (51 per cent).
The survey also showed that Malaysia had the third largest number of HIV-positive and AIDS patients who were afraid of making their plight known.
"Because of these fears, many HIV and AIDS patients do not come forward to be diagnosed and treated, thereby presenting a danger to both themselves and their loved ones," said Dr Christopher Lee, MaSHM's president and an infectious disease specialist.
The survey also showed that some HIV-positive patients refused to seek or continue treatment as they were afraid of the side-effects.
"Patients are stopping therapy without the guidance of their doctors," said Dr Lee.
He added that there was a strong need for continued HIV and AIDS education regarding disease prevention, treatment adherence, benefits and tolerability of newer treatment options.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Methadone therapy can slash rehab costs
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The government can effectively wipe out drug abuse and save about RM270 million annually in the process if it fully implements methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), said Prof Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil.
Hussain, head of the Psychiatry Department at the medical faculty of Universiti Malaya, said MMT also reduced the risk of HIV infection because no needles were used.
The government has spent RM300 million annually on tackling the problem through its zero-tolerance, long-term rehabilitation programme at 26 rehabilitation centres with little or no success.
This cost could be slashed drastically if MMT was used, he said.
Dr Hussain said it cost the government about RM3,000 per month per addict with its rehabilitation system, while the cost with the MMT method was RM300 per patient per month, a savings of 90 per cent.
Further, almost 75 per cent of the addicts who left the rehabilitation centres returned to their old habits within months, he said.
Dr Hussain said a nationwide study by the university in 2005 showed with the MMT method, most heroin-addicted patients gained employment after six months of therapy and did not engage in high-risk behaviour like self-injection or promiscuity.
He estimated there were at present about one million drug addicts in the country, with almost 800,000 addicted to heroin.
The rest were using drugs like Ecstasy, ketamine and ganja.
He said that with the MMT method, addicts were treated as if they were patients requiring medical attention for a disease.
"Drug abuse is just like any other disease like diabetes or hypertension, where long-term drug therapy is required to help the patient."
This contrasts with the situation in the 1990s when heroin addicts were treated like criminals and the general feeling was that they should be ostracised, jailed and condemned.
The criminalisation of heroin dependency caused suffering for addicts and their families and imposed a financial burden on the government.
Dr Hussain said methadone was a drug which helped to reduce cravings for heroin, thereby helping an addict to kick the habit.
"There is no known side-effect from the long-term use of methadone."
He said the university had trained about 1,000 local doctors in the private and public sectors on MMT.
"This makes it easy for heroin addicts to seek treatment from a private clinic nearest their home and still stay with their families."
He was glad the Ministry of Health had started using MMT in its hospitals and hoped that its use would be expanded to benefit dadah addicts and the nation as a whole.
Hussain, head of the Psychiatry Department at the medical faculty of Universiti Malaya, said MMT also reduced the risk of HIV infection because no needles were used.
The government has spent RM300 million annually on tackling the problem through its zero-tolerance, long-term rehabilitation programme at 26 rehabilitation centres with little or no success.
This cost could be slashed drastically if MMT was used, he said.
Dr Hussain said it cost the government about RM3,000 per month per addict with its rehabilitation system, while the cost with the MMT method was RM300 per patient per month, a savings of 90 per cent.
Further, almost 75 per cent of the addicts who left the rehabilitation centres returned to their old habits within months, he said.
Dr Hussain said a nationwide study by the university in 2005 showed with the MMT method, most heroin-addicted patients gained employment after six months of therapy and did not engage in high-risk behaviour like self-injection or promiscuity.
He estimated there were at present about one million drug addicts in the country, with almost 800,000 addicted to heroin.
The rest were using drugs like Ecstasy, ketamine and ganja.
He said that with the MMT method, addicts were treated as if they were patients requiring medical attention for a disease.
"Drug abuse is just like any other disease like diabetes or hypertension, where long-term drug therapy is required to help the patient."
This contrasts with the situation in the 1990s when heroin addicts were treated like criminals and the general feeling was that they should be ostracised, jailed and condemned.
The criminalisation of heroin dependency caused suffering for addicts and their families and imposed a financial burden on the government.
Dr Hussain said methadone was a drug which helped to reduce cravings for heroin, thereby helping an addict to kick the habit.
"There is no known side-effect from the long-term use of methadone."
He said the university had trained about 1,000 local doctors in the private and public sectors on MMT.
"This makes it easy for heroin addicts to seek treatment from a private clinic nearest their home and still stay with their families."
He was glad the Ministry of Health had started using MMT in its hospitals and hoped that its use would be expanded to benefit dadah addicts and the nation as a whole.
Getting more to pledge organs
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More than 4,000 people, on the waiting list for the “Gift of Life” would have their wishes granted if only the organs of 7,000 who died in road accidents last year had been transplanted.
To get more Malaysians to donate organs, the Government has launched a media campaign costing RM2.4mil which started yesterday.
National Transplantation Council Action Committee chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was unfortunate that there had only been 229 cadaveric donors since 1976.
“These donors were either brain dead or had died in accidents.
“Currently, our database has about 121,000 pledges for donation.”
However, he said that most of those people who had pledged had not informed their next of kin, causing problems later if they refuse.
“It is sad that donors have pledged to donate but the authorities cannot harvest the organs to save a life.”
Lee said the media played a vital role in creating awareness.
Stressing on the power and easy access of the Internet today as a tool, Lee also launched the transplant resource centre’s website.
“The website is designed to provide the public with the mechanics and details of organ donation and how one can pledge to be an organ donor.”
For more information on organ donation, go to www.agiftoflife.gov.my or call 03-2615 6576 or 1-800-88-9080.
To get more Malaysians to donate organs, the Government has launched a media campaign costing RM2.4mil which started yesterday.
National Transplantation Council Action Committee chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was unfortunate that there had only been 229 cadaveric donors since 1976.
“These donors were either brain dead or had died in accidents.
“Currently, our database has about 121,000 pledges for donation.”
However, he said that most of those people who had pledged had not informed their next of kin, causing problems later if they refuse.
“It is sad that donors have pledged to donate but the authorities cannot harvest the organs to save a life.”
Lee said the media played a vital role in creating awareness.
Stressing on the power and easy access of the Internet today as a tool, Lee also launched the transplant resource centre’s website.
“The website is designed to provide the public with the mechanics and details of organ donation and how one can pledge to be an organ donor.”
For more information on organ donation, go to www.agiftoflife.gov.my or call 03-2615 6576 or 1-800-88-9080.
Cancer survivors dismayed by blanket ban on yoga
Star: PETALING JAYA: Many Muslim cancer survivors who practise yoga to promote general wellbeing are disappointed and confused over the National Fatwa Council’s edict on the ancient form of exercise.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s advisor Datuk Zuraidah Atan said she had been inundated with calls from the survivors who were confused and apprehensive over the edict or fatwa.
“An overreaching fatwa like this is not good for them as unnecessary worry can have a negative effect on them psychologically and physically. Some are already feeling guilty for practising it.
“There is a need for the Fatwa Council to explain their edict properly so that Muslims who practise yoga, including cancer survivors are not made to feel guilty,” she said.
Zuraidah said the council organised a weekly free yoga session for cancer survivors, especially those who were over 40 as a form of relaxation and breathing exercise.
“Besides yoga, we also have qi gong sessions. Is the Fatwa Council going to ban qi gong, too, because it has its origins in Buddhism? Then how about line dancing? We also organise that as a form of light exercise for cancer survivors,” she said.
She said yoga, qi gong and line dancing were good for cancer survivors because they were group dynamics which also helped promote positive thinking and unity among survivors of different race and religion.
She said there were many levels of yoga and only yoga in its purest form involved religious chanting.
“Most Muslims know this. The yoga that is being taught in yoga centres nationwide only concentrates on techniques and has nothing to do with the promotion of Hinduism,” she added.
The National Fatwa Council on Saturday declared that yoga is haram (prohibited) in Islam and Muslims are banned from practising it.
Chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said yoga had been practised by the Hindu community for thousands of years and incorporated physical movements, religious elements together with chants and worshipping, with the aim of being one with God.
He noted that while merely doing the physical movements of yoga without the worshipping and chanting might not be against religious beliefs, Muslims should avoid practising it altogether as doing one part of yoga would lead to another.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s advisor Datuk Zuraidah Atan said she had been inundated with calls from the survivors who were confused and apprehensive over the edict or fatwa.
“An overreaching fatwa like this is not good for them as unnecessary worry can have a negative effect on them psychologically and physically. Some are already feeling guilty for practising it.
“There is a need for the Fatwa Council to explain their edict properly so that Muslims who practise yoga, including cancer survivors are not made to feel guilty,” she said.
Zuraidah said the council organised a weekly free yoga session for cancer survivors, especially those who were over 40 as a form of relaxation and breathing exercise.
“Besides yoga, we also have qi gong sessions. Is the Fatwa Council going to ban qi gong, too, because it has its origins in Buddhism? Then how about line dancing? We also organise that as a form of light exercise for cancer survivors,” she said.
She said yoga, qi gong and line dancing were good for cancer survivors because they were group dynamics which also helped promote positive thinking and unity among survivors of different race and religion.
She said there were many levels of yoga and only yoga in its purest form involved religious chanting.
“Most Muslims know this. The yoga that is being taught in yoga centres nationwide only concentrates on techniques and has nothing to do with the promotion of Hinduism,” she added.
The National Fatwa Council on Saturday declared that yoga is haram (prohibited) in Islam and Muslims are banned from practising it.
Chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said yoga had been practised by the Hindu community for thousands of years and incorporated physical movements, religious elements together with chants and worshipping, with the aim of being one with God.
He noted that while merely doing the physical movements of yoga without the worshipping and chanting might not be against religious beliefs, Muslims should avoid practising it altogether as doing one part of yoga would lead to another.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Infectious disease woes in Sabah
NST: SANDAKAN: Lifestyle-related diseases such as high blood pressure and stress may be on the rise in the peninsula but in the state, infectious diseases still pose the main threat.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said the incidence of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, was still high in Sabah and was closely linked with poverty.
"Previously, when poverty was high in the peninsula, we saw the same trend but with economic progress and affluence, infectious diseases became less common.
"In Sabah, we still see a threat from infectious diseases due to the low standard of living. Lack of basic knowledge in hygiene and health is linked to this.
"There is also the problem of waterborne diseases due to the lack of clean water."
He said the ministry was reaching out to communities, that were living under the threat of infectious diseases, through 186 rural clinics state-wide. The state has a poverty rate of 16 per cent.
"Our staff meet with villagers to inform them about such diseases.
"One way of improving health in rural areas is by providing better facilities at rural clinics."
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said the incidence of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, was still high in Sabah and was closely linked with poverty.
"Previously, when poverty was high in the peninsula, we saw the same trend but with economic progress and affluence, infectious diseases became less common.
"In Sabah, we still see a threat from infectious diseases due to the low standard of living. Lack of basic knowledge in hygiene and health is linked to this.
"There is also the problem of waterborne diseases due to the lack of clean water."
He said the ministry was reaching out to communities, that were living under the threat of infectious diseases, through 186 rural clinics state-wide. The state has a poverty rate of 16 per cent.
"Our staff meet with villagers to inform them about such diseases.
"One way of improving health in rural areas is by providing better facilities at rural clinics."
Tell family about organ pledge
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Many people have pledged to donate their organs but many wishes have gone unfulfilled at the time of death because families did not give permission to harvest the organs.
Largely, it has been because the families did not know about the organ donation pledge made and could not come around to the idea in time for the organs to be used before tissue death set in.
"Families refusing to allow the organs of their loved ones to be removed is one of the last-minute challenges we face," said Organ Donation Public Education Committee chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday.
"Doctors can't remove the organs without the family's consent.
"So, in the end, the pledger failed to donate his organs," he said after launching the Organ Donation Media Campaign at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC) procurement manager Datin Dr Fadhilah Zowyah Lela Yasmin Mansor was present at the event.
A total of 120,838 people have pledged to donate their organs, 10,142 of them this year.
Dr Fadhilah said the harvest rate was 20 to 25 per cent. This year, the organs of only 23 people were donated.
"This could be because some pledgers did not inform their families of their intention. For various reasons, they are afraid to do so.
"It is a double tragedy when those who pledge can't donate their organs and others who are in need are dying on the waiting list."
According to the NTRC, 4,181 patients are on the waiting list for kidney, heart and lung transplants and 6,000 others are queuing to make the list.
Lee urged the pledgers to inform their families as soon as they signed up.
He said his committee was waiting for a reply from Pos Malaysia Bhd on its proposal to place donor pledger forms at post offices. "This is one of the best ways to reach the public."
The four-month campaign kicks off today in the form of advertisements in the electronic and print media to increase public awareness on the importance of organ donation.
The Health Ministry has given RM2.4 million for the campaign.
Lee also launched a new logo for the NTRC with the motto "A Gift of Life" and the website www.agiftoflife.gov.my
Largely, it has been because the families did not know about the organ donation pledge made and could not come around to the idea in time for the organs to be used before tissue death set in.
"Families refusing to allow the organs of their loved ones to be removed is one of the last-minute challenges we face," said Organ Donation Public Education Committee chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday.
"Doctors can't remove the organs without the family's consent.
"So, in the end, the pledger failed to donate his organs," he said after launching the Organ Donation Media Campaign at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC) procurement manager Datin Dr Fadhilah Zowyah Lela Yasmin Mansor was present at the event.
A total of 120,838 people have pledged to donate their organs, 10,142 of them this year.
Dr Fadhilah said the harvest rate was 20 to 25 per cent. This year, the organs of only 23 people were donated.
"This could be because some pledgers did not inform their families of their intention. For various reasons, they are afraid to do so.
"It is a double tragedy when those who pledge can't donate their organs and others who are in need are dying on the waiting list."
According to the NTRC, 4,181 patients are on the waiting list for kidney, heart and lung transplants and 6,000 others are queuing to make the list.
Lee urged the pledgers to inform their families as soon as they signed up.
He said his committee was waiting for a reply from Pos Malaysia Bhd on its proposal to place donor pledger forms at post offices. "This is one of the best ways to reach the public."
The four-month campaign kicks off today in the form of advertisements in the electronic and print media to increase public awareness on the importance of organ donation.
The Health Ministry has given RM2.4 million for the campaign.
Lee also launched a new logo for the NTRC with the motto "A Gift of Life" and the website www.agiftoflife.gov.my
Compulsory NS medical check-ups hit a snag
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Confusion is growing over whether national service trainees will get to undergo compulsory medical check-ups at the start of their stint.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said any plan for the medical check-up required his ministry’s endorsement.
“It will need a lot of manpower and is very costly,” he said, adding that his ministry never promised to place five health personnel in each national service camp.
He said there could only be between two and four medical officers on stand by at each of the 87 NS training camps nationwide.
Liow was speaking to reporters after launching the 5th International Health Fair at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.
On Nov 17, The Star reported on its front page that all NS trainees would be subject to compulsory medical check-ups within two weeks reporting to their camp.
NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil was quoted as saying that the move was to reduce health-related mishaps during training.
Liow said the medical screening that the department required for its trainees in the first two weeks of the programme could not include in-depth check-ups such as blood and urine tests and x-ray.
He said if what was being suggested was only screening by the department’s own staff, then he said the ministry has “no objection”.
In an immediate response, department senior operations officer Lt-Col Tengku Ahmad Noor Tuan Chik confirmed that compulsory health checks would be conducted on trainees.
Only trainees with a history of health problems would be sent to an outside clinic for a full medical examination, he said.
On the number of medical officers in camps, he said an initial meeting agreed that the Health Ministry would place five of its officers on standby in each camp.
“But now, it is a minimum of three medical staff from the ministry due to their manpower shortage,” he said.
He said there would be two armed forces paramedics, one qualified civilian nurse, and a minimum of three officers from the ministry in every camp.
On an unrelated matter, Liow said the ministry had outlined a plan to combat non-communicable or lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
He said he would submit a memorandum on the plan for the Cabinet’s approval soon because it involved the cooperation of the Education and Women, Children and Community Development Ministries.
Later when launching the Meatless Day Pledge Signing ceremony, Liow urged restaurants and school canteen operators to display the calorie content of their food and drinks to educate diners and children on proper food intake and nutrition.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said any plan for the medical check-up required his ministry’s endorsement.
“It will need a lot of manpower and is very costly,” he said, adding that his ministry never promised to place five health personnel in each national service camp.
He said there could only be between two and four medical officers on stand by at each of the 87 NS training camps nationwide.
Liow was speaking to reporters after launching the 5th International Health Fair at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.
On Nov 17, The Star reported on its front page that all NS trainees would be subject to compulsory medical check-ups within two weeks reporting to their camp.
NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil was quoted as saying that the move was to reduce health-related mishaps during training.
Liow said the medical screening that the department required for its trainees in the first two weeks of the programme could not include in-depth check-ups such as blood and urine tests and x-ray.
He said if what was being suggested was only screening by the department’s own staff, then he said the ministry has “no objection”.
In an immediate response, department senior operations officer Lt-Col Tengku Ahmad Noor Tuan Chik confirmed that compulsory health checks would be conducted on trainees.
Only trainees with a history of health problems would be sent to an outside clinic for a full medical examination, he said.
On the number of medical officers in camps, he said an initial meeting agreed that the Health Ministry would place five of its officers on standby in each camp.
“But now, it is a minimum of three medical staff from the ministry due to their manpower shortage,” he said.
He said there would be two armed forces paramedics, one qualified civilian nurse, and a minimum of three officers from the ministry in every camp.
On an unrelated matter, Liow said the ministry had outlined a plan to combat non-communicable or lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
He said he would submit a memorandum on the plan for the Cabinet’s approval soon because it involved the cooperation of the Education and Women, Children and Community Development Ministries.
Later when launching the Meatless Day Pledge Signing ceremony, Liow urged restaurants and school canteen operators to display the calorie content of their food and drinks to educate diners and children on proper food intake and nutrition.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ministry to assure importers on safety of Malaysian biscuits
Star: MALACCA: The Health Ministry will send its officers overseas to help restore confidence in locally-manufactured biscuits with the help of the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the officers would brief concerned parties on the measures the Government had taken to produce melamine-free biscuits.
The move was important because Malaysian biscuits were exported to more than 50 countries, he said.
He added that 70% of Brunei’s imported biscuits were from Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters here after signing a joint statement in conjunction with the fourth bilateral Health Ministers meeting between Malaysia and Brunei yesterday, he noted that the source of recent traces of melamine in some 12,000kg of locally-produced biscuits in Seberang Prai was from imported ammonium bicarbonate.
But the problem has since been resolved, he said, assuring that locally-made biscuits were safe for consumption.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the officers would brief concerned parties on the measures the Government had taken to produce melamine-free biscuits.
The move was important because Malaysian biscuits were exported to more than 50 countries, he said.
He added that 70% of Brunei’s imported biscuits were from Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters here after signing a joint statement in conjunction with the fourth bilateral Health Ministers meeting between Malaysia and Brunei yesterday, he noted that the source of recent traces of melamine in some 12,000kg of locally-produced biscuits in Seberang Prai was from imported ammonium bicarbonate.
But the problem has since been resolved, he said, assuring that locally-made biscuits were safe for consumption.
Chua: Better to get answers via feedback
Star: PETALING JAYA: Having National Service (NS) trainees undergo compulsory medical examinations will not prevent medical mishaps, former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek wrote in his blog.
He said it would be better to find out more about their medical conditions by getting them to answer the medical questionnaire truthfully.
“It is the answers they provide in the form that will provide the biggest clue, not a physical medical examination by the doctor in the camp. Trainees must be truthful in answering the questions in the health declaration form.
“They should not think the medical screening will pick up all the medical conditions. If they do so, I am afraid there may be more medical mishaps, despite the screening and may provide more ammunition for an outcry.”
In his blog (http://drchua9.blogspot.com), he wrote that a cursory medical examination of a person would not detect any medical conditions.
“The logic involved in the medical service is mind boggling. Assume there are 140,000 trainees divided into 87 camps with each camp holding an average of 1,600 trainees. The question arises regarding the effectiveness of the medical screening, since screening is done in the camp by medical officers.”
He said it would be better to find out more about their medical conditions by getting them to answer the medical questionnaire truthfully.
“It is the answers they provide in the form that will provide the biggest clue, not a physical medical examination by the doctor in the camp. Trainees must be truthful in answering the questions in the health declaration form.
“They should not think the medical screening will pick up all the medical conditions. If they do so, I am afraid there may be more medical mishaps, despite the screening and may provide more ammunition for an outcry.”
In his blog (http://drchua9.blogspot.com), he wrote that a cursory medical examination of a person would not detect any medical conditions.
“The logic involved in the medical service is mind boggling. Assume there are 140,000 trainees divided into 87 camps with each camp holding an average of 1,600 trainees. The question arises regarding the effectiveness of the medical screening, since screening is done in the camp by medical officers.”
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tampin clinic gets WHO recognition
NST: TAMPIN: The Tampin Health Clinic has been recognised by the World Health Organisation for the management and implementation of its methadone replacement therapy programme.
The local district clinic emerged the top treatment centre for incorrigible drug addicts, beating 50 countries, including the United States, Europe, Africa, Australia and other countries in Asia.
Its Reduced Drug Dependence negotiation specialist, Dr Robert Power, said throughout his 23-year career, he found that the clinic here had the best management in implementing the programme compared with centres in 50 countries.
"The problems faced by clinics around the world are the same. There are no differences. But the Tampin Health Clinic has proved that they are able to overcome the obstacles," he said after attending a briefing.
"The success of this centre should be an example to others and I will recommend centres abroad to visit the Tampin Health Clinic to learn from its experience."
He added that he was very impressed with the teamwork shown by the clinic and its cooperation with various government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Also present were state Health Department deputy director Dr Omar Mihat and the clinic's family medicine specialist Dr Norsiah Ali, who said the programme was initiated three years ago with 10 former addicts.
She said the figure increased to 121 participants with the cooperation of departments in the state such as the District Office, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Veterinary Services Department and the district rehabilitation centre.
Dr Norsiah said the pioneer projects like the "Clean Needle Exchange" and "Free Condom Distribution" programme to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS began on July 14.
"To date, we have 29 participants in the programmes, of whom 52 per cent (15 persons) have stopped using needles, and are now under the methadone replacement therapy programme."
The local district clinic emerged the top treatment centre for incorrigible drug addicts, beating 50 countries, including the United States, Europe, Africa, Australia and other countries in Asia.
Its Reduced Drug Dependence negotiation specialist, Dr Robert Power, said throughout his 23-year career, he found that the clinic here had the best management in implementing the programme compared with centres in 50 countries.
"The problems faced by clinics around the world are the same. There are no differences. But the Tampin Health Clinic has proved that they are able to overcome the obstacles," he said after attending a briefing.
"The success of this centre should be an example to others and I will recommend centres abroad to visit the Tampin Health Clinic to learn from its experience."
He added that he was very impressed with the teamwork shown by the clinic and its cooperation with various government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Also present were state Health Department deputy director Dr Omar Mihat and the clinic's family medicine specialist Dr Norsiah Ali, who said the programme was initiated three years ago with 10 former addicts.
She said the figure increased to 121 participants with the cooperation of departments in the state such as the District Office, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Veterinary Services Department and the district rehabilitation centre.
Dr Norsiah said the pioneer projects like the "Clean Needle Exchange" and "Free Condom Distribution" programme to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS began on July 14.
"To date, we have 29 participants in the programmes, of whom 52 per cent (15 persons) have stopped using needles, and are now under the methadone replacement therapy programme."
Medical body calls for cooperation on road safety
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: With the controversial e-kesihatan system scrapped, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on those implementing new schemes to ensure that there are sufficient safeguards for orderly and ethical work practices.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said as traffic accidents were a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, any new scheme should look for ways to improve safety on the roads.
"The MMA has long been involved in this important road safety issue. We have worked with the regulatory agencies to ensure that commercial drivers are screened for serious illnesses before being issued licences and also during annual renewals."
Dr Khoo also pointed out that all doctors nationwide were already registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and there was no need for a middle person or panel to register them again.
"A driver can seek the services of any doctor for medical examinations and drug screening tests."
He said the MMA was happy that Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had decided to scrap the e-kesihatan scheme and replace it with a new system that would prevent monopoly.
Dr Khoo said the MMA's technical committee had prepared a detailed format of the clinical and laboratory tests relevant for screening and certification of drivers of commercial vehicles.
"We would like to urge the Road Transport Department to consult the MMA and other relevant authorities before any such scheme is introduced in the future."
He said they realised that there were many stakeholders in the transport industry but safety should not be compromised because of cost or pressure from lobbyists.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said as traffic accidents were a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, any new scheme should look for ways to improve safety on the roads.
"The MMA has long been involved in this important road safety issue. We have worked with the regulatory agencies to ensure that commercial drivers are screened for serious illnesses before being issued licences and also during annual renewals."
Dr Khoo also pointed out that all doctors nationwide were already registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and there was no need for a middle person or panel to register them again.
"A driver can seek the services of any doctor for medical examinations and drug screening tests."
He said the MMA was happy that Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had decided to scrap the e-kesihatan scheme and replace it with a new system that would prevent monopoly.
Dr Khoo said the MMA's technical committee had prepared a detailed format of the clinical and laboratory tests relevant for screening and certification of drivers of commercial vehicles.
"We would like to urge the Road Transport Department to consult the MMA and other relevant authorities before any such scheme is introduced in the future."
He said they realised that there were many stakeholders in the transport industry but safety should not be compromised because of cost or pressure from lobbyists.
Sarawak prepares for HFMD epidemic
NST: KUCHING: Sarawak is bracing for an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)in the next few months.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said there were indications that a HFMD epidemic among young children, caused by the deadly Enterovirus 71 (EV71), would start during the Christmas and Chinese New Year period.
"We have positively identified quite a number of EV71 cases among the more than 9,000 HFMD patients in the state this year, and it seems that the three-year cycle of the disease is taking shape.
"Parents and teachers dealing with younger children, especially those attending nurseries and kindergarten, ought to be extra cautious and monitor the symptoms such as rashes, sore throat, blisters in the mouth and recurring fever," he said.
Speaking after opening the Public and Media Awareness Talk on Disaster Management and Mitigation here, Dr Chan said the authorities were closely monitoring the situation and would initiate action to contain any outbreak.
He said some kindergartens had taken proactive steps by voluntarily closing for a few days after one or two pupils contracted HFMD.
"The only way we can minimise the effects of HFMD and the EV71 virus infection is by ensuring cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
"If parents, teachers and all those concerned take heed of this advice, then we will be safe.
"Take the child to the nearest hospital when there are indications or symptoms of HFMD because your child's life could be at risk if you choose to wait."
HFMD caused by EV71 paralyses the cardiopulmonary functions of children which could result in death.
Dr Chan stressed that lives could be saved through early detection and treatment.
"But as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, I'm urging the people to be more focused on cleanliness and hygiene."
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said there were indications that a HFMD epidemic among young children, caused by the deadly Enterovirus 71 (EV71), would start during the Christmas and Chinese New Year period.
"We have positively identified quite a number of EV71 cases among the more than 9,000 HFMD patients in the state this year, and it seems that the three-year cycle of the disease is taking shape.
"Parents and teachers dealing with younger children, especially those attending nurseries and kindergarten, ought to be extra cautious and monitor the symptoms such as rashes, sore throat, blisters in the mouth and recurring fever," he said.
Speaking after opening the Public and Media Awareness Talk on Disaster Management and Mitigation here, Dr Chan said the authorities were closely monitoring the situation and would initiate action to contain any outbreak.
He said some kindergartens had taken proactive steps by voluntarily closing for a few days after one or two pupils contracted HFMD.
"The only way we can minimise the effects of HFMD and the EV71 virus infection is by ensuring cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
"If parents, teachers and all those concerned take heed of this advice, then we will be safe.
"Take the child to the nearest hospital when there are indications or symptoms of HFMD because your child's life could be at risk if you choose to wait."
HFMD caused by EV71 paralyses the cardiopulmonary functions of children which could result in death.
Dr Chan stressed that lives could be saved through early detection and treatment.
"But as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, I'm urging the people to be more focused on cleanliness and hygiene."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
KK may get third hospital
Star: KOTA KINABALU: A third hospital is being considered for the state capital as the Health Ministry is mulling over whether to buy the private Sabah Medical Centre (SMC) with a view to turning it into a cardiac centre.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said a new general hospital was needed to ease congestion at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) which would be made a specialist facility.
“We need a referral centre to serve the needs of patients from around Sabah requiring specialist treatment.
“The QEH could take on that role as a tertiary hospital,” he said after visiting the hospital.
Liow said the ministry would be holding further discussions with the state government which had offered land here for a general hospital.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman had made the offer after the QEH main tower block was declared unsafe and patients had to be relocated to other hospitals in the city and nearby districts.
On buying the SMC, he said the ministry was still studying the matter but noted that the state needed a cardiac treatment centre urgently.
“If we build one, it would take at least three to five years. Having a cardiac centre will reduce the need for Sabah heart patients to seek treatment at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Liow said that the last of the 119 patients were relocated from the QEH tower block to Likas Hospital, SMC, Damai Medical Centre and the Beaufort and Kuala Penyu hospitals.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said a new general hospital was needed to ease congestion at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) which would be made a specialist facility.
“We need a referral centre to serve the needs of patients from around Sabah requiring specialist treatment.
“The QEH could take on that role as a tertiary hospital,” he said after visiting the hospital.
Liow said the ministry would be holding further discussions with the state government which had offered land here for a general hospital.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman had made the offer after the QEH main tower block was declared unsafe and patients had to be relocated to other hospitals in the city and nearby districts.
On buying the SMC, he said the ministry was still studying the matter but noted that the state needed a cardiac treatment centre urgently.
“If we build one, it would take at least three to five years. Having a cardiac centre will reduce the need for Sabah heart patients to seek treatment at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Liow said that the last of the 119 patients were relocated from the QEH tower block to Likas Hospital, SMC, Damai Medical Centre and the Beaufort and Kuala Penyu hospitals.
Government scraps e-Kesihatan plan
Star: SHAH ALAM: The Cabinet has agreed to scrap a controversial plan that would have allowed a private company to run medical check-ups on commercial vehicle drivers.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the Cabinet in a recent meeting gave its consent to discontinue the agreement with the company, Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd.
He said the scheme, e-Kesihatan, was referred back to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for recasting.
The whole scheme has to be re-studied, including the clause and details of the agreement as well as its legal implications, he added.
“We insist there should not be any form of monopoly even if it is for a good cause,” he told reporters after the naming ceremony of Jalan Multimedia in i-City yesterday.
I-City is a RM2bil integrated commercial development on a 29ha site in Section 7 here.
Ong said the Government wanted something that served the public’s purpose, by ensuring medical certification for all commercial vehicle drivers without burdening them.
The original e-Kesihatan programme, which was to have started on Oct 1 last year, would have seen medical check-up results of the drivers being electronically transmitted from panel clinics and laboratories to JPJ.
The JPJ would then issue or renew a licence once the medical check-up result was seen. Supreme Systems was also allowed to maintain a database of the drivers.
The move to appoint Supreme Systems, a limited number of panel clinics and the high fees for check-ups drew criticism from the Malaysia Medical Association and associations representing the commercial vehicle drivers.
He said the ministry also wanted to ensure the clause really matched the purpose of the scheme and if the various medical tests carried out would help to reduce road accidents.
Ong said the Government would leave it to the JPJ to make a new proposal.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the Cabinet in a recent meeting gave its consent to discontinue the agreement with the company, Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd.
He said the scheme, e-Kesihatan, was referred back to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for recasting.
The whole scheme has to be re-studied, including the clause and details of the agreement as well as its legal implications, he added.
“We insist there should not be any form of monopoly even if it is for a good cause,” he told reporters after the naming ceremony of Jalan Multimedia in i-City yesterday.
I-City is a RM2bil integrated commercial development on a 29ha site in Section 7 here.
Ong said the Government wanted something that served the public’s purpose, by ensuring medical certification for all commercial vehicle drivers without burdening them.
The original e-Kesihatan programme, which was to have started on Oct 1 last year, would have seen medical check-up results of the drivers being electronically transmitted from panel clinics and laboratories to JPJ.
The JPJ would then issue or renew a licence once the medical check-up result was seen. Supreme Systems was also allowed to maintain a database of the drivers.
The move to appoint Supreme Systems, a limited number of panel clinics and the high fees for check-ups drew criticism from the Malaysia Medical Association and associations representing the commercial vehicle drivers.
He said the ministry also wanted to ensure the clause really matched the purpose of the scheme and if the various medical tests carried out would help to reduce road accidents.
Ong said the Government would leave it to the JPJ to make a new proposal.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Liow: Acute shortage of cancer specialists
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Up to 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in the country every year, but there are only 39 oncologists (cancer specialist doctors) to treat them.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia should ideally have eight oncologists per million population.
"With about 26 million people, we need about 200 oncologists," he said after officiating the first Asia Pacific Conference on Health Policy and Planning here.
Of the 39 oncologists in the country, 10 are serving in public hospitals. They attend to more than half the cancer patients in the country.
Liow said the ministry would try to get more doctors trained in oncology.
"We are also considering employing oncologists from other countries to work here."
He said the country has only 21 radiotherapy and oncology centres, with six run by the government. The ministry will build a National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya, which will be a tertiary and national referral centre for cancer, in the manner Institut Jantung Negara is for heart disease.
At the conference themed "In an Era of Emerging Technology and Cancer", Liow announced a seven-year national cancer management blueprint, which would streamline and rationalise the fight against cancer.
"Through the blueprint, our vision is that by 2025, cancer will no longer be a public health problem in Malaysia.
"All preventable cancers, effectively prevented; all potential curable cancers, cured."
He said the blueprint would address and improve the key areas of cancer management: prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, palliative care, traditional and complementary medicine, human capital development, facilities, equipment, drugs and funding.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia should ideally have eight oncologists per million population.
"With about 26 million people, we need about 200 oncologists," he said after officiating the first Asia Pacific Conference on Health Policy and Planning here.
Of the 39 oncologists in the country, 10 are serving in public hospitals. They attend to more than half the cancer patients in the country.
Liow said the ministry would try to get more doctors trained in oncology.
"We are also considering employing oncologists from other countries to work here."
He said the country has only 21 radiotherapy and oncology centres, with six run by the government. The ministry will build a National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya, which will be a tertiary and national referral centre for cancer, in the manner Institut Jantung Negara is for heart disease.
At the conference themed "In an Era of Emerging Technology and Cancer", Liow announced a seven-year national cancer management blueprint, which would streamline and rationalise the fight against cancer.
"Through the blueprint, our vision is that by 2025, cancer will no longer be a public health problem in Malaysia.
"All preventable cancers, effectively prevented; all potential curable cancers, cured."
He said the blueprint would address and improve the key areas of cancer management: prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, palliative care, traditional and complementary medicine, human capital development, facilities, equipment, drugs and funding.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Medical screening for all trainees at camps
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: All national service trainees for the next intake will have to undergo medical screening after they report for training.
The 140,000 trainees due to attend training will be screened by one of the seven medical officers at each camp.
The screening will be done in the first two weeks of the programme.
National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said this would be the standard operating procedure for future intakes to prevent any medical mishaps among trainees.
“Some teenagers will not declare that they have any problem when they report for training. So, we have to examine them,” he said in an interview.
He said if a trainee was deemed unfit for training and required further treatment, the medical officer on duty would defer his training. It, however, would not be cancelled outright.
“This means, they would still need to attend training after recovering from any medical condition they had,” he said.
According to the National Service Training Act, each trainee is obliged to attend NS training up to the age of 35.
Abdul Hadi said there would be five Health Ministry medical officers and two health department medical officers on standby at each of the 87 camps.
Every camp trainer has also received comprehensive first aid training by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
The next batch of 140,000 trainees will be the largest yet, an increase of 30,000 from this year. He said more than 900 volunteer trainees have applied so far.
To meet the number of the new intake, the department has altered its trainers roster to accommodate more than 5,500 trainers to achieve a ratio of one trainer for every 25 trainees.
“We called our temporary trainers and absorbed them as contract trainers. We were also open for applications.”
To ensure that trainers were prepared for the job, each new trainer was sent to a 20-day training-of-trainers course.
He said the safety and health condition of camps were checked by the Health Department, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and consultants appointed by the camp operators that are approved by the department.
Local health departments are also given a free hand to go into camps and decide whether to close or take action on errant camp operators or food handlers as they saw fit.
The first of three batch of next year’s NS trainees would be notified from Nov 17 through the media. They will report for training from Dec 27.
The 140,000 trainees due to attend training will be screened by one of the seven medical officers at each camp.
The screening will be done in the first two weeks of the programme.
National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said this would be the standard operating procedure for future intakes to prevent any medical mishaps among trainees.
“Some teenagers will not declare that they have any problem when they report for training. So, we have to examine them,” he said in an interview.
He said if a trainee was deemed unfit for training and required further treatment, the medical officer on duty would defer his training. It, however, would not be cancelled outright.
“This means, they would still need to attend training after recovering from any medical condition they had,” he said.
According to the National Service Training Act, each trainee is obliged to attend NS training up to the age of 35.
Abdul Hadi said there would be five Health Ministry medical officers and two health department medical officers on standby at each of the 87 camps.
Every camp trainer has also received comprehensive first aid training by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society.
The next batch of 140,000 trainees will be the largest yet, an increase of 30,000 from this year. He said more than 900 volunteer trainees have applied so far.
To meet the number of the new intake, the department has altered its trainers roster to accommodate more than 5,500 trainers to achieve a ratio of one trainer for every 25 trainees.
“We called our temporary trainers and absorbed them as contract trainers. We were also open for applications.”
To ensure that trainers were prepared for the job, each new trainer was sent to a 20-day training-of-trainers course.
He said the safety and health condition of camps were checked by the Health Department, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and consultants appointed by the camp operators that are approved by the department.
Local health departments are also given a free hand to go into camps and decide whether to close or take action on errant camp operators or food handlers as they saw fit.
The first of three batch of next year’s NS trainees would be notified from Nov 17 through the media. They will report for training from Dec 27.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Even seven-year-olds get Type 2 diabetes
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian children, as young as seven are developing Type 2 diabetes, thanks to a couch-potato lifestyle and gorging on high caloric food.
Type 2 diabetes used to be seen only in adults over 45.
Hospital Putrajaya, the referral hospital for diabetes cases in the country, has been recording an "alarming" increase in cases.
Its paediatrics department head, Dr Fuziah Md Zain, said parents discovered their children had the disease when they were treated for obesity.
She strongly urged parents to have their children's blood checked on a regular basis.
"If the children's health is not monitored, we will see young adults in the future walking around not knowing that they have Type 2 diabetes," she said yesterday after the launch of World Diabetes Day at the Federal Territories level by Federal Territories Health Department director Dr Ismail Abu Taat.
Children with a propensity for Type 2 diabetes are usually the youngest in the family.
"We believe that because the youngest child is usually the pet in the family, parents give in to their demands for high caloric food," said Dr Fuziah.
Patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes do not usually require insulin injections. They can control the glucose in their blood by watching their diet, exercising regularly and taking oral medication.
The International Diabetes Federation estimated in 2006 that Type 2 diabetes in children was expected to grow by 50 per cent within 15 years.
In the United States, between eight and 45 per cent of new-onset diabetes cases are children.
The federation also found that Type 2 diabetes in children had doubled in Japan over a 20-year period.
Type 2 diabetes used to be seen only in adults over 45.
Hospital Putrajaya, the referral hospital for diabetes cases in the country, has been recording an "alarming" increase in cases.
Its paediatrics department head, Dr Fuziah Md Zain, said parents discovered their children had the disease when they were treated for obesity.
She strongly urged parents to have their children's blood checked on a regular basis.
"If the children's health is not monitored, we will see young adults in the future walking around not knowing that they have Type 2 diabetes," she said yesterday after the launch of World Diabetes Day at the Federal Territories level by Federal Territories Health Department director Dr Ismail Abu Taat.
Children with a propensity for Type 2 diabetes are usually the youngest in the family.
"We believe that because the youngest child is usually the pet in the family, parents give in to their demands for high caloric food," said Dr Fuziah.
Patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes do not usually require insulin injections. They can control the glucose in their blood by watching their diet, exercising regularly and taking oral medication.
The International Diabetes Federation estimated in 2006 that Type 2 diabetes in children was expected to grow by 50 per cent within 15 years.
In the United States, between eight and 45 per cent of new-onset diabetes cases are children.
The federation also found that Type 2 diabetes in children had doubled in Japan over a 20-year period.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Not enough health officers on the ground
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai wants public health officers to be more active in efforts to curb communicable and non-communicable diseases in the country.
He said health officers could not be complacent when it comes to educating the public on diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
“I want to see more effective action. We haven’t got enough of our people working on the ground,” he said Thursday at the 5th Public Health Conference organised by the Ministry and the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association.
He said besides holding more awareness and education talks, both the public and health officers need to adopt a paradigm shift to tackle public health issues.
“The public need to change their lifestyle and take these diseases seriously and handle it together with the public health officers,” he said.
He said despite knowing the dangers of communicative diseases such as dengue and chikungunya and non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes, he felt that both public health workers and the public needed to take them more seriously.
“I’m saying this knowing it is not good enough. They must turn this into action.
“Behavioural change is important,” he said.
When asked whether tougher laws were needed to help the public realise the importance of public health, Liow said stringent enforcement was in place but that punitive laws would not help as much as behahavioural change.
“Behaviour change is more effective than punitive laws and actions. It is not good enough on its own. We need the cooperation of the public,” he said.
Liow said the fact that there were 38,000 dengue cases and 83 deaths from that figure this year meant that more stringent action by public health officers and the community were sorely needed.
”I don’t want to see communicable diseases going out of control. We cannot accept it as part and parcel of our country,” he said.
He said health officers could not be complacent when it comes to educating the public on diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
“I want to see more effective action. We haven’t got enough of our people working on the ground,” he said Thursday at the 5th Public Health Conference organised by the Ministry and the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association.
He said besides holding more awareness and education talks, both the public and health officers need to adopt a paradigm shift to tackle public health issues.
“The public need to change their lifestyle and take these diseases seriously and handle it together with the public health officers,” he said.
He said despite knowing the dangers of communicative diseases such as dengue and chikungunya and non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes, he felt that both public health workers and the public needed to take them more seriously.
“I’m saying this knowing it is not good enough. They must turn this into action.
“Behavioural change is important,” he said.
When asked whether tougher laws were needed to help the public realise the importance of public health, Liow said stringent enforcement was in place but that punitive laws would not help as much as behahavioural change.
“Behaviour change is more effective than punitive laws and actions. It is not good enough on its own. We need the cooperation of the public,” he said.
Liow said the fact that there were 38,000 dengue cases and 83 deaths from that figure this year meant that more stringent action by public health officers and the community were sorely needed.
”I don’t want to see communicable diseases going out of control. We cannot accept it as part and parcel of our country,” he said.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
An extra RM3m to clean up fungus attack
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM14 million was spent to solve the problem of fungus attack at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor in 2005.
Now the government will have to spend another RM3 million on the same problem.
This is the amount Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has set aside after directing his officers in the ministry's engineering division to solve the problem once and for all.
Acknowledging the problem yesterday, Liow told the New Straits Times that the ministry was made aware of the fungus attack before yesterday's report in the paper.
He said a consulting company, Sistem Hospital Awasan Taraf Sdn Bhd (Sihat), had been engaged to check the hospital.
"We are aware of the problem. It's because the ground beneath the hospital is wet," said Liow.
He said the problem has been there ever since the RM557.8 million hospital was built near the swampy area.
The hospital initially started operating in July 2004, with the opening of the outpatient department and its haemodialysis centre.
Two months later, it was ordered closed as the infection of the aspergillus and penicillium fungi had spread throughout the hospital, contaminating the equipment. It only reopened 17 months later in February 2006.
The hospital is again infected and the fungus is said to be of the aspergillus variety.
Liow said the ministry had been monitoring the hospital's condition and was taking remedial measures to rectify the problem.
"What we need to do is to find ways to stop water from flowing into the ground beneath the hospital. The Sihat team, together with experts, are studying the matter, including studying how to divert the water flow.
"The fungus attack poses no danger to staff and patients at the hospital. Business at the hospital will go on as usual while the ministry carries out repair and refurbishing works," said Liow.
When told that similar problems have also affected the Sarawak General Hospital, Liow said, Sihat and a special consultation team were looking into conditions of all hospitals in the country.
Non-governmental organisations, however, have questioned whether the initial amount of RM14 million spent on treating the fungal attack years ago was worth it.
Malaysian Nature Society adviser Vincent Chow said this was a case of taxpayers' money not being properly spent.
"I remember clearly saying in February 2005 that it was ridiculous to spend RM14 million for the clean-up although there are cheaper and better alternatives."
Chow said the government should consider using anti-fungus paint, installing dehumidifiers, improving the lighting and imposing tighter regulations for visitors.
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations research manager Cheah Chee Ho said the hospital was a classic case of first-class facilities but third-class maintenance.
Now the government will have to spend another RM3 million on the same problem.
This is the amount Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has set aside after directing his officers in the ministry's engineering division to solve the problem once and for all.
Acknowledging the problem yesterday, Liow told the New Straits Times that the ministry was made aware of the fungus attack before yesterday's report in the paper.
He said a consulting company, Sistem Hospital Awasan Taraf Sdn Bhd (Sihat), had been engaged to check the hospital.
"We are aware of the problem. It's because the ground beneath the hospital is wet," said Liow.
He said the problem has been there ever since the RM557.8 million hospital was built near the swampy area.
The hospital initially started operating in July 2004, with the opening of the outpatient department and its haemodialysis centre.
Two months later, it was ordered closed as the infection of the aspergillus and penicillium fungi had spread throughout the hospital, contaminating the equipment. It only reopened 17 months later in February 2006.
The hospital is again infected and the fungus is said to be of the aspergillus variety.
Liow said the ministry had been monitoring the hospital's condition and was taking remedial measures to rectify the problem.
"What we need to do is to find ways to stop water from flowing into the ground beneath the hospital. The Sihat team, together with experts, are studying the matter, including studying how to divert the water flow.
"The fungus attack poses no danger to staff and patients at the hospital. Business at the hospital will go on as usual while the ministry carries out repair and refurbishing works," said Liow.
When told that similar problems have also affected the Sarawak General Hospital, Liow said, Sihat and a special consultation team were looking into conditions of all hospitals in the country.
Non-governmental organisations, however, have questioned whether the initial amount of RM14 million spent on treating the fungal attack years ago was worth it.
Malaysian Nature Society adviser Vincent Chow said this was a case of taxpayers' money not being properly spent.
"I remember clearly saying in February 2005 that it was ridiculous to spend RM14 million for the clean-up although there are cheaper and better alternatives."
Chow said the government should consider using anti-fungus paint, installing dehumidifiers, improving the lighting and imposing tighter regulations for visitors.
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations research manager Cheah Chee Ho said the hospital was a classic case of first-class facilities but third-class maintenance.
Don’t use these products, ministry warns public
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised not to use the O’lynn skin lightening cream and Langsing Alami slimming products as they have been found to contain scheduled poisons.
The Drug Control Authority recently cancelled the registration of O’lynn beauty cream after it was found to contain Tretinoin, said Health Ministry Pharmacy Services director Eishah A. Rahman.
Tretinoin is not allowed in cosmetics as it could cause side effects such as skin irritation, peeling and other complications if used without prescription by doctors or pharmacists.
“Traders of the product can be fined a maximum of RM5,000 or jailed a maximum of two years, or both, for violating the Poisons Act,” she said.
As for Langsing Alami slimming products, they have been found to contain Sibutramine, a scheduled poison not permitted in traditional medicines.
Eishah said the use of Sibutramine without monitoring by doctors could cause cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
She said the traders could be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed three years, or both, for violating the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations.
The Drug Control Authority recently cancelled the registration of O’lynn beauty cream after it was found to contain Tretinoin, said Health Ministry Pharmacy Services director Eishah A. Rahman.
Tretinoin is not allowed in cosmetics as it could cause side effects such as skin irritation, peeling and other complications if used without prescription by doctors or pharmacists.
“Traders of the product can be fined a maximum of RM5,000 or jailed a maximum of two years, or both, for violating the Poisons Act,” she said.
As for Langsing Alami slimming products, they have been found to contain Sibutramine, a scheduled poison not permitted in traditional medicines.
Eishah said the use of Sibutramine without monitoring by doctors could cause cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
She said the traders could be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed three years, or both, for violating the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations.
Friday, November 07, 2008
67 issued summonses for puffing in non-smoking areas
Star: SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Health Department issued 67 summonses to smokers, including four women and eight foreigners, for lighting up in non-smoking areas yesterday.
All the offenders were caught smoking in public areas such as restaurants and shops in the PKNS shopping centre, Plaza Alam Sentral and SACC Mall during eight hours of enforcement from 10am.
Department director Dr Rosnah Hadis said the operation was the first after the Health Ministry widened the ban on smoking to more areas last month.
“Many still smoke at non-smoking areas despite various awareness campaigns and repeated warnings by the Health Ministry,” she told a press conference.
Dr Rosnah said those who received the summons were aged between 20 and 60.
They were required to settle their compounds within two weeks at any Health department office, she said.
A compound fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years jail or both if the case goes to court awaits those who flout the law.
Dr Rosnah said the department carried out 123 operations in the state and issued 115 compounds to smokers from January to September this year.
She said 440 cases were brought to court with fines totalling RM29,804.
During the period, 26 teenagers aged 18 and below were compounded for smoking and having cigarettes.
Dr Rosnah urged business owners to display no-smoking signs at their premises or action could be taken against them for failing to do so.
All the offenders were caught smoking in public areas such as restaurants and shops in the PKNS shopping centre, Plaza Alam Sentral and SACC Mall during eight hours of enforcement from 10am.
Department director Dr Rosnah Hadis said the operation was the first after the Health Ministry widened the ban on smoking to more areas last month.
“Many still smoke at non-smoking areas despite various awareness campaigns and repeated warnings by the Health Ministry,” she told a press conference.
Dr Rosnah said those who received the summons were aged between 20 and 60.
They were required to settle their compounds within two weeks at any Health department office, she said.
A compound fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years jail or both if the case goes to court awaits those who flout the law.
Dr Rosnah said the department carried out 123 operations in the state and issued 115 compounds to smokers from January to September this year.
She said 440 cases were brought to court with fines totalling RM29,804.
During the period, 26 teenagers aged 18 and below were compounded for smoking and having cigarettes.
Dr Rosnah urged business owners to display no-smoking signs at their premises or action could be taken against them for failing to do so.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Experienced nurses to get higher pay
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Government nurses with degrees can now reach higher pay grades under the Health Ministry.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said nurses with first degrees would be in pay grades from U41 to U54.
Currently, the highest pay grade nurses reach is U48.
The basic pay for fresh graduates in grade U41 is nearly RM2,000 per month excluding housing, personal, cost-of-living, critical post and public service allowances.
The salary with allowances for nurses at U48 is about RM8,000.
To reach the top grade of U54, nurses have to have at least a Masters, served more than 20 years as a nurse and have the necessary experience, skills and competence.
The U54 grade is normally for department directors who can be paid up to RM10,000 including allowances.
Medical assistants, X-ray technicians and health inspectors with degrees are also eligible for the same higher pay grades.
Liow said that by improving the overall salary of nurses, the ministry hoped they would be more focused on giving quality care.
“I hope these graduates will provide quality healthcare services not just by stressing on improving their knowledge and skills but also have positive values and attitudes towards patient care,” he said.
He told reporters this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and 24 public and private institutions of higher learning to use its facilities for various healthcare education programmes yesterday.
Liow said the higher pay scheme was also to stop nurses from leaving for higher salaries in countries like Dubai.
“This should be good news for nurses. Malaysia cannot continue to have cheap labour. If we want to retain our workers, we can’t pay them less,” he said.
He added the country did not have enough nurses as the ratio was one nurse to 375 people.
“We need to reach one nurse to 200 residents to meet World Health Organisation standards by 2015,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said nurses with first degrees would be in pay grades from U41 to U54.
Currently, the highest pay grade nurses reach is U48.
The basic pay for fresh graduates in grade U41 is nearly RM2,000 per month excluding housing, personal, cost-of-living, critical post and public service allowances.
The salary with allowances for nurses at U48 is about RM8,000.
To reach the top grade of U54, nurses have to have at least a Masters, served more than 20 years as a nurse and have the necessary experience, skills and competence.
The U54 grade is normally for department directors who can be paid up to RM10,000 including allowances.
Medical assistants, X-ray technicians and health inspectors with degrees are also eligible for the same higher pay grades.
Liow said that by improving the overall salary of nurses, the ministry hoped they would be more focused on giving quality care.
“I hope these graduates will provide quality healthcare services not just by stressing on improving their knowledge and skills but also have positive values and attitudes towards patient care,” he said.
He told reporters this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and 24 public and private institutions of higher learning to use its facilities for various healthcare education programmes yesterday.
Liow said the higher pay scheme was also to stop nurses from leaving for higher salaries in countries like Dubai.
“This should be good news for nurses. Malaysia cannot continue to have cheap labour. If we want to retain our workers, we can’t pay them less,” he said.
He added the country did not have enough nurses as the ratio was one nurse to 375 people.
“We need to reach one nurse to 200 residents to meet World Health Organisation standards by 2015,” he said.
Melamine scare: RM3.28m worth of China food products banned
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has banned food products worth RM3.28mil from China due to the presence of melamine.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said 366,681kg of food products that contained melamine were banned under the Food Act 1983.
“Until October, 360 types of food products were tested to determine their level of melamine content while products like chocolate, vegetables and fruits imported from China were continuously being monitored.
“31 types of biscuits were also tested and later banned due to the presence of melamine-tainted additive, ammonium bicarbonate, a raising agent, imported from China,” he told reporters Tuesday after winding up of the debate on the Supply Bill 2009 for his Ministry here.
Liow said his Ministry conducts test at reputable labs in the country that are able to identify even a small quantity of melamine in products.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said 366,681kg of food products that contained melamine were banned under the Food Act 1983.
“Until October, 360 types of food products were tested to determine their level of melamine content while products like chocolate, vegetables and fruits imported from China were continuously being monitored.
“31 types of biscuits were also tested and later banned due to the presence of melamine-tainted additive, ammonium bicarbonate, a raising agent, imported from China,” he told reporters Tuesday after winding up of the debate on the Supply Bill 2009 for his Ministry here.
Liow said his Ministry conducts test at reputable labs in the country that are able to identify even a small quantity of melamine in products.
Monday, November 03, 2008
1:200 nurse-patient ratio by 2015
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is training 5,000 nurses annually to beef up the number of nurses in hospitals.
According to its minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai the current nurse to patient ratio is 1:375.
With the training of new nurses every year, the ministry hopes to improve this ratio to 1:200 by the year 2015.
He said this Monday at the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with 24 public and private institutions of higher learning to use the ministry's facilities for nursing, dental and health sciences education programmes.
This brings the number of institutions that have an MoU with the ministry to a total of 48.
According to its minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai the current nurse to patient ratio is 1:375.
With the training of new nurses every year, the ministry hopes to improve this ratio to 1:200 by the year 2015.
He said this Monday at the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with 24 public and private institutions of higher learning to use the ministry's facilities for nursing, dental and health sciences education programmes.
This brings the number of institutions that have an MoU with the ministry to a total of 48.
Restaurant owners will pay if patrons smoke
NST: SUBANG JAYA: The Health Ministry will intensify its enforcement to punish restaurant owners who allow smoking in air-conditioned restaurants.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry had been receiving complaints from the public about smokers in air-conditioned restaurants, which are supposed to be smoke-free.
"If the owners want to have smoking areas, they should partition their restaurants and equip them with separate air-conditioning systems to prevent pollution," he said after launching a Health Day campaign here yesterday.
Liow said, however, that there has been a sharp decline in the number of compound notices issued by the ministry this year to those who smoked in prohibited areas compared with the last two years.
The ministry had issued 2,622 compound notices from January to October, with fines amounting to RM564,170, compared with 7,166 in 2006 and 9,196 last year, the fines amounting to RM2,490,915 and RM3,071,474, respectively.
More than 85 per cent of this year's compound cases have been settled while 44 per cent of 2006 cases and 40 per cent of those issued last year were settled.
Those who smoke in prohibited areas can be fined between RM300 and RM500. If they repeat the offence, the fine could reach RM10,000.
The ministry is also intensifying its efforts to nab retailers who sell cigarettes to underage smokers.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry had been receiving complaints from the public about smokers in air-conditioned restaurants, which are supposed to be smoke-free.
"If the owners want to have smoking areas, they should partition their restaurants and equip them with separate air-conditioning systems to prevent pollution," he said after launching a Health Day campaign here yesterday.
Liow said, however, that there has been a sharp decline in the number of compound notices issued by the ministry this year to those who smoked in prohibited areas compared with the last two years.
The ministry had issued 2,622 compound notices from January to October, with fines amounting to RM564,170, compared with 7,166 in 2006 and 9,196 last year, the fines amounting to RM2,490,915 and RM3,071,474, respectively.
More than 85 per cent of this year's compound cases have been settled while 44 per cent of 2006 cases and 40 per cent of those issued last year were settled.
Those who smoke in prohibited areas can be fined between RM300 and RM500. If they repeat the offence, the fine could reach RM10,000.
The ministry is also intensifying its efforts to nab retailers who sell cigarettes to underage smokers.
Nipah virus threat 'under control'
NST: SUBANG JAYA: The Health Ministry has given an assurance that its Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is always on the alert for the Nipah virus.
"Our centre is advanced. In fact, we were the ones who identified the Nipah virus and we know how to control it," Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said after launching the Health Day campaign organised by the Women Development Organisation of Malaysia and Puchong MCA division here yesterday.
"We are confident if there is an outbreak, we will know the source and be able to handle it. I don't think there is a threat here."
Liow said there has been no new cases of the Nipah virus in the country since the 1998-1999 outbreak when more than 100 people died.
None of the 649 encephalitis cases reported to the ministry from 2000 to October this year was caused by the Nipah virus.
The minister was commenting on the New Sunday Times front-page report "Nipah virus still a threat", which said that Universiti Malaya's department of medicine did not rule out the possibility of another Nipah outbreak in the country.
The NST quoted the department's consultant neurologist Dr Tan Chong Tin as saying the country was vulnerable as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and India have discovered bats infected with the Nipah virus.
Dr Tan had also said the movement of labour across borders could also pose a threat to Malaysia, home to migrant labour from these countries.
Liow said there was little evidence that the foreigners posed a threat. "The risk they carry is small or non-existent."
"Our centre is advanced. In fact, we were the ones who identified the Nipah virus and we know how to control it," Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said after launching the Health Day campaign organised by the Women Development Organisation of Malaysia and Puchong MCA division here yesterday.
"We are confident if there is an outbreak, we will know the source and be able to handle it. I don't think there is a threat here."
Liow said there has been no new cases of the Nipah virus in the country since the 1998-1999 outbreak when more than 100 people died.
None of the 649 encephalitis cases reported to the ministry from 2000 to October this year was caused by the Nipah virus.
The minister was commenting on the New Sunday Times front-page report "Nipah virus still a threat", which said that Universiti Malaya's department of medicine did not rule out the possibility of another Nipah outbreak in the country.
The NST quoted the department's consultant neurologist Dr Tan Chong Tin as saying the country was vulnerable as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and India have discovered bats infected with the Nipah virus.
Dr Tan had also said the movement of labour across borders could also pose a threat to Malaysia, home to migrant labour from these countries.
Liow said there was little evidence that the foreigners posed a threat. "The risk they carry is small or non-existent."
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Ministry warns of risks in using Osim and Surgipack hot/cold packs
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry yesterday warned the public against using hot/cold packs produced by Surgipack and Osim as they can cause side effects.
Its medical equipment bureau, in a statement here, said the ministry was recently informed by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore through the Asean information sharing network that the hot/cold packs sold there contained ethylene glycol, a toxic substance that could affect the nervous system and eventually lead to renal failure.
The Health Sciences Authority listed the products as Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Large, Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Small, Soft R&R ColdHot Pack M, Soft R&R ColdHot Pack L, Osim uBaby Fever Band, Osim Shoulder PAd, Osim uKids Fever Band, Osim Face Mask, Osim Eye Mask and Osim Hot/Cold Com- press.
The bureau said the packs were safe to use if users followed the instructions on them.
“But users should not be exposed to the contents,” the statement said, adding that the danger lay in the plastic packs which could tear.
It advised those who wanted to continue using the products to contact the distributors to get full details first.
The statement also said the bureau had advised the manufacturers and distributors to voluntarily withdraw the products from the market.
Follow-up monitoring showed Surgipack is not sold in Malaysia while Osim has heeded the bureau’s advice, it added.
Its medical equipment bureau, in a statement here, said the ministry was recently informed by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore through the Asean information sharing network that the hot/cold packs sold there contained ethylene glycol, a toxic substance that could affect the nervous system and eventually lead to renal failure.
The Health Sciences Authority listed the products as Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Large, Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Small, Soft R&R ColdHot Pack M, Soft R&R ColdHot Pack L, Osim uBaby Fever Band, Osim Shoulder PAd, Osim uKids Fever Band, Osim Face Mask, Osim Eye Mask and Osim Hot/Cold Com- press.
The bureau said the packs were safe to use if users followed the instructions on them.
“But users should not be exposed to the contents,” the statement said, adding that the danger lay in the plastic packs which could tear.
It advised those who wanted to continue using the products to contact the distributors to get full details first.
The statement also said the bureau had advised the manufacturers and distributors to voluntarily withdraw the products from the market.
Follow-up monitoring showed Surgipack is not sold in Malaysia while Osim has heeded the bureau’s advice, it added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)