Star: PUTRAJAYA: Infectious diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy which almost disappeared in Malaysia since two decades ago have made a comeback and this can be traced to the millions of foreign workers and illegal immigrants in the country.
There were 16,325 confirmed cases of tuberculosis (14,275 Malaysians and 2,050 foreigners) last year, second only to dengue fever with 17,047 confirmed cases.
Of the 152 confirmed leprosy cases last year, 99 were Malaysians and 53 foreigners.
The two diseases are among the 27 infectious diseases in the Health Ministry’s radar.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the rising incidence of tuberculosis could be attributed to, among others, foreign workers and illegal immigrants.
“A total of 10,517 foreign workers failed to get their work permits last year because they had tuberculosis. They made up 28% of the 37,503 who were declared unfit for work permits that year,” Liow told The Star.
But what worries him is the estimated one million or more illegal immigrants – often referred to as “illegal foreign workers” – in the country.
“What we (ministry) are concerned about are the infectious diseases among the illegals which may serve as a hidden source of infection to our local population.
“It can be any type of disease – the existing ones, new ones or even those already wiped out in Malaysia,” he lamented.
Liow pointed out that disease transmission could get out of hand when foreign workers mingled with illegal immigrants.
Although the authorities were monitoring the situation, Liow urged employers to ensure that their foreign workers sought early treatment if they were unwell.
He also reminded them to provide the foreign workers with decent housing and give them adequate rest.
There are an estimated one million illegal immigrants in Malaysia, mostly Indonesians, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Myanmars and Indians, but many believe the numbers may be higher.
There were 74,134 cases of confirmed infectious diseases in Malaysia last year. Of these, 68,424 were Malaysians and 5,710 foreigners.
And 2,050 or 36% of the 5,710 foreigners had tuberculosis.
Liow said between 7.2% and 8.1% of notified cases of infectious diseases between 2005 and 2008 involved foreigners.
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, June 22, 2009
A(H1N1) :School in KL closed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: SJK (C) Jalan Davidson at Jalan Hang Jebat here has been closed for a week after two local transmissions of the influenza A(H1N1) virus were detected in the school.
Two other schools with infected students – SRK Assunta 2 in Petaling Jaya and SM Section 9 Shah Alam – will also be closed if authorities discover local transmission of the virus there.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said eight cases of the virus were confirmed yesterday, including five schoolchildren – an 11-year-old from SRK Assunta 2, a 16-year-old from SM Shah Alam, and three at Class 5 I of SJK(C) Jalan Davidson.
He said all 2,100 students and staff members of SJK(C) Jalan Davidson had been home quarantined, after the National Security Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin agreed to close the school until Friday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with the school board and parent-teacher association (PTA) here yesterday, Liow said the quarantined students and staff members were not allowed to visit public or crowded places. Students would also have to skip tuition classes for a week.
“They should also have less contact with their family members. They are quarantined but not their families,” he said.
“This action is necessary to prevent more cases among the students and staff members. They must stay at home and follow the advice the ministry has provided,” he added.
Liow said the two 11-year-olds from SJK (C) Jalan Davidson who were the 49th and 50th cases in the country, contracted the virus from a classmate who tested positive on Friday after recently returning from a vacation in Melbourne.
PTA chairman Dr Lai Boon Hai said several members would be on standby at the school from 6.30am today to give out information on the closure and inform as many students and their parents as possible.
“All PTA members are fully behind the decision by the ministry to close the school for one week. It’s for the safety of the children,” he said.
Liow said anyone who fell sick or had a fever must inform the Federal Territory Health Department at 03-2698 3757 or 019-229 9397. The department has a health officer on 24-hour standby.
“At the same time, practise good hygiene and cleanliness by covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Also, wash your hands with soap,” he said.
On whether sterilisation of the school areas was needed, Liow said it was not necessary as the virus could only survive in the open for a maximum of eight hours.
Earlier, when opening an A(H1N1) awareness campaign in Batu 11, Cheras, organised by the Serdang MCA division, Liow said the ministry’s guidelines recommended schools to be closed if a local transmission was detected.
Among the new cases reported yesterday was a 33-year-old Thai national who is crew member on a cargo ship which anchored at Port Klang on June 19.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the man was found to have been ill since June 17 and he and 22 other crew members were under quarantine on board the vessel.
The patient was later sent to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang after he tested positive for the virus, Dr Ismail added.
Two other schools with infected students – SRK Assunta 2 in Petaling Jaya and SM Section 9 Shah Alam – will also be closed if authorities discover local transmission of the virus there.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said eight cases of the virus were confirmed yesterday, including five schoolchildren – an 11-year-old from SRK Assunta 2, a 16-year-old from SM Shah Alam, and three at Class 5 I of SJK(C) Jalan Davidson.
He said all 2,100 students and staff members of SJK(C) Jalan Davidson had been home quarantined, after the National Security Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin agreed to close the school until Friday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with the school board and parent-teacher association (PTA) here yesterday, Liow said the quarantined students and staff members were not allowed to visit public or crowded places. Students would also have to skip tuition classes for a week.
“They should also have less contact with their family members. They are quarantined but not their families,” he said.
“This action is necessary to prevent more cases among the students and staff members. They must stay at home and follow the advice the ministry has provided,” he added.
Liow said the two 11-year-olds from SJK (C) Jalan Davidson who were the 49th and 50th cases in the country, contracted the virus from a classmate who tested positive on Friday after recently returning from a vacation in Melbourne.
PTA chairman Dr Lai Boon Hai said several members would be on standby at the school from 6.30am today to give out information on the closure and inform as many students and their parents as possible.
“All PTA members are fully behind the decision by the ministry to close the school for one week. It’s for the safety of the children,” he said.
Liow said anyone who fell sick or had a fever must inform the Federal Territory Health Department at 03-2698 3757 or 019-229 9397. The department has a health officer on 24-hour standby.
“At the same time, practise good hygiene and cleanliness by covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Also, wash your hands with soap,” he said.
On whether sterilisation of the school areas was needed, Liow said it was not necessary as the virus could only survive in the open for a maximum of eight hours.
Earlier, when opening an A(H1N1) awareness campaign in Batu 11, Cheras, organised by the Serdang MCA division, Liow said the ministry’s guidelines recommended schools to be closed if a local transmission was detected.
Among the new cases reported yesterday was a 33-year-old Thai national who is crew member on a cargo ship which anchored at Port Klang on June 19.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the man was found to have been ill since June 17 and he and 22 other crew members were under quarantine on board the vessel.
The patient was later sent to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang after he tested positive for the virus, Dr Ismail added.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
D-G tells students what they can do to curb flu
Star: PETALING JAYA: Students returning from vacation in countries affected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus must seek immediate treatment if they have cough and fever and also limit their interaction with friends, including avoiding classes until they get better, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said yesterday.
The restriction on students with flu-like symptoms was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, he said in a statement.
Dr Ismail also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities by postponing their travel to countries hit by the flu, “and travel only if absolutely necessary.”
“The chances of contracting the virus when flying to an affected country has increased, whether you are in that country or during the flight there.”
Dr Ismail called on everyone who came in contact with those who had been tested positive for the flu virus, including passengers on the same flight and crew members, to get in touch with the Health Ministry at 03-8881 0200 or 8881 0300 for medical advice and home quarantine procedures.
He also urged the public to follow the latest developments on the flu outbreak via the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my
In Kepala Batas, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the ministry would not hesitate to shut down schools that have students infected by the flu.
He said that the best remedy would be to temporarily close the particular school where the 11-year-old girl, who was tested positive for A (H1N1), came from.
Dr Mohd Puad, however, said the ministry would seek advice from the Health Ministry before deciding on whether to close schools.
As an immediate measure, he said the Health Ministry would be asked to conduct random medical checks among students in several schools in Kuala Lumpur that might be at risk.
Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said students found to have flu-like symptoms should go to hospital for a check-up.
On closing schools, he said the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.
“We urge the public not to panic, as everything is under control,” he added.
National Union of the Teaching Profession president Hashim Adnan said teachers should take precautions by staying alert and identifying students who are unwell at school.
“Even if a student has a mild flu, he should not go to school. It’s as simple as that.”
He proposed that the Health Ministry supply masks to clinics near schools so that teachers can easily get hold of them should they need to.
“The teacher would be in closest contact with a flu-hit student, so masks could help as a preliminary preventive measure for both the student and teacher,” Hashim added.
The restriction on students with flu-like symptoms was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, he said in a statement.
Dr Ismail also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities by postponing their travel to countries hit by the flu, “and travel only if absolutely necessary.”
“The chances of contracting the virus when flying to an affected country has increased, whether you are in that country or during the flight there.”
Dr Ismail called on everyone who came in contact with those who had been tested positive for the flu virus, including passengers on the same flight and crew members, to get in touch with the Health Ministry at 03-8881 0200 or 8881 0300 for medical advice and home quarantine procedures.
He also urged the public to follow the latest developments on the flu outbreak via the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my
In Kepala Batas, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the ministry would not hesitate to shut down schools that have students infected by the flu.
He said that the best remedy would be to temporarily close the particular school where the 11-year-old girl, who was tested positive for A (H1N1), came from.
Dr Mohd Puad, however, said the ministry would seek advice from the Health Ministry before deciding on whether to close schools.
As an immediate measure, he said the Health Ministry would be asked to conduct random medical checks among students in several schools in Kuala Lumpur that might be at risk.
Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said students found to have flu-like symptoms should go to hospital for a check-up.
On closing schools, he said the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.
“We urge the public not to panic, as everything is under control,” he added.
National Union of the Teaching Profession president Hashim Adnan said teachers should take precautions by staying alert and identifying students who are unwell at school.
“Even if a student has a mild flu, he should not go to school. It’s as simple as that.”
He proposed that the Health Ministry supply masks to clinics near schools so that teachers can easily get hold of them should they need to.
“The teacher would be in closest contact with a flu-hit student, so masks could help as a preliminary preventive measure for both the student and teacher,” Hashim added.
11 year-old girl among new A(H1N1) cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: An 11-year-old girl from a Chinese vernacular school in Kuala Lumpur is among seven new confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases, bringing the total number to 42.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the pupil had gone to Melbourne on holiday with her family during the school break and travelled with her grandmother who also contracted the flu.
She returned on AirAsia X flight D7 2723 at 7am on Tuesday via the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal and went to school the next day.
“On the second day of school, she developed a fever and was sent to hospital. It was confirmed last night (Friday) that she was infected,” Liow told a press conference after launching the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign during the ministry’s Family Day here yesterday.
He said that as of Friday night, the girl’s 46 classmates were placed under home quarantine.
There was no need for parents and teachers to panic, he said, as this was still an “imported” case.
If a locally-transmitted case was reported at the school, Liow said the ministry would order the National Security Council to close the school and initiate “cleaning” activities.
Any closure of schools because of Influenza A (H1N1) cases is to last seven days, which is the period set for home quarantine.
“I have also told the Health director-general to meet with the Education director-general to look into measures that we can introduce, including screening at schools to detect cases earlier,” he said.
Liow called on state governments to check with the Health Ministry before making any announcements on any new cases or ideally, leave it to the ministry to make public such information.
“Our worry is that if there are quarters giving information on cases confirmed after our cut-off time, newspapers will carry varying figures and this will create confusion among the public,” he said.
On the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, Liow said the ministry started the campaign after looking at the worrying trend of rising lifestyle-related diseases in the country.
“I also urge office workers to get off the lift two floors below their office level when they go to work and walk up the stairs,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the pupil had gone to Melbourne on holiday with her family during the school break and travelled with her grandmother who also contracted the flu.
She returned on AirAsia X flight D7 2723 at 7am on Tuesday via the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal and went to school the next day.
“On the second day of school, she developed a fever and was sent to hospital. It was confirmed last night (Friday) that she was infected,” Liow told a press conference after launching the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign during the ministry’s Family Day here yesterday.
He said that as of Friday night, the girl’s 46 classmates were placed under home quarantine.
There was no need for parents and teachers to panic, he said, as this was still an “imported” case.
If a locally-transmitted case was reported at the school, Liow said the ministry would order the National Security Council to close the school and initiate “cleaning” activities.
Any closure of schools because of Influenza A (H1N1) cases is to last seven days, which is the period set for home quarantine.
“I have also told the Health director-general to meet with the Education director-general to look into measures that we can introduce, including screening at schools to detect cases earlier,” he said.
Liow called on state governments to check with the Health Ministry before making any announcements on any new cases or ideally, leave it to the ministry to make public such information.
“Our worry is that if there are quarters giving information on cases confirmed after our cut-off time, newspapers will carry varying figures and this will create confusion among the public,” he said.
On the 10,000 Steps Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, Liow said the ministry started the campaign after looking at the worrying trend of rising lifestyle-related diseases in the country.
“I also urge office workers to get off the lift two floors below their office level when they go to work and walk up the stairs,” he said.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Doc: Mental health problems on the rise
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian students are suffering from mental health problems now, with nearly half of them showing emotional and aggressive symptoms.
Malaysian Psychiatric Associa-tion vice-president Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar said one of the main factors affecting students were bullying.
“Victims of bullying tend to have serious mental problems as they grow up, if there is no proper counselling.
“The number of mental health patients aged 18 and below has also increased from 13.7% in 1996 to almost 20% in 2006,” he said at the 14th Malaysian Conference on Psychological Medicine here yesterday.
He urged parents and teachers to pay more attention to the changes in their children’s behaviour.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said 400,227 mental patients sought treatment at the government hospitals last year, an increase of 15.6% compared with 346,196 people in 2007.
“The increase in stress levels and complex social responsibilities are among factors causing more people to develop mental disorders,” he said, adding that more women than men tend to suffer from mental disorders.
Among the mental problems, anxiety is most common in the country, followed by depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Liow said suicide had also become a serious public health problem worldwide, with one death every 40 seconds.
“In Malaysia, the suicide rate now is between 9 and 12 cases per 100,000 people,” he said, adding the rate among Indians was alarming at between 30 and 35 cases per 100,000 people.
“Mental patients must be rehabilitated and integrated into the community,” he said in his speech read by the ministry’s Medical Development Division director Datuk Dr Azmi Shapie.
A clinical practice guidelines on the Management of Schizophrenia in Adults was also launched at the event.
Dr Azmi said family members played an important role in the recovery process of mental patients.
“Medication can only control their illness as they need the support from family and friends to help them recover and return to society,” he said.
Malaysian Psychiatric Associa-tion vice-president Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar said one of the main factors affecting students were bullying.
“Victims of bullying tend to have serious mental problems as they grow up, if there is no proper counselling.
“The number of mental health patients aged 18 and below has also increased from 13.7% in 1996 to almost 20% in 2006,” he said at the 14th Malaysian Conference on Psychological Medicine here yesterday.
He urged parents and teachers to pay more attention to the changes in their children’s behaviour.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said 400,227 mental patients sought treatment at the government hospitals last year, an increase of 15.6% compared with 346,196 people in 2007.
“The increase in stress levels and complex social responsibilities are among factors causing more people to develop mental disorders,” he said, adding that more women than men tend to suffer from mental disorders.
Among the mental problems, anxiety is most common in the country, followed by depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Liow said suicide had also become a serious public health problem worldwide, with one death every 40 seconds.
“In Malaysia, the suicide rate now is between 9 and 12 cases per 100,000 people,” he said, adding the rate among Indians was alarming at between 30 and 35 cases per 100,000 people.
“Mental patients must be rehabilitated and integrated into the community,” he said in his speech read by the ministry’s Medical Development Division director Datuk Dr Azmi Shapie.
A clinical practice guidelines on the Management of Schizophrenia in Adults was also launched at the event.
Dr Azmi said family members played an important role in the recovery process of mental patients.
“Medication can only control their illness as they need the support from family and friends to help them recover and return to society,” he said.
Friday, June 19, 2009
No cause for panic, minister assures public
NST: PUTRAJAYA: The public has been urged not to panic over the country's first locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, however, warned of stern action under the Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988, against anyone who concealed the disease. "This is the last warning we are issuing. We expect those infected with the disease to be more responsible in giving us all the necessary information."
Liow was commenting on the country's first locally transmitted case, the 17-year-old student from Petaling Jaya who did not inform the authorities that she had had contact with an infected patient.
The infected patient, a 24-year-old, had given the authorities a list of people he had made contact with, but had left out the girl's name.
The girl was confirmed as the country's first locally transmitted case when she was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on Monday.
It is learnt that she is a student at a private college in Damansara. Investigations revealed that she had also gone to a cinema recently.
The authorities have so far quarantined 20 of the girl's family members and friends with whom she had come in contact with.
Liow also urged the public against panicking as talk of implementing "social distancing" in Petaling Jaya loomed.
"The ministry is taking steps to ensure the infection does not spread further. We are taking all necessary steps. The situation is under control."
He said the ministry would monitor the girl's 20 contacts closely for now.
Social distancing, he said, would only be considered if the 20 quarantined people had infected others. Even then, he said, it would only affect a locality and not the whole district.
"Say, for instance, the risk is concentrated in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, then the measure would be implemented there, with only a few schools affected," he said after a meeting with the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA and the Malaysian Youth Council.
The two groups have been roped in to increase public awareness on health issues, including the influenza A (H1N1), dengue and cervical cancer.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican advised those who were sick with flu and fever to quickly seek treatment.
"Go to the nearest clinic or hospital. The doctors will ask you some questions to determine your travel history and the people you would have come in contact with."
Dr Ismail warned of the possibility of the virus mutating. "We haven't seen the worst yet, so we have to brace ourselves. This (the current situation) is like a test to ascertain the capabilities of the affected countries on how to handle the pandemic."
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, however, warned of stern action under the Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988, against anyone who concealed the disease. "This is the last warning we are issuing. We expect those infected with the disease to be more responsible in giving us all the necessary information."
Liow was commenting on the country's first locally transmitted case, the 17-year-old student from Petaling Jaya who did not inform the authorities that she had had contact with an infected patient.
The infected patient, a 24-year-old, had given the authorities a list of people he had made contact with, but had left out the girl's name.
The girl was confirmed as the country's first locally transmitted case when she was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on Monday.
It is learnt that she is a student at a private college in Damansara. Investigations revealed that she had also gone to a cinema recently.
The authorities have so far quarantined 20 of the girl's family members and friends with whom she had come in contact with.
Liow also urged the public against panicking as talk of implementing "social distancing" in Petaling Jaya loomed.
"The ministry is taking steps to ensure the infection does not spread further. We are taking all necessary steps. The situation is under control."
He said the ministry would monitor the girl's 20 contacts closely for now.
Social distancing, he said, would only be considered if the 20 quarantined people had infected others. Even then, he said, it would only affect a locality and not the whole district.
"Say, for instance, the risk is concentrated in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, then the measure would be implemented there, with only a few schools affected," he said after a meeting with the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA and the Malaysian Youth Council.
The two groups have been roped in to increase public awareness on health issues, including the influenza A (H1N1), dengue and cervical cancer.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican advised those who were sick with flu and fever to quickly seek treatment.
"Go to the nearest clinic or hospital. The doctors will ask you some questions to determine your travel history and the people you would have come in contact with."
Dr Ismail warned of the possibility of the virus mutating. "We haven't seen the worst yet, so we have to brace ourselves. This (the current situation) is like a test to ascertain the capabilities of the affected countries on how to handle the pandemic."
Doctors and pharmacists disagree on dispensing
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association does not think the country is ready for a separation of duties in the prescribing and dispensing of medication. The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, however, differs.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the move would lead to a rise in the cost of healthcare as the sick would have to see a doctor first, then get the prescription filled by a pharmacist.
"It would be a must for patients to see the doctor first before buying any medication.
"It should not be the other way round. Pharmacists, unlike doctors, are not trained to deal with illnesses and pathologies. Some pharmacists actually behave like doctors when they are not empowered to do so," he said.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho disagreed saying the separation was a good idea because pharmacists were trained to educate the consumer on medicine.
"We are competent and keen to provide quality pharmaceutical care to the consumers. Separation will enable us to do what we do best in the interest of consumers."
She said pharmacists upheld the highest professional aspirations to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
"There is a strong shift towards active participation by consumers and pharmacists in the decision-making process. A benchmarking and standard operating procedures in community pharmacies will improve the public image and perception of pharmacists."
Federation of Malaysia Consumers' Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu said through the separation, consumers could become more aware of their medical expenses such as consultation fees, medicine prices and also promote rational prescription of medicines, when pharmacists would examine the prescription as well.
On the other hand, there were also teething problems such as accessibility to pharmacies and the lack of pharmacists.
"The Health Ministry has done a pilot project on the separation but we have yet to know of its findings and the ministry's future plans. Once the initial problems have been ironed out, the separation could benefit consumers in the long run."
Elaborating on the current level of 7,000 registered pharmacists in the country, Ho said the ratio of pharmacists to population at 1 to 4,700 people was acceptable
"By September, the first batch of pharmacists who complete their compulsory government service will improve the ratio. About a quarter of them will be serving as community pharmacists. There are 16 institutions of higher learning producing almost 2,000 new pharmacists per year."
The 21/2 hour NSTLive session yesterday attracted 184 online readers who posted 156 questions and comments.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the move would lead to a rise in the cost of healthcare as the sick would have to see a doctor first, then get the prescription filled by a pharmacist.
"It would be a must for patients to see the doctor first before buying any medication.
"It should not be the other way round. Pharmacists, unlike doctors, are not trained to deal with illnesses and pathologies. Some pharmacists actually behave like doctors when they are not empowered to do so," he said.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho disagreed saying the separation was a good idea because pharmacists were trained to educate the consumer on medicine.
"We are competent and keen to provide quality pharmaceutical care to the consumers. Separation will enable us to do what we do best in the interest of consumers."
She said pharmacists upheld the highest professional aspirations to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
"There is a strong shift towards active participation by consumers and pharmacists in the decision-making process. A benchmarking and standard operating procedures in community pharmacies will improve the public image and perception of pharmacists."
Federation of Malaysia Consumers' Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu said through the separation, consumers could become more aware of their medical expenses such as consultation fees, medicine prices and also promote rational prescription of medicines, when pharmacists would examine the prescription as well.
On the other hand, there were also teething problems such as accessibility to pharmacies and the lack of pharmacists.
"The Health Ministry has done a pilot project on the separation but we have yet to know of its findings and the ministry's future plans. Once the initial problems have been ironed out, the separation could benefit consumers in the long run."
Elaborating on the current level of 7,000 registered pharmacists in the country, Ho said the ratio of pharmacists to population at 1 to 4,700 people was acceptable
"By September, the first batch of pharmacists who complete their compulsory government service will improve the ratio. About a quarter of them will be serving as community pharmacists. There are 16 institutions of higher learning producing almost 2,000 new pharmacists per year."
The 21/2 hour NSTLive session yesterday attracted 184 online readers who posted 156 questions and comments.
MMA comes to doctors' defence
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Medical Association president Dr David Quek has come to the defence of private doctors who were said to have failed to report suspected dengue cases to the Health Ministry.
He explained that dengue in its early presentation was very similar to many viral infections.
"If doctors start referring cases to the ministry, there might be too many cases which are not dengue at all.
"Also, not every patient agrees to have blood testing because this costs money and there are lots of viruses out there which need to be excluded," he said in the inaugural NSTLive panel discussion yesterday.
Dr Quek said another factor was that many patients refused to go for follow-ups and chose to "doctor-hop" when their fever did not improve after a day or two.
By the time they get to hospital, their condition would have deteriorated.
The association president said dengue was endemic with periodic peaks. He said it was also seasonal and related to the climate.
"Most important is the breeding of the Aedes mosquito. We must try to eradicate this first. The public must play its part to keep the immediate environment clean and free from the breeding sites of the mosquito."
To the question of whether doctors were prepared to face an outbreak of locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1), Dr Quek said he was not sure if anyone was prepared for it.
"But, because it is already spreading here, we all have to learn very fast. There is no doubt that this is a moderately serious type of flu, which so far seems very contagious, and has killed about one in every 200 infections, which makes it rather in between in terms of lethality."
He said the old Spanish flu was far more contagious, affecting one billion people worldwide at its peak and killing more than 40 million. SARS, too, killed about one in six or seven people.
However, he added that the H1N1 flu was worrying because it had the potential to mutate into a more virulent form which could become a very serious killer.
"This can happen in the second or third wave after the H1N1 flu reaches pandemic level 6, which it has.
"That is why we are so concerned and the Health Ministry is making every effort to contain the situation and prevent this from becoming more serious. You will hear of more preventive measures in the weeks to come."
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said there were enough flu medicines, hand disinfectants and masks for the common flu and H1N1.
"However, Tamiflu needs to be prescribed by doctors."
She also assured the public that pharmacists were definitely not taking advantage of the situation by raising prices.
She said MMA and MPS were on high alert to ensure that the situation gets the best attention.
"Members of the public can seek information and advice about the precautionary steps to take to protect adults and children adequately.
"At the same time, all medicines required are managed to ensure the best outcomes."
She said MPS strongly advocated personal care for the public and provided information and public health measures to contain the situation through counselling especially by community pharmacists.
"Our roles as healthcare providers include active sharing of information and knowledge.
"We are also working closely with the Pharmaceutical Services Division in terms of updating and disseminating useful information to members of the public.
"We also work as a team with other healthcare provi-ders such as doctors and nurses."
He explained that dengue in its early presentation was very similar to many viral infections.
"If doctors start referring cases to the ministry, there might be too many cases which are not dengue at all.
"Also, not every patient agrees to have blood testing because this costs money and there are lots of viruses out there which need to be excluded," he said in the inaugural NSTLive panel discussion yesterday.
Dr Quek said another factor was that many patients refused to go for follow-ups and chose to "doctor-hop" when their fever did not improve after a day or two.
By the time they get to hospital, their condition would have deteriorated.
The association president said dengue was endemic with periodic peaks. He said it was also seasonal and related to the climate.
"Most important is the breeding of the Aedes mosquito. We must try to eradicate this first. The public must play its part to keep the immediate environment clean and free from the breeding sites of the mosquito."
To the question of whether doctors were prepared to face an outbreak of locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1), Dr Quek said he was not sure if anyone was prepared for it.
"But, because it is already spreading here, we all have to learn very fast. There is no doubt that this is a moderately serious type of flu, which so far seems very contagious, and has killed about one in every 200 infections, which makes it rather in between in terms of lethality."
He said the old Spanish flu was far more contagious, affecting one billion people worldwide at its peak and killing more than 40 million. SARS, too, killed about one in six or seven people.
However, he added that the H1N1 flu was worrying because it had the potential to mutate into a more virulent form which could become a very serious killer.
"This can happen in the second or third wave after the H1N1 flu reaches pandemic level 6, which it has.
"That is why we are so concerned and the Health Ministry is making every effort to contain the situation and prevent this from becoming more serious. You will hear of more preventive measures in the weeks to come."
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said there were enough flu medicines, hand disinfectants and masks for the common flu and H1N1.
"However, Tamiflu needs to be prescribed by doctors."
She also assured the public that pharmacists were definitely not taking advantage of the situation by raising prices.
She said MMA and MPS were on high alert to ensure that the situation gets the best attention.
"Members of the public can seek information and advice about the precautionary steps to take to protect adults and children adequately.
"At the same time, all medicines required are managed to ensure the best outcomes."
She said MPS strongly advocated personal care for the public and provided information and public health measures to contain the situation through counselling especially by community pharmacists.
"Our roles as healthcare providers include active sharing of information and knowledge.
"We are also working closely with the Pharmaceutical Services Division in terms of updating and disseminating useful information to members of the public.
"We also work as a team with other healthcare provi-ders such as doctors and nurses."
Influenza A: Compulsory to fill health form
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: From next week, anyone flying into Malaysia will have to fill up a mandatory health declaration form which will be given to them onboard.
Failure to fill the form and provide health particulars could result in a jail term of up to two years and fine of up to RM10,000.
This was among a list of stringent measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1) locally.
The disease infected its 25th Malaysian victim yesterday, a 22-year-old female student who tested positive for the disease and is now warded at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.
Muhyiddin, after chairing the National Inter-ministerial Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic at Parliament yesterday, said the ruling to fill the health declaration form would be gazetted next week.
Present at the meeting were Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
"Travellers, including Malaysians returning from abroad, will have to fill up their personal particulars, including flight and seat numbers and submit the forms to health officers at the airports.
"Currently, it is not mandatory to fill the form and it's only done on a voluntary basis. This began a few months ago. Today, we agreed that the ruling making it mandatory be gazetted," Leow said.
This, he said, was apart from the thermal scanning of passengers returning from H1N1-affected countries.
"Mandatory health declarations have been implemented in countries with H1N1. We hope to get the cooperation of everyone on this."
The mandatory ruling is among 10 steps outlined by the committee to tackle the pandemic. It came after the country recorded its first locally-transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case involving a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin also said "social distancing", such as closing down of schools and cancelling gatherings, would only be implemented by the National Security Council.
"This will only be done after we (the government) decide to do so. We do not give the mandate to schools or departments to implement it. The decision will be made by the council."
The other steps taken are:
- Health officers deployed on board aircraft to scan body temperatures of passengers coming in from the United States, Melbourne (Australia) and Manila (the Philippines);
- Transport operators are required to have masks for passengers with H1N1 symptoms and those sitting three seats in front and behind them;
- Local authorities to tighten existing law and increase enforcement to make sure public toilets are clean;
- Giving influenza vaccines to high-risk groups to reduce infection risks;
- Front-liners to take care of their health and wear appropriate clothes to prevent infections;
- Limiting the number of visitors to hospitals and discouraging children under 12 from visiting;
- Scanning for body temperature at public and private hospitals; and,
- Media campaigns by Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to increase awareness.
Failure to fill the form and provide health particulars could result in a jail term of up to two years and fine of up to RM10,000.
This was among a list of stringent measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1) locally.
The disease infected its 25th Malaysian victim yesterday, a 22-year-old female student who tested positive for the disease and is now warded at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.
Muhyiddin, after chairing the National Inter-ministerial Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic at Parliament yesterday, said the ruling to fill the health declaration form would be gazetted next week.
Present at the meeting were Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
"Travellers, including Malaysians returning from abroad, will have to fill up their personal particulars, including flight and seat numbers and submit the forms to health officers at the airports.
"Currently, it is not mandatory to fill the form and it's only done on a voluntary basis. This began a few months ago. Today, we agreed that the ruling making it mandatory be gazetted," Leow said.
This, he said, was apart from the thermal scanning of passengers returning from H1N1-affected countries.
"Mandatory health declarations have been implemented in countries with H1N1. We hope to get the cooperation of everyone on this."
The mandatory ruling is among 10 steps outlined by the committee to tackle the pandemic. It came after the country recorded its first locally-transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case involving a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin also said "social distancing", such as closing down of schools and cancelling gatherings, would only be implemented by the National Security Council.
"This will only be done after we (the government) decide to do so. We do not give the mandate to schools or departments to implement it. The decision will be made by the council."
The other steps taken are:
- Health officers deployed on board aircraft to scan body temperatures of passengers coming in from the United States, Melbourne (Australia) and Manila (the Philippines);
- Transport operators are required to have masks for passengers with H1N1 symptoms and those sitting three seats in front and behind them;
- Local authorities to tighten existing law and increase enforcement to make sure public toilets are clean;
- Giving influenza vaccines to high-risk groups to reduce infection risks;
- Front-liners to take care of their health and wear appropriate clothes to prevent infections;
- Limiting the number of visitors to hospitals and discouraging children under 12 from visiting;
- Scanning for body temperature at public and private hospitals; and,
- Media campaigns by Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to increase awareness.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Send them to govt hospitals at once
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Patients with flu-like symptoms who have just returned from countries where there are confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases should be referred to government hospitals immediately.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said this was important to stop the spread of the disease which had now infected 23 people, with five new cases confirmed yesterday.
Dr Ismail expressed disappointment after a private clinic, which attended to a 54-year-old man on Monday, had failed to refer the patient to the hospital when he sought treatment for the fever, cough and headache he had developed the day before.
The patient went to University Malaya Medical Centre on Tuesday and was taken in an ambulance to Kuala Lumpur Hospital the same day.
The man had returned from a business trip from Manila on Friday evening on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH705 (seat 32H).
His wife and two children are now quarantined at home.
"We are warning all private clinics and hospitals to refer all their patients who had returned from countries affected by the influenza, and those with symptoms of the flu to the hospital immediately for further tests.
"It is regrettable that they fail to do so as it heightens the risk of local transmissions."
A 23-year-old local university student, who was on a seven-day excursion to Australia with 13 others, also tested positive for the disease.
He had taken the AirAsia X flight D72723 (seat 37J) and arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal on Sunday at 7.15am.
The student showed symptoms five hours after his arrival, but only sought treatment at a private clinic the next day. He is now kept in isolation at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor.
A 22-year-old female Malaysian student from Melbourne who was on the same flight also tested positive for the flu.
The woman who was in seat 48H, has been referred to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak.
The duo had shared the same flight with Malaysia's 17th case, who tested positive on Monday and is currently being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the fifth Technical Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) had issued several directives for the Health Ministry to enforce.
They include discouraging the public, especially children below the age of 12, from visiting hospitals unless to seek treatment.
Each patient will also be allowed a maximum of two visitors at any one time. Visiting hours at all public and private hospitals will also be shortened.
Those visiting patients at public and private hospitals will have to undergo screening for fever.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said this was important to stop the spread of the disease which had now infected 23 people, with five new cases confirmed yesterday.
Dr Ismail expressed disappointment after a private clinic, which attended to a 54-year-old man on Monday, had failed to refer the patient to the hospital when he sought treatment for the fever, cough and headache he had developed the day before.
The patient went to University Malaya Medical Centre on Tuesday and was taken in an ambulance to Kuala Lumpur Hospital the same day.
The man had returned from a business trip from Manila on Friday evening on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH705 (seat 32H).
His wife and two children are now quarantined at home.
"We are warning all private clinics and hospitals to refer all their patients who had returned from countries affected by the influenza, and those with symptoms of the flu to the hospital immediately for further tests.
"It is regrettable that they fail to do so as it heightens the risk of local transmissions."
A 23-year-old local university student, who was on a seven-day excursion to Australia with 13 others, also tested positive for the disease.
He had taken the AirAsia X flight D72723 (seat 37J) and arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal on Sunday at 7.15am.
The student showed symptoms five hours after his arrival, but only sought treatment at a private clinic the next day. He is now kept in isolation at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor.
A 22-year-old female Malaysian student from Melbourne who was on the same flight also tested positive for the flu.
The woman who was in seat 48H, has been referred to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak.
The duo had shared the same flight with Malaysia's 17th case, who tested positive on Monday and is currently being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the fifth Technical Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) had issued several directives for the Health Ministry to enforce.
They include discouraging the public, especially children below the age of 12, from visiting hospitals unless to seek treatment.
Each patient will also be allowed a maximum of two visitors at any one time. Visiting hours at all public and private hospitals will also be shortened.
Those visiting patients at public and private hospitals will have to undergo screening for fever.
Scramble to contain first locally transmitted H1N1 case
NST: PUTRAJAYA: As the country’s first locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case was announced yesterday, health authorities were scrambling to contain the disease.
The victim was identified as a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya and to date, 20 of her immediate family members and friends have been quarantined.
The authorities, however, are concerned that the 20 in quarantine could have infected others whom health officials are unaware of at the moment.
“If any of the 20 is tested positive, we will then have to track down those whom this person had come in contact with.
“Tracking them down and breaking the chain of infection is our priority now,” said a health official.
Initial investigations revealed that the girl got the disease from her friend, who had tested positive earlier.
The friend, a medical student, was believed to have contracted the disease while on holiday in Melbourne, Australia recently. He later tested positive here and was confirmed as Malaysia’s 12th case.
Health authorities interviewed him and he gave them a list of the people he had come in contact with but for reasons not known, the girl’s name was left out.
On June 15, however, the girl sought treatment at University Malaya Medical Centre after developing flu and fever.
She was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital the same day and yesterday was confirmed as the first locally transmitted case.
When asked if the government would enforce the “social distancing” measure in Petaling Jaya, which has a population of over half-a-million people, he said for now the ministry would monitor the 20 people for signs of the virus.
“We are first looking at the severity of this local transmission before resorting to any social distancing,” he said.
The social distancing measure, which is warranted under the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) bans all public gatherings and forces schools as well as other learning institutions to close.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Friday in warning those who had contact with confirmed cases or show symptoms of the flu to identify themselves, had said that one local transmission of the virus was enough to impose the measure in the whole district.
Dr Ismail in a statement announcing Malaysia’s first local transmission, said that it was crucial that confirmed patients provided complete information including that of their contacts, so that steps could be taken to prevent any local transmission.
Action, he said could be taken against those who failed to do so under Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 (ACT 342).
Malaysia is now officially one of the 23 countries from 76 nations with confirmed cases, which has local transmission of the virus.
The victim was identified as a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya and to date, 20 of her immediate family members and friends have been quarantined.
The authorities, however, are concerned that the 20 in quarantine could have infected others whom health officials are unaware of at the moment.
“If any of the 20 is tested positive, we will then have to track down those whom this person had come in contact with.
“Tracking them down and breaking the chain of infection is our priority now,” said a health official.
Initial investigations revealed that the girl got the disease from her friend, who had tested positive earlier.
The friend, a medical student, was believed to have contracted the disease while on holiday in Melbourne, Australia recently. He later tested positive here and was confirmed as Malaysia’s 12th case.
Health authorities interviewed him and he gave them a list of the people he had come in contact with but for reasons not known, the girl’s name was left out.
On June 15, however, the girl sought treatment at University Malaya Medical Centre after developing flu and fever.
She was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital the same day and yesterday was confirmed as the first locally transmitted case.
When asked if the government would enforce the “social distancing” measure in Petaling Jaya, which has a population of over half-a-million people, he said for now the ministry would monitor the 20 people for signs of the virus.
“We are first looking at the severity of this local transmission before resorting to any social distancing,” he said.
The social distancing measure, which is warranted under the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) bans all public gatherings and forces schools as well as other learning institutions to close.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Friday in warning those who had contact with confirmed cases or show symptoms of the flu to identify themselves, had said that one local transmission of the virus was enough to impose the measure in the whole district.
Dr Ismail in a statement announcing Malaysia’s first local transmission, said that it was crucial that confirmed patients provided complete information including that of their contacts, so that steps could be taken to prevent any local transmission.
Action, he said could be taken against those who failed to do so under Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 (ACT 342).
Malaysia is now officially one of the 23 countries from 76 nations with confirmed cases, which has local transmission of the virus.
Private doctors called to take action on dengue
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Private doctors, whether in hospitals or clinics, will toe the line and report all suspected and confirmed dengue cases to the Health Ministry.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) has directed all private medical practitioners nationwide to report confirmed and suspected dengue cases immediately.
The National Association for Private Medical Practitioners also informed doctors that even in situations where clinical diagnosis was uncertain, they should send all patients to the nearest government hospital or healthcare facility for further tests.
"This is best so that doctors will not be exposed to the severe consequences in the form of a fine, jail term and or the possibility of lawsuits," said FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow.
He said in the early stages of dengue, clinical signs and symptoms were similar to most viral infections, and that specific blood tests (for the disease) did not become positive until after the second or third day of the illness in the majority of cases.
Dr Chow also pointed out that in some cases, the disease would progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or even to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which was unpredictable and could occur even in patients who were hospitalised and on standard treatment protocols.
"DHF and DSS are very severe disease states. The DSS has a high mortality rate of up to 20 per cent even when treated in the best medical centres."
Dr Chow said the FPMPAM viewed seriously the worsening state of the dengue epidemic in the country, as confirmed by the ministry.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said they were also concerned about the rise in dengue cases and deaths, and had always cooperated with health authorities to contain the problem.
On Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican's call for private clinic and hospital doctors to notify suspected dengue cases to the ministry, Dr Thomas said members told him they had always complied with this.
He said some private hospitals also worked with state Health Department directors to conduct joint dengue awareness campaigns and exhibitions and distribute leaflets to the public.
Dr Thomas also said private hospitals were cooperating with the ministry on the influenza A (H1N1) issue by alerting health authorities of any suspected cases.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) has directed all private medical practitioners nationwide to report confirmed and suspected dengue cases immediately.
The National Association for Private Medical Practitioners also informed doctors that even in situations where clinical diagnosis was uncertain, they should send all patients to the nearest government hospital or healthcare facility for further tests.
"This is best so that doctors will not be exposed to the severe consequences in the form of a fine, jail term and or the possibility of lawsuits," said FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow.
He said in the early stages of dengue, clinical signs and symptoms were similar to most viral infections, and that specific blood tests (for the disease) did not become positive until after the second or third day of the illness in the majority of cases.
Dr Chow also pointed out that in some cases, the disease would progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or even to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which was unpredictable and could occur even in patients who were hospitalised and on standard treatment protocols.
"DHF and DSS are very severe disease states. The DSS has a high mortality rate of up to 20 per cent even when treated in the best medical centres."
Dr Chow said the FPMPAM viewed seriously the worsening state of the dengue epidemic in the country, as confirmed by the ministry.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said they were also concerned about the rise in dengue cases and deaths, and had always cooperated with health authorities to contain the problem.
On Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican's call for private clinic and hospital doctors to notify suspected dengue cases to the ministry, Dr Thomas said members told him they had always complied with this.
He said some private hospitals also worked with state Health Department directors to conduct joint dengue awareness campaigns and exhibitions and distribute leaflets to the public.
Dr Thomas also said private hospitals were cooperating with the ministry on the influenza A (H1N1) issue by alerting health authorities of any suspected cases.
Combined war on dengue
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will set up 500 more volunteer teams by the end of the year to fight dengue, doubling the Government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
This comes in the wake of the 23,057 notified dengue cases, with 57 deaths, recorded between Jan 1 and June 13 this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the teams, under the guidance of health officials, would take part in gotong-royong projects to clean up areas, especially flats, where the incidence of dengue was high.
“Keeping the surroundings clean and getting rid of breeding places for aedes mosquitoes is the way to check dengue.
“Awareness of dengue is there, but the culture of keeping the environment clean or translating knowledge into action is not there,” Liow said on Tuesday.
The teams, dubbed Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi), began as a World Health Organisation initiated programme.
There have been 559 teams since the pilot project took off in Johor Baru in 2001.
Liow said the war against dengue should be on everyone’s mind.
Apart from gotong-royong, which would be on a regular basis and not just when there was an outbreak, Liow said the teams would also embark on public health education programmes.
The ministry’s target was to have at least one team in each village in the country, he added.
Meanwhile, Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow, in a statement yesterday, urged all private medical practitioners to heed warnings and directives from the ministry to help control dengue.
He said even when patients could not be diagnosed with certainty, doctors should still send them for further tests at government hospitals to rule out dengue fever.
Private clinics that do not report suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever to the nearest government hospital will face action from the ministry, including a fine of RM5,000 and possible lawsuits.
Liow earlier said reports had to be made so that fogging could be carried out in the areas where infections occurred.
This comes in the wake of the 23,057 notified dengue cases, with 57 deaths, recorded between Jan 1 and June 13 this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the teams, under the guidance of health officials, would take part in gotong-royong projects to clean up areas, especially flats, where the incidence of dengue was high.
“Keeping the surroundings clean and getting rid of breeding places for aedes mosquitoes is the way to check dengue.
“Awareness of dengue is there, but the culture of keeping the environment clean or translating knowledge into action is not there,” Liow said on Tuesday.
The teams, dubbed Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi), began as a World Health Organisation initiated programme.
There have been 559 teams since the pilot project took off in Johor Baru in 2001.
Liow said the war against dengue should be on everyone’s mind.
Apart from gotong-royong, which would be on a regular basis and not just when there was an outbreak, Liow said the teams would also embark on public health education programmes.
The ministry’s target was to have at least one team in each village in the country, he added.
Meanwhile, Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow, in a statement yesterday, urged all private medical practitioners to heed warnings and directives from the ministry to help control dengue.
He said even when patients could not be diagnosed with certainty, doctors should still send them for further tests at government hospitals to rule out dengue fever.
Private clinics that do not report suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever to the nearest government hospital will face action from the ministry, including a fine of RM5,000 and possible lawsuits.
Liow earlier said reports had to be made so that fogging could be carried out in the areas where infections occurred.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Parliament: Law allows quarantine of passengers
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has issued quarantine and monitoring orders on passengers who travelled on the same flights as those who have tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1), Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told the Dewan.
The Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 and the International Health Regulation 2005 were used in enforcing these orders, the Deputy Health Minister said.
To identify the passengers, the Ministry would get the list of passengers and crew members from the airlines and the health declaration forms from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport health office, she said.
The health district office would then inform the passengers and issue the quarantine/ control order to them, she said in response to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai).
Nurul Izzah had asked about the procedures and steps taken by the Ministry’s National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre to contain the infection since passengers on flights MH 091 and AK 5358 were not required to report themselves for quarantine.
The Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 and the International Health Regulation 2005 were used in enforcing these orders, the Deputy Health Minister said.
To identify the passengers, the Ministry would get the list of passengers and crew members from the airlines and the health declaration forms from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport health office, she said.
The health district office would then inform the passengers and issue the quarantine/ control order to them, she said in response to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai).
Nurul Izzah had asked about the procedures and steps taken by the Ministry’s National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre to contain the infection since passengers on flights MH 091 and AK 5358 were not required to report themselves for quarantine.
A (H1N1): First locally-transmitted case confirmed
Star: PUTRAJAYA: A 17-year-old girl admitted at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has been confirmed as the first person who has caught Influenza A (H1N1).
The girl was in contact with a confirmed patient who had returned from Melbourne on June 10 although she herself -- the 19th confirmed case in Malaysia to date -- had not visited any countries with confirmed cases of the flu.
She was coughing, one of the symptoms of the flu, at 9pm last Sunday and began developing a fever the following day, the Health Ministry said in a statement.
She went to UMMC that morning and was subsequently referred to Sungai Buloh Hospital at 10am.
During investigations, the girl reported that she had had contact with the student who returned from Melbourne, the 12th positive case, last Saturday.
She was however not declared as a contact by that person.
This resulted in the current case not being monitored and quarantined and as a consequence, another 20 people had been in contact with her and have been exposed to the flu virus.
Besides the girl, four other people were also confirmed over the last 24 hours to have caught the flu. They are all imported cases.
The girl was in contact with a confirmed patient who had returned from Melbourne on June 10 although she herself -- the 19th confirmed case in Malaysia to date -- had not visited any countries with confirmed cases of the flu.
She was coughing, one of the symptoms of the flu, at 9pm last Sunday and began developing a fever the following day, the Health Ministry said in a statement.
She went to UMMC that morning and was subsequently referred to Sungai Buloh Hospital at 10am.
During investigations, the girl reported that she had had contact with the student who returned from Melbourne, the 12th positive case, last Saturday.
She was however not declared as a contact by that person.
This resulted in the current case not being monitored and quarantined and as a consequence, another 20 people had been in contact with her and have been exposed to the flu virus.
Besides the girl, four other people were also confirmed over the last 24 hours to have caught the flu. They are all imported cases.
Dengue patients to go into special wards
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: All suspected dengue cases will no longer be placed in general wards with other patients.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said from now on, all suspected dengue cases will be placed in special wards or bays managed by a dedicated group of trained doctors and nurses.
The patients would be monitored very closely during the first 24 hours from the onset of the fever because this was the time when their clinical condition could deteriorate.
"A dedicated team would pick up the early warning signs faster and institute appropriate treatment, such as fluid resuscitation or admitting the patient to the Intensive Care Unit," he said during the NSTLive session at Balai Berita yesterday.
He said although the dengue situation had not reached an alarming state, the concern was for the large number of cases and preventable deaths this year, especially in Selangor.
Between Jan 1 and June 13, this year, he said 23,056 dengue cases were reported nationwide with 57 deaths compared with 18,894 cases and 39 deaths during the same period last year.
He said 66 per cent of the deaths could have been prevented if patients had come in early for treatment.
He said that despite all that had been done by the ministry, including getting cooperation from the relevant ministries and relaying messages through the media, the public had not yet been motivated enough to take the action the ministry would like them to.
"Malaysians should know there is no specific treatment for dengue fever and the only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the mosquitoes and breeding sites."
The ministry's "10 minutes a week" campaign, for example, is aimed at getting everyone to inspect their homes once a week for at least 10 minutes, to get rid of breeding sites inside and outside the house.
Dr Ismail attributed the increase in dengue cases to global warming because it increased the activity of the vector mosquito.
He also said the health ministry's enforcement team would go hard on those who breed mosquitoes instead of letting them off with a warning.
"We have given enough warning to flouters of the law and we will go hard on them. We just hope there is no interference from anybody when we bring errant people to book."
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said from now on, all suspected dengue cases will be placed in special wards or bays managed by a dedicated group of trained doctors and nurses.
The patients would be monitored very closely during the first 24 hours from the onset of the fever because this was the time when their clinical condition could deteriorate.
"A dedicated team would pick up the early warning signs faster and institute appropriate treatment, such as fluid resuscitation or admitting the patient to the Intensive Care Unit," he said during the NSTLive session at Balai Berita yesterday.
He said although the dengue situation had not reached an alarming state, the concern was for the large number of cases and preventable deaths this year, especially in Selangor.
Between Jan 1 and June 13, this year, he said 23,056 dengue cases were reported nationwide with 57 deaths compared with 18,894 cases and 39 deaths during the same period last year.
He said 66 per cent of the deaths could have been prevented if patients had come in early for treatment.
He said that despite all that had been done by the ministry, including getting cooperation from the relevant ministries and relaying messages through the media, the public had not yet been motivated enough to take the action the ministry would like them to.
"Malaysians should know there is no specific treatment for dengue fever and the only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the mosquitoes and breeding sites."
The ministry's "10 minutes a week" campaign, for example, is aimed at getting everyone to inspect their homes once a week for at least 10 minutes, to get rid of breeding sites inside and outside the house.
Dr Ismail attributed the increase in dengue cases to global warming because it increased the activity of the vector mosquito.
He also said the health ministry's enforcement team would go hard on those who breed mosquitoes instead of letting them off with a warning.
"We have given enough warning to flouters of the law and we will go hard on them. We just hope there is no interference from anybody when we bring errant people to book."
Final warning for doctors to act on dengue cases
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is getting tough with doctors who have stubbornly refused to alert authorities to dengue cases.
Frustrated at being ignored by private hospitals and clinics, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai warned yesterday that those who fail to report dengue cases would be slapped with a compound fine of RM5,000.
“There will be no more warnings after this. We have been sending circulars to them on a regular basis and we have identified the clinics and hospitals that have not reported the cases. Today, we will send out the circular for the last time,” Liow said.
Liow said the clinics and hospitals had to inform district or state health departments immediately so that fogging could be carried out in the affected areas.
“If they don’t inform us, we cannot take action and dengue will spread. It is against the law not to inform us.”
The Health Department will also take a tough stand against owners of premises found to have Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Liow said even residential areas, schools and construction sites found to contain Aedes mosquito breeding grounds would be fined.
Although the number of cases in the past week had dropped from 719 to 630, Liow said it was only temporary due to the hot weather.
“Mosquito eggs can withstand the dry weather and last up to six months and hatch when it rains. So getting rid of the breeding grounds has to be done now.”
Forty-six “dengue hotspots” have been identified nationwide.
Selangor had the highest number of cases — 11,948 incidents so far this year, compared with 7,390 cases during the same period last year.
Selangor accounted for 39 of the 57 deaths this year.
Liow, who launched an antidengue campaign at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Tsun Jin in Kampung Pandan yesterday, said he would work with the Education Ministry to enforce the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme in all schools.
Combi is a voluntary programme where students clean up their school premises to prevent Aedes mosquito from breeding.
With the school programme running, Liow said Combi may be introduced at construction areas.
“We have received complaints that construction areas have many breeding grounds, so we are going to educate the workers so they know their role in keeping their workplace safe from the disease.”
Liow also launched a new television advertisement campaign, which began airing yesterday, to get the people more involved in the fight against dengue.
Frustrated at being ignored by private hospitals and clinics, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai warned yesterday that those who fail to report dengue cases would be slapped with a compound fine of RM5,000.
“There will be no more warnings after this. We have been sending circulars to them on a regular basis and we have identified the clinics and hospitals that have not reported the cases. Today, we will send out the circular for the last time,” Liow said.
Liow said the clinics and hospitals had to inform district or state health departments immediately so that fogging could be carried out in the affected areas.
“If they don’t inform us, we cannot take action and dengue will spread. It is against the law not to inform us.”
The Health Department will also take a tough stand against owners of premises found to have Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Liow said even residential areas, schools and construction sites found to contain Aedes mosquito breeding grounds would be fined.
Although the number of cases in the past week had dropped from 719 to 630, Liow said it was only temporary due to the hot weather.
“Mosquito eggs can withstand the dry weather and last up to six months and hatch when it rains. So getting rid of the breeding grounds has to be done now.”
Forty-six “dengue hotspots” have been identified nationwide.
Selangor had the highest number of cases — 11,948 incidents so far this year, compared with 7,390 cases during the same period last year.
Selangor accounted for 39 of the 57 deaths this year.
Liow, who launched an antidengue campaign at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Tsun Jin in Kampung Pandan yesterday, said he would work with the Education Ministry to enforce the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme in all schools.
Combi is a voluntary programme where students clean up their school premises to prevent Aedes mosquito from breeding.
With the school programme running, Liow said Combi may be introduced at construction areas.
“We have received complaints that construction areas have many breeding grounds, so we are going to educate the workers so they know their role in keeping their workplace safe from the disease.”
Liow also launched a new television advertisement campaign, which began airing yesterday, to get the people more involved in the fight against dengue.
Decision on new measures today
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The technical committee on influenza A (H1N1) chaired by Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican will sit for the fifth time today to decide on the introduction of new stringent measures to be put in place in view of the World Health Organisation's recent declaration of a H1N1 pandemic.
"When we want to introduce new stringent measures, we must discuss with all the relevant authorities whether they are in agreement with the decisions.
"If they are in agreement and find it necessary, then we will make the announcement," he told the New Straits Times.
He said any decision reached will not inconvenience the rakyat but would take into consideration national security.
Dr Ismail expressed concern on local transmission of the disease with more imported cases being reported.
"The more imported cases we have, the more likelihood there is of it being locally transmitted."
When this occurs, he said more stringent measures must be put in place.
The director-general said the technical committee will decide today on the screening of passengers on board aircraft arriving from countries reporting local transmissions and high number of confirmed cases.
If the technical committee decides on the screening, then aircraft arriving from these countries would be allowed to land but passengers would have to remain on board until health authorities screen and give them the green light to disembark from the plane.
Anyone found with fever or other symptoms of the disease would be referred immediately to one of the designated hospitals for further diagnosis. If the person was confirmed positive, the ministry will decide on the next course of action, which includes home quarantine.
Dr Ismail said although the disease was very contagious, the severity of it was considered moderate.
However, he added, Malaysians should not be complacent as the second wave of the disease may come with a vengeance.
When this occurs, he said, the situation may not be controllable.
Dr Ismail stressed that the current H1N1 pandemic was a kind of "grace period" for all countries to check their capabilities, readiness and resources in handling a major pandemic.
"When we want to introduce new stringent measures, we must discuss with all the relevant authorities whether they are in agreement with the decisions.
"If they are in agreement and find it necessary, then we will make the announcement," he told the New Straits Times.
He said any decision reached will not inconvenience the rakyat but would take into consideration national security.
Dr Ismail expressed concern on local transmission of the disease with more imported cases being reported.
"The more imported cases we have, the more likelihood there is of it being locally transmitted."
When this occurs, he said more stringent measures must be put in place.
The director-general said the technical committee will decide today on the screening of passengers on board aircraft arriving from countries reporting local transmissions and high number of confirmed cases.
If the technical committee decides on the screening, then aircraft arriving from these countries would be allowed to land but passengers would have to remain on board until health authorities screen and give them the green light to disembark from the plane.
Anyone found with fever or other symptoms of the disease would be referred immediately to one of the designated hospitals for further diagnosis. If the person was confirmed positive, the ministry will decide on the next course of action, which includes home quarantine.
Dr Ismail said although the disease was very contagious, the severity of it was considered moderate.
However, he added, Malaysians should not be complacent as the second wave of the disease may come with a vengeance.
When this occurs, he said, the situation may not be controllable.
Dr Ismail stressed that the current H1N1 pandemic was a kind of "grace period" for all countries to check their capabilities, readiness and resources in handling a major pandemic.
Screening for all at airports
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Health screening facilities will be placed permanently at all international airports soon.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said as the number of "imported" influenza A H1N1 cases kept rising, it was vital to ensure no passenger was allowed into the country without being screened.
"We used to have a problem with transit passengers because they could enter the country without being screened. Now, we hope to screen everyone."
Of the 18 confirmed cases here, Liow said the ministry was tracing all those who had come into contact with them.
"We are trying not to miss anyone, or the virus will spread. Those who feel sick should get treatment at once."
Liow said the Inter-Ministerial Meeting to address the spread of the virus will be held tomorrow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican confirmed that a man from the Philippines became the 18th person to be warded with H1N1 in the country.
The sailor, working on a Malaysian ship, arrived at KL International Airport from Manila at 4.30pm on June 14 via flight MH705.
He was found to have fever and cough and was referred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital where doctors confirmed on Monday that he had been infected.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was tracking down all the passengers on board flight MH705, adding that they should contact the ministry at 03-88810200 or 03-88810300.
Of the 18 confirmed cases, nines are being treated in hospitals, including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Fifty-two others are under home quarantine, but none have shown any symptoms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said as the number of "imported" influenza A H1N1 cases kept rising, it was vital to ensure no passenger was allowed into the country without being screened.
"We used to have a problem with transit passengers because they could enter the country without being screened. Now, we hope to screen everyone."
Of the 18 confirmed cases here, Liow said the ministry was tracing all those who had come into contact with them.
"We are trying not to miss anyone, or the virus will spread. Those who feel sick should get treatment at once."
Liow said the Inter-Ministerial Meeting to address the spread of the virus will be held tomorrow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican confirmed that a man from the Philippines became the 18th person to be warded with H1N1 in the country.
The sailor, working on a Malaysian ship, arrived at KL International Airport from Manila at 4.30pm on June 14 via flight MH705.
He was found to have fever and cough and was referred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital where doctors confirmed on Monday that he had been infected.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was tracking down all the passengers on board flight MH705, adding that they should contact the ministry at 03-88810200 or 03-88810300.
Of the 18 confirmed cases, nines are being treated in hospitals, including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Fifty-two others are under home quarantine, but none have shown any symptoms.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Five new cases, flu panel to meet
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is holding its first inter-ministry influenza committee meeting on Friday, as the country recorded five new cases of influenza A (H1N1) today, the highest number recorded in a single day.
The health authorities are now bracing for more cases and struggling to prevent local transmission of the virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he would chair the meeting at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya to be attended by the relevant ministries and government agencies.
"The committee, which is part of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) will discuss and coordinate various measures, including the possiblity of introducing new measures as recomended by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said here yesterday.
This morning, the health authorities confirmed three more cases involving all males -- a Malaysian student returning from holiday in Manila, a British tourist and a Malaysian student returning from Melbourne.
The three are now being treated in isolation wards at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor and Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan, while their families are placed in quarantine.
The passengers and crew members who were on their flights are being traced.
Two more cases were confirmed yesterday afternoon -- a 14-year-old female student from the United States, who came to visit her relatives in Sabah, and a 24-year-old Malaysian woman who had visited Melbourne between June 4 and Saturday.
They were warded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and Sungai Buloh Hospital respectively.
The inter-ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which coordinates all efforts to prevent the outbreak of the H1N1 was activated after WHO declared H1N1 as a worldwide pandemic on Thursday.
The latest H1N1 viral strain -- a combination of the previously circulating animal and human strains -- emerged in Mexico in April and has since been confirmed in 83 countries.
Malaysia has, so far confirmed 17 cases and no local transmission.
It means the disease has not spread locally and the virus has been quickly contained at the carrier level, but health authorities are struggling to ensure it does not spread locally.
The health authorities are now bracing for more cases and struggling to prevent local transmission of the virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he would chair the meeting at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya to be attended by the relevant ministries and government agencies.
"The committee, which is part of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) will discuss and coordinate various measures, including the possiblity of introducing new measures as recomended by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said here yesterday.
This morning, the health authorities confirmed three more cases involving all males -- a Malaysian student returning from holiday in Manila, a British tourist and a Malaysian student returning from Melbourne.
The three are now being treated in isolation wards at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor and Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan, while their families are placed in quarantine.
The passengers and crew members who were on their flights are being traced.
Two more cases were confirmed yesterday afternoon -- a 14-year-old female student from the United States, who came to visit her relatives in Sabah, and a 24-year-old Malaysian woman who had visited Melbourne between June 4 and Saturday.
They were warded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and Sungai Buloh Hospital respectively.
The inter-ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which coordinates all efforts to prevent the outbreak of the H1N1 was activated after WHO declared H1N1 as a worldwide pandemic on Thursday.
The latest H1N1 viral strain -- a combination of the previously circulating animal and human strains -- emerged in Mexico in April and has since been confirmed in 83 countries.
Malaysia has, so far confirmed 17 cases and no local transmission.
It means the disease has not spread locally and the virus has been quickly contained at the carrier level, but health authorities are struggling to ensure it does not spread locally.
Mandatory screening possible
NST: SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry may resort to mandatory screening of all passengers from selected foreign countries even before they alight from the aircraft if cases of influenza A (H1N1) continue to rise in the country.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said if necessary, they would station health officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to immediately take the temperatures of all passengers onboard selected aircraft.
This will be done even before they are allowed to disembark.
"If our officials find any of the passengers with a relatively high temperature or showing any other relevant symptoms, we will take immediate action."
He said such measures were necessary as more and more cases were being diagnosed daily.
"We have to do what is necessary to curb the situation," he said after launching a book entitled The Miracle of Love by Naveen Yawanarajah here yesterday.
Dr Ismal said to date, there had been no cases of local tranmission.
"However, if we start getting reports of local transmission, we will have to implement social distancing.
"That will mean that schools may have to close."
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said if necessary, they would station health officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to immediately take the temperatures of all passengers onboard selected aircraft.
This will be done even before they are allowed to disembark.
"If our officials find any of the passengers with a relatively high temperature or showing any other relevant symptoms, we will take immediate action."
He said such measures were necessary as more and more cases were being diagnosed daily.
"We have to do what is necessary to curb the situation," he said after launching a book entitled The Miracle of Love by Naveen Yawanarajah here yesterday.
Dr Ismal said to date, there had been no cases of local tranmission.
"However, if we start getting reports of local transmission, we will have to implement social distancing.
"That will mean that schools may have to close."
Five more ‘imported’ flu cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities have confirmed five more cases of “imported” Influenza A (H1N1), bringing to 17 the number of confirmed cases in the country.
They involve a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old British tourist, a 16-year-old student from Melbourne, a 14-year-old American schoolgirl and a 26-year-old woman who had gone to Melbourne for a holiday.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the boy had spent five days in Manila before arriving here on Saturday on board Malaysian Airline flight MH705 (seat 15E).
The British tourist, meanwhile, arrived last Monday via flight EK342 from Dubai, spent a night in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Pulau Tioman via Berjaya Air J8190 (seat 5A) on Tuesday.
Both cases were confirmed positive on Sunday, Dr Ismail said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old student from Melbourne had arrived here on Saturday at 7.30pm on board Jet Star Airline 3K687 (seat 4A) from Singapore and records showed that he had travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Tuesday before flying to Singapore on Friday via Qantas QS319 (seat 30D).
He said the American schoolgirl, meanwhile, had arrived in Kota Kinabalu onboard MH385 on Saturday at 6.10pm and was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after screening showed she had symptoms of the flu.
In the last case, he said, the woman had arrived from Melbourne on Saturday via Air Asia X D72723 at 7.15am and went to the Sungai Buloh hospital for treatment on Sunday when she developed a fever.
All the three cases were confirmed positive for the flu yesterday.
Health authorities are currently tracing crew and other passengers of flights J8190 which arrived in Pulau Tioman at 4pm on June 9, MH705 which arrived at KLIA at 7.05pm on Saturday and Jet Star Airlines 3K687 which arrived 25 minutes later.
The authorities are also tracing the crew and passengers of flights MH385 which arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday at 6.10pm and Air Asia D7 2723 which arrived at the LCCT on Sunday at 7.15am.
Those who were on board these flights should call the Health Ministry at 08-888 10200 or 03-888 10300 for medical advice.
They involve a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old British tourist, a 16-year-old student from Melbourne, a 14-year-old American schoolgirl and a 26-year-old woman who had gone to Melbourne for a holiday.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the boy had spent five days in Manila before arriving here on Saturday on board Malaysian Airline flight MH705 (seat 15E).
The British tourist, meanwhile, arrived last Monday via flight EK342 from Dubai, spent a night in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Pulau Tioman via Berjaya Air J8190 (seat 5A) on Tuesday.
Both cases were confirmed positive on Sunday, Dr Ismail said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old student from Melbourne had arrived here on Saturday at 7.30pm on board Jet Star Airline 3K687 (seat 4A) from Singapore and records showed that he had travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Tuesday before flying to Singapore on Friday via Qantas QS319 (seat 30D).
He said the American schoolgirl, meanwhile, had arrived in Kota Kinabalu onboard MH385 on Saturday at 6.10pm and was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after screening showed she had symptoms of the flu.
In the last case, he said, the woman had arrived from Melbourne on Saturday via Air Asia X D72723 at 7.15am and went to the Sungai Buloh hospital for treatment on Sunday when she developed a fever.
All the three cases were confirmed positive for the flu yesterday.
Health authorities are currently tracing crew and other passengers of flights J8190 which arrived in Pulau Tioman at 4pm on June 9, MH705 which arrived at KLIA at 7.05pm on Saturday and Jet Star Airlines 3K687 which arrived 25 minutes later.
The authorities are also tracing the crew and passengers of flights MH385 which arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday at 6.10pm and Air Asia D7 2723 which arrived at the LCCT on Sunday at 7.15am.
Those who were on board these flights should call the Health Ministry at 08-888 10200 or 03-888 10300 for medical advice.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Travellers should practise self-quarantine
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Travellers from countries with reported influenza A (H1N1) cases have been advised to limit their movements for at least seven days from the day they arrive in Malaysia.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican advised those who had just returned from abroad to do the same thing.
"But if they begin to show influenza symptoms, they must seek treatment immediately and not get involved in any social activities or mingle with other people.
"This is to prevent local transmission," he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail also cautioned the public to keep abreast of the latest information about the cases via the Health Ministry's website (www.moh.gov.my) and announcements made by ministry officials from time to time.
In the last 24 hours, 42 people with influenza symptoms who had returned from affected countries were reported.
Of the number, 16 had been admitted to the isolation wards of four hospitals for treatment and investigation, and 26 placed under home quarantine, Dr Ismail said.
The number of confirmed cases in Malaysia remains at 12, with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Malaysia has not reported any case of local transmission.
Dr Ismail said of the 12 cases, five were still receiving treatment at hospitals -- one each at Sungai Buloh Hospital, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur Hospital and two at Penang Hospital.
"All of them are showing good response to the anti-virus treatment given."
He said the number of people placed under home quarantine was 123, with none having shown influenza symptoms.
The ministry has appealed to all "contacts" of those tested positive with influenza symptoms, including airline passengers and crew members, to call the ministry at 03-88810200 or 88810300.
"This is to enable us to render health advice accordingly, including the need for home quarantine."
He said according to the World Health Organisation, as at 8am yesterday, there were 29,960 influenza A cases from 74 countries, with 145 deaths.
An additional 133 cases were reported from eight countries in Australia (67), China (22), the Philippines (19), Hong Kong (11), New Zealand (nine), Korea (three), Malaysia (one) and Vietnam (one).
The ministry is also seeking the cooperation of Malaysian students overseas who intend to return for the summer holidays to postpone their journey home if they have influenza symptoms.
They are advised to get treatment before returning to Malaysia and to report to the medical team at Kuala Lumpur International Airport if they are unwell.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican advised those who had just returned from abroad to do the same thing.
"But if they begin to show influenza symptoms, they must seek treatment immediately and not get involved in any social activities or mingle with other people.
"This is to prevent local transmission," he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail also cautioned the public to keep abreast of the latest information about the cases via the Health Ministry's website (www.moh.gov.my) and announcements made by ministry officials from time to time.
In the last 24 hours, 42 people with influenza symptoms who had returned from affected countries were reported.
Of the number, 16 had been admitted to the isolation wards of four hospitals for treatment and investigation, and 26 placed under home quarantine, Dr Ismail said.
The number of confirmed cases in Malaysia remains at 12, with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Malaysia has not reported any case of local transmission.
Dr Ismail said of the 12 cases, five were still receiving treatment at hospitals -- one each at Sungai Buloh Hospital, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur Hospital and two at Penang Hospital.
"All of them are showing good response to the anti-virus treatment given."
He said the number of people placed under home quarantine was 123, with none having shown influenza symptoms.
The ministry has appealed to all "contacts" of those tested positive with influenza symptoms, including airline passengers and crew members, to call the ministry at 03-88810200 or 88810300.
"This is to enable us to render health advice accordingly, including the need for home quarantine."
He said according to the World Health Organisation, as at 8am yesterday, there were 29,960 influenza A cases from 74 countries, with 145 deaths.
An additional 133 cases were reported from eight countries in Australia (67), China (22), the Philippines (19), Hong Kong (11), New Zealand (nine), Korea (three), Malaysia (one) and Vietnam (one).
The ministry is also seeking the cooperation of Malaysian students overseas who intend to return for the summer holidays to postpone their journey home if they have influenza symptoms.
They are advised to get treatment before returning to Malaysia and to report to the medical team at Kuala Lumpur International Airport if they are unwell.
Avoid shaking hands and wear a mask, Liow advises people
Star: PETALING JAYA: Don’t shake hands – that’s the advice given by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai to those having influenza-like symptoms.
This is to minimise the risk of having the Influenza A (H1N1) virus from being transmitted locally.
People are, instead, advised to bow their heads in greeting or place their right hand on the upper left side of their chest to show respect.
Although there has been no recorded cases being transmitted locally, Liow urged those with flu-like symptoms to wear masks and refrain from shaking hands with others.
“It’s best to take all necessary precautions as the viral outbreak has reached pandemic level,” he said in an interview yesterday.
“During such moments of medical crisis, it is okay to not shake hands. People can instead bow their heads or place a right hand on the upper left chest to show respect,” he said.
However, Liow pointed out that the ministry could only advise Malaysians.
“We cannot force people to stop shaking hands with others,” he added.
The minister also called on the people to not alienate those wearing masks, saying:
“Generally, Malaysians are not comfortable wearing masks in public because others tend to avoid them.
“We are trying to drive home the message that it is okay to be near a person wearing a mask as it is a protective gear aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of such diseases.”
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was up to individuals to exercise caution to minimise the risk of transmitting communicable diseases.
He said Malaysia had to date recorded 12 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases.
“Of the 12 cases, five are warded at designated hospitals – Hospital Sungai Buloh (one), Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban (one), Hospital Pulau Pinang (two) and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (one),” he said.
The health authorities had received 42 case notifications involving individuals who had recently returned from the affected countries.
“Of the new suspected cases, 29 have been confirmed negative. We are still waiting for the results of 13 others,” he said, adding that home quarantine was imposed on 123 people.
Dr Ismail also called on those who had come in contact with individuals who had been confirmed suffering from the flu, including cabin crew and flight passengers, to contact the ministry at 03-8881-0200 or 03-8881-0300 for advice on precautionary measures and home quarantine.
As of yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded 29,960 flu cases, including 145 deaths in 74 countries.
Dr Ismail also advised people to wear surgical masks if they come into close contact with those with flu-like symptoms at shopping malls, movie theatres and other enclosed public places.
It was best to avoid congested places and badly ventilated areas, he added.
This is to minimise the risk of having the Influenza A (H1N1) virus from being transmitted locally.
People are, instead, advised to bow their heads in greeting or place their right hand on the upper left side of their chest to show respect.
Although there has been no recorded cases being transmitted locally, Liow urged those with flu-like symptoms to wear masks and refrain from shaking hands with others.
“It’s best to take all necessary precautions as the viral outbreak has reached pandemic level,” he said in an interview yesterday.
“During such moments of medical crisis, it is okay to not shake hands. People can instead bow their heads or place a right hand on the upper left chest to show respect,” he said.
However, Liow pointed out that the ministry could only advise Malaysians.
“We cannot force people to stop shaking hands with others,” he added.
The minister also called on the people to not alienate those wearing masks, saying:
“Generally, Malaysians are not comfortable wearing masks in public because others tend to avoid them.
“We are trying to drive home the message that it is okay to be near a person wearing a mask as it is a protective gear aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of such diseases.”
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was up to individuals to exercise caution to minimise the risk of transmitting communicable diseases.
He said Malaysia had to date recorded 12 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases.
“Of the 12 cases, five are warded at designated hospitals – Hospital Sungai Buloh (one), Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban (one), Hospital Pulau Pinang (two) and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (one),” he said.
The health authorities had received 42 case notifications involving individuals who had recently returned from the affected countries.
“Of the new suspected cases, 29 have been confirmed negative. We are still waiting for the results of 13 others,” he said, adding that home quarantine was imposed on 123 people.
Dr Ismail also called on those who had come in contact with individuals who had been confirmed suffering from the flu, including cabin crew and flight passengers, to contact the ministry at 03-8881-0200 or 03-8881-0300 for advice on precautionary measures and home quarantine.
As of yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded 29,960 flu cases, including 145 deaths in 74 countries.
Dr Ismail also advised people to wear surgical masks if they come into close contact with those with flu-like symptoms at shopping malls, movie theatres and other enclosed public places.
It was best to avoid congested places and badly ventilated areas, he added.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Health D-G missing the point, say docs
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Private Medical Practitioner’s Association of Malaysia is concerned over the comment by Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican that doctors, particularly private practitioners, be blamed for the dengue endemic in Malaysia.
The federation’s medical affairs committee representative Dr Ng Swee Choon said in a statement that it agreed with Dr Ismail that there was no excuse for doctors or hospitals not reporting confirmed cases of dengue.
He said the federation had been advising all private doctors to do so.
“If all private doctors were to send all cases of viral fever to the government hospitals and laboratories, will the system be able to cope?” he asked.
Dr Ng said prevention was the key in controlling dengue fever and what was really needed was a sustained effort to eradicate mosquito-breeding grounds.
“These were within the private properties of big companies which the public had no access to. Complaints to local authorities often fell on deaf ears.
“Unless there was a political will to take enforcement measures on the many big developers and the local authorities, blaming the private doctors was just missing the point.”
Dr Ng said patients should be aware that in the early stages of dengue fever, the signs and symptoms were common to all viral infections.
He said early symptoms like fever, bone aches, joint pains and pain behind the eyes were common in many viral infections. None of the symptoms was special to dengue alone, he said.
“Most dengue fever patients recover with almost no therapy and without the benefit of special blood tests, the diagnosis may never be made. Adequate rest and lots of oral fluid consumption to prevent dehydration is important. Patients are usually asked to see doctors regularly for monitoring and follow-up.
“By the time the full-blown rash of bleeding into the skin comes, it is often serious. We do not think that any reasonable doctor would miss that diagnosis,” he said.
The federation’s medical affairs committee representative Dr Ng Swee Choon said in a statement that it agreed with Dr Ismail that there was no excuse for doctors or hospitals not reporting confirmed cases of dengue.
He said the federation had been advising all private doctors to do so.
“If all private doctors were to send all cases of viral fever to the government hospitals and laboratories, will the system be able to cope?” he asked.
Dr Ng said prevention was the key in controlling dengue fever and what was really needed was a sustained effort to eradicate mosquito-breeding grounds.
“These were within the private properties of big companies which the public had no access to. Complaints to local authorities often fell on deaf ears.
“Unless there was a political will to take enforcement measures on the many big developers and the local authorities, blaming the private doctors was just missing the point.”
Dr Ng said patients should be aware that in the early stages of dengue fever, the signs and symptoms were common to all viral infections.
He said early symptoms like fever, bone aches, joint pains and pain behind the eyes were common in many viral infections. None of the symptoms was special to dengue alone, he said.
“Most dengue fever patients recover with almost no therapy and without the benefit of special blood tests, the diagnosis may never be made. Adequate rest and lots of oral fluid consumption to prevent dehydration is important. Patients are usually asked to see doctors regularly for monitoring and follow-up.
“By the time the full-blown rash of bleeding into the skin comes, it is often serious. We do not think that any reasonable doctor would miss that diagnosis,” he said.
Stricter H1N1 measures
Star: PETALING JAYA: Screening for influenza A (H1N1) at the country’s entry points will be stepped up as Malaysian students return from Australia, United States and Europe for their winter and summer breaks.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican urged students who had symptoms of the influenza to postpone their trip home.
“They should seek treatment and recover before travelling,” he said in a statement yesterday.
All three areas, which have a high number of Malaysian students, are seriously affected by the influenza.
Australia, with about 20,000 Malaysian students, is the worst hit country outside the Americas.
The worst affected state is Victoria where there are more than 5,800 Malaysian students in nine institutes of higher learning and many are expected to return home for the winter which will start soon.
Dr Ismail also urged those who have returned to Malaysia from affected countries to immediately seek medical attention if they had symptoms of the flu within seven days.
“They should also limit their movements,” he added.
The Foreign Ministry has also advised Malaysians to consider deferring non-essential travel to affected countries.
Travellers are also advised to practise a high standard of personal hygiene by avoiding contact with affected persons, using facial mask and using detergent, water or alcohol to clean their hands.
“The ministry is not banning Malaysians from travelling abroad but urging travellers to be more vigilant,” it said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail, meanwhile, said another A (H1N1) flu case had been confirmed in the country, bringing the total number to 12.
The latest is a 19-year-old medical student who returned from Melbourne after a 17-day holiday.
He said the student returned with three friends on flight MH148 from Melbourne which arrived at the KL International Airport at 9.21pm on Wednesday.
“The student was not ill when at KLIA,” he said without revealing the student’s gender.
Dr Ismail said the student began to fall ill on Thursday and was treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre before being referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital isolation ward at 5.30pm on the same day.
Tests showed that the student had the A (H1N1) virus.
“At this time, the student’s condition is stable. The student’s parents, who do not live together, are under home quarantine.
“The ministry has also identified five friends whom the student had come into contact with for further quarantine,” Dr Ismail said.
He added that the ministry was tracking down those who were on MH148, especially those seated from rows 33 to 39.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican urged students who had symptoms of the influenza to postpone their trip home.
“They should seek treatment and recover before travelling,” he said in a statement yesterday.
All three areas, which have a high number of Malaysian students, are seriously affected by the influenza.
Australia, with about 20,000 Malaysian students, is the worst hit country outside the Americas.
The worst affected state is Victoria where there are more than 5,800 Malaysian students in nine institutes of higher learning and many are expected to return home for the winter which will start soon.
Dr Ismail also urged those who have returned to Malaysia from affected countries to immediately seek medical attention if they had symptoms of the flu within seven days.
“They should also limit their movements,” he added.
The Foreign Ministry has also advised Malaysians to consider deferring non-essential travel to affected countries.
Travellers are also advised to practise a high standard of personal hygiene by avoiding contact with affected persons, using facial mask and using detergent, water or alcohol to clean their hands.
“The ministry is not banning Malaysians from travelling abroad but urging travellers to be more vigilant,” it said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail, meanwhile, said another A (H1N1) flu case had been confirmed in the country, bringing the total number to 12.
The latest is a 19-year-old medical student who returned from Melbourne after a 17-day holiday.
He said the student returned with three friends on flight MH148 from Melbourne which arrived at the KL International Airport at 9.21pm on Wednesday.
“The student was not ill when at KLIA,” he said without revealing the student’s gender.
Dr Ismail said the student began to fall ill on Thursday and was treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre before being referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital isolation ward at 5.30pm on the same day.
Tests showed that the student had the A (H1N1) virus.
“At this time, the student’s condition is stable. The student’s parents, who do not live together, are under home quarantine.
“The ministry has also identified five friends whom the student had come into contact with for further quarantine,” Dr Ismail said.
He added that the ministry was tracking down those who were on MH148, especially those seated from rows 33 to 39.
Experts urge vigilance to curb spread of flu infections
Star: PETALING JAYA: Travel if you must, but take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
While the authorities have called for calm and stepped up preventive measures, the people must play their part by seeking medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Consultant infectious diseases physician and Global Hygiene Council member Dr Christopher Lee urged those who have travelled to countries with documented A(H1N1) infections to be vigilant.
“Seek medical attention immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms within seven days of return. These practical measures can make a significant difference in slowing down the spread of A(H1N1). The public has a big role to play,” he said.
Since the World Health Organisation declared A(H1N1) a pandemic last Thursday, Universiti Malaya senior research fellow and virologist Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said the decision to travel during this period rested with the individual. “However, travelling should be on a need-to basis,” he said.
“Going on holidays means moving in crowded places, making many new friends and many more handshakes. At Level Six (of the WHO alert), we should really review our activities.”
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr David Quek said there was no need to be overly anxious, “but everyone should remain on high alert”.
“We cannot arrest the entry of this disease into our country, but we can try to ameliorate its penetration and its more serious consequences.”
According to Dr Quek, the fatality rate for A(H1N1) is 1 in every 200 infected.
Countries identified by WHO to have had A(H1N1) community transmissions are the United States, Britain, Spain, Japan and Australia. But more countries, even those in South-East Asia, are joining the list.
Malaysia is bracing for the return of students from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, for their mid-term winter break (three to four weeks) at the end of the month.
Melbourne has been dubbed “swine flu capital of the world”, with a tally of affected people above 1,000 last week.
According to Wisma Putra, there are more than 5,800 Malaysians studying at nine universities in Victoria.
Malaysia recorded its 12th confirmed A(H1N1) case after a student who returned from Melbourne on Wednesday was found to be infected with the virus. The 10th case was a 17-year-old girl who returned from a holiday in Melbourne on June 9.
While the authorities have called for calm and stepped up preventive measures, the people must play their part by seeking medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Consultant infectious diseases physician and Global Hygiene Council member Dr Christopher Lee urged those who have travelled to countries with documented A(H1N1) infections to be vigilant.
“Seek medical attention immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms within seven days of return. These practical measures can make a significant difference in slowing down the spread of A(H1N1). The public has a big role to play,” he said.
Since the World Health Organisation declared A(H1N1) a pandemic last Thursday, Universiti Malaya senior research fellow and virologist Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said the decision to travel during this period rested with the individual. “However, travelling should be on a need-to basis,” he said.
“Going on holidays means moving in crowded places, making many new friends and many more handshakes. At Level Six (of the WHO alert), we should really review our activities.”
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr David Quek said there was no need to be overly anxious, “but everyone should remain on high alert”.
“We cannot arrest the entry of this disease into our country, but we can try to ameliorate its penetration and its more serious consequences.”
According to Dr Quek, the fatality rate for A(H1N1) is 1 in every 200 infected.
Countries identified by WHO to have had A(H1N1) community transmissions are the United States, Britain, Spain, Japan and Australia. But more countries, even those in South-East Asia, are joining the list.
Malaysia is bracing for the return of students from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, for their mid-term winter break (three to four weeks) at the end of the month.
Melbourne has been dubbed “swine flu capital of the world”, with a tally of affected people above 1,000 last week.
According to Wisma Putra, there are more than 5,800 Malaysians studying at nine universities in Victoria.
Malaysia recorded its 12th confirmed A(H1N1) case after a student who returned from Melbourne on Wednesday was found to be infected with the virus. The 10th case was a 17-year-old girl who returned from a holiday in Melbourne on June 9.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Stricter H1N1 measures as WHO declares pandemic
Star: PETALING JAYA: More drastic measures including greater screening at entry points into the country will kick in with the declaration of a pandemic for influenza A(H1N1), said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Other measures included taking passengers’ temperatures before disembarkation and controlling human traffic from an affected township or village, he said.
He said the ministry would be drawing up a plan to prepare Malaysia for a possible Level Six scenario.
He said ministry officials would also be visiting hospitals and clinics to inform healthcare workers and general practitioners to be prepared and to be on high alert. “The people have to be on high alert. be cautious and follow the ministry’s instructions,” he said.
However, Liow said there was no need to postpone or cancel travel plans as the World Health Organisation (WHO) had not given instructions for border closures.
He said the next step following the declaration of the pandemic was to initiate the National Inter-Ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which will meet next week. Joint regional measures would also be undertaken, he said.
Under the WHO definition, the pandemic – the first since the Mexico Flu in 1968 – meant that the A(H1N1) was spreading from human to human in more than one region.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the country would have to look at more stringent measures to contain the outbreak.
“At Level Six, we cannot be doing the same as before,” he said, adding that he would be calling for a press conference today on the matter.
Level Six is WHO’s alert level for a pandemic and is the highest alert level it can issue.
Liow also announced that two more cases of influenza A (H1N1) had been confirmed in Malaysia, bringing the total to 11.
The 10th patient is a 17-year-old girl who returned from a holiday in Melbourne on June 9.
She arrived at KL International Airport on Malaysia Airlines MH148 (seat 14A) at 7.30pm and was immediately referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital after she was found to have a fever of 38.5°C, cough and sore throat. Test results returned positive the following day. The girl is receiving anti-viral treatment and is in stable condition.
The 11th patient is a 41-year-old woman who returned from Manila via Singapore Airlines SQ192 on June 6. Her flight made a transit stop in Singapore before landing in Penang.
She started showing flu symptoms on June 9 and was warded at the Penang General Hospital the following day. At 9am yesterday, her test results returned positive.
Liow said 178 people were still under home quarantine after being in contact with some of the patients. None of them have shown flu symptoms.
Other measures included taking passengers’ temperatures before disembarkation and controlling human traffic from an affected township or village, he said.
He said the ministry would be drawing up a plan to prepare Malaysia for a possible Level Six scenario.
He said ministry officials would also be visiting hospitals and clinics to inform healthcare workers and general practitioners to be prepared and to be on high alert. “The people have to be on high alert. be cautious and follow the ministry’s instructions,” he said.
However, Liow said there was no need to postpone or cancel travel plans as the World Health Organisation (WHO) had not given instructions for border closures.
He said the next step following the declaration of the pandemic was to initiate the National Inter-Ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which will meet next week. Joint regional measures would also be undertaken, he said.
Under the WHO definition, the pandemic – the first since the Mexico Flu in 1968 – meant that the A(H1N1) was spreading from human to human in more than one region.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the country would have to look at more stringent measures to contain the outbreak.
“At Level Six, we cannot be doing the same as before,” he said, adding that he would be calling for a press conference today on the matter.
Level Six is WHO’s alert level for a pandemic and is the highest alert level it can issue.
Liow also announced that two more cases of influenza A (H1N1) had been confirmed in Malaysia, bringing the total to 11.
The 10th patient is a 17-year-old girl who returned from a holiday in Melbourne on June 9.
She arrived at KL International Airport on Malaysia Airlines MH148 (seat 14A) at 7.30pm and was immediately referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital after she was found to have a fever of 38.5°C, cough and sore throat. Test results returned positive the following day. The girl is receiving anti-viral treatment and is in stable condition.
The 11th patient is a 41-year-old woman who returned from Manila via Singapore Airlines SQ192 on June 6. Her flight made a transit stop in Singapore before landing in Penang.
She started showing flu symptoms on June 9 and was warded at the Penang General Hospital the following day. At 9am yesterday, her test results returned positive.
Liow said 178 people were still under home quarantine after being in contact with some of the patients. None of them have shown flu symptoms.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Health warning against four traditional products
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry today advised the public to avoid buying or using four traditional products that contain the chemical substance Sibutramine, Aminotadalafil, Diphenhydramine and Paracetamol.
The ministry's pharmacy services division director Eisah Abdul Rahman said the four products were "Bodybeaus", "Jinglida", "Eng Leong Cordyceps Chuanbei Plus Cough Pill 3.5gm", and "Loong Choo Brand Reh Bih Ho Herbal Tea".
"Their product registration has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority because they were detected to contain ingredients not allowed to be formulated in a traditional product," she said in a statement here today.
Eisah said there were pharmaceutical products containing Sibutramine, Tadalafil, Diphenhydramine and Paracetamol that were registered with the DCA and had been evaluated for their safety, efficacy and quality.
"However these products except Paracetamol can only be prescribed by doctors and pharmacists.
"The use of these products without proper diagnosis and monitoring by a doctor can cause serious adverse effects. For instance, Sibutramine can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects and Tadalafil can cause low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects.
"The use of Diphenhydramine without control may cause the user to experience adverse reactions such as low blood pressure, other cardiovascular effects, sedation, tiredness, disturbed coordination, confusion and blurred vision," she said.
Eisah said Paracetamol could be used for self-medication but a user who was alreadying taking Paracetamol might overdose on it if the traditional product did not declare it contain the drug.
"Since the quality and safety of these products that are available in the market are not guaranteed by DCA, the public is advised to avoid these products.
"Anyone who is possession of these products is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing and using it.
"Retailers are reminded that possession for sale of these products is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984," she said.
Eisah said anyone found guilty could be fined up to RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding three years or both for the first offence and for subsequent offence, a fine up to a maximum of RM50,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding five years or both.
A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for subsequent offence.
The ministry's pharmacy services division director Eisah Abdul Rahman said the four products were "Bodybeaus", "Jinglida", "Eng Leong Cordyceps Chuanbei Plus Cough Pill 3.5gm", and "Loong Choo Brand Reh Bih Ho Herbal Tea".
"Their product registration has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority because they were detected to contain ingredients not allowed to be formulated in a traditional product," she said in a statement here today.
Eisah said there were pharmaceutical products containing Sibutramine, Tadalafil, Diphenhydramine and Paracetamol that were registered with the DCA and had been evaluated for their safety, efficacy and quality.
"However these products except Paracetamol can only be prescribed by doctors and pharmacists.
"The use of these products without proper diagnosis and monitoring by a doctor can cause serious adverse effects. For instance, Sibutramine can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects and Tadalafil can cause low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects.
"The use of Diphenhydramine without control may cause the user to experience adverse reactions such as low blood pressure, other cardiovascular effects, sedation, tiredness, disturbed coordination, confusion and blurred vision," she said.
Eisah said Paracetamol could be used for self-medication but a user who was alreadying taking Paracetamol might overdose on it if the traditional product did not declare it contain the drug.
"Since the quality and safety of these products that are available in the market are not guaranteed by DCA, the public is advised to avoid these products.
"Anyone who is possession of these products is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing and using it.
"Retailers are reminded that possession for sale of these products is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984," she said.
Eisah said anyone found guilty could be fined up to RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding three years or both for the first offence and for subsequent offence, a fine up to a maximum of RM50,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding five years or both.
A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for subsequent offence.
Two more influenza A (H1N1) cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Two more influenza A(H1N1) cases have been confirmed, raising the total number in the country to nine patients.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the eighth patient was a 17-year-old American student on board a MH91 flight from Newark, United States, which arrived at KL International Airport on Monday.
"The ninth patient is a New Zealander who was on the AirAsia Dx7 2723 last Friday - the same flight as the Australian student confirmed earlier with the disease.
"She then continued her journey to Penang on board MH1138 and arrived there at 10.15am," he said.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the eighth patient was a 17-year-old American student on board a MH91 flight from Newark, United States, which arrived at KL International Airport on Monday.
"The ninth patient is a New Zealander who was on the AirAsia Dx7 2723 last Friday - the same flight as the Australian student confirmed earlier with the disease.
"She then continued her journey to Penang on board MH1138 and arrived there at 10.15am," he said.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Billions in medicine wasted
NST: KUANTAN: More than half of the RM2.2 billion worth of medicine prescribed by government doctors and pharmacists get thrown away every year.
This shocking revelation was made yesterday by International Islamic University (IIU) deputy rector (academic and research) Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Tahir Azhar.
He said there was too much wastage of medicine by patients.
"Many patients do not follow the prescription or throw away the medicine when they assume that they have recovered."
He said this money could be saved if there was a better pharmaceutical care service.
He was speaking at the Pharmaceutical Care Workshop organised by the university at its branch campus here. It was opened by Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services deputy director Zawiyah Mat Johor.
Dr Tahir said the role of community pharmacists was important as they could educate patients on the importance of the medicine prescribed to them.
"Pharmacists can do follow-up and advise patients on the medicine."
Dr Tahir said IIU was cooperating with the Health Ministry to find the best system of community phamarceutical care.
"We are looking at the systems being practised in developed countries, particularly in Australia."
Professor Patrick Ball of Charles Stuart University, Australia, said many patients did not take their medicine once they were free of the active symptoms.
He said some people, for example diabetes patients, needed to continue with their medication even if they did not show any symptoms.
He urged health professionals, particularly doctors and pharmacists, to work together.
IIU school of pharmacy dean Professor Datuk Dr Tariq Abdul Razak said the university's pharmacy students were being groomed to deal with the public.
"This is part of our preparation for community pharmaceutical services as the students have to serve the government for a few years after they graduate."
This shocking revelation was made yesterday by International Islamic University (IIU) deputy rector (academic and research) Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Tahir Azhar.
He said there was too much wastage of medicine by patients.
"Many patients do not follow the prescription or throw away the medicine when they assume that they have recovered."
He said this money could be saved if there was a better pharmaceutical care service.
He was speaking at the Pharmaceutical Care Workshop organised by the university at its branch campus here. It was opened by Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services deputy director Zawiyah Mat Johor.
Dr Tahir said the role of community pharmacists was important as they could educate patients on the importance of the medicine prescribed to them.
"Pharmacists can do follow-up and advise patients on the medicine."
Dr Tahir said IIU was cooperating with the Health Ministry to find the best system of community phamarceutical care.
"We are looking at the systems being practised in developed countries, particularly in Australia."
Professor Patrick Ball of Charles Stuart University, Australia, said many patients did not take their medicine once they were free of the active symptoms.
He said some people, for example diabetes patients, needed to continue with their medication even if they did not show any symptoms.
He urged health professionals, particularly doctors and pharmacists, to work together.
IIU school of pharmacy dean Professor Datuk Dr Tariq Abdul Razak said the university's pharmacy students were being groomed to deal with the public.
"This is part of our preparation for community pharmaceutical services as the students have to serve the government for a few years after they graduate."
Doctors heading east may get study grants
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors who volunteer to serve in Sabah and Sarawak where there is an acute shortage of medical personnel will be given postgraduate (specialist) scholarships.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this at the Malaysian Medical Association's (MMA) annual banquet held in conjunction with the 49th Malaysian Medical Association annual meeting last week. He also assured doctors of regular promotions for all government medical practitioners.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the minister also informed their members that the government hoped to achieve the ratio of one doctor to 600 people throughout the country by 2015.
As of Dec 31 last year, there were 25,000 doctors in Malaysia -- 15,000 in government service and 10,000 in the private sector.
To ease the shortage of doctors in the rural areas, the government might soon invite private clinic doctors to serve for certain hours in government clinics, said Dr Quek.
He said the ministry would liaise closely with the MMA to resolve doctors' problems.
On companies dealing with medical insurance cards, he said they would not be allowed to check clinic case notes and inspect the clinic dispensary.
"They should not charge for their services."
As for limiting consultants' fees to RM15, he said it was too low. He added that these companies should not restrict referral of special cases only to certain private hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this at the Malaysian Medical Association's (MMA) annual banquet held in conjunction with the 49th Malaysian Medical Association annual meeting last week. He also assured doctors of regular promotions for all government medical practitioners.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the minister also informed their members that the government hoped to achieve the ratio of one doctor to 600 people throughout the country by 2015.
As of Dec 31 last year, there were 25,000 doctors in Malaysia -- 15,000 in government service and 10,000 in the private sector.
To ease the shortage of doctors in the rural areas, the government might soon invite private clinic doctors to serve for certain hours in government clinics, said Dr Quek.
He said the ministry would liaise closely with the MMA to resolve doctors' problems.
On companies dealing with medical insurance cards, he said they would not be allowed to check clinic case notes and inspect the clinic dispensary.
"They should not charge for their services."
As for limiting consultants' fees to RM15, he said it was too low. He added that these companies should not restrict referral of special cases only to certain private hospitals.
Flying doctor service for remote areas
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Every day, if weather permits, two helicopters fly medical personnel into remote villages in Sabah to render medical aid to those in need.
These are villages which are not accessible by road or river.
Sabah Health director Dr Marzukhi Md Isa said the medical team flew in to around 30 such remote villages.
A medical evacuation helicopter also ferries patients who need to be flown to the nearest government hospital, he told the New Straits Times.
The medical team conducts antenatal checks once a month and hopes to increase the frequency soon.
In Sabah, there are 291 health centres, 23 hospitals and 227 klinik desa (rural clinics).
Dr Marzukhi said 59 per cent of the 3.1 million population in the state lived in remote and rural areas and the majority had access to government health facilities, at least within a seven-km range.
"We do have local non-governmental organisations such as the Rotary Club, Malaysian Red Crescent Society and St John Ambulance helping us to carry out health camps in the remote areas."
He said the department also welcomed teams from Peninsular Malaysia who wanted to provide medical assistance to these people.
"Those who come to Sabah always seek our cooperation and all health activities are done jointly," he said, adding that most of these activities with NGOs were conducted on weekends.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) 2006-2010, the Health Ministry continues to be the leading agency and main provider of health services with a budget allocation of RM10.2 billion.
Of this amount, RM3.3 billion goes to public healthcare, RM5.4 billion to patient care services, including building new hospitals and renovation works on existing ones, while RM1.3 billion is spent on other healthcare services, which also includes the training of staff.
In the 9MP, the government is aiming for a more equal distribution of healthcare services between urban and rural areas, said Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
According to the International Health Organisation, Malaysia has one of the best rural health services in the world.
The goal is to have a clinic within every five-km radius, which has already been achieved in most of the peninsular.
And more than 95 per cent of the rural population have access to a doctor.
Every Malaysian has access to good primary healthcare, with 2,965 clinics nationwide as well as 151 mobile clinics in rural areas.
The ministry has, in fact, achieved its target ratio of clinics to population.
There is one clinic or centre for every 20,000 people while there is one community or rural clinic for every 4,000 people.
Services at the clinics cover family health, dentistry, nutrition and dietetics, health education and promotion, home nursing, care of the elderly, rehabilitation, environmental sanitation, adolescent health and community mental health.
Dr Ismail said primary healthcare was the main thrust, supported by secondary and tertiary healthcare.
Since specialists are not available at community and rural clinics, the ministry has come up with a system to make sure that the rural folk are not deprived of services.
Embracing technology, the ministry has begun to introduce telehealth to rural areas.
These are villages which are not accessible by road or river.
Sabah Health director Dr Marzukhi Md Isa said the medical team flew in to around 30 such remote villages.
A medical evacuation helicopter also ferries patients who need to be flown to the nearest government hospital, he told the New Straits Times.
The medical team conducts antenatal checks once a month and hopes to increase the frequency soon.
In Sabah, there are 291 health centres, 23 hospitals and 227 klinik desa (rural clinics).
Dr Marzukhi said 59 per cent of the 3.1 million population in the state lived in remote and rural areas and the majority had access to government health facilities, at least within a seven-km range.
"We do have local non-governmental organisations such as the Rotary Club, Malaysian Red Crescent Society and St John Ambulance helping us to carry out health camps in the remote areas."
He said the department also welcomed teams from Peninsular Malaysia who wanted to provide medical assistance to these people.
"Those who come to Sabah always seek our cooperation and all health activities are done jointly," he said, adding that most of these activities with NGOs were conducted on weekends.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) 2006-2010, the Health Ministry continues to be the leading agency and main provider of health services with a budget allocation of RM10.2 billion.
Of this amount, RM3.3 billion goes to public healthcare, RM5.4 billion to patient care services, including building new hospitals and renovation works on existing ones, while RM1.3 billion is spent on other healthcare services, which also includes the training of staff.
In the 9MP, the government is aiming for a more equal distribution of healthcare services between urban and rural areas, said Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
According to the International Health Organisation, Malaysia has one of the best rural health services in the world.
The goal is to have a clinic within every five-km radius, which has already been achieved in most of the peninsular.
And more than 95 per cent of the rural population have access to a doctor.
Every Malaysian has access to good primary healthcare, with 2,965 clinics nationwide as well as 151 mobile clinics in rural areas.
The ministry has, in fact, achieved its target ratio of clinics to population.
There is one clinic or centre for every 20,000 people while there is one community or rural clinic for every 4,000 people.
Services at the clinics cover family health, dentistry, nutrition and dietetics, health education and promotion, home nursing, care of the elderly, rehabilitation, environmental sanitation, adolescent health and community mental health.
Dr Ismail said primary healthcare was the main thrust, supported by secondary and tertiary healthcare.
Since specialists are not available at community and rural clinics, the ministry has come up with a system to make sure that the rural folk are not deprived of services.
Embracing technology, the ministry has begun to introduce telehealth to rural areas.
Organ transplant getting unscrupulous: Health DG
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in worldwide demand for human organs has led to the emergence of “transplant tourism” and human trafficking.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was the duty of government agencies to clamp down on such activities.
“As more vulnerable and poor people become affected by the financial crisis, there are increasing reports of trafficking in human beings used as sources of organs and of patients cum tourists travelling abroad to buy organs from poor people.
“It is up to us to impose morals on the market to ensure that the medical world is not a jungle, where only the fittest survive and the unfortunate lose out in the scheme of things,” he said when opening the regional meeting on World Health Organisation guiding principles on human organ transplantation Monday.
Dr Ismail said licensed organ entrepreneurs often came up with “creative” solutions to get around the policies and strategies put into place by governments to make organ transplantation a safe, ethical and transparent process.
On the influenza A (H1N1) situation, Dr Ismail said the ministry was still tracking down those people who had come into contact with five confirmed patients.
He also urged passengers on board the following flights - MH091 and AK702 which touched down at the KL International Airport and the LCCT at 7.15am and 1pm respectively on Wednesday and AirAsia X D7 2723 that arrived in LCCT at 7am on Friday to contact the ministry.
Dr Ismail said, so far, 118 people who came into contact with the patients had been placed under home quarantine.
“All of them are healthy and do not show any sign of the disease,” he said.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was the duty of government agencies to clamp down on such activities.
“As more vulnerable and poor people become affected by the financial crisis, there are increasing reports of trafficking in human beings used as sources of organs and of patients cum tourists travelling abroad to buy organs from poor people.
“It is up to us to impose morals on the market to ensure that the medical world is not a jungle, where only the fittest survive and the unfortunate lose out in the scheme of things,” he said when opening the regional meeting on World Health Organisation guiding principles on human organ transplantation Monday.
Dr Ismail said licensed organ entrepreneurs often came up with “creative” solutions to get around the policies and strategies put into place by governments to make organ transplantation a safe, ethical and transparent process.
On the influenza A (H1N1) situation, Dr Ismail said the ministry was still tracking down those people who had come into contact with five confirmed patients.
He also urged passengers on board the following flights - MH091 and AK702 which touched down at the KL International Airport and the LCCT at 7.15am and 1pm respectively on Wednesday and AirAsia X D7 2723 that arrived in LCCT at 7am on Friday to contact the ministry.
Dr Ismail said, so far, 118 people who came into contact with the patients had been placed under home quarantine.
“All of them are healthy and do not show any sign of the disease,” he said.
Military Medical Faculty to take in students next year
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) will create a Military Medical Faculty and take in 40 students for its first intake next year.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the development of the new faculty was also in line with UPNM's target to become a university of excellence not only in academics but also personality, leadership and personal development.
"We own assets such as military hospitals and health examination centres, and we have identified several military hospitals to become practical training centres for the students," he told reporters after an official visit to UPNM at the Sungai Besi Camp, here Monday.
Accompanying him was his deputy, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, army chief, Jen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and UPNM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.
Ahmad Zahid said UPNM would also implement several policy changes regarding student intake and the composition of civilian and military students to ensure that the university produced students able to fulfill the needs of the military and outside market.
"The policy changes are being reviewed, and if necessary we will amend them. So far, only 20 per cent of the intake to UPNM through the university entrance management division (UPU) are members of the public with no basic military training.
"We will see how things go. We need to refer to the Prime Minister regarding these policies. If he agrees to the changes, we will open UPNM to foreign students as well," he said.
He said work to upgrade infrastructure on the 162ha main campus will be carried out immediately so that all buildings would be completed before the end of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
There are currently 1,857 students of whom 20 percent are not military cadets, and UPNM targets a maximum intake of 5,000 students comprising of 2,500 cadet officers, 500 civilian students and 200 masters and PhD students.
He added that 250 students from UPNM's first intake would receive their diplomas and degrees during the convocation next year.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the development of the new faculty was also in line with UPNM's target to become a university of excellence not only in academics but also personality, leadership and personal development.
"We own assets such as military hospitals and health examination centres, and we have identified several military hospitals to become practical training centres for the students," he told reporters after an official visit to UPNM at the Sungai Besi Camp, here Monday.
Accompanying him was his deputy, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, army chief, Jen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and UPNM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.
Ahmad Zahid said UPNM would also implement several policy changes regarding student intake and the composition of civilian and military students to ensure that the university produced students able to fulfill the needs of the military and outside market.
"The policy changes are being reviewed, and if necessary we will amend them. So far, only 20 per cent of the intake to UPNM through the university entrance management division (UPU) are members of the public with no basic military training.
"We will see how things go. We need to refer to the Prime Minister regarding these policies. If he agrees to the changes, we will open UPNM to foreign students as well," he said.
He said work to upgrade infrastructure on the 162ha main campus will be carried out immediately so that all buildings would be completed before the end of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
There are currently 1,857 students of whom 20 percent are not military cadets, and UPNM targets a maximum intake of 5,000 students comprising of 2,500 cadet officers, 500 civilian students and 200 masters and PhD students.
He added that 250 students from UPNM's first intake would receive their diplomas and degrees during the convocation next year.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Students with the flu urged to stay put
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Health autho-rities have advised Malaysians studying abroad to delay their return if they show symptoms of influenza.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican made the call as authorities anticipate a big number of students from abroad coming home for the summer holidays.
“I hope those who show flu-like symptoms will immediately go to clinics and hospitals in the countries where they are to get treatment before returning to Malaysia,” he said yesterday.
Dr Ismail said a total of 153 people were currently under home quarantine after coming into contact with five people who have been confirmed to be down with influenza A (H1N1). Eighty-nine people who were asked to remain at home were those connected to a 23-year-old student who arrived from New York on June 1.
Forty-six people came into contact with two German tourists who flew in from Singapore on June 3 and 13 people were with the 28-year-old student who arrived from New York on Wednesday.
Five people who came into contact with a confirmed case arriving from Melbourne on Friday are also home quarantined.
Dr Ismail said since there were no new cases reported on Saturday, the number of influenza A (H1N1) cases reported in Malaysia remained at seven, with all being “imported cases”.
“The five patients are still under treatment and are recovering well. Their condition is reported to be stable while those under home quarantine are also reported to be well,” he said yesterday.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican made the call as authorities anticipate a big number of students from abroad coming home for the summer holidays.
“I hope those who show flu-like symptoms will immediately go to clinics and hospitals in the countries where they are to get treatment before returning to Malaysia,” he said yesterday.
Dr Ismail said a total of 153 people were currently under home quarantine after coming into contact with five people who have been confirmed to be down with influenza A (H1N1). Eighty-nine people who were asked to remain at home were those connected to a 23-year-old student who arrived from New York on June 1.
Forty-six people came into contact with two German tourists who flew in from Singapore on June 3 and 13 people were with the 28-year-old student who arrived from New York on Wednesday.
Five people who came into contact with a confirmed case arriving from Melbourne on Friday are also home quarantined.
Dr Ismail said since there were no new cases reported on Saturday, the number of influenza A (H1N1) cases reported in Malaysia remained at seven, with all being “imported cases”.
“The five patients are still under treatment and are recovering well. Their condition is reported to be stable while those under home quarantine are also reported to be well,” he said yesterday.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Free health screening on Tuesday
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Older Malaysians are generally an overweight lot.
This was what a chronic disease screening survey conducted among 1,300 Malaysians above the age of 40 found last year.
The survey, which was led by University of Malaya's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine senior lecturer Dr Moy Foong Ming, found that 46 per cent (598) of them were obese and what's more is that 35.2 per cent (458) were overweight.
Only 34.5 per cent (449) had a healthy cholesterol level, with one-third of them on the borderline (433) and the rest, with high cholesterol levels (418).
"The attitude of the participants was that it was alright to be overweight," said Moy.
"They felt that if they lost weight, it would imply that they were not well."
Moy said this mindset had to be changed as obesity was the precursor for many chronic diseases.
This gave birth to the idea of having a University of Malaya Wellness Programme.
The programme is an effort by the UM management to promote the health and well-being of employees.
The programme was launched last year where voluntary free health screenings were held for UM staff aged 40 years and above.
"Generally the risk tends to be higher after 40," said UM Social and Preventive Medicine department head Professor Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud.
"There is a Public Service Department circular that states that staff above 40 should get screened.
"Those who are on the borderline of health problems are given advice while those who need medical advice are referred to wellness clinics run by the Department of Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology."
This year's Health Awareness Day which will be held on Tuesday is open to the members of the public of all ages from 10am to 5pm.
This initiative is led by the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Sports and Health Department, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), National Kidney Foundation, Federal Territory Health Department and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
There will be free screenings for blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), bone density, oral health and glaucoma.
"There will also be a booth on breast self-examination run by LPPKN as well as pap smear tests.
"There will also be a booth on men's health where a screening questionnaire will be used to determine if a individual has urinary tract problems.
"Everything is free except for the pap smear test which will cost RM20," said Dr Awang.
"Most hospitals don't provide wellness screening."
Dr Awang said they wanted to encourage people take proactive steps and stay healthy.
This was what a chronic disease screening survey conducted among 1,300 Malaysians above the age of 40 found last year.
The survey, which was led by University of Malaya's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine senior lecturer Dr Moy Foong Ming, found that 46 per cent (598) of them were obese and what's more is that 35.2 per cent (458) were overweight.
Only 34.5 per cent (449) had a healthy cholesterol level, with one-third of them on the borderline (433) and the rest, with high cholesterol levels (418).
"The attitude of the participants was that it was alright to be overweight," said Moy.
"They felt that if they lost weight, it would imply that they were not well."
Moy said this mindset had to be changed as obesity was the precursor for many chronic diseases.
This gave birth to the idea of having a University of Malaya Wellness Programme.
The programme is an effort by the UM management to promote the health and well-being of employees.
The programme was launched last year where voluntary free health screenings were held for UM staff aged 40 years and above.
"Generally the risk tends to be higher after 40," said UM Social and Preventive Medicine department head Professor Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud.
"There is a Public Service Department circular that states that staff above 40 should get screened.
"Those who are on the borderline of health problems are given advice while those who need medical advice are referred to wellness clinics run by the Department of Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology."
This year's Health Awareness Day which will be held on Tuesday is open to the members of the public of all ages from 10am to 5pm.
This initiative is led by the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Sports and Health Department, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), National Kidney Foundation, Federal Territory Health Department and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
There will be free screenings for blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), bone density, oral health and glaucoma.
"There will also be a booth on breast self-examination run by LPPKN as well as pap smear tests.
"There will also be a booth on men's health where a screening questionnaire will be used to determine if a individual has urinary tract problems.
"Everything is free except for the pap smear test which will cost RM20," said Dr Awang.
"Most hospitals don't provide wellness screening."
Dr Awang said they wanted to encourage people take proactive steps and stay healthy.
Seventh H1N1 patient detected
Star: PUTRAJAYA: A female Australian student has been confirmed to be the seventh patient infected with influenza A (H1N1) in Malaysia, said Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
He said the 15-year-old travelled with her mother from Melbourne on AirAsia X D7 2723 and arrived at the LCCT at 7am on Friday.
Her fever was detected when she went through the thermal scanner screening at the airport.
“She told our medical team that she had started having fever, cough and sore throat the day before arriving in Malaysia,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
He said the girl was then referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Friday and admitted to a special ward.
“She was confirmed to be down with the disease the same day and given anti-viral treatment,” he said, adding that the girl was in stable condition.
He said the girl’s mother, who did not show any symptoms, had been placed under quarantine.
Dr Ismail said the AirAsia flight was carrying 258 passengers at the time.
“The ministry urges all passengers, especially those who were seated in Row 3 and those nearby, to quickly call us at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300 from 8am to 9pm.”
He said, so far, 143 people who had come into contact with influenza A (H1N1) patients had been put under home quarantine and that all were reported to be in good health and did not show symptoms of the disease.
Dr Ismail said 89 of them had been in contact with the student who returned from the United States, 46 with two German tourists infected with the virus, seven with a 28-year-old student who arrived from New York and one with the Australian girl.
“The ministry is tracking others who had come into contact with all these patients, including passengers who were on the same flights with them.”
He said the ministry had received 26 notifications of passengers with influenza symptoms on Friday.
“All these patients have been admitted to isolation wards in six designated hospitals for treatment and investigation.”
He said one of them was the Australian student, while 19 others tested negative for the virus. Six were still awaiting their results.
He said the 15-year-old travelled with her mother from Melbourne on AirAsia X D7 2723 and arrived at the LCCT at 7am on Friday.
Her fever was detected when she went through the thermal scanner screening at the airport.
“She told our medical team that she had started having fever, cough and sore throat the day before arriving in Malaysia,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
He said the girl was then referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Friday and admitted to a special ward.
“She was confirmed to be down with the disease the same day and given anti-viral treatment,” he said, adding that the girl was in stable condition.
He said the girl’s mother, who did not show any symptoms, had been placed under quarantine.
Dr Ismail said the AirAsia flight was carrying 258 passengers at the time.
“The ministry urges all passengers, especially those who were seated in Row 3 and those nearby, to quickly call us at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300 from 8am to 9pm.”
He said, so far, 143 people who had come into contact with influenza A (H1N1) patients had been put under home quarantine and that all were reported to be in good health and did not show symptoms of the disease.
Dr Ismail said 89 of them had been in contact with the student who returned from the United States, 46 with two German tourists infected with the virus, seven with a 28-year-old student who arrived from New York and one with the Australian girl.
“The ministry is tracking others who had come into contact with all these patients, including passengers who were on the same flights with them.”
He said the ministry had received 26 notifications of passengers with influenza symptoms on Friday.
“All these patients have been admitted to isolation wards in six designated hospitals for treatment and investigation.”
He said one of them was the Australian student, while 19 others tested negative for the virus. Six were still awaiting their results.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Taking pains to care for patients
Star: PUTRAJAYA: All 60,000 nurses and 10,000 doctors in government hospitals will get training in pain management over the next three years to ensure better healthcare services.
Dr Mary Cardosa, the organising chairman of “Making Pain the 5th Vital Sign, Improving Patient Safety” conference, said such training would help medical staff assess pain and reduce patients’ suffering.
“Previously, there were four vital signs nurses looked out for in warded patients — blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature.
“We believe that it is important to include pain as the fifth vital sign when they check on patients,” she told reporters after attending the conference here yesterday.
“The training is compulsory for medical staff from government hospitals but we hope that the private practice would also organise such programmes to equip nurses and doctors for better healthcare service,” she said.
Dr Mary Cardosa, the organising chairman of “Making Pain the 5th Vital Sign, Improving Patient Safety” conference, said such training would help medical staff assess pain and reduce patients’ suffering.
“Previously, there were four vital signs nurses looked out for in warded patients — blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature.
“We believe that it is important to include pain as the fifth vital sign when they check on patients,” she told reporters after attending the conference here yesterday.
“The training is compulsory for medical staff from government hospitals but we hope that the private practice would also organise such programmes to equip nurses and doctors for better healthcare service,” she said.
Sixth A(H1N1) case confirmed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has confirmed its sixth case of influenza A (H1N1), a 28-year-old student who arrived here on Wednesday from New York on Malaysia Airlines’ Flight MH091.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the student did not exhibit symptoms at the airport but later reported to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital with cough and a sore throat.
“We confirmed the case today,” he told a press conference after a working visit to the National Heart Institute yesterday.
Liow said some of those on the flight had already been quarantined at home while the rest were being tracked down.
He also commended the passengers aboard MH091 for their quick response.
Liow urged all Malaysians to be vigilant and continue to practise good hygiene to prevent an outbreak through local transmission.
The ministry would also be issuing pamphlets and putting up posters to remind the public on the precautions to take when travelling overseas.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that 61 people who came in contact with confirmed influenza A (H1N1) patients were under home quarantine.
Of the number, 35 were those who came in contact with the student who returned home from the United States, while 26 had contact with two German tourists infected with the virus.
The German tourists, aged 30 and 32, had travelled from Singapore on AirAsia’s Flight AK702 on Wednesday.
In a statement, Dr Ismail said the three were being treated and were in stable condition.
“There were 276 passengers and crew members on board MH091. So far, 71 have been traced in Malaysia.
“Of the 78 passengers and crew members on board the AirAsia flight, 20 have been found,” he said.
He said those on MH091 would be put under home quarantine until Monday, while those on AK702 would be released on Wednesday if they were found to be free of the flu.
He said two people who came in contact with an influenza patient in Hong Kong were released from home quarantine yesterday.
Dr Ismail said the tracking of other passengers was still going on and he appealed to those involved to contact the ministry at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.
He said the ministry received 22 notifications of people experiencing influenza A symptoms, including the two Germans, on Thursday.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the student did not exhibit symptoms at the airport but later reported to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital with cough and a sore throat.
“We confirmed the case today,” he told a press conference after a working visit to the National Heart Institute yesterday.
Liow said some of those on the flight had already been quarantined at home while the rest were being tracked down.
He also commended the passengers aboard MH091 for their quick response.
Liow urged all Malaysians to be vigilant and continue to practise good hygiene to prevent an outbreak through local transmission.
The ministry would also be issuing pamphlets and putting up posters to remind the public on the precautions to take when travelling overseas.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that 61 people who came in contact with confirmed influenza A (H1N1) patients were under home quarantine.
Of the number, 35 were those who came in contact with the student who returned home from the United States, while 26 had contact with two German tourists infected with the virus.
The German tourists, aged 30 and 32, had travelled from Singapore on AirAsia’s Flight AK702 on Wednesday.
In a statement, Dr Ismail said the three were being treated and were in stable condition.
“There were 276 passengers and crew members on board MH091. So far, 71 have been traced in Malaysia.
“Of the 78 passengers and crew members on board the AirAsia flight, 20 have been found,” he said.
He said those on MH091 would be put under home quarantine until Monday, while those on AK702 would be released on Wednesday if they were found to be free of the flu.
He said two people who came in contact with an influenza patient in Hong Kong were released from home quarantine yesterday.
Dr Ismail said the tracking of other passengers was still going on and he appealed to those involved to contact the ministry at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.
He said the ministry received 22 notifications of people experiencing influenza A symptoms, including the two Germans, on Thursday.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
A (H1N1) flu: M’sia reports 3 more cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Three more new cases of influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed in Malaysia, making the total number of patients infected with the disease to five since May 15.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the first new case was a Malaysian student, 23, who travelled home from the United State on MAS flight MH091 for holiday.
“The student did not have fever when he arrived at the KL International Airport on Monday (June 1) but started to have the symptom and cough on Wednesday (June 3),” he told a press conference here Thursday.
He said the student was admitted at the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban on Wednesday for treatment and investigation.
“He was confirmed to have contracted the disease at 4am Thursday through laboratory test carried out by the Malaysia Medical Research Institute,” he said.
He said the student, who had been given anti-viral treatment, was in stable condition.
Liow said the other two patients were two Germans tourists, who first arrived in Singapore on Monday (June 1) for their holiday in Asia countries.
“They arrived at the LCCT on AirAsia flight AK702 on Wednesday (June 3) at 1.55pm,” he said.
He said the two patients, aged 30 and 32, started having fever in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (June 3).
“They received treatment at the Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur and were transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for further treatment and investigation at 1.40am on the same day,” he said.
He said the two patients, who were friends, were confirmed with the disease at 3pm Thursday through laboratory test by the Malaysia Medical Research Institute.
“They are in stable condition and anti-viral treatment will start now,” he said.
Liow said the ministry was tracking those who came into contact with the two German patients, including crew members and passengers on board AK702, to prevent local transmission of the virus.
“We ask for their cooperation with the ministry by contacting us at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300 so that we can give them health advice, including the need of home quarantine,” he said.
However, Liow could not give details of how many crew members and passengers from AK702 were involved.
“We are still getting the information,” he said.
He advised members of the public to practise cough etiquette by covering their mouth and washing their hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing.
“Those who are coughing and having flu are advised to uses ‘three-ply’ mask to prevent infection,” he said.
He also urged those who were having fever, cough and flu not to travel overseas to reduce respiratory infection.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the first new case was a Malaysian student, 23, who travelled home from the United State on MAS flight MH091 for holiday.
“The student did not have fever when he arrived at the KL International Airport on Monday (June 1) but started to have the symptom and cough on Wednesday (June 3),” he told a press conference here Thursday.
He said the student was admitted at the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban on Wednesday for treatment and investigation.
“He was confirmed to have contracted the disease at 4am Thursday through laboratory test carried out by the Malaysia Medical Research Institute,” he said.
He said the student, who had been given anti-viral treatment, was in stable condition.
Liow said the other two patients were two Germans tourists, who first arrived in Singapore on Monday (June 1) for their holiday in Asia countries.
“They arrived at the LCCT on AirAsia flight AK702 on Wednesday (June 3) at 1.55pm,” he said.
He said the two patients, aged 30 and 32, started having fever in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (June 3).
“They received treatment at the Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur and were transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for further treatment and investigation at 1.40am on the same day,” he said.
He said the two patients, who were friends, were confirmed with the disease at 3pm Thursday through laboratory test by the Malaysia Medical Research Institute.
“They are in stable condition and anti-viral treatment will start now,” he said.
Liow said the ministry was tracking those who came into contact with the two German patients, including crew members and passengers on board AK702, to prevent local transmission of the virus.
“We ask for their cooperation with the ministry by contacting us at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300 so that we can give them health advice, including the need of home quarantine,” he said.
However, Liow could not give details of how many crew members and passengers from AK702 were involved.
“We are still getting the information,” he said.
He advised members of the public to practise cough etiquette by covering their mouth and washing their hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing.
“Those who are coughing and having flu are advised to uses ‘three-ply’ mask to prevent infection,” he said.
He also urged those who were having fever, cough and flu not to travel overseas to reduce respiratory infection.
A (H1N1) flu: M’sia reports 3rd case
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reported its third case of the Influenza A (H1N1) flu, a 23-year-old male student who returned from the United States on June 1 on Malaysian Airlines flight MH091 and tested positive for the infection.
The health authorities are tracing the 276 passenger and crew on board.
The man returned to the country for a holiday but did not have any fever when he arrived at KL International Airport.
However, he began to have fever and cough on June 3 and was sent to Tuanku Jaafar hospital in Seremban on the same day for treatment and observation,” said health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
“The student was confirmed to have been infected with Influenza A (H1N1) at 4am Thursday through laboratory tests conducted by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR).
“The patient is in stable condition and has been given anti-viral treatment,” he said Thursday.
Health authorities had earlier announced Malaysia’s first two cases of Influenza A (H1N1) on May 15 and 16. Both were students who also returned home from the United States.
The health authorities are tracing the 276 passenger and crew on board.
The man returned to the country for a holiday but did not have any fever when he arrived at KL International Airport.
However, he began to have fever and cough on June 3 and was sent to Tuanku Jaafar hospital in Seremban on the same day for treatment and observation,” said health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
“The student was confirmed to have been infected with Influenza A (H1N1) at 4am Thursday through laboratory tests conducted by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR).
“The patient is in stable condition and has been given anti-viral treatment,” he said Thursday.
Health authorities had earlier announced Malaysia’s first two cases of Influenza A (H1N1) on May 15 and 16. Both were students who also returned home from the United States.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Liow: Ministry practises open tender policy
Star: GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry has always practised the open tender process when buying pharmaceutical and medical products, says Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said those registered with the Ministry of Finance could go through Pharmaniaga Bhd that had the exclusive rights to distribute pharmaceutical and medical products to the ministry. However, he said that companies which had issues with the matter could write in to the ministry.
Liow said he had always championed for pharmaceutical companies to be more competitive.
The minister was commenting on a statement by B. Braun corporate controlling, finance and information technology vice-president Dieter Gemmer that the company was considering to move part of its operations, specifically pharmaceuticals, from Penang to Indonesia because it did not wish to go through “medical middlemen” to sell its products.
Gemmer had said that all the company wanted was to be allowed to participate in open tenders instead of having to sell their products through a third party.
“If there are specific allegations, the company can raise the matter to me. The ministry will investigate the matter,” Liow told reporters yesterday.
He was at the Penang International Airport yesterday for AirAsia’s debut flight from Singapore.
He said those registered with the Ministry of Finance could go through Pharmaniaga Bhd that had the exclusive rights to distribute pharmaceutical and medical products to the ministry. However, he said that companies which had issues with the matter could write in to the ministry.
Liow said he had always championed for pharmaceutical companies to be more competitive.
The minister was commenting on a statement by B. Braun corporate controlling, finance and information technology vice-president Dieter Gemmer that the company was considering to move part of its operations, specifically pharmaceuticals, from Penang to Indonesia because it did not wish to go through “medical middlemen” to sell its products.
Gemmer had said that all the company wanted was to be allowed to participate in open tenders instead of having to sell their products through a third party.
“If there are specific allegations, the company can raise the matter to me. The ministry will investigate the matter,” Liow told reporters yesterday.
He was at the Penang International Airport yesterday for AirAsia’s debut flight from Singapore.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Ambulance chaser beats up doctor
NST: KLANG: They try their best to blend in with the crowd at the hospital emergency rooms, but they are not the concerned family members they pretend to be.
Touts, working undercover for insurance companies and shady law firms, have been known to wait in emergency rooms to take advantage of accident victims.
But one went too far on Saturday night when he assaulted a doctor at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) for asking him to leave the hospital.
Dr Aniljeet Singh Darmar, 29, lodged a police report on the same night, saying that the tout had barged into a restricted area at 8.30pm as he was about to operate on an accident victim with a broken leg.
He said he asked the tout to leave but the latter refused and pushed him hard. A scuffle ensued and the tout punched Dr Aniljeet in the face, leaving him with a bruise.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Mat Yusop said police received the report at 9pm.
"The 29-year-old man has been remanded for four days to assist in investigations."
HTAR director Dr Ghazali Hasni Md Hassan said touts were turning into a menace not only at HTAR, but other hospitals nationwide as well.
"These touts receive tip-offs from their inside contacts such as ambulance drivers, hospital attendants and even mortuary staff.
"They come from various agencies, lawyers' firms, insurance companies and tow truck companies."
Dr Ghazali said the touts interfered with the doctors' work and were aggressive as they also competed with each other to get new clients.
"They couldn't care less about the patient's condition as they earn commission by filing insurance claims and signing up new clients.
"Sometimes, they harass patients even when they are not stabilised yet. They have become a constant harassment to the staff."
He also claimed this was not the first time a hospital staff had been assaulted by a tout.
"They get angry when we try to stop them as they feel we are trying to prevent them from making a living but the patient's life is our priority."
Touts, working undercover for insurance companies and shady law firms, have been known to wait in emergency rooms to take advantage of accident victims.
But one went too far on Saturday night when he assaulted a doctor at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) for asking him to leave the hospital.
Dr Aniljeet Singh Darmar, 29, lodged a police report on the same night, saying that the tout had barged into a restricted area at 8.30pm as he was about to operate on an accident victim with a broken leg.
He said he asked the tout to leave but the latter refused and pushed him hard. A scuffle ensued and the tout punched Dr Aniljeet in the face, leaving him with a bruise.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Mat Yusop said police received the report at 9pm.
"The 29-year-old man has been remanded for four days to assist in investigations."
HTAR director Dr Ghazali Hasni Md Hassan said touts were turning into a menace not only at HTAR, but other hospitals nationwide as well.
"These touts receive tip-offs from their inside contacts such as ambulance drivers, hospital attendants and even mortuary staff.
"They come from various agencies, lawyers' firms, insurance companies and tow truck companies."
Dr Ghazali said the touts interfered with the doctors' work and were aggressive as they also competed with each other to get new clients.
"They couldn't care less about the patient's condition as they earn commission by filing insurance claims and signing up new clients.
"Sometimes, they harass patients even when they are not stabilised yet. They have become a constant harassment to the staff."
He also claimed this was not the first time a hospital staff had been assaulted by a tout.
"They get angry when we try to stop them as they feel we are trying to prevent them from making a living but the patient's life is our priority."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)