Free Malaysia Today PETALING JAYA: Dentists are unhappy at a 41-year-old legislation that requires them to have more than one annual practising licences (APLs) if they want to work in more than one clinic.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior dentist from Subang Jaya said that the APLs were becoming a burden to many dentists, especially the young ones.
“You see, when a dentist takes leave, they may ask for another dentist to do a locum for them in their absence.
“The problem is, even if the dentist already has an existing APL, they will be required to apply for another one just because they are going to work for a while at the new clinic,” said the dentist.
According to the Dental Act 1971, a dentist must obtain an APL from the Oral Health Division of the Health Ministry for a fee of RM50 and it is renewable every year. The licence would also indicate address of the clinic the dentist would be serving.
However, if the dentist was planning to serve in another clinic on top of the existing one, they would be required to apply for another APL with the new address and charged the same fee.
Calling it illogical, the dentist of over 20 years said the law affected mostly the young dentists, as they would normally do locums in various clinics before establishing their own private practice.
“They don’t have the resources to set up their own clinics. So they become locums first and serve in many clinics and they have to get APLs for each clinics they serve,” said the dentist.
The dentist added that it was time for the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) to look into the matter and resolve the matter soon.
Another dentist from Puchong said that she herself owned eight APLs as she does locum for several clinics owned by her friends.
“I know dentists who have more than 20 APLs. Imagine how much money the ministry is getting from this,” said the dentist who also claimed anonymity.
Even specialists not spared
She likened it to someone taking a test for driver’s licence saying, “It’s like having to apply for licence for every type of car your drive. It’s ridiculous. Even specialists are not spared.”
On arguments that it was to monitor dentists’ conduct, she said that if an owner of a clinic hires a locum, the owner should be responsible if any problems arise.
“Besides, you can track down an errant dentist because he or she is registered with the MDC,” she said.
Another dentist Dr V Nedunchelian said that it would best if the ministy just added the additional clinic addresses into the APL at no cost.
He added that under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 2006, the owner of the clinic would be held responsible if any dentist hired gets entangled in a malpractice allegation.
“Besides, we renew our APL annually. Just add the name of the new clinic address on top of the existing one. No need to charge additional fee,” said Nedunchelian who himself has three APLs.
Whether anyone had lodged a complaint over the matter, all three dentists said no one had done so.
“We are afraid that the ministry may take action against us for highlighting the matter,” said the dentist from Subang Jaya.
Despite numerous attempts, FMT failed to reach Health Ministry director-general Hasan Abdul Rahman for comments.
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
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Doctors and loved ones pay their last respects to Malaysia’s first silent mentors
The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first pair of donated cadavers were given a grand send off by their loved ones and the doctors who practised on them at the University Malaya Medical Centre.
Cancer patients Lim Kian, 67, and Low Siew Yeok, 47, had pledged their bodies to science in order to help doctors save other patients.
But more than just teaching surgical skills, “Silent Mentors” Lim and Low taught the doctors precious humanistic values.
The Silent Mentor programme, announced by Universiti Malaya in March this year, is based on the Taiwanese Tzu Chi University's programme with the same name where members of the public may pledge their bodies to be used for medical training and research after their death.
Cadavers are used for a three-day workshop, after which they will be cremated and the remains placed at a memorial hall.
“Conducting surgery on someone you do not know is not the way for doctors to express their humanity,” said Prof Dr Chin Kin Fah, director of UMMC's Minimally Invasive Laparo-Endoscopic Surgery (MILES) training centre.
“The programme insists that students get to know their Silent Mentors inside out to cultivate a caring and loving attitude.
“At the end of the workshop, participants take part in a small ceremony to show their gratitude to their Silent Mentors for teaching them,” said Dr Chin, adding that the programme would not turn away any donor, including those with cancer and physical deformities.
The programme is a collaboration between UM, Tzu Chi University and funeral services provider Xiao En Group.
MILES manager Sia Thiam Eng said about 25 bodies had been pledged to the programme, while 160 others had expressed their wish to be part of it.
“This is the best platform for doctors to acquire surgical skills because the Silent Mentors are in better condition than other cadavers, which are usually unclaimed bodies. But the main aim is to teach participants medical humanistic values,” said Sia.
For Segamat native Lim's children, their father's decision to donate his body to the cause was his “greatest act of charity”.
“We are very proud of him,” said eldest son Tian Tsyh, 42, after the memorial service yesterday.
He said his father, who died on June 2 after battling rectal cancer for over a year, was actively involved in charity such as donating blood and volunteering at recycling campaigns.
“Although he was not highly educated, he became a teacher to doctors in the end,” added Lim's son-in-law Tan Ching San, 45.
Tan said he and Lim learned about the programme after watching a television documentary about it last year.
“He was taken in by the show and said he wanted to donate his body, but there was no such programme in Malaysia then,” said Tan.
After Lim was admitted to the hospital for the second time in February, Dr Chin approached the family to inform them of the option of donating Lim's body to science and Lim agreed.
“Dr Chin fully explained all the aspects of being a Silent Mentor and we agreed it was a good programme.
“He told us the body would be treated with the utmost care and funeral preparations would be taken care of,” Tan said.
UMMC and Xiao En Group also provide the Silent Mentors a special memorial site at the Nilai Memorial Park for their ashes to be interred.
Cancer patients Lim Kian, 67, and Low Siew Yeok, 47, had pledged their bodies to science in order to help doctors save other patients.
But more than just teaching surgical skills, “Silent Mentors” Lim and Low taught the doctors precious humanistic values.
The Silent Mentor programme, announced by Universiti Malaya in March this year, is based on the Taiwanese Tzu Chi University's programme with the same name where members of the public may pledge their bodies to be used for medical training and research after their death.
Cadavers are used for a three-day workshop, after which they will be cremated and the remains placed at a memorial hall.
“Conducting surgery on someone you do not know is not the way for doctors to express their humanity,” said Prof Dr Chin Kin Fah, director of UMMC's Minimally Invasive Laparo-Endoscopic Surgery (MILES) training centre.
“The programme insists that students get to know their Silent Mentors inside out to cultivate a caring and loving attitude.
“At the end of the workshop, participants take part in a small ceremony to show their gratitude to their Silent Mentors for teaching them,” said Dr Chin, adding that the programme would not turn away any donor, including those with cancer and physical deformities.
The programme is a collaboration between UM, Tzu Chi University and funeral services provider Xiao En Group.
MILES manager Sia Thiam Eng said about 25 bodies had been pledged to the programme, while 160 others had expressed their wish to be part of it.
“This is the best platform for doctors to acquire surgical skills because the Silent Mentors are in better condition than other cadavers, which are usually unclaimed bodies. But the main aim is to teach participants medical humanistic values,” said Sia.
For Segamat native Lim's children, their father's decision to donate his body to the cause was his “greatest act of charity”.
“We are very proud of him,” said eldest son Tian Tsyh, 42, after the memorial service yesterday.
He said his father, who died on June 2 after battling rectal cancer for over a year, was actively involved in charity such as donating blood and volunteering at recycling campaigns.
“Although he was not highly educated, he became a teacher to doctors in the end,” added Lim's son-in-law Tan Ching San, 45.
Tan said he and Lim learned about the programme after watching a television documentary about it last year.
“He was taken in by the show and said he wanted to donate his body, but there was no such programme in Malaysia then,” said Tan.
After Lim was admitted to the hospital for the second time in February, Dr Chin approached the family to inform them of the option of donating Lim's body to science and Lim agreed.
“Dr Chin fully explained all the aspects of being a Silent Mentor and we agreed it was a good programme.
“He told us the body would be treated with the utmost care and funeral preparations would be taken care of,” Tan said.
UMMC and Xiao En Group also provide the Silent Mentors a special memorial site at the Nilai Memorial Park for their ashes to be interred.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Private sector's urgent need for life-long pension plan, affordable health insurance scheme
NST KUALA LUMPUR: A life-long pension plan and affordable health insurance scheme must be in place for private sector workers whose savings are depleted soon after retirement.
President of newly formed Malaysian Society for Labour and Social Security Law, Datuk Dr Cyrus Das said it was generally believed that a private sector retiree who is non-pensionable exhausted his savings from Employees Provident Fund within three and five years of retirement.
"There must be therefore be due consideration of a life-long pension scheme for private sector workers and affordable health insurance schemes," he said in his speech at the inaugural conference on employment and labour law at a hotel here today.
He said social justice was not limited to looking at well being of employees during employment but also after retirement.
The event attended by about 200 participants is co-organised with the Malaysian Current Law Journal (CLJ), one of the leaders in law publishing.
Das said in a society where "people lived longer and money grew shorter", the dependence on social security schemes became critical.
He pointed out that the United States Supreme Court handed down a significant decision last week that validated the Obama healthcare reform, providing for mandatory health insurance from 2014 for nearly all its citizens.
He said his organisation would endeavour to provide constructive proposals to look into the welfare of private sector workers.
" Our society is well placed to do this (to provide feedback) as we are comprised of all the principal stakeholders - labour lawyers, academics, employer representatives and trade unionists,"
President of newly formed Malaysian Society for Labour and Social Security Law, Datuk Dr Cyrus Das said it was generally believed that a private sector retiree who is non-pensionable exhausted his savings from Employees Provident Fund within three and five years of retirement.
"There must be therefore be due consideration of a life-long pension scheme for private sector workers and affordable health insurance schemes," he said in his speech at the inaugural conference on employment and labour law at a hotel here today.
He said social justice was not limited to looking at well being of employees during employment but also after retirement.
The event attended by about 200 participants is co-organised with the Malaysian Current Law Journal (CLJ), one of the leaders in law publishing.
Das said in a society where "people lived longer and money grew shorter", the dependence on social security schemes became critical.
He pointed out that the United States Supreme Court handed down a significant decision last week that validated the Obama healthcare reform, providing for mandatory health insurance from 2014 for nearly all its citizens.
He said his organisation would endeavour to provide constructive proposals to look into the welfare of private sector workers.
" Our society is well placed to do this (to provide feedback) as we are comprised of all the principal stakeholders - labour lawyers, academics, employer representatives and trade unionists,"
Friday, June 29, 2012
Endoscopes 'used in ATM break-ins'
New Straits Times TWO GANGS INVOLVED: South American criminals believed to have used stolen medical equipment to check out cash inside
KUALA LUMPUR: POLICE believe that the recent thefts of medical equipment are linked to the spate of automated teller machine (ATM) break-ins.
Sources told the New Straits Times that endoscopes were being used to examine the contents of ATMs.
An endoscope is an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body.
"However, it can also be used to examine the interior of an ATM," the source revealed.
The two South American gangs, responsible for the thefts of the medical equipment and ATMs, are believed to be working together.
Police initially believed that the two gangs were operating separately, but investigations revealed otherwise.
It was learnt that city police had arrested 13 South American suspects this year.
They are from Guatemala, Peru and Colombia.
One was charged in court with robbery, while the rest were deported to their countries.
The recent thefts of medical equipment, worth millions of ringgit, from three hospitals in the Klang Valley have raised eyebrows.
Many speculated about what the thieves were going to do with the equipment as it was not something to dispose of easily.
Police are examining this angle as five South Americans were believed to have been responsible for last Friday's ATM robbery in Taman Melawati, Ampang.
The gang managed to prise the machine open and escaped with RM80,000.
"An ATM machine can have between RM100,000 and RM500,000, depending on its location and the volume of transactions.
"Police have not ruled out the possibility that the endoscopes had been used to check the interior of the ATM."
On June 11, endoscopy equipment, worth RM120,000, was stolen from Columbia Asia, a private hospital in Kajang.
The next day, two processors and 15 endoscopes, worth RM600,000, were stolen from Tung Shin Hospital in Jalan Pudu here.
On June 21, RM4 million worth of endoscopy equipment went missing from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.
"These South Americans are difficult to track because of their short stays and the fact that they hold numerous passports."
The first case involving South Americans was reported in 1998 when a Peruvian syndicate, which stole luggage at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, was smashed by the authorities.
The second case involved a South American group breaking into residences, located in posh and upmarket neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley.
This group was eventually crippled by the police.
In 2010, four South Americans stole RM500,000 worth of jewellery from a goldsmith shop in Ampang after distracting a saleswoman.
Closed-circuit television camera footages helped the police to identify the suspects' nationality.
KUALA LUMPUR: POLICE believe that the recent thefts of medical equipment are linked to the spate of automated teller machine (ATM) break-ins.
Sources told the New Straits Times that endoscopes were being used to examine the contents of ATMs.
An endoscope is an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body.
"However, it can also be used to examine the interior of an ATM," the source revealed.
The two South American gangs, responsible for the thefts of the medical equipment and ATMs, are believed to be working together.
Police initially believed that the two gangs were operating separately, but investigations revealed otherwise.
It was learnt that city police had arrested 13 South American suspects this year.
They are from Guatemala, Peru and Colombia.
One was charged in court with robbery, while the rest were deported to their countries.
The recent thefts of medical equipment, worth millions of ringgit, from three hospitals in the Klang Valley have raised eyebrows.
Many speculated about what the thieves were going to do with the equipment as it was not something to dispose of easily.
Police are examining this angle as five South Americans were believed to have been responsible for last Friday's ATM robbery in Taman Melawati, Ampang.
The gang managed to prise the machine open and escaped with RM80,000.
"An ATM machine can have between RM100,000 and RM500,000, depending on its location and the volume of transactions.
"Police have not ruled out the possibility that the endoscopes had been used to check the interior of the ATM."
On June 11, endoscopy equipment, worth RM120,000, was stolen from Columbia Asia, a private hospital in Kajang.
The next day, two processors and 15 endoscopes, worth RM600,000, were stolen from Tung Shin Hospital in Jalan Pudu here.
On June 21, RM4 million worth of endoscopy equipment went missing from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.
"These South Americans are difficult to track because of their short stays and the fact that they hold numerous passports."
The first case involving South Americans was reported in 1998 when a Peruvian syndicate, which stole luggage at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, was smashed by the authorities.
The second case involved a South American group breaking into residences, located in posh and upmarket neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley.
This group was eventually crippled by the police.
In 2010, four South Americans stole RM500,000 worth of jewellery from a goldsmith shop in Ampang after distracting a saleswoman.
Closed-circuit television camera footages helped the police to identify the suspects' nationality.
TCM Bill to regulate industry
The Star TRADITIONAL and Complementary Medicine (TCM) practitioners will be required to be registered and work at hospitals and medical institutions approved by a council.
The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill 2012, which was tabled yesterday, aims to regulate the country’s growing alternative medicine industry.
TCM practitioners must apply to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Council to be provisionally registered and must undergo a residency of not less than one year with any hospital or institution identified by the council.
Anyone who fails to register with the council or a practitioner who practises in a non-recognised area will be subject to a RM30,000 fine, two years’ jail or both upon conviction. A maximum fine of RM50,000, three years’ jail or both will be imposed on repeat offenders.
The council will be responsible for establishing the eligibility of TCM practices, registering individuals providing such services and issuing practising certificates.
The 22-member council will also be responsible for developing a code of professional conduct and rules relating to the profession and to hear complaints on their services.
Its members will comprise officers from the Health Ministry, local universities, registered public practitioners and experts.
The council will also be empowered to appoint a medical officer from the ministry, with powers to investigate and issue a stop order against an errant practitioner.
The new law will also make it compulsory for practitioners to refer a patient to a medical or dental practitioner if an emergency occurs which is beyond his skills to treat.
A recognised practitioner is also prohibited from making spurious or misleading claims with regard to curative treatment or properties of medication.
The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill 2012, which was tabled yesterday, aims to regulate the country’s growing alternative medicine industry.
TCM practitioners must apply to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Council to be provisionally registered and must undergo a residency of not less than one year with any hospital or institution identified by the council.
Anyone who fails to register with the council or a practitioner who practises in a non-recognised area will be subject to a RM30,000 fine, two years’ jail or both upon conviction. A maximum fine of RM50,000, three years’ jail or both will be imposed on repeat offenders.
The council will be responsible for establishing the eligibility of TCM practices, registering individuals providing such services and issuing practising certificates.
The 22-member council will also be responsible for developing a code of professional conduct and rules relating to the profession and to hear complaints on their services.
Its members will comprise officers from the Health Ministry, local universities, registered public practitioners and experts.
The council will also be empowered to appoint a medical officer from the ministry, with powers to investigate and issue a stop order against an errant practitioner.
The new law will also make it compulsory for practitioners to refer a patient to a medical or dental practitioner if an emergency occurs which is beyond his skills to treat.
A recognised practitioner is also prohibited from making spurious or misleading claims with regard to curative treatment or properties of medication.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
About 2,500 Malaysians Detected With Liver Disease Every Year
(Bernama)About 2,000 to 2,500 Malaysians are detected with chronic liver disease each year.
Given the low donor rate of 0.6 per cent per million population, it is very unlikely for many of them to be able to get a liver transplant.
The Health Ministry's head of National Surgical Service, Datuk Dr Harjit Singh said this was due to the high cost involved, as well as the lack of infrastructure and shortage of specialists and organ donors.
The cost of a liver transplant could range from RM350,000 to RM1 million if done in a private hospital in the country or overseas.
"It is because of the high cost, many liver patients cannot afford the organ transplant," he told reporters after the presentation of Maybank Foundation's contribution to the Selayang Hospital's liver transplant trust fund, here, Tuesday.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Country Heights mulls Chinese healthcare hub
Malaysia Chronicle KUALA LUMPUR- Country Heights Holdings Bhd (CHHB) is mulling setting up a hub in Kuala Lumpur or Sarawak to house a hospital for traditional Chinese medicine, a university and college.
CHHB founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew said Malaysia needs a good 300-bed hospital so the public can seek treatment using Chinese medicines and methods from acupuncture to cupping.
“I believe this concept will work here. As it is, a lot of people are going to China for this purpose. If we can do that here, it will promote health tourism,” Lee said in an interview with Business Times recently.
“This is a knowledge-based business which is why it’s going a bit slow. I plan to build the hardware first. Once I have all the infrastructure and resources in place, I will proceed with the next step to seek approval to build the hub,” he said.
In its efforts to expand and diversify its health business, CHHB has set up a traditional Chinese and healthcare centre at Golden Horses Health Sanctuary, located at the Mines Wellness City (MWC).
MWC, formerly, Mines Resort City, is an integrated health and wellness resort city in Sri Kembangan, here.
“In the last few years, people have been more willing to spend money on their health. They are paying more attention to food, exercise and wellness. This is why from property development, I
diversified into health.
“I have told my successor, which is my daughter, to expand in all these areas. I am not an industrialist. I just believe everything can create an economy, including organic planting,” Lee said.
Lee also wants CHHB to set up 10 wellness centres in Southeast Asia and Malaysia to promote health.
“Our philosophy is more on partnerships. We will look for partners with strong financing, and who can understand and accept our business model,” he said.
--Business Times
CHHB founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew said Malaysia needs a good 300-bed hospital so the public can seek treatment using Chinese medicines and methods from acupuncture to cupping.
“I believe this concept will work here. As it is, a lot of people are going to China for this purpose. If we can do that here, it will promote health tourism,” Lee said in an interview with Business Times recently.
“This is a knowledge-based business which is why it’s going a bit slow. I plan to build the hardware first. Once I have all the infrastructure and resources in place, I will proceed with the next step to seek approval to build the hub,” he said.
In its efforts to expand and diversify its health business, CHHB has set up a traditional Chinese and healthcare centre at Golden Horses Health Sanctuary, located at the Mines Wellness City (MWC).
MWC, formerly, Mines Resort City, is an integrated health and wellness resort city in Sri Kembangan, here.
“In the last few years, people have been more willing to spend money on their health. They are paying more attention to food, exercise and wellness. This is why from property development, I
diversified into health.
“I have told my successor, which is my daughter, to expand in all these areas. I am not an industrialist. I just believe everything can create an economy, including organic planting,” Lee said.
Lee also wants CHHB to set up 10 wellness centres in Southeast Asia and Malaysia to promote health.
“Our philosophy is more on partnerships. We will look for partners with strong financing, and who can understand and accept our business model,” he said.
--Business Times
Sunday, June 24, 2012
357 dengue cases reported in 24th week
theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (June 22, 2012): A total of 357 dengue fever cases with one death were reported up to the 24th week of the year – the period between June 10 and 16 – which saw an increase of three cases compared to 354 cases reported the previous week.
Health Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said five states reported an increase in the number of dengue cases, namely Perlis, with an increase of five cases or 250 per cent increase from the previous week, Negeri Sembilan (five cases - 125 per cent), Perak (13 cases - 56 per cent), Kelantan (five cases - 38 per cent) and Kedah (four cases - 23 per cent).
He said this brought to 11,063 the number of accumulated dengue cases reported since January until June 16 this year, an increase of 17 per cent or 1,610 cases, from 9,453 cases reported during the corresponding period last year.
"During the same period, 22 deaths due to dengue were reported, comprising in Selangor, with 11 fatalities, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (three), Perak (two) and one each in Kedah, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang and Sabah," he said in a statement here today.
He said the one of the fatalities in Selangor was a 31-year-old security guard. During the period, 66 localities in 17 districts were identified with dengue epidemic and one of them, Kg. Baru Seberang Takir in Kuala Terengganu, was a dengue hotspot, he added. – Bernama
Health Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said five states reported an increase in the number of dengue cases, namely Perlis, with an increase of five cases or 250 per cent increase from the previous week, Negeri Sembilan (five cases - 125 per cent), Perak (13 cases - 56 per cent), Kelantan (five cases - 38 per cent) and Kedah (four cases - 23 per cent).
He said this brought to 11,063 the number of accumulated dengue cases reported since January until June 16 this year, an increase of 17 per cent or 1,610 cases, from 9,453 cases reported during the corresponding period last year.
"During the same period, 22 deaths due to dengue were reported, comprising in Selangor, with 11 fatalities, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (three), Perak (two) and one each in Kedah, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang and Sabah," he said in a statement here today.
He said the one of the fatalities in Selangor was a 31-year-old security guard. During the period, 66 localities in 17 districts were identified with dengue epidemic and one of them, Kg. Baru Seberang Takir in Kuala Terengganu, was a dengue hotspot, he added. – Bernama
Saturday, June 23, 2012
H1N1 Outbreak Under Control in Malaysia
HealthMap The Malaysian minister of health confirmed that last week’s outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) is now under control. The outbreak occurred at Kuala Nerang National Service camp in Kedah. No new cases have been reported since last Thursday.
Twenty-two trainees at the camp developed symptoms of flu early last week, and fifteen were hospitalized and treated with anti-viral medications. Other camp trainees were quarantined and asked to wear facemasks. Nearly all the trainees have recovered. Those who remain in the hospital are in stable condition.
The minister of health, Liow Tiong Lai, said there is no reason for concern among the trainees’ parents or the general population.
In 2009, Malaysia experienced a large outbreak of H1N1. Since then, over 2000 cases have been reported in the country. This outbreak was part of the world-wide H1N1 pandemic that occurred from 2009 to 2010.
Influenza A (H1N1) is a type of influenza originally called swine flu because of its close relation to the virus that infects pigs. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal flu. Transmission occurs when an infected individual emits tiny virus-containing droplets through sneezes or coughs.
The CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination, which includes protection against H1N1, as the best way to prevent disease outbreaks. There is currently no cure for H1N1 available.
Twenty-two trainees at the camp developed symptoms of flu early last week, and fifteen were hospitalized and treated with anti-viral medications. Other camp trainees were quarantined and asked to wear facemasks. Nearly all the trainees have recovered. Those who remain in the hospital are in stable condition.
The minister of health, Liow Tiong Lai, said there is no reason for concern among the trainees’ parents or the general population.
In 2009, Malaysia experienced a large outbreak of H1N1. Since then, over 2000 cases have been reported in the country. This outbreak was part of the world-wide H1N1 pandemic that occurred from 2009 to 2010.
Influenza A (H1N1) is a type of influenza originally called swine flu because of its close relation to the virus that infects pigs. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal flu. Transmission occurs when an infected individual emits tiny virus-containing droplets through sneezes or coughs.
The CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination, which includes protection against H1N1, as the best way to prevent disease outbreaks. There is currently no cure for H1N1 available.
A worrying trend of diabetes in Malaysia
theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (June 22, 2012): This is no sweet news, but 2.6 million Malaysians were found to be suffering from diabetes last year, according to findings by the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman described the findings as alarming and worrying, despite concerted efforts by the health ministry over the years.
"The NHMS figures showed that (the number of) diabetic patients in Malaysia had increased to 31.0 per cent in just five years, as compared to a 11.6 per cent increase in 2006, for every adult Malaysian aged 18 and above," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the 3rd National Diabetes Conference 2012 themed, 'Towards Better Diabetes Prevention and Control' here today.
Dr Hasan noted that among factors contributing to the rise of diabetics among Malaysians were overweight, genetic, unhealthy lifestyle and diet, consuming alchohol, smoking and no regular medical check-up.
"The best way to prevent diabetes is to take healthy food, exercise at least twice a week, have health screening on a regular and periodic basis.
"Those who have diabetes must get proper treatment and care, such as strict control of blood sugar levels, get treatment for raised blood pressure, foot care and eye care," he said.
Dr Hasan said the preventive measures were cost-saving interventions which could substantially reduce the progression of the disease and its complications.
He urged non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector to help the ministry in its National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases by promoting a healthy lifestyle campaign.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Diabetes Association president Prof Datuk Ikram Shah Ismail said diabetes should be considered a social and economic issue, and not health issue.
He hoped medical practitioners and relevant parties would continue to promote awareness on diabetes to decrease occurences of the disease among Malaysians. – Bernama
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman described the findings as alarming and worrying, despite concerted efforts by the health ministry over the years.
"The NHMS figures showed that (the number of) diabetic patients in Malaysia had increased to 31.0 per cent in just five years, as compared to a 11.6 per cent increase in 2006, for every adult Malaysian aged 18 and above," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the 3rd National Diabetes Conference 2012 themed, 'Towards Better Diabetes Prevention and Control' here today.
Dr Hasan noted that among factors contributing to the rise of diabetics among Malaysians were overweight, genetic, unhealthy lifestyle and diet, consuming alchohol, smoking and no regular medical check-up.
"The best way to prevent diabetes is to take healthy food, exercise at least twice a week, have health screening on a regular and periodic basis.
"Those who have diabetes must get proper treatment and care, such as strict control of blood sugar levels, get treatment for raised blood pressure, foot care and eye care," he said.
Dr Hasan said the preventive measures were cost-saving interventions which could substantially reduce the progression of the disease and its complications.
He urged non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector to help the ministry in its National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases by promoting a healthy lifestyle campaign.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Diabetes Association president Prof Datuk Ikram Shah Ismail said diabetes should be considered a social and economic issue, and not health issue.
He hoped medical practitioners and relevant parties would continue to promote awareness on diabetes to decrease occurences of the disease among Malaysians. – Bernama
Monday, June 18, 2012
Malaysia wants to host World Blood Donor Day
AsiaOne PETALING JAYA - Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) will apply to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be the host of next year's World Blood Donor Day.
Its vice-chairman, Datuk Dr Bahari Abu Mansor, said it would be an honour for Malaysia to host such a healthy and global event.
However, there is one hurdle MRC must first overcome in order to play host to the annual event, which is celebrated on June 14.
"As a developing country, we must have at least 10 per cent of the population donating blood regularly, as stated by WHO."
He was speaking at a blood donation drive organised by Media Prima Bhd at Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama, here.
MRC plans to host the event, if given approval by WHO, together with Media Prima and New Straits Times Press.
"If we can pull this off (the blood donation drive by Media Prima) on a bigger scale, more people will sign up to be donors," said Dr Bahari, referring to the 10 per cent requirement by WHO to host the World Blood Donor Day.
Media Prima executive director (news and editorial operations) Datuk Ahmad A. Talib said he was optimistic that hosting such an event could be done.
"We have transformed the foyer of Sri Pentas into a blood bank (for the blood donation drive) and there are so many people today (yesterday) who have pledged to be donors."
Themed "Every Blood Donor is a Hero", the event is jointly organised by the NSTP Volunteer Brigade, Media Prima and MRC, and supported by the National Blood Bank and Tampin Hospital, Negri Sembilan.
MRC chairman Tunku Tan Sri Shahriman Tunku Sulaiman said he was happy with the turnout for the drive.
"I see many youngsters here as first-time blood donors. This means that the awareness of blood donation has increased. I'm so proud of them."
Tunku Shahriman said MRC would continue to organise more blood donation drives, especially in rural areas, to educate the people on the importance of donating blood.
National Blood Bank deputy director Datuk Dr Faraizah Abdul Karim said the most difficult problem in blood donation was handling first-time blood donors.
"We have to explain to the first timers about the procedure and assure them it will be all right. They have to tell us their fears of blood or needles so that we know how to handle them.
"We would make sure that they are comfortable at all times during the procedures."
With Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri coming soon, said Dr Faraizah, the blood bank was desperate to collect as much blood as possible.
"We are worried about the first two weeks of Hari Raya. Everyone will go back to their kampung, so we need adequate supply in case of emergencies," she said.
Tampin Hospital mobile blood donation drive coordinator Ganga Devi B. Sinniah said it was a commendable effort in roping youngsters and staff of Media Prima to donate blood.
"Most of them are first timers, which is good. Some of them didn't have enough haemoglobin or didn't weigh enough, so we had to turn them away as it is not healthy for them to donate."
She said the hospital managed to collect about 175 pints of blood in the drive that was extended until 2pm because of the overwhelming response.
Companies which took part in the event include Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd, Unilever (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Mamee Double Decker (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Restoran Kelantan Delights and Dallis'cious Catering.
Its vice-chairman, Datuk Dr Bahari Abu Mansor, said it would be an honour for Malaysia to host such a healthy and global event.
However, there is one hurdle MRC must first overcome in order to play host to the annual event, which is celebrated on June 14.
"As a developing country, we must have at least 10 per cent of the population donating blood regularly, as stated by WHO."
He was speaking at a blood donation drive organised by Media Prima Bhd at Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama, here.
MRC plans to host the event, if given approval by WHO, together with Media Prima and New Straits Times Press.
"If we can pull this off (the blood donation drive by Media Prima) on a bigger scale, more people will sign up to be donors," said Dr Bahari, referring to the 10 per cent requirement by WHO to host the World Blood Donor Day.
Media Prima executive director (news and editorial operations) Datuk Ahmad A. Talib said he was optimistic that hosting such an event could be done.
"We have transformed the foyer of Sri Pentas into a blood bank (for the blood donation drive) and there are so many people today (yesterday) who have pledged to be donors."
Themed "Every Blood Donor is a Hero", the event is jointly organised by the NSTP Volunteer Brigade, Media Prima and MRC, and supported by the National Blood Bank and Tampin Hospital, Negri Sembilan.
MRC chairman Tunku Tan Sri Shahriman Tunku Sulaiman said he was happy with the turnout for the drive.
"I see many youngsters here as first-time blood donors. This means that the awareness of blood donation has increased. I'm so proud of them."
Tunku Shahriman said MRC would continue to organise more blood donation drives, especially in rural areas, to educate the people on the importance of donating blood.
National Blood Bank deputy director Datuk Dr Faraizah Abdul Karim said the most difficult problem in blood donation was handling first-time blood donors.
"We have to explain to the first timers about the procedure and assure them it will be all right. They have to tell us their fears of blood or needles so that we know how to handle them.
"We would make sure that they are comfortable at all times during the procedures."
With Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri coming soon, said Dr Faraizah, the blood bank was desperate to collect as much blood as possible.
"We are worried about the first two weeks of Hari Raya. Everyone will go back to their kampung, so we need adequate supply in case of emergencies," she said.
Tampin Hospital mobile blood donation drive coordinator Ganga Devi B. Sinniah said it was a commendable effort in roping youngsters and staff of Media Prima to donate blood.
"Most of them are first timers, which is good. Some of them didn't have enough haemoglobin or didn't weigh enough, so we had to turn them away as it is not healthy for them to donate."
She said the hospital managed to collect about 175 pints of blood in the drive that was extended until 2pm because of the overwhelming response.
Companies which took part in the event include Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd, Unilever (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd, Nestle (M) Bhd, Mamee Double Decker (M) Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Restoran Kelantan Delights and Dallis'cious Catering.
Haze at unhealthy levels in Malaysia's Klang Valley with worse to come
The Jakarta Post The haze has returned to peninsular Malaysia with four areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels in the Klang Valley and the worse is yet to come.
As in previous years, several hotspots in central Sumatra in Indonesia are causing the haze.
Both the Department of Environment and Indonesian authorities expect the situation to worsen with the hot and dry spell in the Riau district of Sumatra set to peak over the next two weeks.
Air quality in Klang Valley deteriorated progressively on Friday with four locales noting unhealthy API readings as of 5 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Jakarta time).
They were Port Klang (147), Kuala Selangor (129), Shah Alam (120) and Cheras (105).
Most of the 51 areas monitored by DOE also showed increases, with several places in the Klang and Kinta valleys hovering at the edge of unhealthy API readings of more than 100.
The DOE classifies API readings of between 0 and 50 as Good, 51-100 (Moderate), 101-200 (Unhealthy), 201-300 (Very Unhealthy) and more than 301 as Hazardous.
“With the relatively dry weather in several northern and east coast states in the peninsula, the haze is expected to continue over the next few days,” said the DOE in a statement.
Indonesian daily The Jakarta Post, reported recently that peat and forest fires in the district were causing the haze and more fires were expected.
Satellite image reports issued by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed an increase in hotspots in Sumatra from 67 on Tuesday to 122 on Wednesday.
The centre reported a decline in the number of hotspots in the Riau district because of cloud cover over the satellite but noted that the south-westerly wind had blown the haze towards peninsular Malaysia.
Meantime, the DOE has activated its action plan to curb open burning and peat fires as well as step up enforcement on exhaust fumes from motor vehicles and factories.
The Meteorological Department's Fire Danger Rating System also reported that almost the entire country was at high risk of fires from the hot and dry weather.
The Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) chart on the department's website rated the ignition potential of many parts of the country as “extreme”.
The code, which is a numerical rating for moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels (grass, bushes, dried leaves), is used as an indicator of potential for fires to start and spread in an area.
It is affected by temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed.
In Selangor, one case of peat fire was recorded on Friday in Pulau Kempas, Kuala Langat, where firemen fought to keep it under control.
Health Department director general Hasan Abdul Rahman said people should drink more water while high-risk patients with respiratory problems should seek early treatment if symptoms developed.
He also urged the public to visit the Health Ministry's website at www.moh.gov.my for health advice on coping with haze.
As in previous years, several hotspots in central Sumatra in Indonesia are causing the haze.
Both the Department of Environment and Indonesian authorities expect the situation to worsen with the hot and dry spell in the Riau district of Sumatra set to peak over the next two weeks.
Air quality in Klang Valley deteriorated progressively on Friday with four locales noting unhealthy API readings as of 5 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Jakarta time).
They were Port Klang (147), Kuala Selangor (129), Shah Alam (120) and Cheras (105).
Most of the 51 areas monitored by DOE also showed increases, with several places in the Klang and Kinta valleys hovering at the edge of unhealthy API readings of more than 100.
The DOE classifies API readings of between 0 and 50 as Good, 51-100 (Moderate), 101-200 (Unhealthy), 201-300 (Very Unhealthy) and more than 301 as Hazardous.
“With the relatively dry weather in several northern and east coast states in the peninsula, the haze is expected to continue over the next few days,” said the DOE in a statement.
Indonesian daily The Jakarta Post, reported recently that peat and forest fires in the district were causing the haze and more fires were expected.
Satellite image reports issued by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed an increase in hotspots in Sumatra from 67 on Tuesday to 122 on Wednesday.
The centre reported a decline in the number of hotspots in the Riau district because of cloud cover over the satellite but noted that the south-westerly wind had blown the haze towards peninsular Malaysia.
Meantime, the DOE has activated its action plan to curb open burning and peat fires as well as step up enforcement on exhaust fumes from motor vehicles and factories.
The Meteorological Department's Fire Danger Rating System also reported that almost the entire country was at high risk of fires from the hot and dry weather.
The Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) chart on the department's website rated the ignition potential of many parts of the country as “extreme”.
The code, which is a numerical rating for moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels (grass, bushes, dried leaves), is used as an indicator of potential for fires to start and spread in an area.
It is affected by temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed.
In Selangor, one case of peat fire was recorded on Friday in Pulau Kempas, Kuala Langat, where firemen fought to keep it under control.
Health Department director general Hasan Abdul Rahman said people should drink more water while high-risk patients with respiratory problems should seek early treatment if symptoms developed.
He also urged the public to visit the Health Ministry's website at www.moh.gov.my for health advice on coping with haze.
Outpatient depts at Malaysian hospitals put on alert
AsiaOne KUANTAN, Malaysia - All outpatient departments at government hospitals have been directed to be on alert as respiratory and eye problems are expected to rise with the return of the haze.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the haze would affect those with breathing and eye problems.
"As such, the outpatient departments need to be more prepared and provide prompt services," he said after a ceremony to hand over eight ambulances to the Pahang Health Department at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital here yesterday.
He advised those with breathing problems to reduce outdoor activities, to drink more water and wear a mask if they were in the open.He said the haze was a good reason for smokers to kick their habit.
"Smokers should realise that the haze is also not good for them," he said after launching the Kuantan Health Carnival at Kampung Jawa.
On emergency medical services, Liow said the ministry had lowered the response time for every emergency case to 15 minutes from 30 minutes this year.
As such, he said the ministry would increase the number of ambulances from 1,861 now to 2,500 by next year.
In PETALING JAYA, pharmacists said they are expecting a spike in the sale of respiratory drugs and facial masks.
Several pharmacists said sales had already increased slightly yesterday.
A pharmacist based in Subang Jaya also said several asthma sufferers came to his store to buy respiratory drugs and inhalers.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the haze would affect those with breathing and eye problems.
"As such, the outpatient departments need to be more prepared and provide prompt services," he said after a ceremony to hand over eight ambulances to the Pahang Health Department at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital here yesterday.
He advised those with breathing problems to reduce outdoor activities, to drink more water and wear a mask if they were in the open.He said the haze was a good reason for smokers to kick their habit.
"Smokers should realise that the haze is also not good for them," he said after launching the Kuantan Health Carnival at Kampung Jawa.
On emergency medical services, Liow said the ministry had lowered the response time for every emergency case to 15 minutes from 30 minutes this year.
As such, he said the ministry would increase the number of ambulances from 1,861 now to 2,500 by next year.
In PETALING JAYA, pharmacists said they are expecting a spike in the sale of respiratory drugs and facial masks.
Several pharmacists said sales had already increased slightly yesterday.
A pharmacist based in Subang Jaya also said several asthma sufferers came to his store to buy respiratory drugs and inhalers.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Health Ministry Signs Landmark MoU With Novartis
Bernama KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health and Novartis Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a partnership to build various health care capabilities to further enhance the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
Healthcare is one of the 12 identified National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)and has a growth target of RM42.2 billion, while generating more than 260,000 jobs by 2020.
"The MoU is a landmark agreement between the Ministry and Novartis. With Novartis' diversified portfolio and the company's initiative to build healthcare capabilities in Malaysia to benefit our patients, I am encouraged to partnership with them," said Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai after witnessing the signing ceremony here.
Novartis Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd has established a special US$700 million fund for the possible support of Malaysian health care start-up companies.
The MoU was signed between the Ministry's Secretary-General, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa and Country President for the Novartis Corporation in Malaysia, Avinash Potnis. Also present was Novartis Corporation (M) Director William Hinshaw.
No signs of organ smuggling in local hospitals, police say
MI KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Police have dismissed allegations that any local hospital has been involved in organ trade activities.
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said their investigations had found no evidence that could prove such activities were being carried out at any of the local hospitals.
“The police, along with the Health Ministry and Interpol, found that no hospitals in Malaysia were involved in illegal organ harvesting and trade, and we urge anyone with information on such activities to make a report, so the police can investigate.
“Organ trade is not an easy activity to carry out as it involves many processes, and we continuously monitor and investigate to prevent this crime,” he told a news conference with Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman also present.
It was reported on September 21, last year that Bangladeshi police launched an operation to crack down on illegal kidney trade in Southeast Asia, following the arrest of eight suspects involved in persuading illiterate victims.
Investigations revealed the eight suspects were detained at a hospital in Bangladesh, with links to India, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Joypurhat Police Superintendent Mozammel Haque was quoted as saying that each victim was paid between US$2,000 (RM6,000) and US$3,000 (RM9,000) per kidney, but he was unsure of the organ’s price in the black market.
Bakri said media report on March 2012 that two Bangladeshi men had been victims of kidney trade in Malaysia to pay off their debt were untrue.
“Our investigations found the reports were not true, and the victims have yet to lodge a report on their supposed exploitation by an organ trade syndicate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Hasan said the ministry viewed organ trade seriously and would not compromise should the activities take place in any hospital in Malaysia.
“We will immediately report any such activity as it can tarnish the medical profession as well as the country’s image,” he added. — Bernama
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said their investigations had found no evidence that could prove such activities were being carried out at any of the local hospitals.
“The police, along with the Health Ministry and Interpol, found that no hospitals in Malaysia were involved in illegal organ harvesting and trade, and we urge anyone with information on such activities to make a report, so the police can investigate.
“Organ trade is not an easy activity to carry out as it involves many processes, and we continuously monitor and investigate to prevent this crime,” he told a news conference with Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman also present.
It was reported on September 21, last year that Bangladeshi police launched an operation to crack down on illegal kidney trade in Southeast Asia, following the arrest of eight suspects involved in persuading illiterate victims.
Investigations revealed the eight suspects were detained at a hospital in Bangladesh, with links to India, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Joypurhat Police Superintendent Mozammel Haque was quoted as saying that each victim was paid between US$2,000 (RM6,000) and US$3,000 (RM9,000) per kidney, but he was unsure of the organ’s price in the black market.
Bakri said media report on March 2012 that two Bangladeshi men had been victims of kidney trade in Malaysia to pay off their debt were untrue.
“Our investigations found the reports were not true, and the victims have yet to lodge a report on their supposed exploitation by an organ trade syndicate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Hasan said the ministry viewed organ trade seriously and would not compromise should the activities take place in any hospital in Malaysia.
“We will immediately report any such activity as it can tarnish the medical profession as well as the country’s image,” he added. — Bernama
Monday, June 11, 2012
Acute shortage of dermatologists in Malaysia
theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (June 10, 2012): Medical universities here are being asked to bump up training in dermatology towards overcoming the acute shortage of skin specialists in the country. The Health Ministry is calling for more exposure and teaching in dermatology as there are currently only 84 registered dermatologists.
The current ratio of about one dermatologist per 200,000 population is far too low and a far cry from the ministry’s projected target of 285 dermatologists by 2020.
Health Ministry Dermatology Services head Datuk Dr Roshidah Baba told theSun that the declining study of dermatology in medical universities is of great concern.
Dermatology is a specialist field dealing with afflictions of the skin – from common skin diseases such as eczema to serious and disfiguring ones like leprosy.
“The study of dermatology has dwindled to being taught in just seven or eight out of 33 medical universities,” she said, adding that the decline is largely due to the fact that there is little interest in the teaching of this particular field.
“There are only 32 dermatologists in the public sector (hospitals as well as universities), while the rest are in the private sector,” she said.
Roshidah said the ministry has met with the deans of medical universities and are in talks to reintroduce dermatology training (or posting) in order to pique interest in the field.
“We are working towards having universities include a two-week posting within their training modules,” she said.
“Firstly, this is so that medical students who undergo housemanship will be sufficiently competent to handle or diagnose the treatment of acne, or other common skin diseases.
“Secondly, we hope that having been exposed to the field of dermatology, young doctors may want to continue to specialise in it,” she said.
Roshidah said the ministry also conducts its own dermatology training programmes and has trained 21 dermatologists so far.
The shortage of dermatologists is in fact a global concern, and countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia have reported that a lack of skin specialists have compounded the slow diagnosis of skin cancer.
In the US, reports highlight the long waiting period for patients to meet with a skin specialist – some up to three months – due to the shortage.
Dermatology Society of Malaysia president Dr Koh Chuan Keng told theSun the shortage will ultimately be to the detriment of patients.
“With so few universities teaching dermatology, most young doctors cannot even diagnose simple skin ailments, or tell the difference between a fungal infection and eczema.”
“This would lead to patients resorting to over-the-counter treatments such as creams which may contain steroids, and this can be risky,” he said.
Koh said the main reason for the lack of interest in this specialised field is that it takes up to 20 years to be a fully-qualified dermatologist.
“After completing his housemanship of two years, a medical graduate would have to practise in general medicine for up to five years before he would be allowed to take up the Health Ministry’s dermatology training programme, which will take another five years,” he said.
Koh said the society has urged the ministry to cut down on the lengthy process in order to address the acute shortage of dermatologists, and restore interest in the field.
The current ratio of about one dermatologist per 200,000 population is far too low and a far cry from the ministry’s projected target of 285 dermatologists by 2020.
Health Ministry Dermatology Services head Datuk Dr Roshidah Baba told theSun that the declining study of dermatology in medical universities is of great concern.
Dermatology is a specialist field dealing with afflictions of the skin – from common skin diseases such as eczema to serious and disfiguring ones like leprosy.
“The study of dermatology has dwindled to being taught in just seven or eight out of 33 medical universities,” she said, adding that the decline is largely due to the fact that there is little interest in the teaching of this particular field.
“There are only 32 dermatologists in the public sector (hospitals as well as universities), while the rest are in the private sector,” she said.
Roshidah said the ministry has met with the deans of medical universities and are in talks to reintroduce dermatology training (or posting) in order to pique interest in the field.
“We are working towards having universities include a two-week posting within their training modules,” she said.
“Firstly, this is so that medical students who undergo housemanship will be sufficiently competent to handle or diagnose the treatment of acne, or other common skin diseases.
“Secondly, we hope that having been exposed to the field of dermatology, young doctors may want to continue to specialise in it,” she said.
Roshidah said the ministry also conducts its own dermatology training programmes and has trained 21 dermatologists so far.
The shortage of dermatologists is in fact a global concern, and countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia have reported that a lack of skin specialists have compounded the slow diagnosis of skin cancer.
In the US, reports highlight the long waiting period for patients to meet with a skin specialist – some up to three months – due to the shortage.
Dermatology Society of Malaysia president Dr Koh Chuan Keng told theSun the shortage will ultimately be to the detriment of patients.
“With so few universities teaching dermatology, most young doctors cannot even diagnose simple skin ailments, or tell the difference between a fungal infection and eczema.”
“This would lead to patients resorting to over-the-counter treatments such as creams which may contain steroids, and this can be risky,” he said.
Koh said the main reason for the lack of interest in this specialised field is that it takes up to 20 years to be a fully-qualified dermatologist.
“After completing his housemanship of two years, a medical graduate would have to practise in general medicine for up to five years before he would be allowed to take up the Health Ministry’s dermatology training programme, which will take another five years,” he said.
Koh said the society has urged the ministry to cut down on the lengthy process in order to address the acute shortage of dermatologists, and restore interest in the field.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Group wants to become voice for women healthcare
The Star KUCHING: The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) hopes to brand itself as the voice for women healthcare in the country.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Gunasegaran P.T Rajan said this was necessary to help lower health risks thus reducing deaths caused by complications during childbirth.
“We hope to be the one to provide the data and information on women’s healthcare, playing a supporting role to the Health Ministry. So in a way, we are trying to brand ourselves towards this,” he said at the 10th Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists International Scientific Congress here yesterday.
He said the Government had taken a new role whereby everyone had a right to information and healthcare and so standard guidelines were being placed to inform patients and get them involved in the decision-making process.
“For example, on caesarean section. Ten years ago we will tell mothers that they need a c-section and that’s that. But now, as early as possible we will let them know what to expect and the complications that comes from it. So with this, women are taking charge of their own health and they become part of the decision-making process along with the doctors,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran, who is the organising chairman for the congress, listed three most common emergency – bleeding during childbirth, embolism and pre-eclampsia or hypertension during pregnancy.
He said in Malaysia, 200 mothers died every year during childbirth and this translated to 27 deaths per 100,000 births.
He said the best figure worldwide was 10 deaths per 100,000 birth and although the country’s figure was considered quite good, it still needed to be lowered.
“We are hoping that all this teachings and imparting skills will improve the figures and reduce deaths due to complications in childbirth,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran said he did not have the exact figures for Sarawak but it could be around 30 deaths.
This, he said, was probably due to the geographical challenges of the state.
As such, he said, one of the steps that needed to be taken to avoid this was to identify high-risk pregnancies as early as possible and let these mothers knew that they needed to be at the hospital during delivery.
“Of course, this is still not easy because nobody would want to leave their home and it is also not easy to bring a specialist and a team over to the interior.
“Another way is tele-medicine, whereby with modern technology and the Internet, information about childbirth, treatments and management advice gets passed on to the nurses over in the interior so they’ll know what to look out for,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran still believed more needed to be put in place to get the necessary information across to the rural communities, especially in Sarawak.
He said educating women on their health and making them aware of the risk their health conditions had on childbirth was very crucial in lowering maternal mortality.
The society, he said, had organised life-saving skills courses on how to deal with emergencies – which when happened – could be fast and disastrous.
“We are also helping out our neighbours by holding such courses in Cambodia,” he added.
OGSM is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation with affiliation to the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
It was established in 1963 and today has some 800 members.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Gunasegaran P.T Rajan said this was necessary to help lower health risks thus reducing deaths caused by complications during childbirth.
“We hope to be the one to provide the data and information on women’s healthcare, playing a supporting role to the Health Ministry. So in a way, we are trying to brand ourselves towards this,” he said at the 10th Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists International Scientific Congress here yesterday.
He said the Government had taken a new role whereby everyone had a right to information and healthcare and so standard guidelines were being placed to inform patients and get them involved in the decision-making process.
“For example, on caesarean section. Ten years ago we will tell mothers that they need a c-section and that’s that. But now, as early as possible we will let them know what to expect and the complications that comes from it. So with this, women are taking charge of their own health and they become part of the decision-making process along with the doctors,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran, who is the organising chairman for the congress, listed three most common emergency – bleeding during childbirth, embolism and pre-eclampsia or hypertension during pregnancy.
He said in Malaysia, 200 mothers died every year during childbirth and this translated to 27 deaths per 100,000 births.
He said the best figure worldwide was 10 deaths per 100,000 birth and although the country’s figure was considered quite good, it still needed to be lowered.
“We are hoping that all this teachings and imparting skills will improve the figures and reduce deaths due to complications in childbirth,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran said he did not have the exact figures for Sarawak but it could be around 30 deaths.
This, he said, was probably due to the geographical challenges of the state.
As such, he said, one of the steps that needed to be taken to avoid this was to identify high-risk pregnancies as early as possible and let these mothers knew that they needed to be at the hospital during delivery.
“Of course, this is still not easy because nobody would want to leave their home and it is also not easy to bring a specialist and a team over to the interior.
“Another way is tele-medicine, whereby with modern technology and the Internet, information about childbirth, treatments and management advice gets passed on to the nurses over in the interior so they’ll know what to look out for,” he said.
Dr Gunasegaran still believed more needed to be put in place to get the necessary information across to the rural communities, especially in Sarawak.
He said educating women on their health and making them aware of the risk their health conditions had on childbirth was very crucial in lowering maternal mortality.
The society, he said, had organised life-saving skills courses on how to deal with emergencies – which when happened – could be fast and disastrous.
“We are also helping out our neighbours by holding such courses in Cambodia,” he added.
OGSM is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation with affiliation to the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
It was established in 1963 and today has some 800 members.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
New body for sale and use of drugs
Malaysia chronicle PETALING JAYA - The Health Ministry plans to set up a body under the new Pharmacy Bill 2012 to oversee, monitor and regulate the sale and use of drugs.
The yet-to-be-named body will be empowered to issue directives and guidelines on generic drugs, as well as drugs pricing structures and mechanisms.
Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services Division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman told theSun that the new body will consolidate the functions of the Pharmacy Board, the Drug Control Authority and the Medicines Advertisement Board.
“These boards have overlapping functions and in order to cut down bureaucracy, a competent authority will be formed to take over these functions,” she said.
However, she did not reveal further details as she said the bill is still in the drafting stage, and is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of the year.
The body is also one of the efforts by the ministry to promote the use and awareness of cheaper generic prescription medication in the light of rising costs of drugs and healthcare.
“Initiatives have also been taken to create awareness among prescribers (doctors), and to promote and encourage the use of generic names in the private sector in dispensing medication to patients,” said Eisah.
Among them was the “Know Your Medicine” campaign in 2007, which was aimed at educating the public on the difference between trade names and generic names of their medication.
“There is a plan to include a module on generics in this campaign in the future,” she added.
theSun had on May 28 front-paged a report that the ministry is moving towards encouraging the use of generic drugs, which are cheaper than brand-name, or innovator drugs, through nationwide roadshows which will begin in August.
Generic medication are bio-equivalent versions of innovator drugs, and are the same in terms of dosage, quality, efficacy and performance, at up to 70% cheaper than the brand name drugs.
Generics are produced when patents on the innovator drugs has expired, and as such, will cost much less as they do not include the cost of research.
However, Eisah said there are no immediate plans to introduce a specific law mandating the use of generics, like the Generics Act in the Philippines.
This Act, which the Philippines has implemented since 1998, promotes the production, dissemination, prescription and use of generic drugs, as competition from generic drugs was seen as a crucial way to making quality drugs affordable in the country.
Eisah said there are already policies in place to promote the use of generics by the government.
“Generic substitution is addressed in the National Medicines Policy and is practised in ministry facilities. The ministry procurement procedure also encourages the use of generics when the products are off patent. In addition, all ministry facilities prescribe medication based on its generic name,” she added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) president Leonard Ariff Shatar told theSun that legislation that enforce the use of generics will work against it.
“It gives the impression that doctors are forced to prescribe generics and patients are forced to use it. In the end, the doctors should have the discretion on what medicines they want to give,” he said.
Leonard added that market dynamics in the pharmaceuticals industry is changing rapidly.
“In the past five years or so, you find innovator drug makers – large multi-nationals like Pfizer, Sanofi or GlaxoSmithKline – going into generics as well. In the coming years, you would find reasonably strong crossovers where Pfizer might make generics of GSK products and vice-versa,” he said, adding that this would further boost the use of generics.
The yet-to-be-named body will be empowered to issue directives and guidelines on generic drugs, as well as drugs pricing structures and mechanisms.
Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services Division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman told theSun that the new body will consolidate the functions of the Pharmacy Board, the Drug Control Authority and the Medicines Advertisement Board.
“These boards have overlapping functions and in order to cut down bureaucracy, a competent authority will be formed to take over these functions,” she said.
However, she did not reveal further details as she said the bill is still in the drafting stage, and is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of the year.
The body is also one of the efforts by the ministry to promote the use and awareness of cheaper generic prescription medication in the light of rising costs of drugs and healthcare.
“Initiatives have also been taken to create awareness among prescribers (doctors), and to promote and encourage the use of generic names in the private sector in dispensing medication to patients,” said Eisah.
Among them was the “Know Your Medicine” campaign in 2007, which was aimed at educating the public on the difference between trade names and generic names of their medication.
“There is a plan to include a module on generics in this campaign in the future,” she added.
theSun had on May 28 front-paged a report that the ministry is moving towards encouraging the use of generic drugs, which are cheaper than brand-name, or innovator drugs, through nationwide roadshows which will begin in August.
Generic medication are bio-equivalent versions of innovator drugs, and are the same in terms of dosage, quality, efficacy and performance, at up to 70% cheaper than the brand name drugs.
Generics are produced when patents on the innovator drugs has expired, and as such, will cost much less as they do not include the cost of research.
However, Eisah said there are no immediate plans to introduce a specific law mandating the use of generics, like the Generics Act in the Philippines.
This Act, which the Philippines has implemented since 1998, promotes the production, dissemination, prescription and use of generic drugs, as competition from generic drugs was seen as a crucial way to making quality drugs affordable in the country.
Eisah said there are already policies in place to promote the use of generics by the government.
“Generic substitution is addressed in the National Medicines Policy and is practised in ministry facilities. The ministry procurement procedure also encourages the use of generics when the products are off patent. In addition, all ministry facilities prescribe medication based on its generic name,” she added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) president Leonard Ariff Shatar told theSun that legislation that enforce the use of generics will work against it.
“It gives the impression that doctors are forced to prescribe generics and patients are forced to use it. In the end, the doctors should have the discretion on what medicines they want to give,” he said.
Leonard added that market dynamics in the pharmaceuticals industry is changing rapidly.
“In the past five years or so, you find innovator drug makers – large multi-nationals like Pfizer, Sanofi or GlaxoSmithKline – going into generics as well. In the coming years, you would find reasonably strong crossovers where Pfizer might make generics of GSK products and vice-versa,” he said, adding that this would further boost the use of generics.
Malaysian prince's 'pill' targets dengue scourge
Yahoo! News Singapore A Malaysian prince is promoting a novel weapon against the worsening scourge of dengue fever: a protein "pill" that starves mosquito larvae and could revolutionise the global dengue fight.
It is a fight that is intensifying: more than 2.5 billion people -- around 40 percent of Earth's population -- live in areas susceptible to the mosquito-borne virus, with up to 100 million infected annually, according to the World Health Organisation.
Dengue kills 20,000 people worldwide every year, and its complexity -- and what health advocates say is a lack of priority given the race to find cures for higher profile viruses such as AIDS -- means a vaccine has proved elusive.
It is mainly transmitted to humans by the aedes aegypti mosquito, and causes symptoms including high fever, body aches, rashes and heavy fatigue. In severe cases, white blood cells drop to potentially fatal levels.
Enter Prince Naquiyuddin Jaafar, one of the most popular members of Malaysia's nobility, whose anti-dengue technology targets the offspring of mosquitoes in a bid to win the battle against the virus-spreading pest.
A former diplomat and son of Malaysia's past king, Naquiyuddin, 65, has been involved in a wide range of philanthropic and charitable pursuits, but dengue has been a particular passion.
It is a growing problem in Malaysia, where cases surged 22 percent to 6,141 from January to March this year, with 17 deaths. Just eight dengue deaths were reported for all of 2011.
Among Naquiyuddin's diverse business activities is the biotech company he founded in 2007, EntoGenex, which has taken a pre-existing protein called the Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor, or TMOF, and developed it into what he calls a fatal "diet pill" for mosquitoes.
TMOF is mixed into yeast cells which are then inserted in rice husks, allowing them to float on water where they will be eaten by mosquito larvae, said Alan Brandt, EntoGenex's research head. "Larvae love yeast," he added.
Once consumed, it shuts down mosquito larvae digestive systems, starving them to death before they can grow and spread dengue, Naquiyuddin said as he showed slides and photographs of dead mosquitos at the firm's high-tech research facility in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
"The 'pill' has a 100 percent success rate against all larvae species within 24 hours, and there is no way for resistance to build as it is not a toxic chemical but a protein which only affects mosquitos," Naquiyuddin said.
The protein stops production of trypsin, a critical enzyme without which digestion cannot occur.
TMOF is harmless to animals and humans, Brandt said, washing a handful of the rice husks down with a glass of water in his laboratory as proof.
The firm has combined the TMOF with the equally tongue-twisting bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) bacteria, which eats holes in the guts of larvae but is non-toxic to people.
Most larvae die within an hour, and nearly all within 24 hours, according to EntoGenex, which has held several successful Malaysian field trials with universities and health authorities.
"What they have come up with is quite remarkable in combining Bti and TMOF, and the field trials have shown that there is success in using it," said the Malaysian Health Ministry's Disease Control Division director Chong Chee Kheong.
Although known for hundreds of years, dengue has emerged as a global health problem in recent decades as cases have rapidly mounted.
This spread has been blamed on factors including population growth, urbanisation, and increased human mobility taking the disease to new areas.
Authorities in Malaysia are unsure of the reasons driving the recent spike in cases there, but have speculated that wetter weather as a result of changing climate patterns could be a factor.
Current methods of mosquito control include fogging with chemicals such as the insecticide DDT which can be harmful to both humans and animals, and to which insects can develop a resistance.
Malaysia in 2010 released 6,000 genetically modified mosquitoes designed to have offspring with shorter lifespans but no more releases were made amid concerns as to how the insects would interact with their cousins in the wild.
Naquiyuddin's "pill" is now registered for use in Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines, while Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and Sri Lanka are either conducting field trials or seeking approvals to use it.
He hopes it could potentially become a weapon in the even larger fight against malaria, which kills an estimated 650,000 people per year.
More than $5 billion is needed annually to control malaria but only $1.8 billion is being put into the fight, according to Roll Back Malaria, a group that carries out global anti-malaria campaigns.
The "pill", which costs about one-eighth the price of manufacturing conventional neurotoxins like DDT, will lower costs dramatically, said Naquiyuddin.
"We are offering a cheaper and much healthier alternative to fighting dengue and malaria, and this is why we are in the business: to improve the quality of life of people, while helping to solve a major health threat," he said.
"If it means my wife and family will never again have to worry about dengue, then I urge the government and businesses to help make it available to everyone," said Ahmad Ismail, 47.
A recent field trial in the suburb where he lives north of the capital Kuala Lumpur caused dengue cases to disappear, said Ahmad, an engineer whose wife was struck down with the virus just months before the trial. She later recovered.
It is a fight that is intensifying: more than 2.5 billion people -- around 40 percent of Earth's population -- live in areas susceptible to the mosquito-borne virus, with up to 100 million infected annually, according to the World Health Organisation.
Dengue kills 20,000 people worldwide every year, and its complexity -- and what health advocates say is a lack of priority given the race to find cures for higher profile viruses such as AIDS -- means a vaccine has proved elusive.
It is mainly transmitted to humans by the aedes aegypti mosquito, and causes symptoms including high fever, body aches, rashes and heavy fatigue. In severe cases, white blood cells drop to potentially fatal levels.
Enter Prince Naquiyuddin Jaafar, one of the most popular members of Malaysia's nobility, whose anti-dengue technology targets the offspring of mosquitoes in a bid to win the battle against the virus-spreading pest.
A former diplomat and son of Malaysia's past king, Naquiyuddin, 65, has been involved in a wide range of philanthropic and charitable pursuits, but dengue has been a particular passion.
It is a growing problem in Malaysia, where cases surged 22 percent to 6,141 from January to March this year, with 17 deaths. Just eight dengue deaths were reported for all of 2011.
Among Naquiyuddin's diverse business activities is the biotech company he founded in 2007, EntoGenex, which has taken a pre-existing protein called the Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor, or TMOF, and developed it into what he calls a fatal "diet pill" for mosquitoes.
TMOF is mixed into yeast cells which are then inserted in rice husks, allowing them to float on water where they will be eaten by mosquito larvae, said Alan Brandt, EntoGenex's research head. "Larvae love yeast," he added.
Once consumed, it shuts down mosquito larvae digestive systems, starving them to death before they can grow and spread dengue, Naquiyuddin said as he showed slides and photographs of dead mosquitos at the firm's high-tech research facility in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
"The 'pill' has a 100 percent success rate against all larvae species within 24 hours, and there is no way for resistance to build as it is not a toxic chemical but a protein which only affects mosquitos," Naquiyuddin said.
The protein stops production of trypsin, a critical enzyme without which digestion cannot occur.
TMOF is harmless to animals and humans, Brandt said, washing a handful of the rice husks down with a glass of water in his laboratory as proof.
The firm has combined the TMOF with the equally tongue-twisting bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) bacteria, which eats holes in the guts of larvae but is non-toxic to people.
Most larvae die within an hour, and nearly all within 24 hours, according to EntoGenex, which has held several successful Malaysian field trials with universities and health authorities.
"What they have come up with is quite remarkable in combining Bti and TMOF, and the field trials have shown that there is success in using it," said the Malaysian Health Ministry's Disease Control Division director Chong Chee Kheong.
Although known for hundreds of years, dengue has emerged as a global health problem in recent decades as cases have rapidly mounted.
This spread has been blamed on factors including population growth, urbanisation, and increased human mobility taking the disease to new areas.
Authorities in Malaysia are unsure of the reasons driving the recent spike in cases there, but have speculated that wetter weather as a result of changing climate patterns could be a factor.
Current methods of mosquito control include fogging with chemicals such as the insecticide DDT which can be harmful to both humans and animals, and to which insects can develop a resistance.
Malaysia in 2010 released 6,000 genetically modified mosquitoes designed to have offspring with shorter lifespans but no more releases were made amid concerns as to how the insects would interact with their cousins in the wild.
Naquiyuddin's "pill" is now registered for use in Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines, while Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and Sri Lanka are either conducting field trials or seeking approvals to use it.
He hopes it could potentially become a weapon in the even larger fight against malaria, which kills an estimated 650,000 people per year.
More than $5 billion is needed annually to control malaria but only $1.8 billion is being put into the fight, according to Roll Back Malaria, a group that carries out global anti-malaria campaigns.
The "pill", which costs about one-eighth the price of manufacturing conventional neurotoxins like DDT, will lower costs dramatically, said Naquiyuddin.
"We are offering a cheaper and much healthier alternative to fighting dengue and malaria, and this is why we are in the business: to improve the quality of life of people, while helping to solve a major health threat," he said.
"If it means my wife and family will never again have to worry about dengue, then I urge the government and businesses to help make it available to everyone," said Ahmad Ismail, 47.
A recent field trial in the suburb where he lives north of the capital Kuala Lumpur caused dengue cases to disappear, said Ahmad, an engineer whose wife was struck down with the virus just months before the trial. She later recovered.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Health ministry prepared to do study on benzoyl peroxide
theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (June 1, 2012): The Health Ministry is prepared to study the use of benzoyl peroxide in food such as wheat flour if there is new scientific evidence from international health organisations to prove it is harmful to health.
Health Deputy Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said organisations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) had approved its use in wheat flour in a portion of not more than 60mg per kilogramme while safety studies carried out by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) confirmed that it does not cause any ill effects in food and is not carcinogenic.
In a statement yesterday, she said Malaysia's Regulation 42(2) of the Food Regulations 1985 allowed the use of benzoyl peroxide in wheat flour in a portion of not more than 50mg per kilogramme as food conditioner.
Rosnah was responding to a memorandum issued by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) cautioning the use of the benzoyl peroxide as a bleaching agent in wheat flour.
She said other countries such as Singapore, Japan, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand were also using it.
She urged consumers doubtful about the safety status of products in the market to make a report to the Health Ministry through the nearest district health office or State health department, or through its food quality and safety division website at http://fsq.moh.gov.my/v3. – Bernama
Health Deputy Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said organisations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) had approved its use in wheat flour in a portion of not more than 60mg per kilogramme while safety studies carried out by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) confirmed that it does not cause any ill effects in food and is not carcinogenic.
In a statement yesterday, she said Malaysia's Regulation 42(2) of the Food Regulations 1985 allowed the use of benzoyl peroxide in wheat flour in a portion of not more than 50mg per kilogramme as food conditioner.
Rosnah was responding to a memorandum issued by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) cautioning the use of the benzoyl peroxide as a bleaching agent in wheat flour.
She said other countries such as Singapore, Japan, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand were also using it.
She urged consumers doubtful about the safety status of products in the market to make a report to the Health Ministry through the nearest district health office or State health department, or through its food quality and safety division website at http://fsq.moh.gov.my/v3. – Bernama
Health Minister: Suicide rate on the rise in Malaysia
The Jakarta Post The rate of suicides is on the rise in Malaysia, with more than 1,000 people having killed themselves over a three-year period.
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the current ratio of suicides for the years 2007 to 2010 was 1.3 to every 100,000 people, but believed it could be higher.
"These are just figures we collected from post-mortems. We think the suicide rates are under-reported," he said at a press conference here Monday.
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the current ratio of suicides for the years 2007 to 2010 was 1.3 to every 100,000 people, but believed it could be higher.
"These are just figures we collected from post-mortems. We think the suicide rates are under-reported," he said at a press conference here Monday.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Khazanah to offer 1.8b new shares in US$2b healthcare IPO, says source
MI KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Malaysia’s state investor Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to offer up to 1.8 billion new shares in the listing of its healthcare unit, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, in a move that could raise close to US$2 billion (RM6 billion). The dual listing, slated to debut in Malaysian and Singapore bourses by the end of July, comes at a time when many initial public offerings (IPOs) are being postponed due to worries about a deteriorating global economy. “The other shareholders are planning to offer their shares for sale,” the source added, declining to elaborate further as the matter is private. Khazanah officials were not immediately available for comment. Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd owns a 26.6 per cent stake in IHH, Dubai-based Abraaj Capital holds 7.1 per cent and Acibadem chief Mehmet Ali Aydinlar 4.2 per cent. Khazanah owns the remaining 62.1 per cent. IHH Healthcare Bhd, the healthcare unit of Khazanah, owns stakes in Turkish hospital group Acibadem AS, Singapore’s Parkway Holdings, India’s Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd and Malaysia-based Pantai Hospitals and International Medical University. IHH started offering its IPO shares to indigenous “Bumiputra” investors at an indicative price of RM2.85 a share, according to the source. An official at joint lead-coordinator CIMB declined to comment. Bumiputra, meaning “sons of the soil” in the Malay language, refers to majority ethnic Malays and other indigenous people in the country who benefit from a decades-old affirmative action policy that favours them in housing, education and business. Some 360 million “Bumiputra” shares are being offered to wealthy investors, according to Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s website, adding that the closing date to apply for the tranche is June 5. Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank are also joint lead co-ordinators, while Credit Suisse, DBS, Goldman Sachs and Maybank are joint bookrunners. Nomura, OCBC and UBS are co-lead managers. The dual listing would be the fourth-biggest IPO in Singapore’s history and Malaysia’s second-largest this year after the planned listing of Malaysian plantation group Felda Global Venture Holdings. International Financial Corp (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has said it plans to take part in the IHH’s listing in a move to help validate IHH’s emerging markets strategy. —Reuters
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UMMC morgue ban: Hindraf complains to PM
Free Malaysia Today PETALING JAYA: Hindraf today lashed out at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) for barring the bodies of deceased non-Muslims from its morgue.In a letter to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai, copies of which were sent to the press, Hindraf described the hospital’s defence of the ban as “absurd” and “insulting”.It also demanded the restoration of non-Muslim funeral halls at all government hospitals and free ambulance services for the dead.This would be in line with Article 8 of the Federal Constitution and the 1Malaysia slogan, said the letter, signed by the movement’s de facto leader, P Uthayakumar.Article 8 guarantees equality before the law for all persons regardless of race or creed.“We regret to note that the University Malaya Hospital has unlawfully closed down it’s funeral hall for non-Muslims … for the absurd reason that it is because of the inconveniences caused by the undertakers,” Uthayakumar said.“This is insulting as this very same teaching hospital ‘experiments’ on the poor and their dead bodies.“We also recall handling the 2003 highly decomposed body of death-in-police-custody victim Francis Udayapan, which was kept at UMMC hospital mortuary for almost 1½ years.”Yesterday, UMMC Deputy Director Dr Mustafa Mohd Ali, responding to a FMT report on Wednesday, said undertakers were partly to blame for the ban. He said they would harass grieving families at the hospital as they competed to sell their services.Dr Mustafa admitted that the ban did not apply to Muslims, but said this was a temporary arrangement that would cease with the completion of University Malaya’s Islamic Centre, which is under construction.Complaining about the discontinuation of free ambulance services for poor non-Muslims, Uthayakumar said: “But for the Malay Muslims a special hearse service is rightly provided free of charge by the fully government funded Islamic authorities right up to the cemetery.“Why does there have to be so much racism and supremacy even in death?”He said the “real reason” behind the trend was an increase in Islamisation.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Liow: All Major Hospitals Will Have Two Breast, Endocrine Surgeons By 2015
Bernama PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will station two breast and endocrine surgeons at all major hospitals nationwide by 2015, said its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
At present, he said there were only 25 such surgeons serving in government hospitals, in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
"The number of Malaysians with breast cancer is on the rise. According to the latest National Cancer Registry report, one in every fourteen Malaysian women is a breast cancer patient.
"We hope that at least two such specialists will be stationed at all major hospital nationwide by the next three years. This will help relieve a lot of pressure on our surgeons.
"If there is only one, it means there is no break for the specialists and they have to be on call 24 hours everyday. If we have two, than we can handle the situation better," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Malaysian government and the Academy of Medicine Malaysia (AMM) for breast and endocrine surgery (BES) courses to be conducted in the country.
Secretary-General of Health Ministry, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa represented the government while AMM represented by its Deputy Master.
Under the MOU, Liow said, two surgeons Breast Surgery International and International Association of Endocrine Surgeons would teach and train surgeons in BES in Malaysia.
At present, he said there were only 25 such surgeons serving in government hospitals, in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
"The number of Malaysians with breast cancer is on the rise. According to the latest National Cancer Registry report, one in every fourteen Malaysian women is a breast cancer patient.
"We hope that at least two such specialists will be stationed at all major hospital nationwide by the next three years. This will help relieve a lot of pressure on our surgeons.
"If there is only one, it means there is no break for the specialists and they have to be on call 24 hours everyday. If we have two, than we can handle the situation better," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Malaysian government and the Academy of Medicine Malaysia (AMM) for breast and endocrine surgery (BES) courses to be conducted in the country.
Secretary-General of Health Ministry, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa represented the government while AMM represented by its Deputy Master.
Under the MOU, Liow said, two surgeons Breast Surgery International and International Association of Endocrine Surgeons would teach and train surgeons in BES in Malaysia.
Many cavities to fill
BorneoPost Online KUCHING: A time will come when we will have more than enough dentists as well as medical doctors to serve the country.
Sarawak is facing a shortage of dentists almost three times below the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil said the WHO standard was one dentist to every 4,000 people but here in Sarawak the ratio was one to 11,000.
“The shortage of dentists happens throughout the country and I was made to understand that in the peninsula, the ratio now is about one to 7,000 people,” he said.
Dr Jerip, who is Bengoh assemblyman, disclosed this at a news conference after representing Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the 2012 Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA)/Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) Joint International Scientific Convention & Trade Exhibition cum 69th MDA Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
“In fact, we are not only facing shortage in dental doctors but also medical doctors. Anyway, a time will come when we have more than enough dentists as well as medical doctors to serve the country,” he said.
He said the government, with the help of the private sector, was now training more and more dental and medical doctors to meet the ever increasing demand.
Meanwhile, he said, there was a dire need to improve dental services in both the public and private sectors to provide better oral care to the people.
“I was also told that we are having very high dentine hypersensitivity in the state and as such the government is very pleased to note that many non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as the Lions Club and others, have been playing an active role in creating awareness of oral health not only in urban but also rural areas.
“Besides, the Health Ministry also has ongoing awareness programmes to promote dental healthcare in schools,” he said.
MDA president Dr Mohd Muzafar Hamirudin said in Malaysia about 40 per cent of adults have sensitive teeth which was much higher than the global average of 30 per cent.
He said in a bid to educate patients and raise public awareness on sensitive teeth and how it can lead to poor oral health and reduce the quality of life, the ‘Fight Against Tooth Sensitivity Campaign’ was launched, an initiative championed by MDA and Sensodyne.
Through this campaign, dentists from across the country would, for the first time, come together to pledge to fight tooth sensitivity and will screen an estimated 3.5 million patients a year.
Sarawak is facing a shortage of dentists almost three times below the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil said the WHO standard was one dentist to every 4,000 people but here in Sarawak the ratio was one to 11,000.
“The shortage of dentists happens throughout the country and I was made to understand that in the peninsula, the ratio now is about one to 7,000 people,” he said.
Dr Jerip, who is Bengoh assemblyman, disclosed this at a news conference after representing Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the 2012 Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA)/Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) Joint International Scientific Convention & Trade Exhibition cum 69th MDA Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
“In fact, we are not only facing shortage in dental doctors but also medical doctors. Anyway, a time will come when we have more than enough dentists as well as medical doctors to serve the country,” he said.
He said the government, with the help of the private sector, was now training more and more dental and medical doctors to meet the ever increasing demand.
Meanwhile, he said, there was a dire need to improve dental services in both the public and private sectors to provide better oral care to the people.
“I was also told that we are having very high dentine hypersensitivity in the state and as such the government is very pleased to note that many non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as the Lions Club and others, have been playing an active role in creating awareness of oral health not only in urban but also rural areas.
“Besides, the Health Ministry also has ongoing awareness programmes to promote dental healthcare in schools,” he said.
MDA president Dr Mohd Muzafar Hamirudin said in Malaysia about 40 per cent of adults have sensitive teeth which was much higher than the global average of 30 per cent.
He said in a bid to educate patients and raise public awareness on sensitive teeth and how it can lead to poor oral health and reduce the quality of life, the ‘Fight Against Tooth Sensitivity Campaign’ was launched, an initiative championed by MDA and Sensodyne.
Through this campaign, dentists from across the country would, for the first time, come together to pledge to fight tooth sensitivity and will screen an estimated 3.5 million patients a year.
Govt to expand neurosurgery services in state hospitals
theSundaily KOTA KINABALU (May 25, 2012): The Health Ministry plans to expand neurosurgery services in state hospitals under the 10th Malaysia Plan, Deputy Health Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said here today.
The federal government was committed to developing surgical sub-specialties in the country, including in Sabah, in the various disciplines, such as neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric surgery, she said in her remarks at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia.
Rosnah pointed out that since 2004, neurosurgical services in Sabah have evolved from 'no service available' to monthly visits by surgeons and subsequently in-house neurosurgical services by resident specialists.
She said she had personally witnessed the development of the neurosurgical department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having collaborated with it on many previous occasions.
"What was once a dream is now a reality for the people of Sabah. We have seen the commencement of rehabilitative medicine, which was absent in the state of Sabah for many years. A great void has been filled and the patients now receive specialist-level rehabilitation and therapy to help them on their way back to a productive and fulfilling life.
"We cannot deny the importance of a good rehab care for patients who have undergone a neurosurgical procedure," she said.
Rosnah said that despite the setback in terms of hospital infrastructure, the government had been ceaseless in its effort to ensure that the people of Sabah benefited from adequate and quality health care.
She said the new tower block of Queen Elizabeth Hospital was under construction.
"Once the hospital is completed, we will then see a multi-disciplinary service which will incorporate neurosurgery, neurology, spine surgery and stroke care, including neuro-rehabilitation, neuro-intensive care and neuro-radiology.
"This is much-needed given the fact that the number of neurosurgical cases in the state has been steadily increasing from year to year. This centre will integrate brain and spine care under one roof to ensure optimal care for the patients," she said. – Bernama
The federal government was committed to developing surgical sub-specialties in the country, including in Sabah, in the various disciplines, such as neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric surgery, she said in her remarks at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia.
Rosnah pointed out that since 2004, neurosurgical services in Sabah have evolved from 'no service available' to monthly visits by surgeons and subsequently in-house neurosurgical services by resident specialists.
She said she had personally witnessed the development of the neurosurgical department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having collaborated with it on many previous occasions.
"What was once a dream is now a reality for the people of Sabah. We have seen the commencement of rehabilitative medicine, which was absent in the state of Sabah for many years. A great void has been filled and the patients now receive specialist-level rehabilitation and therapy to help them on their way back to a productive and fulfilling life.
"We cannot deny the importance of a good rehab care for patients who have undergone a neurosurgical procedure," she said.
Rosnah said that despite the setback in terms of hospital infrastructure, the government had been ceaseless in its effort to ensure that the people of Sabah benefited from adequate and quality health care.
She said the new tower block of Queen Elizabeth Hospital was under construction.
"Once the hospital is completed, we will then see a multi-disciplinary service which will incorporate neurosurgery, neurology, spine surgery and stroke care, including neuro-rehabilitation, neuro-intensive care and neuro-radiology.
"This is much-needed given the fact that the number of neurosurgical cases in the state has been steadily increasing from year to year. This centre will integrate brain and spine care under one roof to ensure optimal care for the patients," she said. – Bernama
Friday, May 25, 2012
Health Ministry to hold talks on private medical fees
MI SUNGAI PETANI, May 24 — The Health Ministry will hold discussions with insurance companies and managed care organisations (MCOs) to co-ordinate charges for private medical services in the near future.Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the discussions aimed to protect patients from being charged excessively, especially those with insurance coverage cards.
He said the discussions would also involve the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) as he needed to know their views on such issues so that a comprehensive solution could be achieved.
“We received a lot of complaints from the public on the difference in charges for private medical treatment. For example, patients paying by cash for treatment would pay less compared to the rate for those using insurance coverage cards.
“Such practices should be stopped immediately so that it would not have any impact on patients because sometimes the insurance coverage was bought according to the type of protection and had a certain limit,” he told reporters after attending a MMA dinner here last night. — Bernama
Umbrella walk raises RM125,000 for Lupus patients
Selangor Times PETALING JAYA: Over 1,000 umbrellas were raised by walkers in support of the World Lupus Day walkathon to spread awareness of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) disease.
Organised by Persatuan SLE Malaysia, the walk, entitled “Walk-a-Payung”, on May 20 raised RM125,000 for the organisation and its patients.
SLE, also known as lupus, is a life-threatening disease that causes the body’s immune system to turn against the body’s own healthy tissues.
Awareness of the debilitating disease, which affects 43 out of every 100,000 Malaysians, was also created when participants made their way through the roads of Dataran Sunway in Kota Damansara.
“People suffering from Lupus face potential strokes, hearth attacks, disabling pain and fatigue and other serious health problems,” said the organisation’s president, Professor Dr Esha Das Gupta in a statement.
“The sad part is that Lupus targets people in the most productive years of their life, people who should otherwise be healthy.”
It’s estimated that 12,000 Malaysians, 90 per cent female and as young as four years old, suffer from the autoimmune disease.
She said some funds raised this year will be channelled towards patients who require joint replacement and cataract operations.
Osteoporosis and cataract problems are among the major side-effects resulting from long-term usage of steroid medication for the Lupus disease.
Besides lack of public awareness, the disease is also not easy to diagnose, some taking up to months or even years to detect, depending on which organs are affected.
Although there are 10,000 people diagnosed with SLE in Malaysia, the disease is still unknown to many, leaving patients feeling alone and rejected.
Due to this, awareness events like Walk-a-Payung are needed to both raise funds and help the public and patients’ family members understand the disease more.
On May 27, Persatuan SLE Malaysia in Johor will also be holding their Walk-a-Payung event at Columbia Asia Hospital in Nusa Jaya to bring together patients, family members and the public.
Those interested in taking part can call 012-762 8002 (Addaline).
Those wanting to donate or volunteer can contact the organisation at 03-79577672 (Cecilia Wong), email pslem@streamyx.com, pslemhq@gmail.com or visit www.lupusmalaysia.org.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Protection against 'fly by night' devices
AsiaOne PUTRAJAYA - The Medical Device Act to be implemented in October will protect Malaysians from medical devices that could jeopardise their health, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The act, which was gazetted in March, will ensure devices sold in Malaysia adhere to the country's standards.
He said manufacturers, importers, distributors and local authorised representatives would be required to register the devices with the Medical Devices Authority, which was set to function next month.
"It's akin to medicine being registered with pharmacies. The devices will be sold under strict conditions to ensure it won't affect people's health. This is good for the country and investors will have a lot of confidence here as their products will not face copyright issues because their patented products will be protected," he said after chairing the fifth Healthcare National Key Economic Area post steering committee, here, yesterday.
Liow said manufacturers, importers, distributors and local authorised representatives would be given a two-year grace period to register their products. Should they continue to sell unregistered products when the ruling is enforced in 2014, they can be slapped with a maximum fine of RM200,000.
Medical devices will be categorise into four groups namely, low risk, medium risk, high-medium risk and high risk. Low risk includes items such as bandages and stethoscopes, while condoms and gloves fall under medium risk. High-medium risk items comprises cat scan and Magnetic resonance imaging machines, while pace makers would be high risk devices.
He added that there were many products that claim which could cure various illness and the act would also go after these items.
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Sunday, May 20, 2012
Dengue cases in Selangor alarming, says Liow
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has sounded the alarm over the drastic rise in the number of dengue cases which have claimed the lives of 20 people so far this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said with more than 9,500 cases reported so far, the public ought to be vigilant to prevent the situation from worsening.
In comparison, there were 7,850 cases with 12 deaths reported in the same period last year.
Liow said that with more than 50% of the cases reported in Selangor, residents in the state needed to urgently ensure their areas were always kept clean.
Keeping our residential areas clean is definitely the most effective method to keep the aedes mosquitoes away.
Local authorities must also ensure they follow the garbage collection schedule strictly, he said after launching a health carnival in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi near here yesterday.
Liow it takes less than a week for aedes to breed in uncollected garbage sites, adding that local authorities in Selangor have to improve on this as the state has the highest population density.
He also said that a study to produce a vaccine for dengue was expected to be ready by 2014.
Later, at a separate function, Liow said all private sector pharmacists are required to attain a minimum of 30 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for two years before they can apply or renew their 2014 annual retention certificate, starting from 2012.
Subsequently, the minimum points must be accumulated within one year, he said at the 45th Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) Annual Dinner.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Helpline to fight the fat
The Star SUBANG JAYA: Overweight and obese Malaysians can now seek free professional help and support from the new nationwide My Weight My Health Helpline.
Set up by the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS), the helplines call centres will be manned by a team of pharmacists, nutritionists and dietitians.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho said the helpline was an initiative to help combat the worrying obesity level in the country.
She pointed out that obesity was often the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases.
In Malaysia, it was reported that about 43% of adults, 20% of adolescents and 26% of primary school children were either overweight or obese.
She said the helpline would help patients embark on a lifestyle modification programme for a healthier life.
We will hold their hand, help them to be more conscious of their eating habits, she said at a press conference after the helpline was launched yesterday, adding that the advice also included tips for healthy lifestyle changes.
She said the information given by patients to helpline staff would be kept confidential.
Ho said those who sought help would receive four months of support and guidance to ensure they were making progress in achieving their individual needs and goals.
Dont expect overnight results. We dont want patients to go in for quick fixes, she warned.
The helpline is part of MPS public health campaign, which will also include public health education programmes via radio, television and print.
Community pharmacists will also undergo a Pharmacist Certification Programme so they can advise the public on various aspects of weight management.
The toll-free helpline number is 1300 800 373.
Set up by the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS), the helplines call centres will be manned by a team of pharmacists, nutritionists and dietitians.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho said the helpline was an initiative to help combat the worrying obesity level in the country.
She pointed out that obesity was often the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases.
In Malaysia, it was reported that about 43% of adults, 20% of adolescents and 26% of primary school children were either overweight or obese.
She said the helpline would help patients embark on a lifestyle modification programme for a healthier life.
We will hold their hand, help them to be more conscious of their eating habits, she said at a press conference after the helpline was launched yesterday, adding that the advice also included tips for healthy lifestyle changes.
She said the information given by patients to helpline staff would be kept confidential.
Ho said those who sought help would receive four months of support and guidance to ensure they were making progress in achieving their individual needs and goals.
Dont expect overnight results. We dont want patients to go in for quick fixes, she warned.
The helpline is part of MPS public health campaign, which will also include public health education programmes via radio, television and print.
Community pharmacists will also undergo a Pharmacist Certification Programme so they can advise the public on various aspects of weight management.
The toll-free helpline number is 1300 800 373.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Another attempt to make smokers kick the butt
Free Malaysia Today PETALING JAYA: There is another move to make Malaysian smokers kick the butt. This time it will be in the form of an ambitious rally on May 31 – World No Tobacco Day.
The anti-smoking organisation You1Quit has plans to make this the world’s biggest anti-smoking rally. But, till todate no venue has been earmarked
The founder Julian Leicester has themed the rally as “Don’t Just Quit It, CRUSH IT!”. He hopes to achieve this through the social media.
Leicester’s ambition is to make as many people as possible to kick the RM10 habit. So far, most anti-smoking campaigns have not been successful.
The government’s costly RM100 million Tak Nak campaign has literally gone up in smoke with former health minister Dr Chua Soi Lek himself admitting that there was no indication that the number of smokers had gone down since the five-year campaign was launched in February 2005.
The huge sum spent on billboards was a failure and the message through various media channels did not reach the target group, those below 18 years.
A UPM study done of 18,000 people some years ago revealed that the smoking age is getting younger: among 15-year-olds, 21% smoked; 16 (32.2%); 17 (35.6%); 18 (45.5%); 19 (51.4%); and 20 (49.2%).
The main reason given for starting to smoke at such a young age was peer pressure; a conveniently true reason, sadly enough.
Fomca adviser Prof Hamdan Adnan had said that fear no longer works when it comes to curbing smoking. He urged the government to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and look at new approaches to curb smoking and target schoolchildren, teachers, youths and smokers.
If a school teacher can step behind the staff room to have a cigarette in full view of students passing by, what then is the use of the Tak Nak signboards going up in the first place at schools?
As twisted as it sounds, perhaps a cue should be taken from Nazi Germany which instituted a strong anti-tobacco movement and led the first public anti-smoking campaign in modern history.
Novel tactic
Anti-tobacco movements grew in many nations from the beginning of the 20th century, but these had little success with the only exception being Germany, where the anti-tobacco campaign was supported by the government after the Nazis came to power. It was the most powerful anti-tobacco movement in the world in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Several Nazi leaders openly criticised smoking and anti-tobacco research thrived under the Nazi rule. At that time, the most important research on smoking and its effects on health was conducted in the Third Reich.
Hitler himself was a heavy smoker in his early life when he used to smoke about 25 to 40 cigarettes per day. But he gave up smoking after realising it was a waste of money. He viewed smoking as “decadent” and lamented over the fact that “so many excellent men have been lost to tobacco poisoning”.
He promised to terminate the use of tobacco in the military after the end of the war. Hitler personally encouraged people not to smoke and rewarded those who quit smoking.
However, Hitler’s personal distaste for tobacco was not the main cause behind Nazi anti-tobacco movement; it is only one of the several catalysts behind the anti-smoking campaign.
Perhaps You1Quit should also look at the energetic efforts of tobacco companies which are almost Machiavellian in their efforts to net in more smokers.
For example, in an attempt to halt the adoption of pictorial health warnings on packages of tobacco, the industry recently adopted the novel tactic of suing countries under bilateral investment treaties, claiming that the warnings impinge the companies’ attempts to use their legally-registered brands.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) selected “Tobacco industry interference” as the theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day. In keeping to this theme, it would perhaps be prudent for You1Quit to keep its eye focused on going after the industry by way of smart and effective information capsules, rather than jumping into a rally that is in fear of burning out even before it begins.
The anti-smoking organisation You1Quit has plans to make this the world’s biggest anti-smoking rally. But, till todate no venue has been earmarked
The founder Julian Leicester has themed the rally as “Don’t Just Quit It, CRUSH IT!”. He hopes to achieve this through the social media.
Leicester’s ambition is to make as many people as possible to kick the RM10 habit. So far, most anti-smoking campaigns have not been successful.
The government’s costly RM100 million Tak Nak campaign has literally gone up in smoke with former health minister Dr Chua Soi Lek himself admitting that there was no indication that the number of smokers had gone down since the five-year campaign was launched in February 2005.
The huge sum spent on billboards was a failure and the message through various media channels did not reach the target group, those below 18 years.
A UPM study done of 18,000 people some years ago revealed that the smoking age is getting younger: among 15-year-olds, 21% smoked; 16 (32.2%); 17 (35.6%); 18 (45.5%); 19 (51.4%); and 20 (49.2%).
The main reason given for starting to smoke at such a young age was peer pressure; a conveniently true reason, sadly enough.
Fomca adviser Prof Hamdan Adnan had said that fear no longer works when it comes to curbing smoking. He urged the government to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and look at new approaches to curb smoking and target schoolchildren, teachers, youths and smokers.
If a school teacher can step behind the staff room to have a cigarette in full view of students passing by, what then is the use of the Tak Nak signboards going up in the first place at schools?
As twisted as it sounds, perhaps a cue should be taken from Nazi Germany which instituted a strong anti-tobacco movement and led the first public anti-smoking campaign in modern history.
Novel tactic
Anti-tobacco movements grew in many nations from the beginning of the 20th century, but these had little success with the only exception being Germany, where the anti-tobacco campaign was supported by the government after the Nazis came to power. It was the most powerful anti-tobacco movement in the world in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Several Nazi leaders openly criticised smoking and anti-tobacco research thrived under the Nazi rule. At that time, the most important research on smoking and its effects on health was conducted in the Third Reich.
Hitler himself was a heavy smoker in his early life when he used to smoke about 25 to 40 cigarettes per day. But he gave up smoking after realising it was a waste of money. He viewed smoking as “decadent” and lamented over the fact that “so many excellent men have been lost to tobacco poisoning”.
He promised to terminate the use of tobacco in the military after the end of the war. Hitler personally encouraged people not to smoke and rewarded those who quit smoking.
However, Hitler’s personal distaste for tobacco was not the main cause behind Nazi anti-tobacco movement; it is only one of the several catalysts behind the anti-smoking campaign.
Perhaps You1Quit should also look at the energetic efforts of tobacco companies which are almost Machiavellian in their efforts to net in more smokers.
For example, in an attempt to halt the adoption of pictorial health warnings on packages of tobacco, the industry recently adopted the novel tactic of suing countries under bilateral investment treaties, claiming that the warnings impinge the companies’ attempts to use their legally-registered brands.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) selected “Tobacco industry interference” as the theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day. In keeping to this theme, it would perhaps be prudent for You1Quit to keep its eye focused on going after the industry by way of smart and effective information capsules, rather than jumping into a rally that is in fear of burning out even before it begins.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sabah's mobile eye clinic to start in December - General - New Straits Times
New Straits Times KOTA KINABALU: The 1Malaysia mobile eye clinic will commence operations in Sabah in December, where a bus will bring a team with equipment from district to district to accommodate rural folk.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the bus will go to designated hospitals and stay there for two weeks, where their focus is more on conducting cataract operations.
"There will be a schedule, the bus with a team that includes medical officers and eye specialists will start first at Sipitang and end in Tambunan.
"Now, we are fine-tuning details before the launch at year-end.
"As for Peninsular Malaysia, we have not decided (the dates) but we probably will kick-off the service simultaneously there," she said after launching the inaugural flight of the Flying Doctor Service (2012-2016) under Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd's new contract.
Rosnah said cataract had been identified as the most common eye-related problem in the country.
On the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), she said the Health Ministry, through the state Health Department, had covered about 25,000 population over 11 districts through this initiative last year.
There are currently two FDS teams, with the Kota Kinabalu team serving 34 villages and Sandakan team covering 29 villages on a regular monthly schedule.
"However, we expect the number to benefit from this service to increase to 70,000 population this year," Rosnah said, following an expected increase in the number of villagers and villages involved.
She said this initiative not only served as a mobile clinic providing basic primary medical care, but also Medical Emergency Evacuation (Medevac) service for people in the remote areas.
Sabah Air Aviation chairman Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim said the Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan teams would be provided with a helicopter each, which had been upgraded to Twin Engine operation in accordance with the standard requirements.
The four-year contract, effective April 1, this year, involved a cost of over RM18 million, he added.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the bus will go to designated hospitals and stay there for two weeks, where their focus is more on conducting cataract operations.
"There will be a schedule, the bus with a team that includes medical officers and eye specialists will start first at Sipitang and end in Tambunan.
"Now, we are fine-tuning details before the launch at year-end.
"As for Peninsular Malaysia, we have not decided (the dates) but we probably will kick-off the service simultaneously there," she said after launching the inaugural flight of the Flying Doctor Service (2012-2016) under Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd's new contract.
Rosnah said cataract had been identified as the most common eye-related problem in the country.
On the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), she said the Health Ministry, through the state Health Department, had covered about 25,000 population over 11 districts through this initiative last year.
There are currently two FDS teams, with the Kota Kinabalu team serving 34 villages and Sandakan team covering 29 villages on a regular monthly schedule.
"However, we expect the number to benefit from this service to increase to 70,000 population this year," Rosnah said, following an expected increase in the number of villagers and villages involved.
She said this initiative not only served as a mobile clinic providing basic primary medical care, but also Medical Emergency Evacuation (Medevac) service for people in the remote areas.
Sabah Air Aviation chairman Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim said the Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan teams would be provided with a helicopter each, which had been upgraded to Twin Engine operation in accordance with the standard requirements.
The four-year contract, effective April 1, this year, involved a cost of over RM18 million, he added.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Malaysia to host world conference on maternal mortality issues
The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will become the first Asian nation to host a world conference dedicated to reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal access to reproductive health.
The Global Women Deliver Conference 2013, the third in the series, is expected to attract 5,000 delegates and generate an estimated RM47.4 million in economic impact.
The conference has been held in London and Washington previously.
Malaysia was chosen to be the host country due to its status as a fast-growing democratic and liberal progressive country with stability and sound socio economic and developmental policies, said Datuk Dr Raj Karim, a consultant of Women Deliver.
Women Deliver, which has its headquarters in New York, is a global advocacy organisation which brings together voices from around the world to call for action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women.
It will organise the conference with the support of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Dr Raj said Malaysia had been noted for its efforts to improve women's health and reduce maternal mortality as a national initiative and a national priority long before international agencies called for attention to lower maternal mortality.
She said the selection of Malaysia as the venue of the conference was based on the government's commitment to improve the health of the people.
"Malaysia is internationally recognised for its comprehensive and well-planned health care system reaching out to remote rural populations and providing free or affordable health care across all ages.
"In fact, Malaysia has one of the best primary health care service delivery systems in the region or even globally," she said.
Dr Raj said that by hosting the conference, Malaysia would have an opportunity to share its experience with other lesser developed countries with high maternal mortality and learn of new advances and modern technology that can save women's lives and improve their health.
The conference could also provide a platform for participating countries to share their experiences on elimination of poverty, empowerment of women and education of girls, which are crucial to improving women's health, she said.
Dr Raj said Malaysia provided a compelling setting for the conference as the country aimed to work globally to generate political commitment and financial investment for fulfilling Millennium Development Goals which called for reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal access to reproductive health.
More information on the conference can be obtained from http://www.womendeliver.org/. - Bernama
The Global Women Deliver Conference 2013, the third in the series, is expected to attract 5,000 delegates and generate an estimated RM47.4 million in economic impact.
The conference has been held in London and Washington previously.
Malaysia was chosen to be the host country due to its status as a fast-growing democratic and liberal progressive country with stability and sound socio economic and developmental policies, said Datuk Dr Raj Karim, a consultant of Women Deliver.
Women Deliver, which has its headquarters in New York, is a global advocacy organisation which brings together voices from around the world to call for action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women.
It will organise the conference with the support of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Dr Raj said Malaysia had been noted for its efforts to improve women's health and reduce maternal mortality as a national initiative and a national priority long before international agencies called for attention to lower maternal mortality.
She said the selection of Malaysia as the venue of the conference was based on the government's commitment to improve the health of the people.
"Malaysia is internationally recognised for its comprehensive and well-planned health care system reaching out to remote rural populations and providing free or affordable health care across all ages.
"In fact, Malaysia has one of the best primary health care service delivery systems in the region or even globally," she said.
Dr Raj said that by hosting the conference, Malaysia would have an opportunity to share its experience with other lesser developed countries with high maternal mortality and learn of new advances and modern technology that can save women's lives and improve their health.
The conference could also provide a platform for participating countries to share their experiences on elimination of poverty, empowerment of women and education of girls, which are crucial to improving women's health, she said.
Dr Raj said Malaysia provided a compelling setting for the conference as the country aimed to work globally to generate political commitment and financial investment for fulfilling Millennium Development Goals which called for reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal access to reproductive health.
More information on the conference can be obtained from http://www.womendeliver.org/. - Bernama
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Hospital should remain under Health Ministry
'New Straits Times SERDANG: A Serdang Hospital Visitors Board member wants the hospital to remain under the Ministry of Health (MOH) and not handed over to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Board secretary Dr Mahendran Maniam said there is no reason to change the hospital's management because it never had problems since the hospital was set established.
"If Serdang Hospital is handed over to UPM, it will be hard to control the treatment fees and on this basis, the hospital management must remain under MOH.
"After all, the hospital meet the needs of about one million people in the vicinity and the number is rising, especially for heart patients," he here yesterday.
Several UPM associations want to turn Serdang Hospital into a teaching hospital and the management handed over to UPM for the benefit of medical and health science students.
It is understood that UPM students had to do practical training at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Kuala Pilah Hospital although Serdang Hospital is nearby.
He said that it was untrue that Serdang Hospital did not accommodate UPM students wanting to undergo practical training.
"Serdang Hospital has given adequate places for students to do practical training in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties." Bernama
Board secretary Dr Mahendran Maniam said there is no reason to change the hospital's management because it never had problems since the hospital was set established.
"If Serdang Hospital is handed over to UPM, it will be hard to control the treatment fees and on this basis, the hospital management must remain under MOH.
"After all, the hospital meet the needs of about one million people in the vicinity and the number is rising, especially for heart patients," he here yesterday.
Several UPM associations want to turn Serdang Hospital into a teaching hospital and the management handed over to UPM for the benefit of medical and health science students.
It is understood that UPM students had to do practical training at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Kuala Pilah Hospital although Serdang Hospital is nearby.
He said that it was untrue that Serdang Hospital did not accommodate UPM students wanting to undergo practical training.
"Serdang Hospital has given adequate places for students to do practical training in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties." Bernama
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
More liberal
theSundaily PUTRAJAYA (May 6, 2012): Medical graduates from unrecognised varsities will be able to sit for the Medical Qualifying Exam (MQE) in any local medical university in the next five years or so.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told theSun today that regulations have been amended to allow all 33 local medical varsities, both public and private, to conduct the MQE.
He had on May 1 announced that medical graduates from unrecognised universities will be able to sit for the MQE at 16 local universities, compared to only three previously – Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
The 13 other universities are Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Penang Medical College, International Medical University, AIMST University, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Monash University Sunway Campus, UCSI University, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and the Management and Science University.
"These 16 universities (which can hold the MQE now) are matured universities and they are able to conduct the examination along with their own students," he added.
Yesterday, Liow said the remaining 17 local varsities offering medical degrees "will be allowed to conduct the examination once they have successfully produced their first batch of medical graduates."
He said the changes are to make the exam more liberal and accessible to such graduates, but gave the assurance that quality will be maintained at all times.
"It will be more liberal but at the same time, we will focus and control the quality of our medical graduates," he said after attending a national briefing for the 1MCA Insurance Scheme here.
The MQE, which is compulsory for graduates from unrecognised foreign medical varsities, is set at par with the final-year examinations for local medical graduates.
Graduates from universities unrecognised by the Health Ministry have to pass the exam to begin their housemenship and eventually be registered as doctors in Malaysia.
Liow had also announced previously that medical graduates will be able to sit for the MQE an unlimited number of times until they pass the exam, compared to just three tries previously.
"The reason is... you must be fair to the graduates. Studying medicine is getting more challenging, and if they are committed and they feel they can pass, they should be given the chance to try. Medicine is a lifelong learning process," he said when asked about the rationale behind the move.
According to statistics from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), passing rates for the MQE are low, with less than 10%-15% of candidates passing each session.
However, the number of candidates who have sat for, and failed all three times is low. Last year, only two candidates had failed all three times.
"That is not the main problem now... the main aim is to make sure we (the ministry) do not hamper their pursuit of medicine, especially since they have completed five years of studies," Liow added.
On the political front, Liow, who is also MCA deputy president, said the initial list of potential MCA candidates for the upcoming general election is ready.
"The first round of names (is based on) the same number of seats (to be contested by the party), no increase," he said briefly when approached.
In the last general election, the MCA which contested 40 federal and 90 state seats saw its worst defeat when it won only 15 federal and 32 state seats.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told theSun today that regulations have been amended to allow all 33 local medical varsities, both public and private, to conduct the MQE.
He had on May 1 announced that medical graduates from unrecognised universities will be able to sit for the MQE at 16 local universities, compared to only three previously – Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
The 13 other universities are Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Penang Medical College, International Medical University, AIMST University, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Monash University Sunway Campus, UCSI University, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and the Management and Science University.
"These 16 universities (which can hold the MQE now) are matured universities and they are able to conduct the examination along with their own students," he added.
Yesterday, Liow said the remaining 17 local varsities offering medical degrees "will be allowed to conduct the examination once they have successfully produced their first batch of medical graduates."
He said the changes are to make the exam more liberal and accessible to such graduates, but gave the assurance that quality will be maintained at all times.
"It will be more liberal but at the same time, we will focus and control the quality of our medical graduates," he said after attending a national briefing for the 1MCA Insurance Scheme here.
The MQE, which is compulsory for graduates from unrecognised foreign medical varsities, is set at par with the final-year examinations for local medical graduates.
Graduates from universities unrecognised by the Health Ministry have to pass the exam to begin their housemenship and eventually be registered as doctors in Malaysia.
Liow had also announced previously that medical graduates will be able to sit for the MQE an unlimited number of times until they pass the exam, compared to just three tries previously.
"The reason is... you must be fair to the graduates. Studying medicine is getting more challenging, and if they are committed and they feel they can pass, they should be given the chance to try. Medicine is a lifelong learning process," he said when asked about the rationale behind the move.
According to statistics from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), passing rates for the MQE are low, with less than 10%-15% of candidates passing each session.
However, the number of candidates who have sat for, and failed all three times is low. Last year, only two candidates had failed all three times.
"That is not the main problem now... the main aim is to make sure we (the ministry) do not hamper their pursuit of medicine, especially since they have completed five years of studies," Liow added.
On the political front, Liow, who is also MCA deputy president, said the initial list of potential MCA candidates for the upcoming general election is ready.
"The first round of names (is based on) the same number of seats (to be contested by the party), no increase," he said briefly when approached.
In the last general election, the MCA which contested 40 federal and 90 state seats saw its worst defeat when it won only 15 federal and 32 state seats.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Nurses free to work abroad, says Rosnah - Latest - New Straits Times
New Straits Times PETALING JAYA: The government will not prevent nurses from working abroad or limit the number of foreign nurses coming into the country, said deputy minister of Health Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin.
She said the government was looking at ways to handle the glut in nursing students such as a moratorium on new nursing colleges and increasing the requirement to at least five Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia credits compared to three previously.
"Apart from handling the glut, the move also aims to produce better calibre and educated nurses," she said at a press conference after closing a health camp at Sekolah Kebangsaan Section 6, Kota Damansara here today, in conjunction with International Nurses Day which is on May 12.
Apart from providing free health checks, the one-day camp also included a speech on the government's 1Malaysia policy by deputy minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
Rosnah explained that among the factors which caused the glut was the refusal of private hospitals to employ nursing graduates with the excuse that they were inexperienced, even though most of them were from institutions of higher learning.
"We have asked the private sector to employ them and set aside the matter of experience on the basis that experience can only be gained if they're given the jobs," she said.
Commenting on the ministry's target of achieving a one to 200 nurse to patient ratio by 2015, Rosnah said it was possible as the current ratio was one to 347.
Earlier during the day, Ahmad in his speech on the 1Malaysia policy said that it was initially considered rhetorical and not grounded but is clearly being accepted and absorbed by the people.
He said after three years, the idea based on the philosophy of 'People First, Performance Now', is being accepted as an efficient product which could be held, felt and enjoyed.
"Through 1Malaysia all races in the country are considered as friends and not foe, assets not liability and as the nation's most valuable treasure," he added.
He also drew attention to how the Prime Minister was inspired by the episode of Prophet Muhammad uttering "ummati, ummati, ummati" before he passed away.
"In current times, that can be interpreted as "my people, my people, my people" and the Prime Minister has translated it into People First and that's why his administration puts the people first in all matters," he concluded. - Bernama
Read more: Nurses free to work abroad, says Rosnah - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/nurses-free-to-work-abroad-says-rosnah-1.81246#ixzz1u5zZflgg
She said the government was looking at ways to handle the glut in nursing students such as a moratorium on new nursing colleges and increasing the requirement to at least five Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia credits compared to three previously.
"Apart from handling the glut, the move also aims to produce better calibre and educated nurses," she said at a press conference after closing a health camp at Sekolah Kebangsaan Section 6, Kota Damansara here today, in conjunction with International Nurses Day which is on May 12.
Apart from providing free health checks, the one-day camp also included a speech on the government's 1Malaysia policy by deputy minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
Rosnah explained that among the factors which caused the glut was the refusal of private hospitals to employ nursing graduates with the excuse that they were inexperienced, even though most of them were from institutions of higher learning.
"We have asked the private sector to employ them and set aside the matter of experience on the basis that experience can only be gained if they're given the jobs," she said.
Commenting on the ministry's target of achieving a one to 200 nurse to patient ratio by 2015, Rosnah said it was possible as the current ratio was one to 347.
Earlier during the day, Ahmad in his speech on the 1Malaysia policy said that it was initially considered rhetorical and not grounded but is clearly being accepted and absorbed by the people.
He said after three years, the idea based on the philosophy of 'People First, Performance Now', is being accepted as an efficient product which could be held, felt and enjoyed.
"Through 1Malaysia all races in the country are considered as friends and not foe, assets not liability and as the nation's most valuable treasure," he added.
He also drew attention to how the Prime Minister was inspired by the episode of Prophet Muhammad uttering "ummati, ummati, ummati" before he passed away.
"In current times, that can be interpreted as "my people, my people, my people" and the Prime Minister has translated it into People First and that's why his administration puts the people first in all matters," he concluded. - Bernama
Read more: Nurses free to work abroad, says Rosnah - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/nurses-free-to-work-abroad-says-rosnah-1.81246#ixzz1u5zZflgg
TB outbreak in Johor claims 53 lives this year
AsiaOne/Star MUAR, Malaysia - A total of 53 people have died of tuberculosis in the state so far this year and the authorities want those who suffer from prolonged coughing to seek treatment quickly.
State Women, Family, Health and Community Development Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said the disease had been regarded as an outbreak.
As of March, she said 497 cases were reported with 49 per cent involving contagious pulmonary TB which could spread fast and also cause death.
"Last year, we recorded 2,038 cases and 93 per cent of the patients had never contracted or suffered from TB before.
"This year, about 550 cases have been reported and 91 per cent of the cases are new patients with 52 per cent suffering from pulmonary TB," she said after distributing BR1M aid to 213 villagers in Sungai Balang yesterday.
Dr Robia said Johor Baru recorded the highest number with 246 cases.
She said two deaths caused by the contagious pulmonary TB had been reported in Muar up to yesterday.
Those who suffered from coughing for more than two months should undergo checks, she said.
She said diabetic patients and senior citizens were regarded as high-risk groups.
State Women, Family, Health and Community Development Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said the disease had been regarded as an outbreak.
As of March, she said 497 cases were reported with 49 per cent involving contagious pulmonary TB which could spread fast and also cause death.
"Last year, we recorded 2,038 cases and 93 per cent of the patients had never contracted or suffered from TB before.
"This year, about 550 cases have been reported and 91 per cent of the cases are new patients with 52 per cent suffering from pulmonary TB," she said after distributing BR1M aid to 213 villagers in Sungai Balang yesterday.
Dr Robia said Johor Baru recorded the highest number with 246 cases.
She said two deaths caused by the contagious pulmonary TB had been reported in Muar up to yesterday.
Those who suffered from coughing for more than two months should undergo checks, she said.
She said diabetic patients and senior citizens were regarded as high-risk groups.
Friday, May 04, 2012
No exemptions from Medical Qualifying Exam — UKM
BorneoPost KUCHING: The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Medical Centre will not exempt graduates from unrecognised universities from sitting for the Medical Qualifying Examination (MQE) no matter what their grouses are.
Faculty of Medicine dean and UKM Medical Centre director Professor Datuk Dr Raymond Azman Ali said this in a press statement in response to three Shanghai Jiaotong University medical graduates who requested the authorities exempt them from taking the MQE so that they could be attached to a hospital in Sarawak or elsewhere in Malaysia.
The three graduates – John Hii, Steven Wong and Kong Ing Hui – had claimed during a press conference on April 2 that they failed the MQE because the exam was conducted unfairly and several UKM Hospital lecturers had treated them badly and used different teaching methodologies.
They also complained that the hospital treated them like final year medical students although they had medical degrees from China.
In response Dr Raymond said: “Our hospital has a Quality Department, within which there is a Clinical Practice Guidelines committee. Each department has its set of protocols of guidelines which guides the clinical practice of every member of staff in our hospital.
“As in any hospital elsewhere, where medical practice is concerned, there are often different schools of thought with regard to clinical management.”
Dr Raymond pointed out that UKM has been examining medical graduates from unrecognised university for many years.
“In last year’s examination, 14 out of 55 candidates of the medical graduates from unrecognised universities made the mark and we passed them,” he said.
He quoted several examples of gross incompetence amongst medical graduates from unrecognised universities, who had sat for the examination in the past and failed.
Referring to Hii, Wong and Kong, Dr Raymond said they were scheduled to sit the same examination taken by the university’s final year undergraduates.
Therefore, he said, it was only right they be treated as final year medical students and not as doctors.
“Not being treated as doctors is certainly not a reason for them to fail, since all medical undergraduates are not treated as doctors until they pass and obtain their practising certificates,” he pointed out.
All medical graduates scheduled for the MQE are taught for six weeks according to a structured schedule of bedside teaching in all the relevant departments, he said.
Within each department, a timetable is set for lecturers to take the medical graduates for clinical teaching sessions.
If this was not carried out, he said, the medical graduates could always complain to the Secretariat for Undergraduate Studies or even the deputy dean in charge.
With regards to the examination, Dr Raymond said medical graduates from unrecognised universities always sit for the examination together with UKM’s medical students to eliminate bias.
To say “lecturers were unwilling to teach them” without quoting specific circumstances was unfair, he said, as there may be lecturers who were not scheduled to teach them at that particular time, or were busy with other teaching, service, research or administrative activities at the time when asked by the medical graduates to teach.
“Each lecturer has his or her own schedule or timetable. Each of them comes from different education backgrounds with variations in the way they were taught before, but the basic essentials of what they teach are the same,” he said.
If graduates were looking for simple straightforward answers in written hospital protocols to the various clinical scenarios that they encounter, more often than not they will not be able to find it, just as they will seldom find straightforward answers in textbooks to real life situations, he said.
Faculty of Medicine dean and UKM Medical Centre director Professor Datuk Dr Raymond Azman Ali said this in a press statement in response to three Shanghai Jiaotong University medical graduates who requested the authorities exempt them from taking the MQE so that they could be attached to a hospital in Sarawak or elsewhere in Malaysia.
The three graduates – John Hii, Steven Wong and Kong Ing Hui – had claimed during a press conference on April 2 that they failed the MQE because the exam was conducted unfairly and several UKM Hospital lecturers had treated them badly and used different teaching methodologies.
They also complained that the hospital treated them like final year medical students although they had medical degrees from China.
In response Dr Raymond said: “Our hospital has a Quality Department, within which there is a Clinical Practice Guidelines committee. Each department has its set of protocols of guidelines which guides the clinical practice of every member of staff in our hospital.
“As in any hospital elsewhere, where medical practice is concerned, there are often different schools of thought with regard to clinical management.”
Dr Raymond pointed out that UKM has been examining medical graduates from unrecognised university for many years.
“In last year’s examination, 14 out of 55 candidates of the medical graduates from unrecognised universities made the mark and we passed them,” he said.
He quoted several examples of gross incompetence amongst medical graduates from unrecognised universities, who had sat for the examination in the past and failed.
Referring to Hii, Wong and Kong, Dr Raymond said they were scheduled to sit the same examination taken by the university’s final year undergraduates.
Therefore, he said, it was only right they be treated as final year medical students and not as doctors.
“Not being treated as doctors is certainly not a reason for them to fail, since all medical undergraduates are not treated as doctors until they pass and obtain their practising certificates,” he pointed out.
All medical graduates scheduled for the MQE are taught for six weeks according to a structured schedule of bedside teaching in all the relevant departments, he said.
Within each department, a timetable is set for lecturers to take the medical graduates for clinical teaching sessions.
If this was not carried out, he said, the medical graduates could always complain to the Secretariat for Undergraduate Studies or even the deputy dean in charge.
With regards to the examination, Dr Raymond said medical graduates from unrecognised universities always sit for the examination together with UKM’s medical students to eliminate bias.
To say “lecturers were unwilling to teach them” without quoting specific circumstances was unfair, he said, as there may be lecturers who were not scheduled to teach them at that particular time, or were busy with other teaching, service, research or administrative activities at the time when asked by the medical graduates to teach.
“Each lecturer has his or her own schedule or timetable. Each of them comes from different education backgrounds with variations in the way they were taught before, but the basic essentials of what they teach are the same,” he said.
If graduates were looking for simple straightforward answers in written hospital protocols to the various clinical scenarios that they encounter, more often than not they will not be able to find it, just as they will seldom find straightforward answers in textbooks to real life situations, he said.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
TCM Act ready for tabling in Parliament by June, says Liow
The Star KUCHING: The Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Act is ready for tabling in parliament by June, the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the ministry was confident that with the existence of the Act, TCM practitioners in this country would adhere to the medical discipline and regulations in a more professional way, besides protecting the rights of patients seeking this form of treatment.
"So far, 10 government hospitals nationwide have a TCM unit each that is registered and recognised by the ministry," he said after opening an international TCM conference, here, Tuesday.
Liow said the implementation of the TCM Act would also assist the ministry in carrying out research and development (R&D) activities on TCM practices in this country.
On the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sarawak, he said although the number of cases had dropped, the ministry continued to monitor the situation.
He said there were now only 261 cases reported within a week since such cases had been reported over a 17-week period.
"The HFMD situation in Sarawak is improving, but my ministry would like to remind parents to immediately report to the nearest hospital or clinic if their child has suspected symptoms of HFMD," he added. - Bernama
He said the ministry was confident that with the existence of the Act, TCM practitioners in this country would adhere to the medical discipline and regulations in a more professional way, besides protecting the rights of patients seeking this form of treatment.
"So far, 10 government hospitals nationwide have a TCM unit each that is registered and recognised by the ministry," he said after opening an international TCM conference, here, Tuesday.
Liow said the implementation of the TCM Act would also assist the ministry in carrying out research and development (R&D) activities on TCM practices in this country.
On the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sarawak, he said although the number of cases had dropped, the ministry continued to monitor the situation.
He said there were now only 261 cases reported within a week since such cases had been reported over a 17-week period.
"The HFMD situation in Sarawak is improving, but my ministry would like to remind parents to immediately report to the nearest hospital or clinic if their child has suspected symptoms of HFMD," he added. - Bernama
Medical qualifying exam now available at 16 local varsities
The Star KUCHING: Medical graduates from unrecognised universities overseas can now sit for the Medical Qualifying Examination (MQE) at all 16 medical schools in the country, including private universities.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said previously these graduates could only sit for the exam at three local universities - Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
"From now onwards they can sit for the exam in all medical schools in Malaysia. We have 16 medical schools offering 17 medical programmes.
“All students coming back from unrecognised universities overseas can sit for the exam in all these universities," he told reporters after holding a dialogue with several Sarawakian medical graduates who earned their degrees in China here on Tuesday.
The 16 universities are UM, UKM, USM, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Penang Medical College, International Medical University, AIMST University, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Monash University Sunway Campus, UCSI University, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and Management and Science University.
Liow said this move would make it easier for medical graduates to sit for the MQE, particularly Sarawakian students who would no longer need to travel to Kuala Lumpur for it.
"They prefer to take the exam here because the cost will be lower," he said, adding that this was one of the problems brought up by the graduates during the dialogue session.
Liow also announced that the medical graduates could now take the exam an unlimited number of times.
"In the past it was limited to three times. Now they can sit for it unlimited times to make sure they pass," he said.
Medical graduates from unrecognised universities need to pass the MQE in order to start their housemanship and be registered as medical doctors in Malaysia.
In addition, Liow said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) was currently in the process of recognising medical programmes in China.
He said MMC would focus on accrediting the 11 top universities in China first as many Malaysian students were studying there.
He said although Malaysia and China had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on recognising the universities, medical courses needed to be accredited by MMC.
"MMC will visit the universities in China to accredit their medical degrees so that we can recognise them as soon as we can," Liow said, adding that MMC would try to complete the accreditation process in one year's time.
At present, MMC recognises 375 universities in over 30 countries, not including China.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said previously these graduates could only sit for the exam at three local universities - Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
"From now onwards they can sit for the exam in all medical schools in Malaysia. We have 16 medical schools offering 17 medical programmes.
“All students coming back from unrecognised universities overseas can sit for the exam in all these universities," he told reporters after holding a dialogue with several Sarawakian medical graduates who earned their degrees in China here on Tuesday.
The 16 universities are UM, UKM, USM, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Penang Medical College, International Medical University, AIMST University, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Monash University Sunway Campus, UCSI University, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and Management and Science University.
Liow said this move would make it easier for medical graduates to sit for the MQE, particularly Sarawakian students who would no longer need to travel to Kuala Lumpur for it.
"They prefer to take the exam here because the cost will be lower," he said, adding that this was one of the problems brought up by the graduates during the dialogue session.
Liow also announced that the medical graduates could now take the exam an unlimited number of times.
"In the past it was limited to three times. Now they can sit for it unlimited times to make sure they pass," he said.
Medical graduates from unrecognised universities need to pass the MQE in order to start their housemanship and be registered as medical doctors in Malaysia.
In addition, Liow said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) was currently in the process of recognising medical programmes in China.
He said MMC would focus on accrediting the 11 top universities in China first as many Malaysian students were studying there.
He said although Malaysia and China had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on recognising the universities, medical courses needed to be accredited by MMC.
"MMC will visit the universities in China to accredit their medical degrees so that we can recognise them as soon as we can," Liow said, adding that MMC would try to complete the accreditation process in one year's time.
At present, MMC recognises 375 universities in over 30 countries, not including China.
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