theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (July 26, 2012): The Health Ministry will now focus on training more specialists to cater to the growing demand for specialised medical needs among the people.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry aims to place specialist doctors at all government district hospitals by 2020.
"In the past, we were short of doctors but we've trained enough doctors and have sufficient doctors in all government hospitals. So now we want to focus on training more specialists," he told reporters after opening the ANOC Neuroscience and Orthopedic Centre in Bangsar here, today.
He said currently only 55 of 135 government hospitals nationwide had specialists care. Liow noted that the ministry trained about 800 specialists a year and currently there are about 5,000 specialists in all medical fields in the country.
"Our target is to ensure that our district hospitals have enough specialists to serve the people at each district. We also encourage more doctors to take up specialist courses," he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Liow expressed confidence that facilities at the ANOC Neuroscience and Orthopedic Centre, the first of its kind in the country, would appeal to local as well as overseas patients seeking medical treatment in Malaysia.
The one-stop tertiary out-patient referral centre focuses mainly on the clinical areas of neurology, neuro-surgery, orthopedics, rheumatology and radiology.
The centre has the technology and personnel capable to detect and treat conditions such as stroke, brain and spinal cord tumours, spondylosis and prolapsed disc, at an early stage. – Bernama
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
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Liow: Doctor, specialist fees to be revised up by 14%
The Star Online KUALA LUMPUR: Doctor and specialist fees in the private sector are likely to see a 14% increase if approved by the Cabinet, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the ministry carries out the revision every five years. It is now finalising the dental fees before a new structure is presented to the Cabinet for approval.
“We hope to bring it to the Cabinet this year,” he said after the ANOC Neuroscience and Orthopaedic Centre launch.
Liow said the fees were revised to make them competitive as the fees here were low compared with other parts of the world due to Government controls.
He said currently, the main complaints were not on doctors' fees but the exorbitant hospital fees which the Ministry was working on resolving with the private hospitals, insurance and managed care organisations.
He said the ministry carries out the revision every five years. It is now finalising the dental fees before a new structure is presented to the Cabinet for approval.
“We hope to bring it to the Cabinet this year,” he said after the ANOC Neuroscience and Orthopaedic Centre launch.
Liow said the fees were revised to make them competitive as the fees here were low compared with other parts of the world due to Government controls.
He said currently, the main complaints were not on doctors' fees but the exorbitant hospital fees which the Ministry was working on resolving with the private hospitals, insurance and managed care organisations.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Health screenings on wheels
New Straits Times SUNWAY Group, in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), launched its second mobile health screening bus here, recently.
The NKF LifeCheck mobile unit is a customised 40-seater bus that provides basic health screenings on early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases for the public.
The bus has seven work stations designed to carry out various tests including blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol, as well as provide counseling.
The mobile unit will cover urban, suburban areas and rural areas in Klang Valley.
Present at the launch was Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, who said the rise of kidney disease in the country needs to be addressed.
He said the funding for the vehicle was from the NKF's 40th Anniversary Charity Dinner which was held in 2010.
"From the charity dinner, we raised RM877,380 to fund this second NKF LifeCheck mobile unit.
"Healthcare has always been Sunway's way of giving back to the community.
"Our partnership with NKF is an example of how we work to raise awareness on leading a healthy lifestyle.
He said nearly 15 per cent or 4.2 million Malaysians are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Last year, 4,000 Malaysians was diagnosed with the disease.
"Today, 24,000 patients require dialysis treatment. This growing number of patients is alarming.
"What is worse is people who are affected only find out about the disease in the later stages of the illness when treatment is less successful.
"So with early detection, it will help prevent and reduce the number of cases," said Cheah.
He said the first mobile unit was launched in 2008 with RM780,000 raised through one of their charity dinners.
NKF Board of Directors chairman Datuk Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher said currently NKF has 1,450 dialysis patients receiving subsidised dialysis treatments at its 25 dialysis centres.
"Unless one goes for health screenings, the disease is unlikely to be detected.
"Among the common kidney-related diseases are diabetes and high blood pressure," said Zaki.
He said that in Malaysia, the number of dialysis patients have tripled from 7,837 in 2001, to 22,932 in 2010.
They were mostly diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension.
NKF has screened more than 140,000 members of the public throughout the country since the first mobile unit was launched.
"While there are no charges, we encourage people to contribute by having a donation box for those generous enough to donate," he said.
For details on the health screening venues, visit www.nkf.org.my.
The NKF LifeCheck mobile unit is a customised 40-seater bus that provides basic health screenings on early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases for the public.
The bus has seven work stations designed to carry out various tests including blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol, as well as provide counseling.
The mobile unit will cover urban, suburban areas and rural areas in Klang Valley.
Present at the launch was Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, who said the rise of kidney disease in the country needs to be addressed.
He said the funding for the vehicle was from the NKF's 40th Anniversary Charity Dinner which was held in 2010.
"From the charity dinner, we raised RM877,380 to fund this second NKF LifeCheck mobile unit.
"Healthcare has always been Sunway's way of giving back to the community.
"Our partnership with NKF is an example of how we work to raise awareness on leading a healthy lifestyle.
He said nearly 15 per cent or 4.2 million Malaysians are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Last year, 4,000 Malaysians was diagnosed with the disease.
"Today, 24,000 patients require dialysis treatment. This growing number of patients is alarming.
"What is worse is people who are affected only find out about the disease in the later stages of the illness when treatment is less successful.
"So with early detection, it will help prevent and reduce the number of cases," said Cheah.
He said the first mobile unit was launched in 2008 with RM780,000 raised through one of their charity dinners.
NKF Board of Directors chairman Datuk Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher said currently NKF has 1,450 dialysis patients receiving subsidised dialysis treatments at its 25 dialysis centres.
"Unless one goes for health screenings, the disease is unlikely to be detected.
"Among the common kidney-related diseases are diabetes and high blood pressure," said Zaki.
He said that in Malaysia, the number of dialysis patients have tripled from 7,837 in 2001, to 22,932 in 2010.
They were mostly diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension.
NKF has screened more than 140,000 members of the public throughout the country since the first mobile unit was launched.
"While there are no charges, we encourage people to contribute by having a donation box for those generous enough to donate," he said.
For details on the health screening venues, visit www.nkf.org.my.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Acupuncture for surgery soon
The Star Online PUTRAJAYA: Acupuncture may play a role in easing pain during surgery in the future when more people are trained for it, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The idea came about following a minor surgery to remove a thyroid nodule from a patient was successfully done with only acupuncture and minimal local anaesthesia administered at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (RPBH) in Ipoh last month.
“It was a great success,” said the Health Minister, adding that more surgeons needed to be trained in the procedure before it could be introduced to other hospitals.
Putrajaya Hospital surgical department head and consultant breast and endocrine surgeon Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the acupuncture anaesthesia at RPBH was the first done in Malaysia.
Dr Hisham, who performed the surgery, said needles were inserted at a few acupuncture points in the neck and around the patient’s wrists, and mild electric currents were introduced to numb the patient throughout the surgery.
“The surgery took 35 minutes and no other medications were used apart from a small dosage of local anaesthesia to block the contraction of the muscles,” he said in an interview here.
“The surgery went well and the patient was aware — before, during and after the surgery,” he said, adding that the 65-year-old man was even able to speak to Liow through a video call about an hour after the surgery.
And, four hours after the surgery, the patient was discharged.
Dr Hisham said such a surgery was previously performed on patients who were given general anaesthesia, before local anaesthesia was used in recent years.
“It’s not going to replace our traditional way of doing things in ‘Western’ medicine. But it just adds to our armamentarium of surgical services that we can provide for our patients,” he added.
Nevertheless, Dr Hisham said acupuncture anaesthesia was in line with the pain-free hospital concept introduced by the ministry last December.
“A pain-free hospital encourages minimally-invasive procedures, optimum or adequate analgesics, and acupuncture to achieve better pain control,” said Dr Hisham.
“The patient could also be discharged on the same day.”
In China, acupuncture anaesthesia has been used for heart, brain and breast surgeries.
The idea came about following a minor surgery to remove a thyroid nodule from a patient was successfully done with only acupuncture and minimal local anaesthesia administered at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (RPBH) in Ipoh last month.
“It was a great success,” said the Health Minister, adding that more surgeons needed to be trained in the procedure before it could be introduced to other hospitals.
Putrajaya Hospital surgical department head and consultant breast and endocrine surgeon Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the acupuncture anaesthesia at RPBH was the first done in Malaysia.
Dr Hisham, who performed the surgery, said needles were inserted at a few acupuncture points in the neck and around the patient’s wrists, and mild electric currents were introduced to numb the patient throughout the surgery.
“The surgery took 35 minutes and no other medications were used apart from a small dosage of local anaesthesia to block the contraction of the muscles,” he said in an interview here.
“The surgery went well and the patient was aware — before, during and after the surgery,” he said, adding that the 65-year-old man was even able to speak to Liow through a video call about an hour after the surgery.
And, four hours after the surgery, the patient was discharged.
Dr Hisham said such a surgery was previously performed on patients who were given general anaesthesia, before local anaesthesia was used in recent years.
“It’s not going to replace our traditional way of doing things in ‘Western’ medicine. But it just adds to our armamentarium of surgical services that we can provide for our patients,” he added.
Nevertheless, Dr Hisham said acupuncture anaesthesia was in line with the pain-free hospital concept introduced by the ministry last December.
“A pain-free hospital encourages minimally-invasive procedures, optimum or adequate analgesics, and acupuncture to achieve better pain control,” said Dr Hisham.
“The patient could also be discharged on the same day.”
In China, acupuncture anaesthesia has been used for heart, brain and breast surgeries.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Malaysia to fill region's health professional gap
New Straits Times KUALA LUMPUR: THE government will seek to expand education access in the health sciences field from 55,000 to 150,000 places in the next eight years.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday the move would help fill a shortage of 1.2 million health professionals in Southeast Asia, a number that is expected to grow to 1.8 million by 2020.
"I believe Malaysia can play a central role in answering the need for more health professionals in the region," he said when launching the new campus for the Pusrawi International College of Medical Sciences at Taman Batu Muda in Gombak, here.
He said the government had invested RM1.4 billion in the health sciences, which was expected to generate returns of RM2.8 billion in gross domestic product.
The health sciences field, one of the main clusters under the National Key Economic Areas for education, was expected to expand further in the future, he added.
"As such, health sciences students, who are considered highly skilled and employable, can expect a brighter future in this field," said Muhyiddin, who is also education minister.
Currently, he said, seven public institutions and 62 private institutions of higher education offered courses in the health sciences, with a total of 80,096 students.
Muhyiddin also said the government had recently completed the national public dialogue sessions, carried out as part of the ministry's education reform efforts.
"An initial report on the planned reforms will be published next month for feedback from the public before a final blueprint is produced."
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday the move would help fill a shortage of 1.2 million health professionals in Southeast Asia, a number that is expected to grow to 1.8 million by 2020.
"I believe Malaysia can play a central role in answering the need for more health professionals in the region," he said when launching the new campus for the Pusrawi International College of Medical Sciences at Taman Batu Muda in Gombak, here.
He said the government had invested RM1.4 billion in the health sciences, which was expected to generate returns of RM2.8 billion in gross domestic product.
The health sciences field, one of the main clusters under the National Key Economic Areas for education, was expected to expand further in the future, he added.
"As such, health sciences students, who are considered highly skilled and employable, can expect a brighter future in this field," said Muhyiddin, who is also education minister.
Currently, he said, seven public institutions and 62 private institutions of higher education offered courses in the health sciences, with a total of 80,096 students.
Muhyiddin also said the government had recently completed the national public dialogue sessions, carried out as part of the ministry's education reform efforts.
"An initial report on the planned reforms will be published next month for feedback from the public before a final blueprint is produced."
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Health Ministry to begin rewarding healthy employees
The Star Online PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will take the lead in introducing rewards for employees who do not take sick leave.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the programme would start immediately.
"They will receive the reward, which could include a certificate of appreciation, during the ministry's excellent service awards presentation next year.
"Besides the certificate, we are considering rewarding them with opportunities to attend special courses," he said after presenting the ministry's excellent service awards here Thursday.
Liow said he hoped other ministries would consider introducing a similar programme.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the programme would start immediately.
"They will receive the reward, which could include a certificate of appreciation, during the ministry's excellent service awards presentation next year.
"Besides the certificate, we are considering rewarding them with opportunities to attend special courses," he said after presenting the ministry's excellent service awards here Thursday.
Liow said he hoped other ministries would consider introducing a similar programme.
`Mark-ups' in the prices of essential drugs?
theSundaily PETALING JAYA (July 17, 2012): Is the government paying more for medication due to escalating costs of pharmaceuticals, or are there hidden "mark-ups" by middlemen in the prices of essential drugs?
Sources have told theSun that procurement of pharmaceuticals to the ministry is done through local tendering agents – at an average mark-up of 3% of the drug cost.
A reliable source familiar with the drugs procurement process in the ministry recently told theSun that hundreds of millions of ringgit have been given to local tendering agents, whose only role is to hand out government tenders for medication to manufacturers as "pass-through commissions".
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agents will procure the required drugs from various manufacturers and bill it back to the hospital or Health Ministry at a mark-up of between 2% and 5%.
"When a hospital requires a particular drug, it will issue a local purchasing order (LPO) to a tendering agent.
"The agent will then source the drug from various manufacturers, be it from a multi-national pharmaceutical company or a local manufacturer. The agent will then receive a 3% 'pass-through commission' from the government or the hospital," the source explained.
Based on data provided by the ministry, a total of RM12.34 billion was spent on pharmaceuticals between 2001 and 2011. Roughly half this sum is spent via LPO.
The source said the 3% is also "clean profit" for the agent, since the cost of distributing the medicines to the respective hospitals is borne by the manufacturer or supplier.
"This practice has been going on for many years. All procurements are done this way," the source claimed.
Another source within the pharmaceutical industry told theSun that the use of "agents" to procure medication for hospitals is not necessary.
"The agents are used mainly in LPOs because a majority of products bought under them are patented drugs which are by multinational companies," explained the source.
Agents become the go-between for companies which are not registered with the Finance Ministry and the government. Only companies that are majority-owned by Malaysians can be registered with the Finance Ministry and bid for tenders.
"The use of agents have little value-add to the procurement process," said the pharmaceutical source.
The "mark ups" were once as high as 10% but have since come down.
However, he does not believe it has a significant cost impact on Health Ministry expenditure.
"While I do not think there is a need for tendering agents, it has minimal impact on the price of drugs because only around half of government procurements are done through LPOs," the source said.
When approached, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai denied that there are middlemen in the ministry's procurement process.
"It's not true. Any company can supply to the government as long as they register with the Finance Ministry. It's all tendering (process)... the best price will win," he told theSun.
He stressed that the Health Ministry is transparent in its work and all procurements are done through open tenders. However, the ministry is not involved if the company has its own agents and distributors, Liow said.
"But they are not considered middlemen as they are providing a service to the company," he added.
On July 10, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng brought up the issue of middlemen in the purchasing of medicines for public hospitals, and asked Liow why they could not buy them direct from manufacturers.
He also claimed that pharmaceutical manufacturers based in the country were not happy with having to go through a third party to sell their products to the public sector.
Sources have told theSun that procurement of pharmaceuticals to the ministry is done through local tendering agents – at an average mark-up of 3% of the drug cost.
A reliable source familiar with the drugs procurement process in the ministry recently told theSun that hundreds of millions of ringgit have been given to local tendering agents, whose only role is to hand out government tenders for medication to manufacturers as "pass-through commissions".
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agents will procure the required drugs from various manufacturers and bill it back to the hospital or Health Ministry at a mark-up of between 2% and 5%.
"When a hospital requires a particular drug, it will issue a local purchasing order (LPO) to a tendering agent.
"The agent will then source the drug from various manufacturers, be it from a multi-national pharmaceutical company or a local manufacturer. The agent will then receive a 3% 'pass-through commission' from the government or the hospital," the source explained.
Based on data provided by the ministry, a total of RM12.34 billion was spent on pharmaceuticals between 2001 and 2011. Roughly half this sum is spent via LPO.
The source said the 3% is also "clean profit" for the agent, since the cost of distributing the medicines to the respective hospitals is borne by the manufacturer or supplier.
"This practice has been going on for many years. All procurements are done this way," the source claimed.
Another source within the pharmaceutical industry told theSun that the use of "agents" to procure medication for hospitals is not necessary.
"The agents are used mainly in LPOs because a majority of products bought under them are patented drugs which are by multinational companies," explained the source.
Agents become the go-between for companies which are not registered with the Finance Ministry and the government. Only companies that are majority-owned by Malaysians can be registered with the Finance Ministry and bid for tenders.
"The use of agents have little value-add to the procurement process," said the pharmaceutical source.
The "mark ups" were once as high as 10% but have since come down.
However, he does not believe it has a significant cost impact on Health Ministry expenditure.
"While I do not think there is a need for tendering agents, it has minimal impact on the price of drugs because only around half of government procurements are done through LPOs," the source said.
When approached, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai denied that there are middlemen in the ministry's procurement process.
"It's not true. Any company can supply to the government as long as they register with the Finance Ministry. It's all tendering (process)... the best price will win," he told theSun.
He stressed that the Health Ministry is transparent in its work and all procurements are done through open tenders. However, the ministry is not involved if the company has its own agents and distributors, Liow said.
"But they are not considered middlemen as they are providing a service to the company," he added.
On July 10, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng brought up the issue of middlemen in the purchasing of medicines for public hospitals, and asked Liow why they could not buy them direct from manufacturers.
He also claimed that pharmaceutical manufacturers based in the country were not happy with having to go through a third party to sell their products to the public sector.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Liow: Ministry’s medical tourism target surpassed
The Star Online KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has surpassed the expected target for medical tourism.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the revenue last year was RM511mil, an increase of 18.6% from RM431mil in 2010.
“We expect it to hit RM600mil by year-end,” he said at a press conference after opening the 20th APHM International Healthcare Conference and Exhibition 2012 yesterday.
Liow said the RM600mil could easily be achieved as up to May 31, as many as 236,836 foreign medical tourists had been treated, bringing in a total revenue of RM200.4mil.
He said tourist arrivals had also been growing at the rate of 30% for the last five years.
The popular areas of medical tourism were cardiology and orthopaedic surgery while aesthetic medicine was also fast catching up.
He said the Government had given all ministries the task of contributing to the economic growth of the nation, adding that the Health Ministry had worked together with its partners and other stakeholders to achieve the target through medical tourism.
On another matter, Liow said government hospitals still lacked specialists and hoped that more doctors would move towards specialisation.
“My intention is to offer specialist services at all district hospitals,” he said, adding that the private sector too should train specialists as currently, most were trained by the Government.
Asked if there was any progress on the issue of Lincoln University College (LUC) recruiting students for three unrecognised medical schools in Ukraine, Liow said he would look into it again.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the revenue last year was RM511mil, an increase of 18.6% from RM431mil in 2010.
“We expect it to hit RM600mil by year-end,” he said at a press conference after opening the 20th APHM International Healthcare Conference and Exhibition 2012 yesterday.
Liow said the RM600mil could easily be achieved as up to May 31, as many as 236,836 foreign medical tourists had been treated, bringing in a total revenue of RM200.4mil.
He said tourist arrivals had also been growing at the rate of 30% for the last five years.
The popular areas of medical tourism were cardiology and orthopaedic surgery while aesthetic medicine was also fast catching up.
He said the Government had given all ministries the task of contributing to the economic growth of the nation, adding that the Health Ministry had worked together with its partners and other stakeholders to achieve the target through medical tourism.
On another matter, Liow said government hospitals still lacked specialists and hoped that more doctors would move towards specialisation.
“My intention is to offer specialist services at all district hospitals,” he said, adding that the private sector too should train specialists as currently, most were trained by the Government.
Asked if there was any progress on the issue of Lincoln University College (LUC) recruiting students for three unrecognised medical schools in Ukraine, Liow said he would look into it again.
India's Vinayaka Missions University To Set Up Branch Campuses In Malaysia
Etp Pemandu KUALA LUMPUR, 16 JULY 2012 (Bernama) - India's Vinayaka Missions University is set to establish its Malaysian branch campuses through the establishment of the Vinayaka Missions International University College (VMIUC), with a RM530 million investment over eight years.
The multi-disciplinary VMIUC has received licence from the higher education ministry to set up faculties in Johor, Penang and the Klang Valley.
"The VMIUC dental college is set to be established in Pasir Gudang, Johor while the post-graduate medical faculty and distance education directorate will be set up in the Klang Valley."
"Pre-university, art and science, business and management, engineering, hospitality and tourism, traditional and complimentary medicine and health sciences faculties will be established in Penang," said VMIUC managing director Datuk Dr S. Sharavanan at the university college's inaugration ceremony here today.
The ceremony was attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin. Sharavanan said the Penang and Johor branch campuses would each cost about RM97 million, and the Klang Valley branch, about RM240 million.
The multi-disciplinary VMIUC has received licence from the higher education ministry to set up faculties in Johor, Penang and the Klang Valley.
"The VMIUC dental college is set to be established in Pasir Gudang, Johor while the post-graduate medical faculty and distance education directorate will be set up in the Klang Valley."
"Pre-university, art and science, business and management, engineering, hospitality and tourism, traditional and complimentary medicine and health sciences faculties will be established in Penang," said VMIUC managing director Datuk Dr S. Sharavanan at the university college's inaugration ceremony here today.
The ceremony was attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin. Sharavanan said the Penang and Johor branch campuses would each cost about RM97 million, and the Klang Valley branch, about RM240 million.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Private hospitals urged to churn out own specialists
The Malay Mail PRIVATE hospitals were today told to train more specialists on their own to assist the government in tackling the shortage of specialist doctors in the country, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai today.
He said at the moment the country had 5,000 specialist doctors and of this figure, 3,000 specialist doctors were now serving in the public sector.
"Private hospitals should also have their own specialists and should not depend only on government hospitals to obtain the service of specialist doctors.
"They should also train their existing doctors to become specialists," he told reporters after opening the 20th International Conference and Exhibition on Health Care, here.
He said there were now 35,000 doctors in the country and the government hoped the ratio of one doctor to 400 people could be achieved by 2020.
Meanwhile, Private Hospital Association president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said the three-day conference which focused on human capital development in the hospital service sector attracted participants from 30 countries.
He said at the moment the country had 5,000 specialist doctors and of this figure, 3,000 specialist doctors were now serving in the public sector.
"Private hospitals should also have their own specialists and should not depend only on government hospitals to obtain the service of specialist doctors.
"They should also train their existing doctors to become specialists," he told reporters after opening the 20th International Conference and Exhibition on Health Care, here.
He said there were now 35,000 doctors in the country and the government hoped the ratio of one doctor to 400 people could be achieved by 2020.
Meanwhile, Private Hospital Association president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said the three-day conference which focused on human capital development in the hospital service sector attracted participants from 30 countries.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Guidelines soon on aesthetic treatment, says Liow
The Star Online KUALA LUMPUR: Guidelines on aesthetic medical practice are being drawn up to protect the public from botched jobs.
The draft is expected to be completed this month, which would lead to the setting-up of the National Registry of Medical Practitioners Practising Aesthetic Medicine next month.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a committee comprising government and private practitioners had been selected to oversee the maintenance of the registry.
He said the registry would have three different categories of medical practitioners providing aesthetic medical services – general practitioners (GPs), dermatologists and other specialists and surgical specialists and plastic surgeons.
“We welcome GPs to practise aesthetic medicine but they need to take courses and be regulated by the ministry,” he said after the 1st Malaysia-Singapore Conference of Aesthetic Medicine opening ceremony here.
The minister said GPs would have to take up a course requiring up to 56 hours of study before they could be validated by the committee to be included in the registry.
Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine president Dr Louis Leh said the main aim was to promote safe aesthetic medicine and cut down on people turning to fly-by-night operators.
“Many don’t know where to go for such treatment and they end up with botched jobs,” he said, adding that beauty consultants were not supposed to handle tasks that required the use of needles or knives.
On whether beauty consultants could hire trained aesthetic doctors to do minor procedures at their centres, he said doctors were not allowed to do so because the Private Facilities and Services Act required them to practise in a proper medical set-up.
The draft is expected to be completed this month, which would lead to the setting-up of the National Registry of Medical Practitioners Practising Aesthetic Medicine next month.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a committee comprising government and private practitioners had been selected to oversee the maintenance of the registry.
He said the registry would have three different categories of medical practitioners providing aesthetic medical services – general practitioners (GPs), dermatologists and other specialists and surgical specialists and plastic surgeons.
“We welcome GPs to practise aesthetic medicine but they need to take courses and be regulated by the ministry,” he said after the 1st Malaysia-Singapore Conference of Aesthetic Medicine opening ceremony here.
The minister said GPs would have to take up a course requiring up to 56 hours of study before they could be validated by the committee to be included in the registry.
Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine president Dr Louis Leh said the main aim was to promote safe aesthetic medicine and cut down on people turning to fly-by-night operators.
“Many don’t know where to go for such treatment and they end up with botched jobs,” he said, adding that beauty consultants were not supposed to handle tasks that required the use of needles or knives.
On whether beauty consultants could hire trained aesthetic doctors to do minor procedures at their centres, he said doctors were not allowed to do so because the Private Facilities and Services Act required them to practise in a proper medical set-up.
Liow: Time to provide incentives for staying healthy
The Star Online PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is looking towards promoting healthy living by rewarding Malaysians who stay hale and fit.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said it was about time for an incentive-based system to encourage Malaysians to adopt healthy lifestyles.
“It could be something like the car insurance policy where one gets NCB (no-claims bonus),” he said.
For a start, he suggested that employers reward employees who did not take sick leave.
“They could be given a bonus. Give them such incentives to live healthily. It is all about using a positive approach,” he said.
Liow said giving rewards was better than the “punishment” approach that had been suggested to him, under which those whose waistlines exceed 74cm to 76.2cm (29 inches to 30 inches) would be subject to certain kinds of action.
In Japan and South Korea, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is “enforced” by employers who shun the overweight in favour of those who look healthy and fit.
In the United States, some insurance companies and Medicare programmes pay doctors for achieving specific health goals with their patients.
Liow said Malaysians were aware of the need to lead healthy lifestyles but needed to translate it into action, adding that the ministry was now looking at how such incentives could be given to its own staff.
He said statistics for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Malaysia had not improved as reflected in the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011.
Liow said the ministry was considering various ways to reduce the risks of NCDs, including addressing causes rather than consequences and cutting risk factor exposures such as tobacco, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) lauded the new approach.
MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said that although the reward system was already adopted by some employers, the ministry's promotion would encourage more bosses to follow suit.
“When attendance incentives have been introduced, employers are sometimes accused of trying to encourage employees to come to work even when they are sick. But the incentives are aimed at reducing the abuse of sick leave,” he said.
He said that before policies on medical leave were implemented, companies lost an average of more than 4% of man-days a year.
“However, with implementation, the percentage of man-days lost has been less than 0.1%,” he said.
(A man-day is an industrial unit of production equal to the work one person does in a day)
Shamsuddin hoped that more employers would implement such rules because they would lead to a win-win situation.
“The employees will be reward- ed for their attendance and employers can recover lost man-days.
“This will also raise awareness among employees to cultivate healthy lifestyles,” he added.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said it was about time for an incentive-based system to encourage Malaysians to adopt healthy lifestyles.
“It could be something like the car insurance policy where one gets NCB (no-claims bonus),” he said.
For a start, he suggested that employers reward employees who did not take sick leave.
“They could be given a bonus. Give them such incentives to live healthily. It is all about using a positive approach,” he said.
Liow said giving rewards was better than the “punishment” approach that had been suggested to him, under which those whose waistlines exceed 74cm to 76.2cm (29 inches to 30 inches) would be subject to certain kinds of action.
In Japan and South Korea, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is “enforced” by employers who shun the overweight in favour of those who look healthy and fit.
In the United States, some insurance companies and Medicare programmes pay doctors for achieving specific health goals with their patients.
Liow said Malaysians were aware of the need to lead healthy lifestyles but needed to translate it into action, adding that the ministry was now looking at how such incentives could be given to its own staff.
He said statistics for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Malaysia had not improved as reflected in the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011.
Liow said the ministry was considering various ways to reduce the risks of NCDs, including addressing causes rather than consequences and cutting risk factor exposures such as tobacco, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) lauded the new approach.
MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said that although the reward system was already adopted by some employers, the ministry's promotion would encourage more bosses to follow suit.
“When attendance incentives have been introduced, employers are sometimes accused of trying to encourage employees to come to work even when they are sick. But the incentives are aimed at reducing the abuse of sick leave,” he said.
He said that before policies on medical leave were implemented, companies lost an average of more than 4% of man-days a year.
“However, with implementation, the percentage of man-days lost has been less than 0.1%,” he said.
(A man-day is an industrial unit of production equal to the work one person does in a day)
Shamsuddin hoped that more employers would implement such rules because they would lead to a win-win situation.
“The employees will be reward- ed for their attendance and employers can recover lost man-days.
“This will also raise awareness among employees to cultivate healthy lifestyles,” he added.
Liow announces Malaysia's centre for food safety
Sinchew KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will set up a Centre For Food Safety equipped with a high-tech laboratory in Salak Tinggi, Selangor next year, to ensure the safety and quality of food in the country.
Health minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the centre was expected to form the scientific arm of the Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division to ensure the safety of food products in Malaysia, particularly imports.
"We'll focus on safe and quality imports into the country and on efficient recall of products if contamination is detected," he said during a speech at the International Food Safety Conference, here today.
The two-day conference, themed "Building Global Trust and Confidence in Food Safety" was timely because consumer confidence in importers, exporters, food manufacturers and food safety authorities has been eroded due to the global food crisis, he added.
Liow said, the Ministry would also set up an International Food Safety Training Laboratory which would provide training in the subject, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, United States of America (US).
Commenting on the training laboratory at a press conference later, he remarked, "We hope to reduce incidences such as artificial milk and eggs, now that we have international cooperation from renowned experts at the University of Maryland."
The laboratory would also help to cut cost because the Ministry had to send samples to Singapore and the US for testing, he added.
The conference, attended by about 200 people, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Malaysian Institute of Food Technology, in cooperation with the University of Maryland.
Health minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the centre was expected to form the scientific arm of the Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division to ensure the safety of food products in Malaysia, particularly imports.
"We'll focus on safe and quality imports into the country and on efficient recall of products if contamination is detected," he said during a speech at the International Food Safety Conference, here today.
The two-day conference, themed "Building Global Trust and Confidence in Food Safety" was timely because consumer confidence in importers, exporters, food manufacturers and food safety authorities has been eroded due to the global food crisis, he added.
Liow said, the Ministry would also set up an International Food Safety Training Laboratory which would provide training in the subject, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, United States of America (US).
Commenting on the training laboratory at a press conference later, he remarked, "We hope to reduce incidences such as artificial milk and eggs, now that we have international cooperation from renowned experts at the University of Maryland."
The laboratory would also help to cut cost because the Ministry had to send samples to Singapore and the US for testing, he added.
The conference, attended by about 200 people, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Malaysian Institute of Food Technology, in cooperation with the University of Maryland.
Sarawak MMA members told to supporty 1Care
The Star Online KUCHING: A controversial proposal to revamp public health that will involve mandatory private sector participation, loomed large at a Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) gathering.
The 1Care, which was recently renamed Malaysian Health System Study, had such bad publicity that the Government had to send its top officials to engage the Opposition in forums held to raise awareness of the proposal nationwide.
At MMA’s Sarawak branch committee installation dinner, its new chairman Dr Donald Liew reassured his members that the non-governmental body would continue to engage and advise the Government on the study.
“Ever since 1Care was presented to the Economic Council in 2009, MMA fought hard to be included in subsequent discussions to formulate a better healthcare model for our country,” Liew said in his maiden speech as state chairman.
He said the existing healthcare model was a financial burden, but cautioned the Government against forcing through legislation without adequate consultation with doctors.
“To remain relevant, MMA members must contribute to this transformation of our healthcare system. This is a huge task, and the challenge is spiralling costs. Since the Health Ministry is carrying out roadshows, all ought to attend and make an effort to formulate constructive contributions,” Liew said.
The proposed revamp is essentially a restructure of public healthcare. It proposes to redistribute finances and responsibilities.
When a forum on the matter was held here earlier this year (when the plan was still known as 1Care), government officials explained that private clinics could be turned into part and parcel of public health care.
The proposal called for clinics – government and private – to act as gatekeepers. Patients would visit their designated clinics while doctors at clinics would be responsible for determining whether further treatment was required at hospitals.
The move was aimed at tackling overcrowding at public hospitals, and leverage on the fact that private clinics were numerous and scattered throughout the country. However, 1Care came under almost immediate criticism.
Liew told MMA Sarawak members to brace themselves for “a new way of practising medicine in our country”.
The Government has not said when the new proposals would be implemented or whether further revisions would be made.
In a recent paper by Sarawak General Hospital director Dr Abdul Rahim Abdullah, which was included at MMA’s installation night booklet, he wrote that injecting funds into the existing healthcare model would not solve problems.
It would be akin to “pouring water into a leaking container,” said Dr Abdul Rahim’s paper titled “Transforming Health System”.
“There are significant mismatches in workload and resources between the public and private sector. Just over 10% of primary care clinics are publicly owned, but handling 40% of total patients visits. Meanwhile, about 80% of hospital admissions are in public hospitals, but only 55% of doctors are within the public system.”
The clinic-as-gatekeeper approach is officially known as the “regional area approach”.
Under it, a combination of public and private clinics would be allocated to patients within a specific area.
Through this, the proposal aims at better utilising doctors in the private sector. These private clinics would be paid by the Government.
Patients, however, can still bypass such systems by paying private fees, out-of-pocket or from private insurance.
Dr Liew’s 2012-2013 executive committee included Dr Albert Wong as vice chairman, past chairmen Dr John Chew and Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian as committee members
The 1Care, which was recently renamed Malaysian Health System Study, had such bad publicity that the Government had to send its top officials to engage the Opposition in forums held to raise awareness of the proposal nationwide.
At MMA’s Sarawak branch committee installation dinner, its new chairman Dr Donald Liew reassured his members that the non-governmental body would continue to engage and advise the Government on the study.
“Ever since 1Care was presented to the Economic Council in 2009, MMA fought hard to be included in subsequent discussions to formulate a better healthcare model for our country,” Liew said in his maiden speech as state chairman.
He said the existing healthcare model was a financial burden, but cautioned the Government against forcing through legislation without adequate consultation with doctors.
“To remain relevant, MMA members must contribute to this transformation of our healthcare system. This is a huge task, and the challenge is spiralling costs. Since the Health Ministry is carrying out roadshows, all ought to attend and make an effort to formulate constructive contributions,” Liew said.
The proposed revamp is essentially a restructure of public healthcare. It proposes to redistribute finances and responsibilities.
When a forum on the matter was held here earlier this year (when the plan was still known as 1Care), government officials explained that private clinics could be turned into part and parcel of public health care.
The proposal called for clinics – government and private – to act as gatekeepers. Patients would visit their designated clinics while doctors at clinics would be responsible for determining whether further treatment was required at hospitals.
The move was aimed at tackling overcrowding at public hospitals, and leverage on the fact that private clinics were numerous and scattered throughout the country. However, 1Care came under almost immediate criticism.
Liew told MMA Sarawak members to brace themselves for “a new way of practising medicine in our country”.
The Government has not said when the new proposals would be implemented or whether further revisions would be made.
In a recent paper by Sarawak General Hospital director Dr Abdul Rahim Abdullah, which was included at MMA’s installation night booklet, he wrote that injecting funds into the existing healthcare model would not solve problems.
It would be akin to “pouring water into a leaking container,” said Dr Abdul Rahim’s paper titled “Transforming Health System”.
“There are significant mismatches in workload and resources between the public and private sector. Just over 10% of primary care clinics are publicly owned, but handling 40% of total patients visits. Meanwhile, about 80% of hospital admissions are in public hospitals, but only 55% of doctors are within the public system.”
The clinic-as-gatekeeper approach is officially known as the “regional area approach”.
Under it, a combination of public and private clinics would be allocated to patients within a specific area.
Through this, the proposal aims at better utilising doctors in the private sector. These private clinics would be paid by the Government.
Patients, however, can still bypass such systems by paying private fees, out-of-pocket or from private insurance.
Dr Liew’s 2012-2013 executive committee included Dr Albert Wong as vice chairman, past chairmen Dr John Chew and Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian as committee members
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Follow-up plan at private clinics to ease congestion in public hospitals
The Star PUCHONG: Patients at government hospitals may soon be able to go for follow-up treatment at private clinics near their homes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was to ease congestion in public hospitals and make it more convenient for these patients.
He said the move would not only cut down waiting time, it would also free up public hospitals for more serious cases.
“If, say, someone went for surgery in a public hospital, he would need to see a doctor to check the stitches, or monitor possible side effects.
“Normally, patients would have to go to a government hospital for follow-up (treatment) but we are trying to take the innovative approach and send them to private general practitioners near their homes,” he said at a community health awareness programme here.
While the study was still in its preliminary stage, the exercise should not cost the Government much, he said.
“Every time a patient goes to any public hospital for a check-up, it still costs us money.
“So why not pass the patient and the cost to a private GP? It should cost the goverment the same amount,” he said.
Liow urged the public not to dwell too much on the cost, saying that it would be “futile in the discussion to innovate healthcare service”.
“Let's focus on the services that we can provide to minimise cost in all sectors,” he added.
He also announced that the Government had approved the setting-up of a health clinic in Bandar Kinrara 5 here.
This is in addition to two government clinics in Batu 6 and Batu 14, respectively.
The clinic, which will be part of the third rolling plan in the 10th Malaysia Plan next year, will serve 500,000 residents in Puchong.
Puchong MCA division chairman Datuk Wong Hock Aun said the public clinic in the army barracks nearby closed down in 2007.
As such, the two other clinics in the area are bursting at the seams. With the booming population in Puchong, low- and middle-income earners need an additional facility, he said.
“We have been writing to the Health Ministry about this and hope to have a clinic by next year,” added Wong.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was to ease congestion in public hospitals and make it more convenient for these patients.
He said the move would not only cut down waiting time, it would also free up public hospitals for more serious cases.
“If, say, someone went for surgery in a public hospital, he would need to see a doctor to check the stitches, or monitor possible side effects.
“Normally, patients would have to go to a government hospital for follow-up (treatment) but we are trying to take the innovative approach and send them to private general practitioners near their homes,” he said at a community health awareness programme here.
While the study was still in its preliminary stage, the exercise should not cost the Government much, he said.
“Every time a patient goes to any public hospital for a check-up, it still costs us money.
“So why not pass the patient and the cost to a private GP? It should cost the goverment the same amount,” he said.
Liow urged the public not to dwell too much on the cost, saying that it would be “futile in the discussion to innovate healthcare service”.
“Let's focus on the services that we can provide to minimise cost in all sectors,” he added.
He also announced that the Government had approved the setting-up of a health clinic in Bandar Kinrara 5 here.
This is in addition to two government clinics in Batu 6 and Batu 14, respectively.
The clinic, which will be part of the third rolling plan in the 10th Malaysia Plan next year, will serve 500,000 residents in Puchong.
Puchong MCA division chairman Datuk Wong Hock Aun said the public clinic in the army barracks nearby closed down in 2007.
As such, the two other clinics in the area are bursting at the seams. With the booming population in Puchong, low- and middle-income earners need an additional facility, he said.
“We have been writing to the Health Ministry about this and hope to have a clinic by next year,” added Wong.
Increase in HFMD cases in Sarawak
MI SIBU, July 14 — The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) affecting children in Sarawak is still high, but has yet to reach an epidemic level, State health director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said today. He said more HFMD cases were reported among children when they returned home for the Gawai Dayak festival and school holiday. However, he said, no deaths from HFMD had been reported yet He advised the public to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. “They should take care of their hygiene and children with symptoms of the disease should not go to schools,” he told reporters after opening the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at Sibu Hospital here today. Dr Zulkifli said so far the Kuching division reported the highest number of HFMD, totalling 115 cases, followed by Sri Aman (64); Miri (57); Sibu (31); Kapit (26); Betong (21), Bintulu (15); Mukah (14) and Sarikei (3). — Bernama
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Malaysia ratifies ILO's occupational safety framework
The Star PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is the third country in Asia after Japan and South Korea to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Promotional Fremework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006 (C187).
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the signing of the C187 with ILO showed the government's commitment in ensuring occupational safety and health.
"We can meet the safety standards set by the international body.
"This is also a commitment by the government to make sure the health and safety of employees in the country are protected," he told reporters after launching the national-level Occupational Safety and Health Week 2012, here.
On June 7, Malaysia confirmed the ILO Convention on Occupational Safety and Health to join developed countries in putting safety and health first at the workplace.
In line with the confirmation, Malaysia also agreed to be monitored by the ILO in matters related to occupational health and safety and to meet its high standards.
Dr Subramaniam said the government was serious in reducing occupational accidents as well as accidents to or from the workplace.
"Overall, a total of 59,897 accidents were reported by Socso (Social Security Organisation) in 2011 compared to 57,639 accidents in 2010, which shows an increase of 3.92%.
"However, holistically, the number of occupational accidents recorded last year was 3.4 per thousand workers compared to 2007, whereby 4.52 per thousand workers were recorded.
"This decrease is a relief, therefore, we must make more efforts to reduce this figure further," he added. - Bernama
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the signing of the C187 with ILO showed the government's commitment in ensuring occupational safety and health.
"We can meet the safety standards set by the international body.
"This is also a commitment by the government to make sure the health and safety of employees in the country are protected," he told reporters after launching the national-level Occupational Safety and Health Week 2012, here.
On June 7, Malaysia confirmed the ILO Convention on Occupational Safety and Health to join developed countries in putting safety and health first at the workplace.
In line with the confirmation, Malaysia also agreed to be monitored by the ILO in matters related to occupational health and safety and to meet its high standards.
Dr Subramaniam said the government was serious in reducing occupational accidents as well as accidents to or from the workplace.
"Overall, a total of 59,897 accidents were reported by Socso (Social Security Organisation) in 2011 compared to 57,639 accidents in 2010, which shows an increase of 3.92%.
"However, holistically, the number of occupational accidents recorded last year was 3.4 per thousand workers compared to 2007, whereby 4.52 per thousand workers were recorded.
"This decrease is a relief, therefore, we must make more efforts to reduce this figure further," he added. - Bernama
Monday, July 09, 2012
Bulk of IHH’s IPO proceeds will go to repay borrowings
theSundaily KUALA LUMPUR (July 4, 2012): IHH Healthcare Bhd, Asia's largest healthcare provider, will use more than 90% of the RM5.13 billion proceeds raised from its dual listing exercise in Malaysia and Singapore to repay bank borrowings, said its managing director Dr Lim Cheok Peng.
A small portion will be used for its expansion drive which will see the group building 17 hospitals and increasing the number of beds to 8,200 by 2015. As at March 31, IHH operates 4,900 beds in 30 hospitals.
IHH's listing exercise involves 2.23 billion shares comprising a public issue of 1.8 billion shares and an offer for sale of 434.65 million shares. It is expected to make its debut on the stock exchanges of Malaysia and Singapore on July 25.
The healthcare group is expected to raise up to RM5.13 billion from the 1.8 billion public issue shares based on RM2.85 and S$1.18 apiece.
Of the proceeds, 90.9% or RM4.66 billion will be used to repay borrowings in 12 months, RM279 million for working capital and general corporate purposes within 24 months, and RM188 million for listing expenses.
Speaking at the launch of IHH's prospectus by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak here yesterday, Lim said the company plans to reduce its gearing to two times from the current four. Its debts stand at some RM6 billion while its cash pile is over RM1 billion.
On the expansion plan, Lim said IHH has invested 75% or RM3 billion as at June 30, and the rest of the investments will come from the proceeds of its listing and also bank borrowings.
"We plan to continue to grow and are in the process of increasing bed capacity at the existing facilities and building new hospitals in home markets of Singapore, Malaysia and Turkey. We also have presence in China, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Brunei."
A small portion will be used for its expansion drive which will see the group building 17 hospitals and increasing the number of beds to 8,200 by 2015. As at March 31, IHH operates 4,900 beds in 30 hospitals.
IHH's listing exercise involves 2.23 billion shares comprising a public issue of 1.8 billion shares and an offer for sale of 434.65 million shares. It is expected to make its debut on the stock exchanges of Malaysia and Singapore on July 25.
The healthcare group is expected to raise up to RM5.13 billion from the 1.8 billion public issue shares based on RM2.85 and S$1.18 apiece.
Of the proceeds, 90.9% or RM4.66 billion will be used to repay borrowings in 12 months, RM279 million for working capital and general corporate purposes within 24 months, and RM188 million for listing expenses.
Speaking at the launch of IHH's prospectus by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak here yesterday, Lim said the company plans to reduce its gearing to two times from the current four. Its debts stand at some RM6 billion while its cash pile is over RM1 billion.
On the expansion plan, Lim said IHH has invested 75% or RM3 billion as at June 30, and the rest of the investments will come from the proceeds of its listing and also bank borrowings.
"We plan to continue to grow and are in the process of increasing bed capacity at the existing facilities and building new hospitals in home markets of Singapore, Malaysia and Turkey. We also have presence in China, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Brunei."
20,000 to benefit from 1Malaysia Clinic
The Star RAWANG: Over 20,000 residents in Bandar Country Homes in Rawang can expect to benefit from the services of the 1Malaysia Clinic after Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai decided to set up a clinic in the area following a visit recently.
Bandar Country Homes residents’ association chairman Soong Beng Khoon said the issue regarding location would need to be sorted out before the clinic was constructed.
He said the clinic, once approved and established, would bring convenience to the residents who had to endure traffic congestions while travelling to the nearest medical centre in Pekan Rawang.
Soong said the travel time between Bandar Country Homes and Pekan Rawang would usually take about 20 minutes.
However, with traffic congestions occuring frequently, the travel time could take up to 40 minutes or more, and this could post a problem for those who require immediate medical attention.
He added that the affordable rates of the 1Malaysia Clinic’s services would also greatly benefit the residents as they were mostly from the low- to middle-income households.
The 1Malaysia Clinic is an initiative, under the Government Transformation Programme’s (GTP) Cost of Living National Key Results Area (NKRA), aimed to provide affordable basic health care to the public.
Bandar Country Homes residents’ association chairman Soong Beng Khoon said the issue regarding location would need to be sorted out before the clinic was constructed.
He said the clinic, once approved and established, would bring convenience to the residents who had to endure traffic congestions while travelling to the nearest medical centre in Pekan Rawang.
Soong said the travel time between Bandar Country Homes and Pekan Rawang would usually take about 20 minutes.
However, with traffic congestions occuring frequently, the travel time could take up to 40 minutes or more, and this could post a problem for those who require immediate medical attention.
He added that the affordable rates of the 1Malaysia Clinic’s services would also greatly benefit the residents as they were mostly from the low- to middle-income households.
The 1Malaysia Clinic is an initiative, under the Government Transformation Programme’s (GTP) Cost of Living National Key Results Area (NKRA), aimed to provide affordable basic health care to the public.
Friday, July 06, 2012
All government hospitals may soon function as baby hatches
The Star PETALING JAYA: All government hospitals may soon be able to function as “hatches” for unwanted babies once a standard operating procedure is put in place.
Women, Family and Community Development Ministry deputy secretary-general Harjeet Singh said discussions were being held with the Health Ministry to introduce a SOP so that all government hospitals could have a mechanism to receive the babies.
He said the plan was in its preliminary stages, and a workshop would likely be held by the end of this year to come up with the SOP.
“This would mean that there would be more places where people could send unwanted babies,” said Harjeet after launching the “Say No to Baby Dumping” seminar here.
There are now two baby hatches in the country – one operated by OrphanCARE (a non-governmental organisation) in Petaling Jaya and another in Ipoh by the KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital.
Harjeet said the ministry has also initiated many programmes to help young mothers with unwanted pregnancies.
One support programme is the Talian Nur helpline (15999) and the venues offering assistance are Nur Sejahtera clinics and welfare department offices at state and district levels.
“Our message to mothers who need help is don’t throw the baby away,” said Harjeet, adding that there are 55 welfare institutions, 104 district welfare department offices, and 56 Nur Sejahtera clinics that are ready to help care for the babies.
Of the 31 cases of baby-dumping so far this year, 10 babies have survived while 19 died.
“The status of the remaining two babies has yet to be confirmed by the hospitals,” Harjeet said.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
‘Toothache’ for dentists over multiple licences
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.
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.
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
Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)