Move to win doctors’ hearts
PONTIAN: The full payment service, to be introduced at government hospitals soon, is not expected to stop doctors from leaving the public sector, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Instead, he said the service was aimed at “winning the hearts” of doctors.
“The plan will see the creation of an environment similar to that in private hospitals.
“We are talking about facilities and support staff that would all be just like in private hospitals,” he told reporters after visiting the Pontian hospital yesterday.
Dr Chua said many doctors craved for such an environment in the workplace.
“Now we are working towards creating that environment which we hope will win their hearts and encourage them to continue working in government hospitals,” he added.
Dr Chua said it was not impossible to keep doctors in government service.
“The scenario where doctors leave public hospitals is happening everywhere even in developed countries.
“This is a reality we must face. But at the same time, we are trying everything we can to make them stay (in public hospitals) and the introduction of the service is one of these efforts,” he said.
On the Pontian hospital, Dr Chua said its services would be upgraded to cater to the rapid development in the area, including the construction of the Tanjung Bin power plant and a petrochemical plant.
He said the hospital would be equipped to treat injuries caused by petrochemical incidents.
“I hope to be able to implement the upgrade within three years, which will coincide with the completion of the projects,” he added.
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
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Monday, October 18, 2004
Pay for doctor of your choice scheme soon
JOHOR BARU: Full payment service will soon be available at government hospitals in which patients will be put in first-class wards and be able to choose the doctors and specialists to treat them as in private hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the plan would see services equivalent to private hospitals in government hospitals and was aimed at improving efficiency, services and increase competition in the healthcare industry.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Johor branch annual dinner on Saturday, he said this would be implemented instead of the earlier proposed private wing at government hospitals, which would have required a high cost to set up.
He said these patients would be required to pay the full amount and the fees would be compatible to that charged by private practices, according to the schedule drawn by the MMA.
He said the ministry would work out the division of fees and payment to specialists, doctors and workforce providing services under the scheme, adding that the service was targeted at those with insurance coverage and patients whose medical expenses were borne by their employers.
“This way, we can help increase the Government’s revenue in medical services which is heavily subsidised.
“For instance, delivery charges for those whose medical treatment is subsidised costs only RM100 while the full paying patients who engage the services of a gynaecologist and obstetrician of their choice will pay around RM500,” he said.
Dr Chua said the Cabinet made the decision last Wednesday and Putrajaya and Selayang hospitals had been selected to start the service next year.
“However, I would like to stress that services provided to other patients will not be affected by this and we assure those seeking treatment in government hospitals that their medical needs will not be overlooked.
“I would also like to emphasise that full paying patients will not be given the priority in the waiting list for surgery and treatments merely because they are paying in full,” he said.
“Any consideration to speed up treatment or an operation will be strictly based on the medical condition of a patient.”
He said hospitals found suitable for such service would have their first-class wards renovated for the purpose, adding that this would involve a large number of the 1,683 beds in first-class wards.
Dr Chua also said that the Cabinet had agreed to allow public doctors to do locum in government hospitals and clinics in view of the shortage of doctors.
He added this initiative would also prevent them from leaving Government service.
JOHOR BARU: Full payment service will soon be available at government hospitals in which patients will be put in first-class wards and be able to choose the doctors and specialists to treat them as in private hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the plan would see services equivalent to private hospitals in government hospitals and was aimed at improving efficiency, services and increase competition in the healthcare industry.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Johor branch annual dinner on Saturday, he said this would be implemented instead of the earlier proposed private wing at government hospitals, which would have required a high cost to set up.
He said these patients would be required to pay the full amount and the fees would be compatible to that charged by private practices, according to the schedule drawn by the MMA.
He said the ministry would work out the division of fees and payment to specialists, doctors and workforce providing services under the scheme, adding that the service was targeted at those with insurance coverage and patients whose medical expenses were borne by their employers.
“This way, we can help increase the Government’s revenue in medical services which is heavily subsidised.
“For instance, delivery charges for those whose medical treatment is subsidised costs only RM100 while the full paying patients who engage the services of a gynaecologist and obstetrician of their choice will pay around RM500,” he said.
Dr Chua said the Cabinet made the decision last Wednesday and Putrajaya and Selayang hospitals had been selected to start the service next year.
“However, I would like to stress that services provided to other patients will not be affected by this and we assure those seeking treatment in government hospitals that their medical needs will not be overlooked.
“I would also like to emphasise that full paying patients will not be given the priority in the waiting list for surgery and treatments merely because they are paying in full,” he said.
“Any consideration to speed up treatment or an operation will be strictly based on the medical condition of a patient.”
He said hospitals found suitable for such service would have their first-class wards renovated for the purpose, adding that this would involve a large number of the 1,683 beds in first-class wards.
Dr Chua also said that the Cabinet had agreed to allow public doctors to do locum in government hospitals and clinics in view of the shortage of doctors.
He added this initiative would also prevent them from leaving Government service.
Medical practitioners 'abuse' usage of pill for profits
SEGAMAT: An agonistic pill, used as an alternative to cut down the cravings of drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation, has been abused by certain medical practitioners and pharmacists to gain profits.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the pill was prescribed by doctors and administered as a detoxification treatment for drug addicts hooked on morphine and heroin.
“When used as a treatment, the pill may help reduce drug cravings. However, if the pill is mixed with other drugs, it can produce a euphoric effect.
“This means that instead of cutting down the cravings, it enhances the ‘high’ feeling of the addict,” Dr Chua told reporters after visiting the Segamat Hospital here Saturday
SEGAMAT: An agonistic pill, used as an alternative to cut down the cravings of drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation, has been abused by certain medical practitioners and pharmacists to gain profits.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the pill was prescribed by doctors and administered as a detoxification treatment for drug addicts hooked on morphine and heroin.
“When used as a treatment, the pill may help reduce drug cravings. However, if the pill is mixed with other drugs, it can produce a euphoric effect.
“This means that instead of cutting down the cravings, it enhances the ‘high’ feeling of the addict,” Dr Chua told reporters after visiting the Segamat Hospital here Saturday
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Private hospitals to be available in government hospitals soon
JOHOR BARU: Services equivalent to those in private hospitals will soon be available in government hospitals with the introduction of the full payment service, aimed at improving efficiency, services and increase competition in the health industry.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, in making the announcement, said under the proposed service, patients would be warded in first-class wards and could choose the doctors and specialists to treat them, similar to the option available when seeking treatment in private hospitals.
Speaking to reporters after attending the MMA (Johor branch) annual dinner on Saturday night, he said this would be implemented instead of the earlier proposal for a private wing at government hospitals, which would incur a high cost in setting up.
He said instead of paying the subsidised fees, these patients would be required to pay the full amount and the fees would be compatible to that charged by private practices, according to schedule drawn by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Dr Chua said the Cabinet had made the decision last Wednesday and Putrajaya and Selayang hospitals had been selected to start the service next year
JOHOR BARU: Services equivalent to those in private hospitals will soon be available in government hospitals with the introduction of the full payment service, aimed at improving efficiency, services and increase competition in the health industry.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, in making the announcement, said under the proposed service, patients would be warded in first-class wards and could choose the doctors and specialists to treat them, similar to the option available when seeking treatment in private hospitals.
Speaking to reporters after attending the MMA (Johor branch) annual dinner on Saturday night, he said this would be implemented instead of the earlier proposal for a private wing at government hospitals, which would incur a high cost in setting up.
He said instead of paying the subsidised fees, these patients would be required to pay the full amount and the fees would be compatible to that charged by private practices, according to schedule drawn by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Dr Chua said the Cabinet had made the decision last Wednesday and Putrajaya and Selayang hospitals had been selected to start the service next year
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Herbs with medicinal value making impact
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15:
Unknown to many Malaysians, the pegaga herb (Centella asiatica) and meng- kudu fruit (Morinda citrifolia) are making waves locally and abroad because of their medicinal benefits.
In the old days, the pegaga was used to detoxify blood and improve skin conditions, with research on the pegaga in 1949 showing the plant's success in accelerating the healing of inflammation on leprosy sores and ulcers. Its other medical uses include treating skin diseases, asthma, hypertension, poor appetite, poor blood circulation, kidney stones and leg cramps.
It is also said to improve memory retention. The mengkudu is said to be effective in treating hypertension, diabetes, stomach aches and improving vitality.
Several companies nationwide are beginning to realise the business potential of these herbs and are sell- ing them to foreign markets. Konsortium Pasifik Sama Sdn Bhd (KPS) is one company that sells these indigenous herbs, which are also found in Sabah.
They are sold at local pharmacies and retailers, and through the Internet to foreign markets. KPS is a joint venture company involving the Sabah Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises, a private sector group, and Creative Business Services Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Institute for Development Studies Sabah.
They started selling six locally-produced natural products — mengkudu juice, capsules and hair and body shampoo as well as pegaga tea and pegaga and tongkat ali capsules — five years ago.
Although the company suffered setbacks due to the global economic downturn and the Iraq invasion, business is picking up.
"We are getting orders from the United States, Scotland, Middle East, Australia and South Korea.
"We cannot afford advertising or marketing campaigns, so we rely on retailers, pharmacies and the Internet to promote our business," said KPS general manager Mary Sintoh. She said the company planned to diversify its products by taking advantage of the State's abundant resources.
According to her, the herbs are taken from the wild in Sabah, while those in Peninsula Malaysia are mostly cultivated.
The products are available in 31 retail outlets in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
Prices range from about RM12 for hair and body shampoo and teabags to about RM40 for a bottle of pegaga capsules and mengkudu juice.
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15:
Unknown to many Malaysians, the pegaga herb (Centella asiatica) and meng- kudu fruit (Morinda citrifolia) are making waves locally and abroad because of their medicinal benefits.
In the old days, the pegaga was used to detoxify blood and improve skin conditions, with research on the pegaga in 1949 showing the plant's success in accelerating the healing of inflammation on leprosy sores and ulcers. Its other medical uses include treating skin diseases, asthma, hypertension, poor appetite, poor blood circulation, kidney stones and leg cramps.
It is also said to improve memory retention. The mengkudu is said to be effective in treating hypertension, diabetes, stomach aches and improving vitality.
Several companies nationwide are beginning to realise the business potential of these herbs and are sell- ing them to foreign markets. Konsortium Pasifik Sama Sdn Bhd (KPS) is one company that sells these indigenous herbs, which are also found in Sabah.
They are sold at local pharmacies and retailers, and through the Internet to foreign markets. KPS is a joint venture company involving the Sabah Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises, a private sector group, and Creative Business Services Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Institute for Development Studies Sabah.
They started selling six locally-produced natural products — mengkudu juice, capsules and hair and body shampoo as well as pegaga tea and pegaga and tongkat ali capsules — five years ago.
Although the company suffered setbacks due to the global economic downturn and the Iraq invasion, business is picking up.
"We are getting orders from the United States, Scotland, Middle East, Australia and South Korea.
"We cannot afford advertising or marketing campaigns, so we rely on retailers, pharmacies and the Internet to promote our business," said KPS general manager Mary Sintoh. She said the company planned to diversify its products by taking advantage of the State's abundant resources.
According to her, the herbs are taken from the wild in Sabah, while those in Peninsula Malaysia are mostly cultivated.
The products are available in 31 retail outlets in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
Prices range from about RM12 for hair and body shampoo and teabags to about RM40 for a bottle of pegaga capsules and mengkudu juice.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Malaysians losing virginity at 19
KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen years, three months and 18 days – that is the average age Malaysians are losing their virginity today, according to the 2004 Durex Global Sex Survey.
This could be considered “old” when compared to the global average of 17.7 years, but according to the survey, Malaysians start engaging in sexual intercourse at a younger age of 19.3 years compared to the average age of 20 in 2001.
The Icelanders are the youngest (15.7 years) to start having sex compared to other nationalities while the Vietnamese are the most patient (19.8 years).
Out of the 8,202 Malaysian respondents to the online survey, those below 20 even claimed that the average age when they first started “doing it” was 17 years.
Despite this trend however, Malaysians are among the oldest to receive sex education at 14.5 years together with the Indians (15 years) and the Vietnamese (15.4). The Germans, at 11.3 years old, are the youngest to be taught about “the bird and the bees.”
Some 30% of Malaysian respondents even claimed that they have never had any formal sex education.
While 69% of Malaysian respondents were concerned about HIV/AIDS and another 22% about unplanned pregnancy, more than a third (35%) of them, as well as those in the rest of the world, admitted to having had unprotected sex without knowing their partner's sexual history.
Most Malaysian respondents felt that parents and guardians (49%) and schools (30%) should be responsible for teaching sex education.
SSL Healthcare Malaysia (the manufacturer of Durex condoms) managing director Tim Evans said the increase in the number of Malaysian respondents from 5,645 last year to 8,202 this year showed that people were increasingly willing to talk about sexual issues and their particular likes and dislikes since the survey was done online. More than 350,000 people from 41 countries took part in what is reputed to be the world's largest survey of sexual attitudes and behaviour.
According to the survey, the French are having the most sex (137 times a year) while the Japanese are the least sexually active (46 times a year). In this respect, Malaysians are not doing too badly at 86 times a year compared with the global average of 103 times.
The survey also revealed that a woman's breasts (30%) were the biggest turn-on for men followed by a toned body (15%), her attitude and face (9% each), a nice bottom (7%) and beautiful legs (7%).
Women on the other hand were more charmed by a man's attitude (17%), followed by his eyes (14%), a toned body and chest (13% each), a good sense of humour (10%) and a nice smile (9%).
KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen years, three months and 18 days – that is the average age Malaysians are losing their virginity today, according to the 2004 Durex Global Sex Survey.
This could be considered “old” when compared to the global average of 17.7 years, but according to the survey, Malaysians start engaging in sexual intercourse at a younger age of 19.3 years compared to the average age of 20 in 2001.
The Icelanders are the youngest (15.7 years) to start having sex compared to other nationalities while the Vietnamese are the most patient (19.8 years).
Out of the 8,202 Malaysian respondents to the online survey, those below 20 even claimed that the average age when they first started “doing it” was 17 years.
Despite this trend however, Malaysians are among the oldest to receive sex education at 14.5 years together with the Indians (15 years) and the Vietnamese (15.4). The Germans, at 11.3 years old, are the youngest to be taught about “the bird and the bees.”
Some 30% of Malaysian respondents even claimed that they have never had any formal sex education.
While 69% of Malaysian respondents were concerned about HIV/AIDS and another 22% about unplanned pregnancy, more than a third (35%) of them, as well as those in the rest of the world, admitted to having had unprotected sex without knowing their partner's sexual history.
Most Malaysian respondents felt that parents and guardians (49%) and schools (30%) should be responsible for teaching sex education.
SSL Healthcare Malaysia (the manufacturer of Durex condoms) managing director Tim Evans said the increase in the number of Malaysian respondents from 5,645 last year to 8,202 this year showed that people were increasingly willing to talk about sexual issues and their particular likes and dislikes since the survey was done online. More than 350,000 people from 41 countries took part in what is reputed to be the world's largest survey of sexual attitudes and behaviour.
According to the survey, the French are having the most sex (137 times a year) while the Japanese are the least sexually active (46 times a year). In this respect, Malaysians are not doing too badly at 86 times a year compared with the global average of 103 times.
The survey also revealed that a woman's breasts (30%) were the biggest turn-on for men followed by a toned body (15%), her attitude and face (9% each), a nice bottom (7%) and beautiful legs (7%).
Women on the other hand were more charmed by a man's attitude (17%), followed by his eyes (14%), a toned body and chest (13% each), a good sense of humour (10%) and a nice smile (9%).
Action on firm duping public on health
Kuala Lumpur: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek on Tuesday exposed a health product firm said to have deceived its customers.
The Bursa Malaysia-listed company had promoted the product, saying that it could improve blood circulation and strengthen the heart.
“Throughout my involvement in the medical profession, I’ve not come across a device that can strengthen the heart of a person,” he told reporters after opening a anti-smoking forum, here.
Dr Chua, however, declined to disclose the company’s name, saying it was listed on Bursa Malaysia only recently.
He said his Ministry was studying the form of action to be taken against the company which had reaped millions in profits every year from the sale of health products.
Dr Chua reminded the public not to be easily swayed by advertisements of health products and medicines on television, newspapers and the Internet.
He advised them to buy only government-sanctioned health products. - Bernama
Kuala Lumpur: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek on Tuesday exposed a health product firm said to have deceived its customers.
The Bursa Malaysia-listed company had promoted the product, saying that it could improve blood circulation and strengthen the heart.
“Throughout my involvement in the medical profession, I’ve not come across a device that can strengthen the heart of a person,” he told reporters after opening a anti-smoking forum, here.
Dr Chua, however, declined to disclose the company’s name, saying it was listed on Bursa Malaysia only recently.
He said his Ministry was studying the form of action to be taken against the company which had reaped millions in profits every year from the sale of health products.
Dr Chua reminded the public not to be easily swayed by advertisements of health products and medicines on television, newspapers and the Internet.
He advised them to buy only government-sanctioned health products. - Bernama
Monday, October 11, 2004
Ministry slams private hospitals for overcharging
PENANG: Some private hospitals are believed to have overcharged their patients for transfusion of blood obtained at a lower fee or for free from government hospitals, Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Lee Kah Choon said.
“I am not accusing any party but only urging private hospitals not to overcharge patients for transfusion of blood obtained from government hospitals and make a profit out of it,” he said.
He said some private hospitals asked for blood supply from government hospitals that either charged RM80 a unit or did not charge, depending on the cases.
The RM80, he said, was the cost of screening blood donated by volunteers.
He said private hospitals should only charge the amount paid to the government hospitals upon obtaining the blood supply.
“If they received the blood for free from the government hospitals, the fee on blood supply should not be included in the patients’ bills,” he said after launching a blood donation campaign organised by the Hui Yin Sen society at the Prangin Mall yesterday.
“We don’t want patients complaining that they were charged RM200 for blood transfusion, when the amount actually included other services as well,” Lee said.
He added that private hospitals should give details of charges in the bills issued to patients.
PENANG: Some private hospitals are believed to have overcharged their patients for transfusion of blood obtained at a lower fee or for free from government hospitals, Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Lee Kah Choon said.
“I am not accusing any party but only urging private hospitals not to overcharge patients for transfusion of blood obtained from government hospitals and make a profit out of it,” he said.
He said some private hospitals asked for blood supply from government hospitals that either charged RM80 a unit or did not charge, depending on the cases.
The RM80, he said, was the cost of screening blood donated by volunteers.
He said private hospitals should only charge the amount paid to the government hospitals upon obtaining the blood supply.
“If they received the blood for free from the government hospitals, the fee on blood supply should not be included in the patients’ bills,” he said after launching a blood donation campaign organised by the Hui Yin Sen society at the Prangin Mall yesterday.
“We don’t want patients complaining that they were charged RM200 for blood transfusion, when the amount actually included other services as well,” Lee said.
He added that private hospitals should give details of charges in the bills issued to patients.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Unlicensed 'Hospital' raided
The signboard reads ‘Chinese Acupuncture Treatment Centre’ but it is a different scene inside.
The acupuncture centre is actually a 12-bed hospital complete with a treatment room and a laboratory.
The centre, which is on the first floor of a three-storey building in Jalan 2/116D, off Jalan Kuchai Lama, was raided by the Federal Territory Health Department yesterday morning.
When the raiding party entered the premises, there were two patients being treated - one was on intravenous drips, while the other was seated on a bed.
There were a doctor and a nurse in the centre. Checks revealed that the doctor is a Chinese national who is not registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
Enforcement officers from the department's pharmaceutical services division found that the centre is actually an unlicensed hospital.
The division's principal assistant director Ahmad Nozrin Taharin said the premises is not licensed as a hospital.
"Moreover, the doctor on duty is not registered with the MMC," he said.
Checks revealed that the doctor is from Beijing, China, and that most of the medicines prescribed were also from China.
The enforcement officers seized an assortment of medicines and 200 syringes.
In the midst of the raid, the owner of the centre, who is a certified doctor, arrived at the scene.
He was questioned by the enforcement officers.
The Malay Mail learnt that the centre had been kept under surveillance for about a month before the enforcers moved in yesterday morning.
"We are still investigating. All their records are in Chinese and we will have to get someone to translate them," Ahmad Nozrin said.
The owner is expected to be charged with selling drugs without a licence.
The signboard reads ‘Chinese Acupuncture Treatment Centre’ but it is a different scene inside.
The acupuncture centre is actually a 12-bed hospital complete with a treatment room and a laboratory.
The centre, which is on the first floor of a three-storey building in Jalan 2/116D, off Jalan Kuchai Lama, was raided by the Federal Territory Health Department yesterday morning.
When the raiding party entered the premises, there were two patients being treated - one was on intravenous drips, while the other was seated on a bed.
There were a doctor and a nurse in the centre. Checks revealed that the doctor is a Chinese national who is not registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
Enforcement officers from the department's pharmaceutical services division found that the centre is actually an unlicensed hospital.
The division's principal assistant director Ahmad Nozrin Taharin said the premises is not licensed as a hospital.
"Moreover, the doctor on duty is not registered with the MMC," he said.
Checks revealed that the doctor is from Beijing, China, and that most of the medicines prescribed were also from China.
The enforcement officers seized an assortment of medicines and 200 syringes.
In the midst of the raid, the owner of the centre, who is a certified doctor, arrived at the scene.
He was questioned by the enforcement officers.
The Malay Mail learnt that the centre had been kept under surveillance for about a month before the enforcers moved in yesterday morning.
"We are still investigating. All their records are in Chinese and we will have to get someone to translate them," Ahmad Nozrin said.
The owner is expected to be charged with selling drugs without a licence.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Seremban Hospital bags top award
PETALING JAYA: Seremban Hospital gained international recognition when it was named the winner of the “Governance or Social Responsibility” category of the 2004 Asian Hospital Management Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.
The award was one of eight that went up for grabs, which included categories like customer service, human resource and development, quality medical care, patient safety, information technology and e-commerce, technical services and marketing and brand management.
Asian Hospital Federation (AHF) president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar said in a statement that the award won by Seremban Hospital was for an undertaking that made a difference in the improvement of corporate governance or in responsible leadership, including that of healthcare in the community.
He said Seremban Hospital’s “Volunteer Service Programme” received praises from the panel of judges as it had illustrated that it was possible to present such an initiative at minimal expenditure in today’s landscape of ever increasing costs, utilising a comprehensive pool of volunteers.
A total of 165 entries from 11 countries had been received for the eight categories.
PETALING JAYA: Seremban Hospital gained international recognition when it was named the winner of the “Governance or Social Responsibility” category of the 2004 Asian Hospital Management Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.
The award was one of eight that went up for grabs, which included categories like customer service, human resource and development, quality medical care, patient safety, information technology and e-commerce, technical services and marketing and brand management.
Asian Hospital Federation (AHF) president Datuk Dr Ridzwan Bakar said in a statement that the award won by Seremban Hospital was for an undertaking that made a difference in the improvement of corporate governance or in responsible leadership, including that of healthcare in the community.
He said Seremban Hospital’s “Volunteer Service Programme” received praises from the panel of judges as it had illustrated that it was possible to present such an initiative at minimal expenditure in today’s landscape of ever increasing costs, utilising a comprehensive pool of volunteers.
A total of 165 entries from 11 countries had been received for the eight categories.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Tuberculosis on the rise among HIV patients
PENANG: Six per cent of the total number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Malaysia involved HIV patients and the number is increasing yearly.
Health Ministry Disease Control (Infectious Diseases) Division deputy director Dr Nirmal Singh also said that if a person suffering from HIV was exposed to TB, he would show signs of TB earlier compared to a person free from HIV.
“Most of us were exposed to TB when we were younger and the germs were then locked up somewhere in our body as our good health prevented it from affecting us.
“But when we got older and if our health begins to get worse, then we might start showing signs of TB,” he said.
He said this after the launching of a two-day national TB symposium by Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Lee Kah Choon at a hotel here yesterday.
Lee said the number of TB cases nationwide have increased to 15,912 last year compared to 14,830 cases in 2002.
He said the increase was due to the change in the TB reporting system introduced last year, which resulted in more cases being reported.
The symposium was jointly organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Pharmaceutical Science’s TB Research Group and National Poison Centre and the ministry.
PENANG: Six per cent of the total number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Malaysia involved HIV patients and the number is increasing yearly.
Health Ministry Disease Control (Infectious Diseases) Division deputy director Dr Nirmal Singh also said that if a person suffering from HIV was exposed to TB, he would show signs of TB earlier compared to a person free from HIV.
“Most of us were exposed to TB when we were younger and the germs were then locked up somewhere in our body as our good health prevented it from affecting us.
“But when we got older and if our health begins to get worse, then we might start showing signs of TB,” he said.
He said this after the launching of a two-day national TB symposium by Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Lee Kah Choon at a hotel here yesterday.
Lee said the number of TB cases nationwide have increased to 15,912 last year compared to 14,830 cases in 2002.
He said the increase was due to the change in the TB reporting system introduced last year, which resulted in more cases being reported.
The symposium was jointly organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Pharmaceutical Science’s TB Research Group and National Poison Centre and the ministry.
Event to promote healthy lifestyle
KUALA LUMPUR: Women of all ages will have the opportunity to get expert advice on health, undergo free health screening and have fun at an inaugural programme of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
The three-day event, entitled Women: Health and Lifestyle 2004, will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre beginning Friday.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the event was a new initiative by the ministry and the private sector to promote innovative lifestyle for women towards a healthier way of life.
The event, co-organised by Pantai Medical Centre and F & R Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd, will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
More than 30 local and foreign medical experts will be talking on various issues at the event.
KUALA LUMPUR: Women of all ages will have the opportunity to get expert advice on health, undergo free health screening and have fun at an inaugural programme of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
The three-day event, entitled Women: Health and Lifestyle 2004, will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre beginning Friday.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the event was a new initiative by the ministry and the private sector to promote innovative lifestyle for women towards a healthier way of life.
The event, co-organised by Pantai Medical Centre and F & R Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd, will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
More than 30 local and foreign medical experts will be talking on various issues at the event.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Dr M: Set up rapid response centres to check diseases
PETALING JAYA: Special centres should be set up internationally to rapidly identify diseases so as to avert pandemics, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
With today’s speed of travel, a carrier of an infectious disease could travel halfway around the world before symptoms appeared.
“The centres should consist of well-equipped laboratories owned, financed and operated by the international community, manned by competent personnel drawn from all over the world,” the former prime minister said during the 5th Asia Pacific Travel Health Conference at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir was delivering a keynote address at the conference entitled Travel Health: View of a Statesman.
Since poor countries where new diseases were most likely to appear would not be able to set up and man the centres, he said the project should be shouldered by an international organisation like the United Nations and financed proportionately by all countries.
“If an epidemic breaks out, all countries will suffer. Since travelling costs money, people in the rich countries are likely to suffer first because they are the ones who travel most.”
Dr Mahathir said inadequate measures in dealing with the spread of diseases associated with travel were also another reason why such centres were necessary.
Citing an example, he said quarantine measures were not foolproof and even put uninfected persons at risk when they are isolated together with those infected.
Dr Mahathir said the centres must be stocked with the best equipment and the best method of vaccine production that are not subject to any intellectual property issues.
In addition, he said medical teams must always wear protective suits and should have special diagnostic kits to enable immediate tests to be carried out.
“Systems and drills should be developed to minimise the risk of infection. The samples must be quickly sent to the nearest centre where laboratory examinations can be carried out.”
Dr Mahathir said that although the cost involved in setting up the centres would be high, the money would be well spent, as it was only a fraction of what weapons development and production cost.
In the end, he said it would be cheaper than handling a pandemic.
PETALING JAYA: Special centres should be set up internationally to rapidly identify diseases so as to avert pandemics, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
With today’s speed of travel, a carrier of an infectious disease could travel halfway around the world before symptoms appeared.
“The centres should consist of well-equipped laboratories owned, financed and operated by the international community, manned by competent personnel drawn from all over the world,” the former prime minister said during the 5th Asia Pacific Travel Health Conference at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir was delivering a keynote address at the conference entitled Travel Health: View of a Statesman.
Since poor countries where new diseases were most likely to appear would not be able to set up and man the centres, he said the project should be shouldered by an international organisation like the United Nations and financed proportionately by all countries.
“If an epidemic breaks out, all countries will suffer. Since travelling costs money, people in the rich countries are likely to suffer first because they are the ones who travel most.”
Dr Mahathir said inadequate measures in dealing with the spread of diseases associated with travel were also another reason why such centres were necessary.
Citing an example, he said quarantine measures were not foolproof and even put uninfected persons at risk when they are isolated together with those infected.
Dr Mahathir said the centres must be stocked with the best equipment and the best method of vaccine production that are not subject to any intellectual property issues.
In addition, he said medical teams must always wear protective suits and should have special diagnostic kits to enable immediate tests to be carried out.
“Systems and drills should be developed to minimise the risk of infection. The samples must be quickly sent to the nearest centre where laboratory examinations can be carried out.”
Dr Mahathir said that although the cost involved in setting up the centres would be high, the money would be well spent, as it was only a fraction of what weapons development and production cost.
In the end, he said it would be cheaper than handling a pandemic.
Tobacco-related deaths to climb
PETALING JAYA: The number of deaths yearly due to smoking will triple over the next three decades to 30,000 by 2030.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Taha Arif said about 10,000 Malaysians die each year now as a result of smoking.
“There are about five million smokers in Malaysia, each smoking an average of 14 cigarettes a day. Half of these smokers will eventually be killed by tobacco,” he said.
He said this in his foreword to the Clinical Practical Guidelines on Treatment of Tobacco Smoking and Dependence 2003, published by the ministry's Disease Control Division and the Academy of Medicine.
Dr Mohamad Taha said while tobacco consumption was dropping in developed countries, it was on the rise in developing countries, including Malaysia, because of higher population growth.
“The prevalence of smokers among Malaysians aged 15 years and above had increased from 21% in 1985 to 31% in 2000,” he said.
Noting that it was difficult to quit smoking, Dr Mohamad Taha said healthcare professionals could also playing an active role in helping smokers break the habit.
“Among the current smokers, about 43% have attempted to quit on their own, but failed to do so,” he said.
However, he said, studies had found that a few minutes of firm advice from doctors, supported by educational materials and follow-ups, had helped smokers to quit.
PETALING JAYA: The number of deaths yearly due to smoking will triple over the next three decades to 30,000 by 2030.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Taha Arif said about 10,000 Malaysians die each year now as a result of smoking.
“There are about five million smokers in Malaysia, each smoking an average of 14 cigarettes a day. Half of these smokers will eventually be killed by tobacco,” he said.
He said this in his foreword to the Clinical Practical Guidelines on Treatment of Tobacco Smoking and Dependence 2003, published by the ministry's Disease Control Division and the Academy of Medicine.
Dr Mohamad Taha said while tobacco consumption was dropping in developed countries, it was on the rise in developing countries, including Malaysia, because of higher population growth.
“The prevalence of smokers among Malaysians aged 15 years and above had increased from 21% in 1985 to 31% in 2000,” he said.
Noting that it was difficult to quit smoking, Dr Mohamad Taha said healthcare professionals could also playing an active role in helping smokers break the habit.
“Among the current smokers, about 43% have attempted to quit on their own, but failed to do so,” he said.
However, he said, studies had found that a few minutes of firm advice from doctors, supported by educational materials and follow-ups, had helped smokers to quit.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Chua: 260 schools get notices during anti-dengue checks
TAIPING: About 4% or 260 schools are among 6,522 premises issued with notices during anti-dengue checks carried out throughout the country this year, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said the notices, asking them to clean up their premises, were among the actions taken by the health authorities to prevent dengue fever.
“We are disappointed that schools are not taking the matter seriously as they should set good examples,” he said during a visit to the Taiping Hospital here on Friday.
Dr Chua said up to Sept 25, about two million premises were inspected by the health authorities where 6,522 notices were issued on premises, 10,472 premises were issued with compounds and 45 people taken to court.
“Two premises were closed down (for failing to take remedial action),” he said.
He said dengue fever should be seriously viewed by the people as it had become an endemic disease.
Annually, between 30 and 60 people died from dengue fever, he said.
He said Perak was among the “top” states afflicted by it, recording eight deaths from haemorrhagic dengue fever.
“Two of the eight deaths were recorded in Taiping this year,” he said.
From the checks, it was discovered that most of the breeding grounds were at abandoned projects, empty space, factories and schools.
“People tend to blame the Government for the spread of dengue but they must also play their roles by ensuring that their compounds, houses and their surroundings are free of breeding grounds for the aedes mosquitoes,” Dr Chua said.
Earlier, the minister was briefed on the various development projects taking shape at the Taiping Hospital.
TAIPING: About 4% or 260 schools are among 6,522 premises issued with notices during anti-dengue checks carried out throughout the country this year, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said the notices, asking them to clean up their premises, were among the actions taken by the health authorities to prevent dengue fever.
“We are disappointed that schools are not taking the matter seriously as they should set good examples,” he said during a visit to the Taiping Hospital here on Friday.
Dr Chua said up to Sept 25, about two million premises were inspected by the health authorities where 6,522 notices were issued on premises, 10,472 premises were issued with compounds and 45 people taken to court.
“Two premises were closed down (for failing to take remedial action),” he said.
He said dengue fever should be seriously viewed by the people as it had become an endemic disease.
Annually, between 30 and 60 people died from dengue fever, he said.
He said Perak was among the “top” states afflicted by it, recording eight deaths from haemorrhagic dengue fever.
“Two of the eight deaths were recorded in Taiping this year,” he said.
From the checks, it was discovered that most of the breeding grounds were at abandoned projects, empty space, factories and schools.
“People tend to blame the Government for the spread of dengue but they must also play their roles by ensuring that their compounds, houses and their surroundings are free of breeding grounds for the aedes mosquitoes,” Dr Chua said.
Earlier, the minister was briefed on the various development projects taking shape at the Taiping Hospital.
New way to fight drug menace
KUALA LUMPUR: Increased enforcement is among factors contributing to a 16% jump in the number of drug addicts in the country, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
He said the number of addicts last year was 36,996 compared with 31,893 in 2002, adding that this was a big increase compared with the rise of 1% from 2001 to 2002.
“This increased enforcement is part of the government’s new approach against the drug menace.
“Enforcement agencies have embarked on a nationwide operation to nab drug addicts, pushers and dealers, while public awareness programmes are being enhanced for students, women’s groups, community leaders, youth organisations and religious bodies,” he said.
Dr Chua said this in a speech, delivered by Public Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Shafie Ooyub, at the opening of the First National Conference on Addiction Medicine (NatCAM) yesterday.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia Dr Steven Chow said that during heightened enforcement, with active case-finding activities, new cases were bound to be found.
“But this does not mean that the high number of addicts did not exist before, it can be a case of underreporting,'' he said.
Dr Chua also said the Government was concerned with the fact that 70% of the addicts detected last year were young adults aged between 20 and 29, people who ought to be economically and socially most productive.
He said heroin accounted for the most frequently used drug, followed by morphine, ganja and metamphetamine.
Dr Chow, who is also NatCAM organising chairman, said early intervention was one of the solutions to tackle the rising scourge of drug abuse.
He said parents were given education on how to spot signs of their children being involved in drug abuse.
KUALA LUMPUR: Increased enforcement is among factors contributing to a 16% jump in the number of drug addicts in the country, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
He said the number of addicts last year was 36,996 compared with 31,893 in 2002, adding that this was a big increase compared with the rise of 1% from 2001 to 2002.
“This increased enforcement is part of the government’s new approach against the drug menace.
“Enforcement agencies have embarked on a nationwide operation to nab drug addicts, pushers and dealers, while public awareness programmes are being enhanced for students, women’s groups, community leaders, youth organisations and religious bodies,” he said.
Dr Chua said this in a speech, delivered by Public Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Shafie Ooyub, at the opening of the First National Conference on Addiction Medicine (NatCAM) yesterday.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia Dr Steven Chow said that during heightened enforcement, with active case-finding activities, new cases were bound to be found.
“But this does not mean that the high number of addicts did not exist before, it can be a case of underreporting,'' he said.
Dr Chua also said the Government was concerned with the fact that 70% of the addicts detected last year were young adults aged between 20 and 29, people who ought to be economically and socially most productive.
He said heroin accounted for the most frequently used drug, followed by morphine, ganja and metamphetamine.
Dr Chow, who is also NatCAM organising chairman, said early intervention was one of the solutions to tackle the rising scourge of drug abuse.
He said parents were given education on how to spot signs of their children being involved in drug abuse.
Specialists in turning around hospitals in the red
CHRISTOPHER Yap, 43, is willing to take a clever challenge with any hospital owner or management. “Let us, Health Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, review your hospital operations and business process and we can turn it around and make 25% more in profit for the hospital.”
For hospital managers whose operations are running at a loss, Yap's offer is a difficult one to refuse because his pitch is: “If we do not make profits for you, then the following year's service is on the house.”
He is serious because his company has turned around two hospitals in the Philippines from the red into black within a year.
According to Yap, in November 2000, as principal consultant of Health Solutions, he did a business review of Fatima Medical Centre in the Philippines, which had been operating in the red for the past eight years.
The study, which he did with his colleagues at Health Solutions, took five months.
“We did a total review of all the business process operations, which included its marketing, pharmacy, radiology and housekeeping. Following the review, we identified the necessary changes and saw a 25% increase in hospital revenue,” Yap said.
Another feather in the cap for this international Malaysian company is turning around De Los Santos Medical Centre, also in the Philippines, said Yap, who sees the mission of the healthcare industry as planning and delivering excellence in its service.
Health Solutions Group accomplished a major milestone last month when it launched the first of its chain of eight Family Care International Clinics in Ho Chi Minh City. This launch also marked its maiden entry into the Vietnamese market.
Yap said the centre would provide curative medicine for children and adults, primary first aid, medical investigations, employment medical checks, immunisation, preventive medicine, occupational health, rehabilitation and other specialist services.
He said he is able to make profits for hospitals by using innovative and highly competent professional management techniques learnt from his 15 years of experience in sales, operations, financial and administrative work in a wide spectrum of industries primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.
Yap does this by first creating the vision and mission to achieve profitability. He then goes about establishing systems and procedures that consistently result in significantly increasing efficiency, control and profitability.
Health Solutions Group is entrenched in many parts of the Asia-Pacific, he said. It offers multifaceted, value-added consulting services in project management, medical planning, medical equipment planning, IT consultancy, specialised healthcare consultancy and operational management.
The group’s more recent forays include long-term operational management contracts with hospitals in Australia and Philippines, and a joint venture with one of the largest industrial groups in China.
“The fact that people at Health Solutions are made up of Malaysians speaks volumes of the professionalism, experience and international expertise these Malaysians possess. They would be of great service to the country and the Malaysian public and private sector healthcare industry,” said Yap.
In Malaysia, it built the Slim River District Hospital with a consortium, and another hospital in Setiu, Terengganu.
CHRISTOPHER Yap, 43, is willing to take a clever challenge with any hospital owner or management. “Let us, Health Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, review your hospital operations and business process and we can turn it around and make 25% more in profit for the hospital.”
For hospital managers whose operations are running at a loss, Yap's offer is a difficult one to refuse because his pitch is: “If we do not make profits for you, then the following year's service is on the house.”
He is serious because his company has turned around two hospitals in the Philippines from the red into black within a year.
According to Yap, in November 2000, as principal consultant of Health Solutions, he did a business review of Fatima Medical Centre in the Philippines, which had been operating in the red for the past eight years.
The study, which he did with his colleagues at Health Solutions, took five months.
“We did a total review of all the business process operations, which included its marketing, pharmacy, radiology and housekeeping. Following the review, we identified the necessary changes and saw a 25% increase in hospital revenue,” Yap said.
Another feather in the cap for this international Malaysian company is turning around De Los Santos Medical Centre, also in the Philippines, said Yap, who sees the mission of the healthcare industry as planning and delivering excellence in its service.
Health Solutions Group accomplished a major milestone last month when it launched the first of its chain of eight Family Care International Clinics in Ho Chi Minh City. This launch also marked its maiden entry into the Vietnamese market.
Yap said the centre would provide curative medicine for children and adults, primary first aid, medical investigations, employment medical checks, immunisation, preventive medicine, occupational health, rehabilitation and other specialist services.
He said he is able to make profits for hospitals by using innovative and highly competent professional management techniques learnt from his 15 years of experience in sales, operations, financial and administrative work in a wide spectrum of industries primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.
Yap does this by first creating the vision and mission to achieve profitability. He then goes about establishing systems and procedures that consistently result in significantly increasing efficiency, control and profitability.
Health Solutions Group is entrenched in many parts of the Asia-Pacific, he said. It offers multifaceted, value-added consulting services in project management, medical planning, medical equipment planning, IT consultancy, specialised healthcare consultancy and operational management.
The group’s more recent forays include long-term operational management contracts with hospitals in Australia and Philippines, and a joint venture with one of the largest industrial groups in China.
“The fact that people at Health Solutions are made up of Malaysians speaks volumes of the professionalism, experience and international expertise these Malaysians possess. They would be of great service to the country and the Malaysian public and private sector healthcare industry,” said Yap.
In Malaysia, it built the Slim River District Hospital with a consortium, and another hospital in Setiu, Terengganu.
Anti-arthritis drug Vioxx withdrawn from market
PETALING JAYA: Popular anti-arthritis drug Vioxx has been immediately withdrawn from the market by its pharmaceutical company Merck and Company because of increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Its principal in Malaysia, Merck Sharp and Dohme Sdn Bhd, has taken steps to recall the drug, including notifying the Health Ministry’s Drug Control Agency yesterday morning after receiving instructions from its parent company in the United States.
“Patients currently on Vioxx should consult their doctor to seek advice on alternative treatments,” she said.
She said patients should also return any unused tablets to where they bought them and full refunds would be given.
A toll-free service line at 1-800-38-1202 has been set up and those who had questions could call between 9am and 6pm until Oct 8, she said.
She added that information could also be obtained from www.merck.com and www.vioxx.com.
Malaysian Society of Rheumatology president Dr Yeap Swan Sim said Vioxx was a popular drug for people suffering from various kinds of arthritis.
However, she said it was almost impossible to determine the number of patients in Malaysia who were using it.
“I don’t think there should be a problem arising from it being withdrawn as it is the kind of drug which a patient can stop taking immediately,” she said.
Dr Yeap also said there were alternatives in the market and urged patients to see their doctors to get proper advice on this.
She added that Vioxx was not only used for arthritis but also migraine and menstrual pains.
On the risks which brought about the drug’s withdrawal, she said she was not aware of any incidents of heart attack or stroke in Malaysia resulting from taking the drug.
A fact sheet by Merck said the decision to withdraw Vioxx was based on a new three-year study to evaluate the efficacy of Vioxx 25mg in preventing the recurrence of colorectal polyps.
“In this study, there was an increased relative risk for confirmed cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke,” it said.
PETALING JAYA: Popular anti-arthritis drug Vioxx has been immediately withdrawn from the market by its pharmaceutical company Merck and Company because of increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Its principal in Malaysia, Merck Sharp and Dohme Sdn Bhd, has taken steps to recall the drug, including notifying the Health Ministry’s Drug Control Agency yesterday morning after receiving instructions from its parent company in the United States.
“Patients currently on Vioxx should consult their doctor to seek advice on alternative treatments,” she said.
She said patients should also return any unused tablets to where they bought them and full refunds would be given.
A toll-free service line at 1-800-38-1202 has been set up and those who had questions could call between 9am and 6pm until Oct 8, she said.
She added that information could also be obtained from www.merck.com and www.vioxx.com.
Malaysian Society of Rheumatology president Dr Yeap Swan Sim said Vioxx was a popular drug for people suffering from various kinds of arthritis.
However, she said it was almost impossible to determine the number of patients in Malaysia who were using it.
“I don’t think there should be a problem arising from it being withdrawn as it is the kind of drug which a patient can stop taking immediately,” she said.
Dr Yeap also said there were alternatives in the market and urged patients to see their doctors to get proper advice on this.
She added that Vioxx was not only used for arthritis but also migraine and menstrual pains.
On the risks which brought about the drug’s withdrawal, she said she was not aware of any incidents of heart attack or stroke in Malaysia resulting from taking the drug.
A fact sheet by Merck said the decision to withdraw Vioxx was based on a new three-year study to evaluate the efficacy of Vioxx 25mg in preventing the recurrence of colorectal polyps.
“In this study, there was an increased relative risk for confirmed cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke,” it said.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Ministry plans mental health module
IPOH: The Health Ministry is formulating a module emphasising the promotion, early diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of the increasing number of people with mental problems.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the module would give the Government a clearer direction in the development of the mental health programme.
A study conducted eight years ago showed that 10.7% of Malaysian adults suffered some form of mental problems.
The problem was prevalent among people aged 50 and above, with Indians topping the list followed by the Chinese and Malays.
“What we are more worried about is that those affected are mostly single mothers and divorcees.
“We hope to have a module that will outline the appropriate strategies, objectives and activities to address the problem in future,” he told reporters after opening the Fifth Perak Mental Health Convention at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Chua said the National Mental Health Committee, headed by the ministry’s director-general, had been tasked with formulating the module.
He said the ministry would strengthen and consolidate the psychiatric and community mental health services in all government hospitals and health clinics in dealing with the problem.
“We are looking at setting up halfway homes for the mentally ill to help them over the period between full institutional care and their discharge,” he said.
IPOH: The Health Ministry is formulating a module emphasising the promotion, early diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of the increasing number of people with mental problems.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the module would give the Government a clearer direction in the development of the mental health programme.
A study conducted eight years ago showed that 10.7% of Malaysian adults suffered some form of mental problems.
The problem was prevalent among people aged 50 and above, with Indians topping the list followed by the Chinese and Malays.
“What we are more worried about is that those affected are mostly single mothers and divorcees.
“We hope to have a module that will outline the appropriate strategies, objectives and activities to address the problem in future,” he told reporters after opening the Fifth Perak Mental Health Convention at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Chua said the National Mental Health Committee, headed by the ministry’s director-general, had been tasked with formulating the module.
He said the ministry would strengthen and consolidate the psychiatric and community mental health services in all government hospitals and health clinics in dealing with the problem.
“We are looking at setting up halfway homes for the mentally ill to help them over the period between full institutional care and their discharge,” he said.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Health dept contacts doc who wants to help govt
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Health Department has contacted private practitioner Dr K. Balachandran to advise him how he can serve part-time in government hospitals and clinics.
At the same time, the department said it regretted the inconvenience faced by the doctor who claimed to have been given the runaround by various government agencies and associations when he wanted to respond to the Health Ministry’s call to serve part-time in government hospitals.
State health director Dr Ang Kim Teng said Dr Balachandran’s difficulty in registering for the service announced by the ministry last month was due to “miscommunication and failure to contact the unit concerned on the service.”
Dr Ang said this in response to a report in The Star last Wednesday that the private doctor was facing difficulty in offering his services to help ease the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.
Dr Balachandran claimed that there was a lack of information on the scheme despite contacting the state health department, the Klang district health department, the Health Ministry as well as the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Medical Association.
Dr Ang said the department got in touch with Dr Balachandran and forwarded to him a copy of the ministry’s guidelines on “Utilisation of Private Doctor Service in Health Clinics”.
“We thank Dr Balachandran for offering his services and we shall be pleased to process his application as soon as we receive it,” Dr Ang said.
The guideline which contains relevant details pertaining to the scheme is also available on the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my.
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Health Department has contacted private practitioner Dr K. Balachandran to advise him how he can serve part-time in government hospitals and clinics.
At the same time, the department said it regretted the inconvenience faced by the doctor who claimed to have been given the runaround by various government agencies and associations when he wanted to respond to the Health Ministry’s call to serve part-time in government hospitals.
State health director Dr Ang Kim Teng said Dr Balachandran’s difficulty in registering for the service announced by the ministry last month was due to “miscommunication and failure to contact the unit concerned on the service.”
Dr Ang said this in response to a report in The Star last Wednesday that the private doctor was facing difficulty in offering his services to help ease the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.
Dr Balachandran claimed that there was a lack of information on the scheme despite contacting the state health department, the Klang district health department, the Health Ministry as well as the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Medical Association.
Dr Ang said the department got in touch with Dr Balachandran and forwarded to him a copy of the ministry’s guidelines on “Utilisation of Private Doctor Service in Health Clinics”.
“We thank Dr Balachandran for offering his services and we shall be pleased to process his application as soon as we receive it,” Dr Ang said.
The guideline which contains relevant details pertaining to the scheme is also available on the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my.
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