Star: After a month of intensive anti-aedes operations by the authorities and aggressive campaigns to get the people involved in the war against mosquitoes, Penang too is seeing a decline in the number of dengue cases.
State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah said 34 confirmed cases were reported in the first week of the month and 37 cases last week – against 90 in the last week of September.
On dengue hotspots, he said there were 11 in the southwest district at present, compared with 24 last week.
“Of the 11 hotspots, we are very concerned over Persiaran Mayang Pasir and Kampung Sungai Batu because of the high number of suspected cases reported there,” he told newsmen after a meeting with health officials yesterday.
He said the number of hotspots in the northeast district remained at seven, adding that Seberang Jaya was also declared a hotspot.
The state executive councillor said a factory in Bayan Lepas and two construction sites in the northeast district were fined RM500 each for having aedes breeding grounds.
Since last month, eight schools, two colleges, one private hospital, five factories and 30 construction sites in Penang had been booked.
Despite the positive signs, Subbaiyah said, Penangites should continue to work with the authorities to eradicate aedes.
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
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Dengue war showing results
Star: Positive signs can be seen on the dengue battlefront. There has been a drop in the percentage of confirmed patients among suspected cases.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said of the 1,172 suspected cases reported last week (29 cases fewer than the previous week), 23% or 270 cases were confirmed to be dengue.
Compare that percentage with the total 31,037 suspected cases reported this year, of which 28.6% or 8,889 cases were confirmed to be dengue, and there was reason to be optimistic, he said.
“We hope this positive trend will continue. We believe that beefing up monitoring and collaborating with the public in cleaning up areas has helped to keep the number of cases down,” he said at the weekly dengue update yesterday.
He attributed the drop to eradication of mosquito breeding grounds and fogging.
However, the dengue death toll has increased by two to 78 casualties.
A 21-year-old male contract worker from Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor had fever on Oct 9 and was admitted to hospital on Oct 12. He died the next day.
An eight-year-old girl from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, died on Aug 18 at the Kota Baru Hospital but her death was only reported to the ministry last week.
Selangor saw a 50% reduction in the number of suspected cases reported in Kajang – one of the three dengue hotspots in the state –over the past few weeks.
The state government however cautions against complacency in view of the current rainy season.
State Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng reminded local councils and other authorities, and the people to maintain diligence in the war against aedes by ensuring there was no stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed.
Dr Lim, who is chairman of the State Health Committee, said the state was keeping vigil on the three hotspots: Kajang (which averaged 50 suspected cases a week), Subang (also 50) and Shah Alam (30).
More than 30 suspected cases a week reported in a municipality warranted intense aedes search and destroy missions, he said.
“We want to keep reported cases below 10 per week in a municipality. There can never be a zero-case scenario for the time being.
“We need to be vigilant during the rainy season. Dengue will usually taper off a few weeks into the dry season,” he said.
Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said of the 1,172 suspected cases reported last week (29 cases fewer than the previous week), 23% or 270 cases were confirmed to be dengue.
Compare that percentage with the total 31,037 suspected cases reported this year, of which 28.6% or 8,889 cases were confirmed to be dengue, and there was reason to be optimistic, he said.
“We hope this positive trend will continue. We believe that beefing up monitoring and collaborating with the public in cleaning up areas has helped to keep the number of cases down,” he said at the weekly dengue update yesterday.
He attributed the drop to eradication of mosquito breeding grounds and fogging.
However, the dengue death toll has increased by two to 78 casualties.
A 21-year-old male contract worker from Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor had fever on Oct 9 and was admitted to hospital on Oct 12. He died the next day.
An eight-year-old girl from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, died on Aug 18 at the Kota Baru Hospital but her death was only reported to the ministry last week.
Selangor saw a 50% reduction in the number of suspected cases reported in Kajang – one of the three dengue hotspots in the state –over the past few weeks.
The state government however cautions against complacency in view of the current rainy season.
State Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng reminded local councils and other authorities, and the people to maintain diligence in the war against aedes by ensuring there was no stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed.
Dr Lim, who is chairman of the State Health Committee, said the state was keeping vigil on the three hotspots: Kajang (which averaged 50 suspected cases a week), Subang (also 50) and Shah Alam (30).
More than 30 suspected cases a week reported in a municipality warranted intense aedes search and destroy missions, he said.
“We want to keep reported cases below 10 per week in a municipality. There can never be a zero-case scenario for the time being.
“We need to be vigilant during the rainy season. Dengue will usually taper off a few weeks into the dry season,” he said.
Malaysia's First Mechanical Heart Recipient Undergoes Minor Surgery
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Muhammad Fikri Nor Azmi, Malaysia's first recipient of an Implantable Ventricular Assist Device (IVAD) or better known as mechanical heart, underwent a minor surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to shortness of breath.
Muhammad Fikri, 15, developed sporadic episodes of shortness of breath after his home leave on Oct 10 and it was noticed by the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) team, IJN said in a statement, Tuesday.
It said initial investigations showed the mechanical heart was functioning well and Muhammad Fikri's cardiac status was stable.
"However, routine chest x-rays showed he had a collection of air pockets surrounding the left lung. As a precautionary measure, the VAD team decided to explore the left chest surgically and the two-hour operation was performed at 5pm yesterday," it said.
The surgery was successful and no problems were encountered, it said.
"Muhammad Fikri is now recuperating well at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and he will be discharged to the ward in the next few days.
"The team is hopeful and anticipated that he will be able to spend his Hari Raya with family, the statement said.
Muhammad Fikri was on the heart donor waiting list since March and in July he went for IVAD.
He has been responding well to treatments and medications while waiting to undergo a heart transplant surgery, it added.
Muhammad Fikri, 15, developed sporadic episodes of shortness of breath after his home leave on Oct 10 and it was noticed by the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) team, IJN said in a statement, Tuesday.
It said initial investigations showed the mechanical heart was functioning well and Muhammad Fikri's cardiac status was stable.
"However, routine chest x-rays showed he had a collection of air pockets surrounding the left lung. As a precautionary measure, the VAD team decided to explore the left chest surgically and the two-hour operation was performed at 5pm yesterday," it said.
The surgery was successful and no problems were encountered, it said.
"Muhammad Fikri is now recuperating well at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and he will be discharged to the ward in the next few days.
"The team is hopeful and anticipated that he will be able to spend his Hari Raya with family, the statement said.
Muhammad Fikri was on the heart donor waiting list since March and in July he went for IVAD.
He has been responding well to treatments and medications while waiting to undergo a heart transplant surgery, it added.
Contingency Plan Against Bird Flu
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Ministry has put in place a contingency plan in the event of another bird flu outbreak in the country.
Its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry had learnt valuable lessons from the last outbreak in Kelantan and specific measures had been taken to prevent re-occurrence.
"As such, we hope the public will report if there are abnormal poultry deaths to the authorities quickly so that we can zero in on the cause and implement countermeasures if necessary," he said when winding up debate on the 2006 Supply Bill for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Muhyiddin said everyone should be aware of the dangers of the disease to humans as more people are expected to die throughout the world if the pandemic is not stopped.
On agricultural development in the country, Muhyiddin said only Bank Negara had responded positively to helping the industry.
He said banks were still reluctant to come forward and help the industry for fear of encountering losses.
Its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry had learnt valuable lessons from the last outbreak in Kelantan and specific measures had been taken to prevent re-occurrence.
"As such, we hope the public will report if there are abnormal poultry deaths to the authorities quickly so that we can zero in on the cause and implement countermeasures if necessary," he said when winding up debate on the 2006 Supply Bill for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Muhyiddin said everyone should be aware of the dangers of the disease to humans as more people are expected to die throughout the world if the pandemic is not stopped.
On agricultural development in the country, Muhyiddin said only Bank Negara had responded positively to helping the industry.
He said banks were still reluctant to come forward and help the industry for fear of encountering losses.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Dengue death toll climbs to 78 nationwide
NST: THE national dengue death toll has climbed to 78, with the latest fatalities being an eight-year-old schoolgirl in Kelantan and a 21-year-old plumber in Selangor.
The schoolgirl, from Pengkalan Chepa, died of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Kota Baru Hospital on Aug 18, eight days after being hospitalised.
The Health Ministry was notified of her death only last week, its disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said today.
The second victim came down with the fever on Oct 9, was admitted to the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital on Oct 12, and died the following day of DHF.
The schoolgirl, from Pengkalan Chepa, died of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Kota Baru Hospital on Aug 18, eight days after being hospitalised.
The Health Ministry was notified of her death only last week, its disease control director, Dr Ramlee Rahmat, said today.
The second victim came down with the fever on Oct 9, was admitted to the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital on Oct 12, and died the following day of DHF.
Smoking-related diseases eating up Malaysia health budget: report
TodayOnlineMalaysia is being hit hard by the financial burden of smoking-related diseases, with healthcare costs linked to the habit absorbing nearly half the health ministry's budget, a report said.
A study on the healthcare implications of smoking showed that related heart and lung cost 3.1 billion ringgit (821.45 million dollars) in 2004, some 44.3 percent of the health ministry's budget, said the Edge financial newspaper.
The recent study by three Malaysian universities and two tobacco-control bodies said the sum was equivalent to 17.2 percent of total national healthcare spending, and that costs were on the rise.
The research only took into account three major heart and lung smoking-related diseases, so the total costs could be much higher, said the study's authors.
"The research findings are actually very conservative because it only looks at three diseases. There are more than 150 diseases associated with smoking that are caused by the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco," health economics expert Syed Mohamed Al Junid was quoted as saying.
The study, to be published next year by the UN's World Health Organisation, looked at healthcare costs for 200 smokers in government hospitals between December 2003 and May this year.
Experts said that the cost of treating patients in private hospitals and other factors such as loss of productivity from illness and premature deaths had not been included in the study.
The number of Malaysians taking up cigarette smoking is on the rise despite high-profile government campaigns to curb the habit.
A National Health Survey last year showed 23.2 percent of adult Malaysians smoked, while separate surveys have shown nearly 25 percent of young people smoke. — AFP
A study on the healthcare implications of smoking showed that related heart and lung cost 3.1 billion ringgit (821.45 million dollars) in 2004, some 44.3 percent of the health ministry's budget, said the Edge financial newspaper.
The recent study by three Malaysian universities and two tobacco-control bodies said the sum was equivalent to 17.2 percent of total national healthcare spending, and that costs were on the rise.
The research only took into account three major heart and lung smoking-related diseases, so the total costs could be much higher, said the study's authors.
"The research findings are actually very conservative because it only looks at three diseases. There are more than 150 diseases associated with smoking that are caused by the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco," health economics expert Syed Mohamed Al Junid was quoted as saying.
The study, to be published next year by the UN's World Health Organisation, looked at healthcare costs for 200 smokers in government hospitals between December 2003 and May this year.
Experts said that the cost of treating patients in private hospitals and other factors such as loss of productivity from illness and premature deaths had not been included in the study.
The number of Malaysians taking up cigarette smoking is on the rise despite high-profile government campaigns to curb the habit.
A National Health Survey last year showed 23.2 percent of adult Malaysians smoked, while separate surveys have shown nearly 25 percent of young people smoke. — AFP
Survey: Young M’sians prefer private healthcare
The Star:If provisions for medical expenses are all taken care of, the younger generation of Malaysians is most likely to opt for private healthcare services, the AIA Life Matters Survey 2005 reveals.
“This trend is generally made evident by the rising affluence and education levels of society,” executive vice-president and general manager of American International Assurance Company, Ltd (AIA Malaysia), Richard Bender said.
“It is always the younger generation that leads the way in any trend, Particularly with developing countries, the younger generation is more educated compared with the older generation, and with more education comes more awareness of risks, including health risks,” he said in a statement on the findings of the survey.
Bender said the key factor for the result of the survey was “Having a protection plan”.
Respondents were asked, for selected treatments, their preference between private and public medical services if they had to pay out of their own pockets as opposed to if all medical expenses were covered for example, by a protection plan.
If respondents had to pay their own way, only between 29% and 38% said they would opt for private healthcare.
On the other hand, if all expenses were covered, the picture changed drastically, with between 53% and 61% of respondents saying they would choose private healthcare, Bender said.
“This trend is generally made evident by the rising affluence and education levels of society,” executive vice-president and general manager of American International Assurance Company, Ltd (AIA Malaysia), Richard Bender said.
“It is always the younger generation that leads the way in any trend, Particularly with developing countries, the younger generation is more educated compared with the older generation, and with more education comes more awareness of risks, including health risks,” he said in a statement on the findings of the survey.
Bender said the key factor for the result of the survey was “Having a protection plan”.
Respondents were asked, for selected treatments, their preference between private and public medical services if they had to pay out of their own pockets as opposed to if all medical expenses were covered for example, by a protection plan.
If respondents had to pay their own way, only between 29% and 38% said they would opt for private healthcare.
On the other hand, if all expenses were covered, the picture changed drastically, with between 53% and 61% of respondents saying they would choose private healthcare, Bender said.
Prepare for a flu pandemic
Star: Schools closed. Employees not showing up for work, calling in sick. Shopping malls deserted. Frightened people stay home, behind barricaded doors and windows.
Essential items become scarce, sending the prices of goods soaring. The economy grinds to a halt.
A sniffle is viewed with suspicion. Vaccines, in short supply to begin with, have run out. Hospitals overcrowded with the medical staff stretched to breaking point.
This is the bleak but very likely scenario, should the deadly H5N1 virus mutate into a strain that can be transmitted from person to person.
When that happens, half of those infected could die because we don’t have natural immunity to fight back.
Asia Pacific Society for Medical Virology president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said as many as 20% of the world’s population could contract the flu. Many would not survive.
“One has to look at the facts. There have been more than 100 cases and over half of them have died.
“When there is human-to-human infection, the scenario could be pretty horrible even if the virus does not change in virulence. Hopefully, the mortality rate will be lower.
“There is no telling when this will happen. We have to take advantage of this window of opportunity and be prepared,” said Dr Lam, who headed the team that discovered the Nipah virus.
The World Health Organisation warned last month that bird flu could mutate into a form that could be passed between humans, and that the world was on the brink of a pandemic.
Dr Lam believes that “self-discipline and self-quarantine” must be practised to reduce exposure in the event of such a crisis.
He said the authorities should provide guidelines for home nursing and prevention among family members, and advise the people when to take a patient to hospital to avoid taxing health facilities.
By then, health services would be overwhelmed and no country would be able to provide enough hospital beds, he said.
At the same time, he said, essential services such as electricity, water, transport and food supply, should be maintained.
On the worldwide shortage of Tamiflu as a result of countries stockpiling the antiviral drug, Dr Lam said all nations should pool and share resources to tackle the scourge.
In the meantime, surveillance for respiratory diseases must be stepped up, and any increase of flu-like cases must be investigated, he said.
Essential items become scarce, sending the prices of goods soaring. The economy grinds to a halt.
A sniffle is viewed with suspicion. Vaccines, in short supply to begin with, have run out. Hospitals overcrowded with the medical staff stretched to breaking point.
This is the bleak but very likely scenario, should the deadly H5N1 virus mutate into a strain that can be transmitted from person to person.
When that happens, half of those infected could die because we don’t have natural immunity to fight back.
Asia Pacific Society for Medical Virology president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit said as many as 20% of the world’s population could contract the flu. Many would not survive.
“One has to look at the facts. There have been more than 100 cases and over half of them have died.
“When there is human-to-human infection, the scenario could be pretty horrible even if the virus does not change in virulence. Hopefully, the mortality rate will be lower.
“There is no telling when this will happen. We have to take advantage of this window of opportunity and be prepared,” said Dr Lam, who headed the team that discovered the Nipah virus.
The World Health Organisation warned last month that bird flu could mutate into a form that could be passed between humans, and that the world was on the brink of a pandemic.
Dr Lam believes that “self-discipline and self-quarantine” must be practised to reduce exposure in the event of such a crisis.
He said the authorities should provide guidelines for home nursing and prevention among family members, and advise the people when to take a patient to hospital to avoid taxing health facilities.
By then, health services would be overwhelmed and no country would be able to provide enough hospital beds, he said.
At the same time, he said, essential services such as electricity, water, transport and food supply, should be maintained.
On the worldwide shortage of Tamiflu as a result of countries stockpiling the antiviral drug, Dr Lam said all nations should pool and share resources to tackle the scourge.
In the meantime, surveillance for respiratory diseases must be stepped up, and any increase of flu-like cases must be investigated, he said.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Dr Arumugam Elected To Lead World Medical Association
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian doctor Datuk Dr N. Arumugam has made the country proud by being elected as president (elect) of the World Medical Association (WMA).
Dr Arumugam, who is the immediate past-president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), defeated nominees from Hungary and Belgium over two rounds of close voting by delegates from the national medical associations during the WMA's General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, recently.
"I feel this is indeed a great honour for Malaysia on the world medical stage," MMA President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said in a statement Monday.
Dr Teoh said Dr Arumugam would assume the post of president-elect immediately and would be installed at the WMA General Assembly in South Africa next year.
Dr Arumugam would hold the post for a year and would lead the WMA delegation to the annual World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Geneva, he added.
Formed 1948, the WMA represents about five million physicians from more than 90 countries.
Dr Arumugam, who is the immediate past-president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), defeated nominees from Hungary and Belgium over two rounds of close voting by delegates from the national medical associations during the WMA's General Assembly in Santiago, Chile, recently.
"I feel this is indeed a great honour for Malaysia on the world medical stage," MMA President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said in a statement Monday.
Dr Teoh said Dr Arumugam would assume the post of president-elect immediately and would be installed at the WMA General Assembly in South Africa next year.
Dr Arumugam would hold the post for a year and would lead the WMA delegation to the annual World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Geneva, he added.
Formed 1948, the WMA represents about five million physicians from more than 90 countries.
Profiling dangerous drivers
NST: A new approach — identifying motorists who are accident-prone — is being taken by the authorities to reduce road fatalities.
The information will then be used to target specific groups, thus making safety campaigns more effective.
Called the "Fatality Index", it will be used to evaluate the driving pattern of motorists according to their age, occupation and gender.
"It will also help identify the right type of road safety campaigns for different categories of motorists," said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre director Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.
He said a random survey would be carried out to profile motorists according to their race and monthly income.
"It will also detail the mileage made per year."
Recently, the research centre completed a three-month survey of 1,430 drivers in Selangor.
It showed that drivers living in urban areas travelled an average of 30,255km per year, while motorcyclists travelled at least 19,276km a year.
"Motorcyclists and those who travel a lot are still in the highest risk group," he said.
He said the survey also showed that men travelled more than women.
"The index will also be introduced to other States in Malaysia. It will evaluate the effectiveness of road safety campaigns in each State."
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh said the index would act as an additional indicator in studying accident rates in Malaysia.
"The index has been successfully used by most developed countries and helps them know the safety level in each place," he said.
The index is based on fatalities over one billion vehicle kilometres travelled. It covers car occupants and motorcyclists based on their travel exposure, which is based on vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT).
At present, two indicators are used to assess road fatalities in the country: Fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and fatalities per 100,000 population.
Radin said: "These two indicators are commonly used in developing and less developed countries. But they are not so accurate as they are subject to the increase of vehicle ownership and population which fluctuates drastically over time."
In addition, a few vehicles can be owned by one person and an increase in vehicles does not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
"Vehicle ownership and population do not necessarily indicate the real amount of accident exposure in a country."
Due to this disadvantage, Suret said a better indicator accepted by most developed countries — the Fatality Index — would be adopted.
Last year, Malaysia recorded more than 6,000 fatalities while most developed countries had recorded about 2,000 fatalities.
The overall fatality index for Malaysia is 18.5 fatalities per billion VKT. In developed countries, it is below 10 fatalities per billion VKT.
"It basically still adds up to 4.5 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles while in developed countries, the figure comes to less than two fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles." said Radin.
"But the new index will give us an accurate travelling exposure of each group," he added.
The information will then be used to target specific groups, thus making safety campaigns more effective.
Called the "Fatality Index", it will be used to evaluate the driving pattern of motorists according to their age, occupation and gender.
"It will also help identify the right type of road safety campaigns for different categories of motorists," said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre director Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.
He said a random survey would be carried out to profile motorists according to their race and monthly income.
"It will also detail the mileage made per year."
Recently, the research centre completed a three-month survey of 1,430 drivers in Selangor.
It showed that drivers living in urban areas travelled an average of 30,255km per year, while motorcyclists travelled at least 19,276km a year.
"Motorcyclists and those who travel a lot are still in the highest risk group," he said.
He said the survey also showed that men travelled more than women.
"The index will also be introduced to other States in Malaysia. It will evaluate the effectiveness of road safety campaigns in each State."
Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh said the index would act as an additional indicator in studying accident rates in Malaysia.
"The index has been successfully used by most developed countries and helps them know the safety level in each place," he said.
The index is based on fatalities over one billion vehicle kilometres travelled. It covers car occupants and motorcyclists based on their travel exposure, which is based on vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT).
At present, two indicators are used to assess road fatalities in the country: Fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and fatalities per 100,000 population.
Radin said: "These two indicators are commonly used in developing and less developed countries. But they are not so accurate as they are subject to the increase of vehicle ownership and population which fluctuates drastically over time."
In addition, a few vehicles can be owned by one person and an increase in vehicles does not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
"Vehicle ownership and population do not necessarily indicate the real amount of accident exposure in a country."
Due to this disadvantage, Suret said a better indicator accepted by most developed countries — the Fatality Index — would be adopted.
Last year, Malaysia recorded more than 6,000 fatalities while most developed countries had recorded about 2,000 fatalities.
The overall fatality index for Malaysia is 18.5 fatalities per billion VKT. In developed countries, it is below 10 fatalities per billion VKT.
"It basically still adds up to 4.5 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles while in developed countries, the figure comes to less than two fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles." said Radin.
"But the new index will give us an accurate travelling exposure of each group," he added.
Nurses@Home to promote services more aggressively
BT: Home nursing specialist Nurses@Home expects to see a five-fold jump in revenue within the next 12 months as the concept and the brand is promoted more aggressively among Malaysian consumers.
This organised integrated nursing service, provided as an alternative to prolonged hospital stays and effective post-discharge care, is provided by Sun City Bhd’s 51 per cent unit, Sunmed@ Home Sdn Bhd.
Sunmed@Home, which was set up with a initial paid-up capital of RM350,000, is currently making an average of RM30,000 in revenue a month.
“Our nurses make 200 to 300 visits each month ... or 10 visits a day,” Sunmed@Home managing director Asok Nair said.
“We expect to grow by 400 per cent in revenue over the next 12 months,” Nair told Business Times.
Patients are charged between RM65 and RM100 per visit.
This would mean that the company, which delivers nursing service cost-effectively in the comfort of ones’ home, is likely to rake in over RM120,000 in revenue by next September 2005.
Assuming that it maintains revenue at RM120,000 in the second year, the revenue potential for the company is about RM1.44 million.
Sunmed@Home expects to break even within the next 18 to 24 months and be profitable starting from year three onwards.
According to Nair, the company’s optimism is supported by a survey which revealed that 40 per cent of the patients in hospitals do not need to be there in the first place.
And the reason these patients continue to stay for prolonged periods in the hospitals is because they are either not aware of the home nursing services and/or the majority of insurance policies cover hospitalisation and not post-acute healthcare services at home.
“This large portion are our potential clients,” Nair said.
It is believed that is only one other player in the market offering similar services, while the remaining business is handled by individual nurses who are recommended by word-of-mouth.
Nair explained that this service of providing healthcare and nursing services for patients at their homes was in fact, a department within the Sunway Medical Centre which was functioning for about two years.
After some negotiations, this division was incorporated as a separate business. The remaining 49 per cent stake is with privately-held Citarasa Kombinasi Sdn Bhd.
Nair said Nurses@ Home is looking at creating awareness among the end-users (patients) and medical and insurance players to develop home nursing as an integral part of post-treatment.
To this end, it is currently in negotiations with four insurance players in the industry to incorporate the plan into their health policy.
Also in the pipeline are plans to work with government agencies or institutions to recognise the Nurses@ Home concept as a viable nursing aid.
This organised integrated nursing service, provided as an alternative to prolonged hospital stays and effective post-discharge care, is provided by Sun City Bhd’s 51 per cent unit, Sunmed@ Home Sdn Bhd.
Sunmed@Home, which was set up with a initial paid-up capital of RM350,000, is currently making an average of RM30,000 in revenue a month.
“Our nurses make 200 to 300 visits each month ... or 10 visits a day,” Sunmed@Home managing director Asok Nair said.
“We expect to grow by 400 per cent in revenue over the next 12 months,” Nair told Business Times.
Patients are charged between RM65 and RM100 per visit.
This would mean that the company, which delivers nursing service cost-effectively in the comfort of ones’ home, is likely to rake in over RM120,000 in revenue by next September 2005.
Assuming that it maintains revenue at RM120,000 in the second year, the revenue potential for the company is about RM1.44 million.
Sunmed@Home expects to break even within the next 18 to 24 months and be profitable starting from year three onwards.
According to Nair, the company’s optimism is supported by a survey which revealed that 40 per cent of the patients in hospitals do not need to be there in the first place.
And the reason these patients continue to stay for prolonged periods in the hospitals is because they are either not aware of the home nursing services and/or the majority of insurance policies cover hospitalisation and not post-acute healthcare services at home.
“This large portion are our potential clients,” Nair said.
It is believed that is only one other player in the market offering similar services, while the remaining business is handled by individual nurses who are recommended by word-of-mouth.
Nair explained that this service of providing healthcare and nursing services for patients at their homes was in fact, a department within the Sunway Medical Centre which was functioning for about two years.
After some negotiations, this division was incorporated as a separate business. The remaining 49 per cent stake is with privately-held Citarasa Kombinasi Sdn Bhd.
Nair said Nurses@ Home is looking at creating awareness among the end-users (patients) and medical and insurance players to develop home nursing as an integral part of post-treatment.
To this end, it is currently in negotiations with four insurance players in the industry to incorporate the plan into their health policy.
Also in the pipeline are plans to work with government agencies or institutions to recognise the Nurses@ Home concept as a viable nursing aid.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Acute shortage of paediatric heart surgeons
NST:MALAYSIA is facing an acute shortage of paediatric heart surgeons, Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said in Penang today.
He said statistics showed at least 1,500 children seek such treatment annually. Now Malaysia only has 22 surgeons, in the public and private healthcare sectors.
Lee said there are seven such surgeons at the National Heart Institute (IJN), four in University Hospital, four in Government hospitals and the rest in private hospitals.
"The ministry is taking all the necessary steps to increase the number of these surgeons.
"However, we are also mindful that it is not going to be easy as it takes about 15 years for one to sub-specialise in a certain medical field," he said after paying a visit to five heart patients at the Penang Adventist Hospital here.
He said statistics showed at least 1,500 children seek such treatment annually. Now Malaysia only has 22 surgeons, in the public and private healthcare sectors.
Lee said there are seven such surgeons at the National Heart Institute (IJN), four in University Hospital, four in Government hospitals and the rest in private hospitals.
"The ministry is taking all the necessary steps to increase the number of these surgeons.
"However, we are also mindful that it is not going to be easy as it takes about 15 years for one to sub-specialise in a certain medical field," he said after paying a visit to five heart patients at the Penang Adventist Hospital here.
Public apathy at dengue hotspot upsets MP
Star: It is one major dengue hotspot and the organisers had expected thousands to attend the anti-Aedes fight and exhibition.
However, when Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Tan Chai Ho arrived at 10am to launch the function in Desa Tun Razak in Cheras, only about a dozen residents were there to greet him.
The peeved organisers then made an impassioned plea through the public address system, urging residents to attend the function. But after 40 minutes, there were only 20 residents.
As Tan started speaking on how disappointed he was with the turnout, the crowd began to grow gradually and when the event was over at 11.30am there were 50 people listening to Tan and City Hall officials on how to fight and keep the Aedes mosquito at bay.
All in all, less than 1% of the total number of residents in the area turned up.
Tan was visibly upset as he said 48 resident from the flats there were infected with dengue in the first nine months of the year.
“I cannot understand the attitude of the residents as they don't seem to be taking our efforts to educate them on the dengue danger seriously.
“City Hall officials had gone around yesterday informing them of the gathering but they are not bothered,” he told reporters.
Tan, who is also known as the “people's representative,” did not let his disappointment deter him.
When the speeches were over, he took fogging equipment and walked around high-rise flats in the area for more than half-an-hour.
However, when Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Tan Chai Ho arrived at 10am to launch the function in Desa Tun Razak in Cheras, only about a dozen residents were there to greet him.
The peeved organisers then made an impassioned plea through the public address system, urging residents to attend the function. But after 40 minutes, there were only 20 residents.
As Tan started speaking on how disappointed he was with the turnout, the crowd began to grow gradually and when the event was over at 11.30am there were 50 people listening to Tan and City Hall officials on how to fight and keep the Aedes mosquito at bay.
All in all, less than 1% of the total number of residents in the area turned up.
Tan was visibly upset as he said 48 resident from the flats there were infected with dengue in the first nine months of the year.
“I cannot understand the attitude of the residents as they don't seem to be taking our efforts to educate them on the dengue danger seriously.
“City Hall officials had gone around yesterday informing them of the gathering but they are not bothered,” he told reporters.
Tan, who is also known as the “people's representative,” did not let his disappointment deter him.
When the speeches were over, he took fogging equipment and walked around high-rise flats in the area for more than half-an-hour.
Dengue Updates: Doctors told to follow guidelines
NST: Be on the alert for symptoms of dengue fever.
This is Health Ministry disease control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat’s advice to all government doctors in the wake of allegations of a misdiagnosis of a patient who died a day after treatment.
He said the doctors should adhere strictly to guidelines on the management of dengue cases.
"Doctors should be more alert to dengue symptoms and victims diagnosed must be admitted immediately," he said on the death of Murgayah Narayanan, 21, in Kuala Kubu Baru on Thursday.
His mother, Mageswari Munian, alleged that the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital’s indifference contributed to her son’s death.
The plumber was taken to the hospital on Tuesday with fever, dizziness and vomiting but was sent home with an injection and some medicines by a medical attendant.
The medical assistant said Murgayah was suffering from fever.
Mageswari said her son’s condition worsened on Wednesday with the family taking him to the hospital later that day.
A doctor took blood samples, confirmed he was suffering from dengue and admitted him.
On Thursday, his condition worsened and he died before he could be sent to the Selayang Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said an investigation into the incident was being conducted by the ministry’s Hospital Division and Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng.
"I hope hospitals will be more alert, especially with the dengue outbreak," he said.
Dr Ang said Murgayah was not sent to the Selayang Hospital as Kuala Kubu Baru hospital doctors tried to stabilise his condition.
"Although we have classified the death as dengue shock syndrome, we are investigating if there were other complications leading to his death," she said.
Dr Ang said she was investigating why Murgayah was not treated by a doctor on Tuesday.
"I have asked the hospital director for a detailed account of the incident," she said.
Between Jan 1 and last Thursday, a total of 30,544 suspected dengue cases were reported to the ministry with 1,558 being dengue haemorrhagic fever cases. There were 76 deaths over the period.
The worst-hit areas with a high Aedes index are the Timur Laut district in Penang, Kajang, Penang, Klang and Subang Jaya municipal councils, the Shah Alam city council, Setapak and Johor.
This is Health Ministry disease control director Dr Ramlee Rahmat’s advice to all government doctors in the wake of allegations of a misdiagnosis of a patient who died a day after treatment.
He said the doctors should adhere strictly to guidelines on the management of dengue cases.
"Doctors should be more alert to dengue symptoms and victims diagnosed must be admitted immediately," he said on the death of Murgayah Narayanan, 21, in Kuala Kubu Baru on Thursday.
His mother, Mageswari Munian, alleged that the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital’s indifference contributed to her son’s death.
The plumber was taken to the hospital on Tuesday with fever, dizziness and vomiting but was sent home with an injection and some medicines by a medical attendant.
The medical assistant said Murgayah was suffering from fever.
Mageswari said her son’s condition worsened on Wednesday with the family taking him to the hospital later that day.
A doctor took blood samples, confirmed he was suffering from dengue and admitted him.
On Thursday, his condition worsened and he died before he could be sent to the Selayang Hospital.
Dr Ramlee said an investigation into the incident was being conducted by the ministry’s Hospital Division and Selangor Health director Dr Ang Kim Teng.
"I hope hospitals will be more alert, especially with the dengue outbreak," he said.
Dr Ang said Murgayah was not sent to the Selayang Hospital as Kuala Kubu Baru hospital doctors tried to stabilise his condition.
"Although we have classified the death as dengue shock syndrome, we are investigating if there were other complications leading to his death," she said.
Dr Ang said she was investigating why Murgayah was not treated by a doctor on Tuesday.
"I have asked the hospital director for a detailed account of the incident," she said.
Between Jan 1 and last Thursday, a total of 30,544 suspected dengue cases were reported to the ministry with 1,558 being dengue haemorrhagic fever cases. There were 76 deaths over the period.
The worst-hit areas with a high Aedes index are the Timur Laut district in Penang, Kajang, Penang, Klang and Subang Jaya municipal councils, the Shah Alam city council, Setapak and Johor.
Mercy boss: Learn to deal with disasters
Star: Whenever Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood checks into a hotel, the first thing she does is to find out where the emergency exit or fire extinguisher is.
Knowing the location of the exit or extinguisher was a simple precaution that everyone should practise before a disaster strikes, she said.
Referring to the same concept of taking early precautions, she said the public should be educated on ways to cope when hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes occur.
“Disaster results from hazards. We cannot stop hazards but we can lessen the impact of hazards,” she said, adding that everyone could reduce vulnerability to reduce disaster.
She pointed out that among the preventive measures were hazard mapping, analysing the risks and setting up early warning systems.
“We can internalise the concept of living with risks by educating those staying by the coastal areas, putting up signboards of tsunami escape routes, ringing bells or sirens when a hazard occurs,” she said.
While speaking on Total Disaster Risk Management at a public forum organised by the Force of Nature Aid Foundation yesterday, Dr Jemilah said it was vital for NGOs to cooperate when managing disaster relief.
Among the speakers at the forum was Sisters in Islam programme manager and chief trainer Zaitun Mohamed Kasim, who said natural disasters had a huge impact on women.
She said 70% of the tsunami victims who died in Aceh were women.
She also said women who survived the aftermath had to endure difficulties such as lack of proper clothing, shelter, food and privacy.
Knowing the location of the exit or extinguisher was a simple precaution that everyone should practise before a disaster strikes, she said.
Referring to the same concept of taking early precautions, she said the public should be educated on ways to cope when hazards such as earthquakes or hurricanes occur.
“Disaster results from hazards. We cannot stop hazards but we can lessen the impact of hazards,” she said, adding that everyone could reduce vulnerability to reduce disaster.
She pointed out that among the preventive measures were hazard mapping, analysing the risks and setting up early warning systems.
“We can internalise the concept of living with risks by educating those staying by the coastal areas, putting up signboards of tsunami escape routes, ringing bells or sirens when a hazard occurs,” she said.
While speaking on Total Disaster Risk Management at a public forum organised by the Force of Nature Aid Foundation yesterday, Dr Jemilah said it was vital for NGOs to cooperate when managing disaster relief.
Among the speakers at the forum was Sisters in Islam programme manager and chief trainer Zaitun Mohamed Kasim, who said natural disasters had a huge impact on women.
She said 70% of the tsunami victims who died in Aceh were women.
She also said women who survived the aftermath had to endure difficulties such as lack of proper clothing, shelter, food and privacy.
Fasting for AIDS awareness
NST: It is all for a good cause. Some 40 students in two schools here today began a 30-hour fast to raise funds for HIV/AIDS education programmes.
Themed "The Power of Hunger", the social education-cum-fund-raising event is organised annually by World Vision Malaysia (WVM), an international humanitarian and relief organisation.
The event allows participants to experience in a small way what millions of people who are victims of war, poverty and natural catastrophes go through worldwide.
This year’s 30-hour fast focuses on HIV/AIDS.
The students are from the Methodist Boys School in Jalan Air Hitam and Uplands, an international school, in Persiaran Gurney.
During the fast, the participants will broaden their understanding of HIV/AIDS and the people living with the disease through presentations, question and answer sessions, and games.
Funds raised will be channelled to HIV education programmes for children and adults in Hebei, China, and local HIV/AIDS organisations through the Malaysia AIDS Council and Dignity and Services, an organisation that helps people with learning disabilities.
This is the first time the event is held simultaneously in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The participants will go without solid food and are only allowed to drink plain water from noon today until 6pm tomorrow.
WVM international programme director Goh Po Ean said the main aim of the fast was education and advocacy. "We pass on the message that fasting can be used as a catalyst to bring about social changes.
"By volunteering to raise funds via fasting, participants get a glimpse of how their act of self-sacrifice can help those in need."
So far, they have managed to raise over RM2,000.
Jonathan Case, 16, from Uplands, said this was the first time he was going on a 30-hour fast. "I thought this is a good cause as it instils a lot of discipline," said the Sixth former of Canadian-Chinese parentage.
For American Chris Voss, 15, also from Uplands, it was an exciting experience. "While we are grateful for the many things we have, we should also be mindful of the sufferings of others in the world."
Themed "The Power of Hunger", the social education-cum-fund-raising event is organised annually by World Vision Malaysia (WVM), an international humanitarian and relief organisation.
The event allows participants to experience in a small way what millions of people who are victims of war, poverty and natural catastrophes go through worldwide.
This year’s 30-hour fast focuses on HIV/AIDS.
The students are from the Methodist Boys School in Jalan Air Hitam and Uplands, an international school, in Persiaran Gurney.
During the fast, the participants will broaden their understanding of HIV/AIDS and the people living with the disease through presentations, question and answer sessions, and games.
Funds raised will be channelled to HIV education programmes for children and adults in Hebei, China, and local HIV/AIDS organisations through the Malaysia AIDS Council and Dignity and Services, an organisation that helps people with learning disabilities.
This is the first time the event is held simultaneously in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The participants will go without solid food and are only allowed to drink plain water from noon today until 6pm tomorrow.
WVM international programme director Goh Po Ean said the main aim of the fast was education and advocacy. "We pass on the message that fasting can be used as a catalyst to bring about social changes.
"By volunteering to raise funds via fasting, participants get a glimpse of how their act of self-sacrifice can help those in need."
So far, they have managed to raise over RM2,000.
Jonathan Case, 16, from Uplands, said this was the first time he was going on a 30-hour fast. "I thought this is a good cause as it instils a lot of discipline," said the Sixth former of Canadian-Chinese parentage.
For American Chris Voss, 15, also from Uplands, it was an exciting experience. "While we are grateful for the many things we have, we should also be mindful of the sufferings of others in the world."
Iran's Success In Using Free Condoms, Needles To Stem AIDS A Cue For Us
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysians should take the cue from Iran's success in reducing its HIV and AIDS cases through the distribution of free syringes and condoms, Malaysian Aids Foundation chairman Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said.
She proposed that the government send people, especially the ulama, prison officers, police and representatives from non-governmental organisations to Iran to learn how the Islamic country successfully implemented the programme.
Marina said the Iranian government had long practised the move, especially in prisons, and they had successfully reduced the risk of the spread of HIV and AIDS among prisoners.
"I have met them (delegates from Iran) when attending a conference on AIDS in Melbourne in 2003. They are not only proud of the programme's success but invited us to visit them," she said.
She told reporters this after launching a charity programme to help famine victims, jointly organised by Help University College (Help) and an international charitable body, World Vision Malaysia here Saturday.
The free syringes and condoms campaign is expected to be implemented by the government in January next year.
However, it received mixed reactions, with some parties coming out strongly against it, claiming the move could be interpreted as the government encourging promiscous behavior.
She proposed that the government send people, especially the ulama, prison officers, police and representatives from non-governmental organisations to Iran to learn how the Islamic country successfully implemented the programme.
Marina said the Iranian government had long practised the move, especially in prisons, and they had successfully reduced the risk of the spread of HIV and AIDS among prisoners.
"I have met them (delegates from Iran) when attending a conference on AIDS in Melbourne in 2003. They are not only proud of the programme's success but invited us to visit them," she said.
She told reporters this after launching a charity programme to help famine victims, jointly organised by Help University College (Help) and an international charitable body, World Vision Malaysia here Saturday.
The free syringes and condoms campaign is expected to be implemented by the government in January next year.
However, it received mixed reactions, with some parties coming out strongly against it, claiming the move could be interpreted as the government encourging promiscous behavior.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Sabah Air, SMC Team Up To Improve Medical Evacuation
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- State-owned Sabah Air and the Sabah Medical Centre (SMC) are combining their resources to improve medical evacuation by helicopter, especially from the remote areas.
The newly opened SMC eight-storey building in Luyang here is designed to handle medical evacuation by air. It has a rooftop helipad and an exclusive lift to the ground-floor emergency room.
SMC Project Director Chu Chee Kuen said here Saturday that the joint project would cater for patients especially from remote areas like Tawau, Tenom and Keningau.
He spoke to reporters after a mock evacuation by a Sabah Air Bell 206 helicopter to test the reliability of the landing deck and to provide the helicopter company with a taste of what it took to land a helicopter with a patient on the rooftop.
Sabah Air has been handling medical emergencies for many years and has six helicopters, comprising the four-seater Bell 206 and 15-seater Bell 212.
Sabah Air General Manager Tony Liew said all Sabah Air aircraft were equipped with stretchers, and experienced staff handled the transport of patients.
He also said that he was impressed with the capability of SMC staff in transporting a patient from the aircraft to the hospital in one minute and 15 seconds during the mock exercise.
Liew recalled that landing at the previous SMC building in Teluk Likas was more cumbersome because the landing area was the hospital's car park, which meant that cars needed to be moved before landing was possible and patients needed to be carried longer distances.
"With the rooftop helideck, the chopper and stretcher are just yards away. And, with an exclusive lift, the patient can be in the emergency room in a jiffy," he said.
He also said that the helipad was well equipped for such a task, with spotlights and a windsock to guide the pilot during landing and take-off.
The newly opened SMC eight-storey building in Luyang here is designed to handle medical evacuation by air. It has a rooftop helipad and an exclusive lift to the ground-floor emergency room.
SMC Project Director Chu Chee Kuen said here Saturday that the joint project would cater for patients especially from remote areas like Tawau, Tenom and Keningau.
He spoke to reporters after a mock evacuation by a Sabah Air Bell 206 helicopter to test the reliability of the landing deck and to provide the helicopter company with a taste of what it took to land a helicopter with a patient on the rooftop.
Sabah Air has been handling medical emergencies for many years and has six helicopters, comprising the four-seater Bell 206 and 15-seater Bell 212.
Sabah Air General Manager Tony Liew said all Sabah Air aircraft were equipped with stretchers, and experienced staff handled the transport of patients.
He also said that he was impressed with the capability of SMC staff in transporting a patient from the aircraft to the hospital in one minute and 15 seconds during the mock exercise.
Liew recalled that landing at the previous SMC building in Teluk Likas was more cumbersome because the landing area was the hospital's car park, which meant that cars needed to be moved before landing was possible and patients needed to be carried longer distances.
"With the rooftop helideck, the chopper and stretcher are just yards away. And, with an exclusive lift, the patient can be in the emergency room in a jiffy," he said.
He also said that the helipad was well equipped for such a task, with spotlights and a windsock to guide the pilot during landing and take-off.
Wear white to avoid being bitten
Star: How do you avoid mosquito bites?
Several websites recommend wearing light-colour clothes, besides the usual insect repellent.
Staying away from areas with a high mosquito population is a no-brainer, but avoiding the use of soap, shampoo and lotion with fragrance is a more helpful tip.
A deejay on the 988 Chinese radio station told listeners that mosquitoes prefer dim light and dark hues like blue and black.
“So change your dressing. Go for white,” he said, adding that it helps if you are clad in a long-sleeved top and long pants.
The deejay said mosquitoes are also attracted to body odour, so it is advisable to stay fresh and clean.
Mosquitoes also dislike reddish-orange tones, so having such light at home may keep them at bay.
A deejay who is a wannabe entomologist, one may think, but websites on mosquito information concur with his advice.
All these measures aside, the best bet is still to keep your premises free of mosquito breeding grounds.
Several websites recommend wearing light-colour clothes, besides the usual insect repellent.
Staying away from areas with a high mosquito population is a no-brainer, but avoiding the use of soap, shampoo and lotion with fragrance is a more helpful tip.
A deejay on the 988 Chinese radio station told listeners that mosquitoes prefer dim light and dark hues like blue and black.
“So change your dressing. Go for white,” he said, adding that it helps if you are clad in a long-sleeved top and long pants.
The deejay said mosquitoes are also attracted to body odour, so it is advisable to stay fresh and clean.
Mosquitoes also dislike reddish-orange tones, so having such light at home may keep them at bay.
A deejay who is a wannabe entomologist, one may think, but websites on mosquito information concur with his advice.
All these measures aside, the best bet is still to keep your premises free of mosquito breeding grounds.
Second killer species found
Star: The Aedes albopictus mosquito, which breeds outdoors and is found in abundance at jungle fringes, has also been transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever.
According to Disease Control Department director Dr Ramlee Rahmat, cases reported in rural areas and Felda schemes led to the finding that besides the Aedes aegypti, the principal carrier, the albopictus was also spreading dengue.
“We are getting reports of dengue cases from sub-urban areas and small towns like Jempol in Negri Sembilan as well as from Felda schemes.
“We are concentrating on fogging, as the albopictus breeds outside homes in places that have trees and leaves,” he told a press briefing here yesterday on the dengue situation in the country.
However, he said, fogging would only be carried out if there were known dengue cases in the area, as too much fogging could cause the mosquito to build up resistance to the chemical.
Dr Ramlee said 724 new cases were reported over the last five days, putting the total number of confirmed cases this year at 30,544, with 76 deaths.
The department will seek the views of botanists and relevant groups on the viability of having the serai wangi (citronella) in people’s homes and their immediate surroundings as a mosquito repellent.
Theoretically, he said, the approach should work because citronella oil was used in balms, sprays and pellets to repel insects, including mosquitoes.
Dr Ramlee said his department had sought the help of local entomologists, scientists, research facilities and universities to come up with more ways to deal with the dengue problem.
“We also met with the construction industry players on Thursday to seek their cooperation in ensuring that building sites are free of aedes breeding grounds,” he said.
According to Disease Control Department director Dr Ramlee Rahmat, cases reported in rural areas and Felda schemes led to the finding that besides the Aedes aegypti, the principal carrier, the albopictus was also spreading dengue.
“We are getting reports of dengue cases from sub-urban areas and small towns like Jempol in Negri Sembilan as well as from Felda schemes.
“We are concentrating on fogging, as the albopictus breeds outside homes in places that have trees and leaves,” he told a press briefing here yesterday on the dengue situation in the country.
However, he said, fogging would only be carried out if there were known dengue cases in the area, as too much fogging could cause the mosquito to build up resistance to the chemical.
Dr Ramlee said 724 new cases were reported over the last five days, putting the total number of confirmed cases this year at 30,544, with 76 deaths.
The department will seek the views of botanists and relevant groups on the viability of having the serai wangi (citronella) in people’s homes and their immediate surroundings as a mosquito repellent.
Theoretically, he said, the approach should work because citronella oil was used in balms, sprays and pellets to repel insects, including mosquitoes.
Dr Ramlee said his department had sought the help of local entomologists, scientists, research facilities and universities to come up with more ways to deal with the dengue problem.
“We also met with the construction industry players on Thursday to seek their cooperation in ensuring that building sites are free of aedes breeding grounds,” he said.
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