Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has agreed to meet the National Service Training Council to discuss health checks before training starts.
Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the council would meet Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and ministry officials in two weeks to discuss its proposal for compulsory medical examination for trainees before their stint.
He added that the proposal had not been officially sent to the ministry but had been discussed at a joint committee meeting comprising ministry officials and council members who were in charge of health and hygiene at the training camps around the country.
“If all goes well and the proposal gets the nod, it could probably be introduced this year,” Lee said in an interview here yesterday.
“We want to ensure trainees are fit for the training,” he said.
When contacted, Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said that the ministry welcomed the National Service Training Council's proposal but said the ministry needed to study its feasibility such as the additional manpower that would be needed and its cost-effectiveness.
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
Sunday, February 18, 2007
One in four M’sians could get dreaded disease
Star: ACCORDING to statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2000 there were 10.1 million new cases diagnosed, adding to the 22.4 million who were already living with cancer, and there were 6.2 million cancer-related deaths.
And in 2020, there could be almost a 50% increase in the number of cases, with 15.7 million newly diagnosed cases.
In Malaysia, according to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry (2002), in terms of risk, one in four Malaysians will get cancer in their lifetime. This means that out of the estimated 24,526,500 people in Malaysia, 6,131,625 are at risk of developing some sort of cancer during their lifetime (statistics from Rural Development Ministry, 2002).
As such, it is important that everyone, including children, understands and is informed about cancer.
Suzie’s proposed research aims to create such awareness, and so she has targeted her research to:
·investigate best practices and methods as employed by several reputable cancer centres and support mechanisms in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Japan, India and Malaysia in providing children with information of their parent's cancer diagnosis;
·understand Malaysian children's information-seeking behaviour and devise a set of core and generic data according to context, type, scope, platform and method of dissemination that is sensitive to their demographic circumstances.
·develop a test for information solutions that would lead to a national cancer agenda in Malaysia, in particular the information strategies that can help children to become informed via appropriate channels.
And in 2020, there could be almost a 50% increase in the number of cases, with 15.7 million newly diagnosed cases.
In Malaysia, according to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry (2002), in terms of risk, one in four Malaysians will get cancer in their lifetime. This means that out of the estimated 24,526,500 people in Malaysia, 6,131,625 are at risk of developing some sort of cancer during their lifetime (statistics from Rural Development Ministry, 2002).
As such, it is important that everyone, including children, understands and is informed about cancer.
Suzie’s proposed research aims to create such awareness, and so she has targeted her research to:
·investigate best practices and methods as employed by several reputable cancer centres and support mechanisms in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Japan, India and Malaysia in providing children with information of their parent's cancer diagnosis;
·understand Malaysian children's information-seeking behaviour and devise a set of core and generic data according to context, type, scope, platform and method of dissemination that is sensitive to their demographic circumstances.
·develop a test for information solutions that would lead to a national cancer agenda in Malaysia, in particular the information strategies that can help children to become informed via appropriate channels.
To help kids deal with cancer
Star: WHEN Suzanie Adlina Mat Saat joined the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) as a marketing manager in 2004, she discovered that there were areas about coping with cancer that needed to be addressed.
This led her to embark upon a PhD on investigating the information needs of children of a patient with cancer.
“I resigned from my job in 2005 and with a loan from Mara, I left to do my research at the Loughborough University, London,” she relates.
Back in Kuala Lumpur now to do her research work Suzanie, or Suzie as she is better known, is looking for survey respondents for her research paper.
“I feel very strongly about this issue as I have two children (girls, one aged five years and the other five months) as well and I was wondering how I would pass the information down to them if this illness should affect us,” she explains.
Suzie, 31, has had personal experiences of cancer, as her two grandmothers died of throat cancer when she was younger.
“They both suffered throat cancer when they were in their 60s and the family only discovered it in the later stages of the disease,” she says.
Thus, she understands the importance not only of creating as much awareness of cancer as possible but also the need to know how to talk to family members, especially children, about it.
While working at the NCSM, Suzie noticed that many cancer patients who visited its Resource and Wellness Centre in Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur would bring their children along.
The children would play together, and it was while watching them that Suzie wondered how much they knew about their parent’s condition.
It was from her research that Suzie found that children are often the least informed when it comes to sickness in the family, particularly when it is the parents that are afflicted.
Many parents are so concerned about their own health needs at the time that they unknowingly push their children aside, she says.
It was then that she realised the need to be more pro-active in helping people take the first step in creating awareness between parents and their children.
So Suzie decided that she would do her PhD studies on investigating the information needs of children of a parent with cancer.
Listening to Suzie as she explained the basis of her research, one could sense that she is very passionate about the cause and that it was not merely a paper chase for her.
“There is this syndrome called family protection syndrome that exists among people who want to shield or protect their loved ones from fear or hurt,” she says.
(Family protection syndrome is a term coined by Joan Hermann, the director of Social Work Services at the Fox Chase Cancer centre in Philadelphia, United States.)
“But what these people do not realise is that there is backlash from this so-called protection, which can be very harmful to the children.”
A host of misconceptions can arise, such as the children blaming themselves for what is happening to their parent, Suzie adds.
“They can be very angry or hurt that their parent does not talk to them about the illness, and they can even hate hospitals or authoritative figures such as doctors because they think these people are the cause of the sickness.”
Suzie's research has received favourable response, and she even won an award for her research proposal in a competition at Loughborough University last year.
She is using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology to assess, understand and develop solutions to cultural issues that will hopefully result in information that is more complete and as accurate as possible.
This year, Suzie also managed to obtain a fellowship from Universiti Sains Malaysia under its Academic Staff Training Scheme (ASTS). She will be funded for a year under this programme.
What makes her work even more important is that information on how to help children understand and cope with their parent's cancer is not widespread even in other countries.
In the United States, the National Cancer Institute has published only a short paragraph on information needs of children of a patient with cancer, and that was in 2000.
Another book for children deals about breast cancer, which was published by breastcancer.org in 2004.
There is also a graphic novel by comic artist Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner titled Our Cancer Year, which was published in 1994. The novel illustrates Pekar's fight with cancer.
“The illustrations make this book easy for children to read and understand,” says Suzie.
Unfortunately, this and the other publications are set in the Western context and thus do not have cultures and values that Malaysian children can relate with.
“We need to have a guide that's suitable for the Malaysian context,” says Suzie.
To ensure that her research will benefit cancer patients, children and the cancer fraternity in Malaysia, Suzie would like to get feedback from cancer patients who have children.
“I would like to have as much response as possible from individuals who have experienced cancer and who have children,” she says.
“I want them to contribute to the project so that the end result, which could be in a form of a comic, video or book, will be able to reach out to provide the much needed support for the children.”
Suzie can be reached at mssuzieadina@yahoo.com
This led her to embark upon a PhD on investigating the information needs of children of a patient with cancer.
“I resigned from my job in 2005 and with a loan from Mara, I left to do my research at the Loughborough University, London,” she relates.
Back in Kuala Lumpur now to do her research work Suzanie, or Suzie as she is better known, is looking for survey respondents for her research paper.
“I feel very strongly about this issue as I have two children (girls, one aged five years and the other five months) as well and I was wondering how I would pass the information down to them if this illness should affect us,” she explains.
Suzie, 31, has had personal experiences of cancer, as her two grandmothers died of throat cancer when she was younger.
“They both suffered throat cancer when they were in their 60s and the family only discovered it in the later stages of the disease,” she says.
Thus, she understands the importance not only of creating as much awareness of cancer as possible but also the need to know how to talk to family members, especially children, about it.
While working at the NCSM, Suzie noticed that many cancer patients who visited its Resource and Wellness Centre in Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur would bring their children along.
The children would play together, and it was while watching them that Suzie wondered how much they knew about their parent’s condition.
It was from her research that Suzie found that children are often the least informed when it comes to sickness in the family, particularly when it is the parents that are afflicted.
Many parents are so concerned about their own health needs at the time that they unknowingly push their children aside, she says.
It was then that she realised the need to be more pro-active in helping people take the first step in creating awareness between parents and their children.
So Suzie decided that she would do her PhD studies on investigating the information needs of children of a parent with cancer.
Listening to Suzie as she explained the basis of her research, one could sense that she is very passionate about the cause and that it was not merely a paper chase for her.
“There is this syndrome called family protection syndrome that exists among people who want to shield or protect their loved ones from fear or hurt,” she says.
(Family protection syndrome is a term coined by Joan Hermann, the director of Social Work Services at the Fox Chase Cancer centre in Philadelphia, United States.)
“But what these people do not realise is that there is backlash from this so-called protection, which can be very harmful to the children.”
A host of misconceptions can arise, such as the children blaming themselves for what is happening to their parent, Suzie adds.
“They can be very angry or hurt that their parent does not talk to them about the illness, and they can even hate hospitals or authoritative figures such as doctors because they think these people are the cause of the sickness.”
Suzie's research has received favourable response, and she even won an award for her research proposal in a competition at Loughborough University last year.
She is using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology to assess, understand and develop solutions to cultural issues that will hopefully result in information that is more complete and as accurate as possible.
This year, Suzie also managed to obtain a fellowship from Universiti Sains Malaysia under its Academic Staff Training Scheme (ASTS). She will be funded for a year under this programme.
What makes her work even more important is that information on how to help children understand and cope with their parent's cancer is not widespread even in other countries.
In the United States, the National Cancer Institute has published only a short paragraph on information needs of children of a patient with cancer, and that was in 2000.
Another book for children deals about breast cancer, which was published by breastcancer.org in 2004.
There is also a graphic novel by comic artist Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner titled Our Cancer Year, which was published in 1994. The novel illustrates Pekar's fight with cancer.
“The illustrations make this book easy for children to read and understand,” says Suzie.
Unfortunately, this and the other publications are set in the Western context and thus do not have cultures and values that Malaysian children can relate with.
“We need to have a guide that's suitable for the Malaysian context,” says Suzie.
To ensure that her research will benefit cancer patients, children and the cancer fraternity in Malaysia, Suzie would like to get feedback from cancer patients who have children.
“I would like to have as much response as possible from individuals who have experienced cancer and who have children,” she says.
“I want them to contribute to the project so that the end result, which could be in a form of a comic, video or book, will be able to reach out to provide the much needed support for the children.”
Suzie can be reached at mssuzieadina@yahoo.com
Expert: Teach public about eating right
Star: PETALING JAYA: Educating the public on good nutrition is a better way to counter the rising interest in fast food.
Nutrition Society of Malaysia president Dr Tee E. Siong said he did not think a ban on fast-food advertisements would properly address the issue, as most fast-food lovers were unlikely to stay away from outlets offering such food.
The wise thing to do would be to educate the people, especially children and the young, on what constitutes good nutrition.
Dr Tee concurred with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek that it was very important to make wise food choices to remain healthy.
“We need to look at the bigger picture and not single out only fast food, as certain local foods are also unhealthy,” he said.
The Star reported yesterday that the Health Ministry was “seriously considering” a ban on fast-food advertisements.
Dr Chua had said that the move would also cover endorsements of events linked to fast food, as such meals were considered “silent killers.”
Dr Tee added that generally, Malaysians were more interested in filling their stomachs, without thinking of the long-term implications to their health.
Alternatively, Dr Tee said what the Government could do was to control such advertisements from being aired on channels watched by children.
Nutrition Society of Malaysia president Dr Tee E. Siong said he did not think a ban on fast-food advertisements would properly address the issue, as most fast-food lovers were unlikely to stay away from outlets offering such food.
The wise thing to do would be to educate the people, especially children and the young, on what constitutes good nutrition.
Dr Tee concurred with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek that it was very important to make wise food choices to remain healthy.
“We need to look at the bigger picture and not single out only fast food, as certain local foods are also unhealthy,” he said.
The Star reported yesterday that the Health Ministry was “seriously considering” a ban on fast-food advertisements.
Dr Chua had said that the move would also cover endorsements of events linked to fast food, as such meals were considered “silent killers.”
Dr Tee added that generally, Malaysians were more interested in filling their stomachs, without thinking of the long-term implications to their health.
Alternatively, Dr Tee said what the Government could do was to control such advertisements from being aired on channels watched by children.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Government mulls over fast-food ad ban
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is “seriously considering” a ban on fast food advertisements.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the move would also cover endorsements of events linked to fast food.
This was because such meals are considered “silent killers,” he told reporters here.
A fast food “sin tax” is also being pondered, added Chua.
He said the rationale for the proposal was motivated by the increasing number of Malaysians suffering from “affluent” diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
“There are a lot of lifestyle diseases because of rising affluence.
“Surveys consistently show that Malaysians don’t exercise enough and do not pay attention to the food they eat.
“This is the only country where people discuss over breakfast where and what to eat for lunch. And then over lunch, it will be what’s for supper,” he noted.
Dr Chua said obesity, which was the “root of all problems”, now affected 37% of the population, compared to 20% a decade ago.
About 12% of the population would suffer from diabetes by 2020 if nothing were to be done, he said.
Dr Chua, a medical doctor, said as far as his ministry is concerned, burgers and fries are just as bad as cigarettes and liquor.
Admitting that the move would be “revolutionary”, Dr Chua said the ministry welcomed feedback on its proposed action.
“We want to send a strong signal to consumers.
“We do not allow advertising for cigarettes and liquor.
“Fast food should be treated in the same way as alcohol. The time has come.”
Responding to the proposal, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia president Datuk Vincent Lee said a total ban on fast food ads would not be feasible.
He said advertising agencies and their clients were already exercising “self-control” on fast food advertising, such as not targeting children aged below seven.
“Even in the United States and Europe, there is no total ban on fast food advertising,” he said.
Revenue from fast food advertising on TV, newspapers and billboards totalled over RM100mil annually.
“So it will be quite detrimental to the media,” Lee said.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the move would also cover endorsements of events linked to fast food.
This was because such meals are considered “silent killers,” he told reporters here.
A fast food “sin tax” is also being pondered, added Chua.
He said the rationale for the proposal was motivated by the increasing number of Malaysians suffering from “affluent” diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
“There are a lot of lifestyle diseases because of rising affluence.
“Surveys consistently show that Malaysians don’t exercise enough and do not pay attention to the food they eat.
“This is the only country where people discuss over breakfast where and what to eat for lunch. And then over lunch, it will be what’s for supper,” he noted.
Dr Chua said obesity, which was the “root of all problems”, now affected 37% of the population, compared to 20% a decade ago.
About 12% of the population would suffer from diabetes by 2020 if nothing were to be done, he said.
Dr Chua, a medical doctor, said as far as his ministry is concerned, burgers and fries are just as bad as cigarettes and liquor.
Admitting that the move would be “revolutionary”, Dr Chua said the ministry welcomed feedback on its proposed action.
“We want to send a strong signal to consumers.
“We do not allow advertising for cigarettes and liquor.
“Fast food should be treated in the same way as alcohol. The time has come.”
Responding to the proposal, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia president Datuk Vincent Lee said a total ban on fast food ads would not be feasible.
He said advertising agencies and their clients were already exercising “self-control” on fast food advertising, such as not targeting children aged below seven.
“Even in the United States and Europe, there is no total ban on fast food advertising,” he said.
Revenue from fast food advertising on TV, newspapers and billboards totalled over RM100mil annually.
“So it will be quite detrimental to the media,” Lee said.
RM1,950 pay rise for 550 specialists
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Some 550 specialists in the government service will receive a windfall of almost RM20 million.
After four years, the government has agreed to a request from the Health Ministry to promote these "victims of circumstance" with a salary increment of RM1,950.
They are doctors who started their Master’s before the implementation of the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) on Nov 1, 2002.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the specialists, now in U41 with a take-home salary of RM5,352.81 including allowances, would now be promoted straight to U48 with a take-home pay of RM7,303.51.
"Those already gazetted as specialists and those waiting to be gazetted will be promoted," he said.
Of the 551 specialists, 183 completed their Master’s in 2004, another 281 finished in 2005 and the rest last year.
Dr Chua said despite the fact that they had completed their Master’s, and some had been gazetted as specialists, they were still receiving the salary of a medical officer who is in the U41 scale.
"They should have been promoted to U48 but they were caught in a limbo because of the move to SSM," said Dr Chua.
The salary rise will cost the government another RM19.032 million a year.
Dr Chua also announced that 18 dentists who did their Master’s before Nov 1, 2002, would also move directly from U41 to U48.
This will cost RM712,000 more per year in additional salaries and allowances.
The dentists would otherwise be stuck in U41 and have to sit for a Skills Competency Examination to be promoted to U44, and then to U48.
"The specialists have waited patiently for this good news," said Dr Chua, adding that the promotion exercise would help the ministry overcome the shortage of specialists.
There are 2,233 specialist posts in government hospitals, but only about 1,400 have been filled.
In addition, only 6,700 medical officers’ (clinicians) posts have been filled. There are 9,503 vacancies.
Dr Chua hoped that with the promotions, allowances and incentives, the specialists and doctors would remain in government service.
After four years, the government has agreed to a request from the Health Ministry to promote these "victims of circumstance" with a salary increment of RM1,950.
They are doctors who started their Master’s before the implementation of the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) on Nov 1, 2002.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the specialists, now in U41 with a take-home salary of RM5,352.81 including allowances, would now be promoted straight to U48 with a take-home pay of RM7,303.51.
"Those already gazetted as specialists and those waiting to be gazetted will be promoted," he said.
Of the 551 specialists, 183 completed their Master’s in 2004, another 281 finished in 2005 and the rest last year.
Dr Chua said despite the fact that they had completed their Master’s, and some had been gazetted as specialists, they were still receiving the salary of a medical officer who is in the U41 scale.
"They should have been promoted to U48 but they were caught in a limbo because of the move to SSM," said Dr Chua.
The salary rise will cost the government another RM19.032 million a year.
Dr Chua also announced that 18 dentists who did their Master’s before Nov 1, 2002, would also move directly from U41 to U48.
This will cost RM712,000 more per year in additional salaries and allowances.
The dentists would otherwise be stuck in U41 and have to sit for a Skills Competency Examination to be promoted to U44, and then to U48.
"The specialists have waited patiently for this good news," said Dr Chua, adding that the promotion exercise would help the ministry overcome the shortage of specialists.
There are 2,233 specialist posts in government hospitals, but only about 1,400 have been filled.
In addition, only 6,700 medical officers’ (clinicians) posts have been filled. There are 9,503 vacancies.
Dr Chua hoped that with the promotions, allowances and incentives, the specialists and doctors would remain in government service.
Deadly diet pills: Distributor to be charged
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The slimming pill believed to have caused the death of a woman was ordered off the shelves by the Health Ministry but this has been ignored.
The distributor of Kintop Slimming capsule will be charged under the Poisons Act 1953 and faces a fine of RM3,000 or a year’s jail or both.
The company in Subang was given several warnings to ensure the slimming pills were withdrawn from the market after the product was deregistered by the Health Ministry last August.
Health Ministry pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said the company was believed to have continued to supply the pills to retail outlets.
"Despite our directive and warning, the company continued to sell the banned slimming product," he said, adding that prosecution of its executives was imminent.
Housewife Normala Shahidan, 33, died at the Alor Star Hospital’s intensive care unit on Thursday from blood poisoning and kidney complications.
She had been taking the banned pills to reduce weight.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the distributor of the slimming pill may face further court action if it was proven that Normala’s death was related to taking the product.
The Health Ministry is also trying to ascertain the number of people who may have been taking the product.
In Kedah, at least four people developed side-effects after taking Kintop slimming capsules.
Kedah Consumers Association president Datuk Yusof Ismail said the consumers in their 20s and 30s took the pills to get rid of excess pounds but ended up seeking medical treatment.
He said one of the complainants was hospitalised in the intensive care unit of the Alor Star Hospital for heart problems after taking the pills for five months.
He said the complainants bought the capsules from direct-selling agents for RM350 in the hope of shedding weight quickly.
Norizan Ahmad, 44, who sold the slimming pills and slimming tea to Normala claimed he was unaware of the adverse effects to health or that the product was banned.
"I became an agent after my wife reduced her weight from 70kg to 58kg within a short period of time.
"That was why I was confident in recommending it to other customers, including Normala," he said.
He said he had recruited about 100 other people to sell the product.
Mohd Zin advised Normala’s family to sue the company if it was proven that the pills had caused her death.
The pharmaceutical enforcement division has seized RM6 million worth of Kintop slimming capsules in Kuala Lumpur since last August.
Mohd Zin said the company registered its product as a herbal compound but when samples were sent for analysis, they were found to be adulterated with sibutramine.
Sibutramine, an agent for the treatment of obesity, is a controlled substance, which only doctors can prescribe.
The distributor of Kintop Slimming capsule will be charged under the Poisons Act 1953 and faces a fine of RM3,000 or a year’s jail or both.
The company in Subang was given several warnings to ensure the slimming pills were withdrawn from the market after the product was deregistered by the Health Ministry last August.
Health Ministry pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Mohd Zin Che Awang said the company was believed to have continued to supply the pills to retail outlets.
"Despite our directive and warning, the company continued to sell the banned slimming product," he said, adding that prosecution of its executives was imminent.
Housewife Normala Shahidan, 33, died at the Alor Star Hospital’s intensive care unit on Thursday from blood poisoning and kidney complications.
She had been taking the banned pills to reduce weight.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the distributor of the slimming pill may face further court action if it was proven that Normala’s death was related to taking the product.
The Health Ministry is also trying to ascertain the number of people who may have been taking the product.
In Kedah, at least four people developed side-effects after taking Kintop slimming capsules.
Kedah Consumers Association president Datuk Yusof Ismail said the consumers in their 20s and 30s took the pills to get rid of excess pounds but ended up seeking medical treatment.
He said one of the complainants was hospitalised in the intensive care unit of the Alor Star Hospital for heart problems after taking the pills for five months.
He said the complainants bought the capsules from direct-selling agents for RM350 in the hope of shedding weight quickly.
Norizan Ahmad, 44, who sold the slimming pills and slimming tea to Normala claimed he was unaware of the adverse effects to health or that the product was banned.
"I became an agent after my wife reduced her weight from 70kg to 58kg within a short period of time.
"That was why I was confident in recommending it to other customers, including Normala," he said.
He said he had recruited about 100 other people to sell the product.
Mohd Zin advised Normala’s family to sue the company if it was proven that the pills had caused her death.
The pharmaceutical enforcement division has seized RM6 million worth of Kintop slimming capsules in Kuala Lumpur since last August.
Mohd Zin said the company registered its product as a herbal compound but when samples were sent for analysis, they were found to be adulterated with sibutramine.
Sibutramine, an agent for the treatment of obesity, is a controlled substance, which only doctors can prescribe.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Expect more suicides in future
NST: PUTRAJAYA: A lack of social networking support, stress, depression and frustration with no one to turn to for help — these are factors driving people to suicide.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said city folk led stressful lives.
They have become very impersonal and have less networking among people.
Dr Chua said when life did not meet with their expectations, they became stressed, unhappy and upset.
"When they are faced with problems and frustrations, they do not know who to turn to as many of them do not even know who their neighbours are."
The minister was commenting on the murder of two children by their father who later took his own life.
"He may have encountered problems and did not know who to turn to for help and guidance."
According to a study by the ministry, there is an average of seven suicides a day in the country.
The national average is estimated to be 13 suicides for every 100,000 people, compared with eight in the 1980s.
Dr Chua believes that in five to 10 years, suicide would be the country’s second biggest cause of death after cardiovascular diseases.
He said those with mental health problems, irrespective of what problems they faced, should seek professional help.
Some 3.9 million Malaysians are believed to be suffering from some form of mental health problems.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said city folk led stressful lives.
They have become very impersonal and have less networking among people.
Dr Chua said when life did not meet with their expectations, they became stressed, unhappy and upset.
"When they are faced with problems and frustrations, they do not know who to turn to as many of them do not even know who their neighbours are."
The minister was commenting on the murder of two children by their father who later took his own life.
"He may have encountered problems and did not know who to turn to for help and guidance."
According to a study by the ministry, there is an average of seven suicides a day in the country.
The national average is estimated to be 13 suicides for every 100,000 people, compared with eight in the 1980s.
Dr Chua believes that in five to 10 years, suicide would be the country’s second biggest cause of death after cardiovascular diseases.
He said those with mental health problems, irrespective of what problems they faced, should seek professional help.
Some 3.9 million Malaysians are believed to be suffering from some form of mental health problems.
Woman loses life to banned slimming pills
NST: ALOR STAR: A 33-year-old housewife died from kidney complications yesterday and her husband says it was because she took a slimming capsule which has since been banned.
Normala Shahidan died at the Alor Star Hospital’s intensive care unit at 1.30pm yesterday from severe infection to her blood system.
Doctors recorded her death as due to "septicaemia secondary multiple abscess".
Normala’s husband Roslan Khamis, 39, claimed that it was because she had taken the Kintop slimming capsule, which was banned by the Health Ministry in August last year.
He said the mother of two boys and a girl had been suffering from an infected right kidney after starting on the slimming pill regime nine months ago.
Her condition worsened in November and she had been in and out of hospital until her death.
"We didn’t know about the banning of Kintop. I did not doubt its effectiveness because the packaging stated that it had been approved by the Health Ministry.
"I allowed her to take the pills. She persuaded me, saying that she wanted to lose weight," said Roslan.
Normala weighed 72kg before she took the pills nine months ago. Within six months she had lost 17kg.
"She lost weight but she became more and more sick."
Roslan said doctors wanted to remove Normala’s right kidney when she last sought treatment at the Alor Star Hospital on Tuesday.
Normala was buried near her family home at Kampung Gunung Keriang here.
Roslan said that he planned to take legal action against the makers of the pills.
The Health Ministry banned the Kintop slimming capsule after it was found to contain sibutramine, which is classified as a poison.
Normala Shahidan died at the Alor Star Hospital’s intensive care unit at 1.30pm yesterday from severe infection to her blood system.
Doctors recorded her death as due to "septicaemia secondary multiple abscess".
Normala’s husband Roslan Khamis, 39, claimed that it was because she had taken the Kintop slimming capsule, which was banned by the Health Ministry in August last year.
He said the mother of two boys and a girl had been suffering from an infected right kidney after starting on the slimming pill regime nine months ago.
Her condition worsened in November and she had been in and out of hospital until her death.
"We didn’t know about the banning of Kintop. I did not doubt its effectiveness because the packaging stated that it had been approved by the Health Ministry.
"I allowed her to take the pills. She persuaded me, saying that she wanted to lose weight," said Roslan.
Normala weighed 72kg before she took the pills nine months ago. Within six months she had lost 17kg.
"She lost weight but she became more and more sick."
Roslan said doctors wanted to remove Normala’s right kidney when she last sought treatment at the Alor Star Hospital on Tuesday.
Normala was buried near her family home at Kampung Gunung Keriang here.
Roslan said that he planned to take legal action against the makers of the pills.
The Health Ministry banned the Kintop slimming capsule after it was found to contain sibutramine, which is classified as a poison.
Give rural docs more
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The critical allowance for doctors serving in Sabah and Sarawak should be increased to encourage more doctors to serve in the rural areas, said the Malaysian Medical Association.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the present critical allowance of 10% of the base salary or RM500, whichever is more, given across-the-board should be revised for those in the two states.
Critical allowance is given to doctors in view of the critical need in the field.
“We are asking for an increase in critical allowance of 50% of the base salary for doctors in these two states,” he said in an interview.
“Incentives must be given to teachers and doctors to serve there to ensure equal and quality access to education and healthcare,” he said.
He said doctors in district hospitals worked longer hours because there were fewer doctors there and so they made more calls and handled complex cases, including conducting surgical operations under remote supervision (via the phone).
He said the monetary incentive could motivate doctors to serve in the rural areas.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the present critical allowance of 10% of the base salary or RM500, whichever is more, given across-the-board should be revised for those in the two states.
Critical allowance is given to doctors in view of the critical need in the field.
“We are asking for an increase in critical allowance of 50% of the base salary for doctors in these two states,” he said in an interview.
“Incentives must be given to teachers and doctors to serve there to ensure equal and quality access to education and healthcare,” he said.
He said doctors in district hospitals worked longer hours because there were fewer doctors there and so they made more calls and handled complex cases, including conducting surgical operations under remote supervision (via the phone).
He said the monetary incentive could motivate doctors to serve in the rural areas.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Way to have healthcare specialists
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry must put in place several measures to produce private practitioners who specialise in primary health care (PHC), says the Malaysian Medical Association.
President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the ministry should have a training curriculum specifically for PHC for doctors doing their three-year compulsory posting with the government after their housemanship.
Having such a curriculum and ensuring that the doctors were supervised would help the ministry achieve its goal of getting general practitioners who specialised in PHC.
"It’s difficult for private practitioners to pursue a specialised PHC course once in practice as their time is fully taken up with patients."
For those already in private practice, the ministry must make accredited continued professional development (CPD) courses available online, which can be easily accessed at their place of work.
Dr Teoh was commenting on Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican’s call to future private doctors to specialise in PHC to decrease the number of unnecessary referrals and admissions to hospitals.
The ministry wants the 7,000-odd private doctors nationwide to be active in programmes that add value to what they are doing. In this way, they can offer specialised care at the primary level.
It also wants general practitioners to be actively involved in the treatment of the elderly and those with chronic ailments. Referrals to larger medical institutions should only be for complicated cases that require hospitalisation for highly specialised care.
Dr Ismail had said the time had come for general practitioners to be fully involved in PHC rather than treat the usual coughs and colds.
In welcoming the proposal, Dr Teoh said: "MMA is fully aware that private practitioners’ skills in PHC is to complement what the ministry is doing. We support it because more than 50 per cent of those providing PHC are private practitioners."
He reiterated that the ministry must seriously look into making available accredited CPD courses for private doctors online besides structured courses for new doctors who were serving the government.
Every year, of the 1,500 doctors who graduated, about 500 sought to be specialists, 100 in family medicine and the rest private practitioners. So, it was better that those wanting to be private practitioners got their specialisation in PHC, especially now, given the public demand.
He agreed that doctors could choose family medicine as their primary specialisation, then take advanced diploma courses in primary care offered by The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia.
President Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the ministry should have a training curriculum specifically for PHC for doctors doing their three-year compulsory posting with the government after their housemanship.
Having such a curriculum and ensuring that the doctors were supervised would help the ministry achieve its goal of getting general practitioners who specialised in PHC.
"It’s difficult for private practitioners to pursue a specialised PHC course once in practice as their time is fully taken up with patients."
For those already in private practice, the ministry must make accredited continued professional development (CPD) courses available online, which can be easily accessed at their place of work.
Dr Teoh was commenting on Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican’s call to future private doctors to specialise in PHC to decrease the number of unnecessary referrals and admissions to hospitals.
The ministry wants the 7,000-odd private doctors nationwide to be active in programmes that add value to what they are doing. In this way, they can offer specialised care at the primary level.
It also wants general practitioners to be actively involved in the treatment of the elderly and those with chronic ailments. Referrals to larger medical institutions should only be for complicated cases that require hospitalisation for highly specialised care.
Dr Ismail had said the time had come for general practitioners to be fully involved in PHC rather than treat the usual coughs and colds.
In welcoming the proposal, Dr Teoh said: "MMA is fully aware that private practitioners’ skills in PHC is to complement what the ministry is doing. We support it because more than 50 per cent of those providing PHC are private practitioners."
He reiterated that the ministry must seriously look into making available accredited CPD courses for private doctors online besides structured courses for new doctors who were serving the government.
Every year, of the 1,500 doctors who graduated, about 500 sought to be specialists, 100 in family medicine and the rest private practitioners. So, it was better that those wanting to be private practitioners got their specialisation in PHC, especially now, given the public demand.
He agreed that doctors could choose family medicine as their primary specialisation, then take advanced diploma courses in primary care offered by The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia.
New agency to check food quality
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will no longer carry out the quarantine of imported food when the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) comes into force later this year.
The agency will act as the regulatory body to inspect the quality of agriculture and agro-based products and to assure their safety and standard. The quarantine will come under the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, however, there were still some unresolved issues that needed to be looked into before Maqis was set up.
At the moment, he said, the Health Ministry carried out certain aspects of quarantine, such as the safety and quality of meat imported into the country.
“We have to work it out with the Health Ministry,” he told reporters here yesterday after launching a national seminar on enhancing the quality of agricultural products though grading, packaging and labelling.
Muhyiddin said the Cabinet had approved the setting up of Maqis, which was proposed last year.
“We hope the matter will be brought back to the Cabinet soon for endorsement,” he added.
“We have to see if there is a need for a special law to enforce the agency. It takes a little bit of time because we need to get agreement and coordination from the relevant ministries.”
Muhyiddin said the control of import and export activities under existing regulations caused delays.
“Importers and exporters have to go to various agencies and to fill up many forms. This is not in line with the Government's objective of improving its delivery system,” he added.
Asked when the proposed agency would be operational, Muhyiddin said: “We will not implement it immediately. We will do it in stages. I believe, before the end of the year, we will be fully operational.”
In his speech, Muhyiddin said the proposed agency would coordinate quarantine, inspection, certification and issuance of export and import documents by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and the Agriculture Department and activities involving the fishing and farming sectors by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia and the Veterinary Department.
The agency will act as the regulatory body to inspect the quality of agriculture and agro-based products and to assure their safety and standard. The quarantine will come under the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, however, there were still some unresolved issues that needed to be looked into before Maqis was set up.
At the moment, he said, the Health Ministry carried out certain aspects of quarantine, such as the safety and quality of meat imported into the country.
“We have to work it out with the Health Ministry,” he told reporters here yesterday after launching a national seminar on enhancing the quality of agricultural products though grading, packaging and labelling.
Muhyiddin said the Cabinet had approved the setting up of Maqis, which was proposed last year.
“We hope the matter will be brought back to the Cabinet soon for endorsement,” he added.
“We have to see if there is a need for a special law to enforce the agency. It takes a little bit of time because we need to get agreement and coordination from the relevant ministries.”
Muhyiddin said the control of import and export activities under existing regulations caused delays.
“Importers and exporters have to go to various agencies and to fill up many forms. This is not in line with the Government's objective of improving its delivery system,” he added.
Asked when the proposed agency would be operational, Muhyiddin said: “We will not implement it immediately. We will do it in stages. I believe, before the end of the year, we will be fully operational.”
In his speech, Muhyiddin said the proposed agency would coordinate quarantine, inspection, certification and issuance of export and import documents by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and the Agriculture Department and activities involving the fishing and farming sectors by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia and the Veterinary Department.
Pig farmers agree to sign pledge
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The country’s 656 pig farmers have finally agreed to sign a loyalty pledge, before the Chinese New Year this weekend, not to use illegal substances, including beta agonist, on their livestock said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He also announced that pig feed containing beta agonist was now a banned substance under the Customs Prohibited Order.
Dr Chua made these announcements yesterday after the national beta agonist action committee meeting.
The signing of the pledge has become an issue of contention between the authorities and farmers, with the authorities insisting that the pledge is necessary to facilitate enforcement and legal action. The farmers are unhappy with certain wordings, which they claim are “vague”.
Dr Chua said the farmers agreed not to use three illegal growth enhancers – beta agonist, nitofuran and chloramphenicol.
However, he added, butchers had asked for more time to discuss the matter and would come up with a decision in a months’ time.
“We feel it is necessary for the 120 butchers to also sign the loyalty pledge to further facilitate enforcement and monitoring,” he told a press conference.
On the banning of pig feed containing beta agonist, Dr Chua said samples were taken from 74 feed mills and 62 tested negative.
“This proves that claims by certain farmers that they have no knowledge about the use of the illegal substances because it came from the pig feed are untrue,” he said.
“We have also taken 78 pork samples from restaurants and markets between January and Feb 8, and only two tested positive for illegal substances.”
Dr Chua said the use of illegal substances had reduced significantly due to better enforcement and monitoring by the Health Ministry, Veterinary Services Department and also by the associations.
“We are aware that other farmers, apart from pig farmers, are also using beta agonist to stimulate livestock growth,” he added.
“However, the use of the substances are more prevalent among pig farmers, and we have to stop this.”
He also announced that pig feed containing beta agonist was now a banned substance under the Customs Prohibited Order.
Dr Chua made these announcements yesterday after the national beta agonist action committee meeting.
The signing of the pledge has become an issue of contention between the authorities and farmers, with the authorities insisting that the pledge is necessary to facilitate enforcement and legal action. The farmers are unhappy with certain wordings, which they claim are “vague”.
Dr Chua said the farmers agreed not to use three illegal growth enhancers – beta agonist, nitofuran and chloramphenicol.
However, he added, butchers had asked for more time to discuss the matter and would come up with a decision in a months’ time.
“We feel it is necessary for the 120 butchers to also sign the loyalty pledge to further facilitate enforcement and monitoring,” he told a press conference.
On the banning of pig feed containing beta agonist, Dr Chua said samples were taken from 74 feed mills and 62 tested negative.
“This proves that claims by certain farmers that they have no knowledge about the use of the illegal substances because it came from the pig feed are untrue,” he said.
“We have also taken 78 pork samples from restaurants and markets between January and Feb 8, and only two tested positive for illegal substances.”
Dr Chua said the use of illegal substances had reduced significantly due to better enforcement and monitoring by the Health Ministry, Veterinary Services Department and also by the associations.
“We are aware that other farmers, apart from pig farmers, are also using beta agonist to stimulate livestock growth,” he added.
“However, the use of the substances are more prevalent among pig farmers, and we have to stop this.”
Three die as dengue cases keep on rising
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Three people died of dengue as the number of suspected cases rose by 32 to 1,212 in the week to Feb 10 compared with the previous week, Health Ministry disease control director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said yesterday.
One death each occurred in Selangor, Kelantan and Johor – bringing to 19 the total number of people who had died of the disease so far this year, he said.
Dr Ramlee said in a statement that of the 1,212 suspected cases, 335 were confirmed as dengue cases.
He also said that all states recorded a rise in the number of cases except Selangor, Johor, Sarawak, Perlis and Negri Sembilan, where there was a drop.
“Up to last Saturday, the cumulative cases for this year was 7,806,” Dr Ramlee said. Most of the aedes mosquito breeding grounds were detected at construction sites (25%), factories (6%) and schools (3.6%).
He said intensive preventive and control measures were being carried out, particularly in Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, where the number of cases was high.
One death each occurred in Selangor, Kelantan and Johor – bringing to 19 the total number of people who had died of the disease so far this year, he said.
Dr Ramlee said in a statement that of the 1,212 suspected cases, 335 were confirmed as dengue cases.
He also said that all states recorded a rise in the number of cases except Selangor, Johor, Sarawak, Perlis and Negri Sembilan, where there was a drop.
“Up to last Saturday, the cumulative cases for this year was 7,806,” Dr Ramlee said. Most of the aedes mosquito breeding grounds were detected at construction sites (25%), factories (6%) and schools (3.6%).
He said intensive preventive and control measures were being carried out, particularly in Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, where the number of cases was high.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
IGP: Many accidents self-inflicted
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Don’t rubbish our efforts to keep the roads safe. This was the plea of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan yesterday, as he urged motorists not to place themselves in danger through their carelessness.
Describing most accidents as the result of deliberate human actions, he said many were "self-inflicting" tragedies on themselves.
"Why are you endangering your own lives and that of other road users through your actions on the road?" he asked.
Musa was dismayed by the behaviour of errant motorists who were undermining efforts by the police to keep the roads safe for Malaysians.
He was commenting on the 25 deaths, among them 17 motorcyclists, out of 921 accidents nationwide on Sunday, the first day of Ops Sikap XII.
This was a drastic increase over the 14 deaths in 825 accidents recorded during Ops Sikap X over the same Gong Xi Fa Cai period last year.
A frustrated Musa said police had repeatedly advised motorists not to become another statistic during festive periods.
Of the 25 deaths, four were on expressways, five on federal roads, seven on state roads, eight on municipal roads and one on other roads. Federal Traffic chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Datuk Nooryah Md Anvar said the statistics were worrying.
"The behaviour of inconsiderate road users is appalling. Don’t they think of their families, relatives and friends before they act?"
Nooryah said some motorists gave the impression that the authorities were out to "victimise" them.
"Actually, we are attempting to safeguard and protect them by enforcing traffic rules and regulations. We are not out to punish them without cause."
Meanwhile, several lawyers protested the Road Safety Department’s cash offer to the public for photographs of motorists allegedly committing offences.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy had announced RM150, RM100 and RM50 as the three top prizes daily.
"This can endanger the lives of motorists who attempt to use their mobile phones to photograph offenders. Such efforts should be out of social responsibility rather than seeking rewards," said Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh.
Yeo urged the department to reconsider its offer in view of public safety and the legalities involved.
Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the move could give rise to abuse.
"The authenticity of the photograph will be questionable. Also, one is not guilty unless proven otherwise in a court of law."
Former deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said those victimised could take legal action against the Road Safety Department for posting the photographs on its website.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association president N. Marimuthu described the incentive as a bribe. "This is encouraging people to be money-minded. This should not be the way to educate society to be honest."
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim suggested the department appoint station officers to record evidence at various locations.
Describing most accidents as the result of deliberate human actions, he said many were "self-inflicting" tragedies on themselves.
"Why are you endangering your own lives and that of other road users through your actions on the road?" he asked.
Musa was dismayed by the behaviour of errant motorists who were undermining efforts by the police to keep the roads safe for Malaysians.
He was commenting on the 25 deaths, among them 17 motorcyclists, out of 921 accidents nationwide on Sunday, the first day of Ops Sikap XII.
This was a drastic increase over the 14 deaths in 825 accidents recorded during Ops Sikap X over the same Gong Xi Fa Cai period last year.
A frustrated Musa said police had repeatedly advised motorists not to become another statistic during festive periods.
Of the 25 deaths, four were on expressways, five on federal roads, seven on state roads, eight on municipal roads and one on other roads. Federal Traffic chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Datuk Nooryah Md Anvar said the statistics were worrying.
"The behaviour of inconsiderate road users is appalling. Don’t they think of their families, relatives and friends before they act?"
Nooryah said some motorists gave the impression that the authorities were out to "victimise" them.
"Actually, we are attempting to safeguard and protect them by enforcing traffic rules and regulations. We are not out to punish them without cause."
Meanwhile, several lawyers protested the Road Safety Department’s cash offer to the public for photographs of motorists allegedly committing offences.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy had announced RM150, RM100 and RM50 as the three top prizes daily.
"This can endanger the lives of motorists who attempt to use their mobile phones to photograph offenders. Such efforts should be out of social responsibility rather than seeking rewards," said Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh.
Yeo urged the department to reconsider its offer in view of public safety and the legalities involved.
Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the move could give rise to abuse.
"The authenticity of the photograph will be questionable. Also, one is not guilty unless proven otherwise in a court of law."
Former deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said those victimised could take legal action against the Road Safety Department for posting the photographs on its website.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association president N. Marimuthu described the incentive as a bribe. "This is encouraging people to be money-minded. This should not be the way to educate society to be honest."
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim suggested the department appoint station officers to record evidence at various locations.
Health checks may be redundant
Star: TELUK INTAN: Making national service (NS) trainees undergo mandatory health checks may be redundant as they may still contract illnesses during the training, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
“We do not want to give these trainees a false sense of security and comfort,” he told reporters yesterday after a working visit to several health clinics here, about 98km from Ipoh.
“These normal health checks may not identify the kind of illnesses they may contract during their training.”
Dr Chua said it was important to first determine if the checks would be the best way to help ensure “zero casualty” in the training camps.
“We do not want to give these trainees a false sense of security and comfort,” he told reporters yesterday after a working visit to several health clinics here, about 98km from Ipoh.
“These normal health checks may not identify the kind of illnesses they may contract during their training.”
Dr Chua said it was important to first determine if the checks would be the best way to help ensure “zero casualty” in the training camps.
M'sia On Red Alert In View Of Bird Flu Outbreak In East Asia
KEPALA BATAS, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has gone on "red" alert in a move to keep at bay the bird flu that has reared its head in eastern Asia this month.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government has instructed all enforcement agencies to tighten controls to prevent smuggling of chicken and other birds into the country.
The Veterinary Services Department has issued strict protocol on the import of chicken, eggs and other poultry foodstuff, he told reporters after a visit to a padi seed factory in the Lahar Bubu Area Farmers Organisation (AFO), here.
Malaysia was declared free of bird flu on June 22 last year.
Meanwhile, the onset of dry weather from March is expected to be a blessing in disguise for poultry breeders because the bird flu virus only multiplies easily on in cold and damp weather.
"The H5N1 virus will be killed in the hot weather such as this," said Dr Kamaruddin Isa, acting director of the Epidemiology and Veterinary Medicine Division in the Health Ministry.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government has instructed all enforcement agencies to tighten controls to prevent smuggling of chicken and other birds into the country.
The Veterinary Services Department has issued strict protocol on the import of chicken, eggs and other poultry foodstuff, he told reporters after a visit to a padi seed factory in the Lahar Bubu Area Farmers Organisation (AFO), here.
Malaysia was declared free of bird flu on June 22 last year.
Meanwhile, the onset of dry weather from March is expected to be a blessing in disguise for poultry breeders because the bird flu virus only multiplies easily on in cold and damp weather.
"The H5N1 virus will be killed in the hot weather such as this," said Dr Kamaruddin Isa, acting director of the Epidemiology and Veterinary Medicine Division in the Health Ministry.
Monday, February 12, 2007
NS trainees have to get clean bill of health first
NST: GOPENG: The next batch of National Service trainees may have to pass a medical test.
"This is to ensure that there will be no more cases of sudden deaths among trainees due to health problems," said National Service Training Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday.
He said that Iliameera Azlan, 17, from the Ayer Keroh training camp, was the seventh trainee to die since the NS programme started three years ago.
She was among four trainees who died due to medical conditions while two others drowned and another trainee died after a fight, he said.
The new condition, subject to approval by the Health Ministry, was agreed to in principle by the council on Thursday, Lee said at an Open Day at the Taman Kepimpinan Gemilang NS training camp near here yesterday.
There were some 35,000 trainees for each batch, he said, adding that medical checks for all would have considerable implications in terms of costs and manpower.
While trainees were asked about their medical condition in their entry forms, problems arose when parents were unaware of their children’s health or when the trainees themselves were overwhelmed by fatigue.
Lee said that the training council had been transparent on fatalities, expressing regret over speculation that there had been cover-ups.
"We will not hide facts. Previous cases of deaths that occurred after the training is completed, such as road fatalities, should not be counted," he said.
Lee also said that the Open Day celebrations for those joining Group Two (March-June) and Group Three (June-September) would fall on May 4 and Aug 4 respectively.
"This is to ensure that there will be no more cases of sudden deaths among trainees due to health problems," said National Service Training Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday.
He said that Iliameera Azlan, 17, from the Ayer Keroh training camp, was the seventh trainee to die since the NS programme started three years ago.
She was among four trainees who died due to medical conditions while two others drowned and another trainee died after a fight, he said.
The new condition, subject to approval by the Health Ministry, was agreed to in principle by the council on Thursday, Lee said at an Open Day at the Taman Kepimpinan Gemilang NS training camp near here yesterday.
There were some 35,000 trainees for each batch, he said, adding that medical checks for all would have considerable implications in terms of costs and manpower.
While trainees were asked about their medical condition in their entry forms, problems arose when parents were unaware of their children’s health or when the trainees themselves were overwhelmed by fatigue.
Lee said that the training council had been transparent on fatalities, expressing regret over speculation that there had been cover-ups.
"We will not hide facts. Previous cases of deaths that occurred after the training is completed, such as road fatalities, should not be counted," he said.
Lee also said that the Open Day celebrations for those joining Group Two (March-June) and Group Three (June-September) would fall on May 4 and Aug 4 respectively.
Don’t sit too long on the throne
NST: IPOH: Spending long periods reading the newspaper while sitting on the toilet seat in the morning could lead to piles, said a colorectal surgery consultant.
"Instead of doing what usually takes three minutes to complete, you are spending 15 minutes," said Dr M. Sarkunnathas of a private hospital here.
While the causes of haemorrhoids, or swelling near the anus commonly known as "piles", are uncertain, toilet habits might be a factor.
"Squatting is good for the knees but sitting on the toilet is good for (not developing) piles. You take your pick," he said during a recent talk to raise awareness of the medical condition.
However, sitting too long was harmful if one were engrossed with reading and forgot one’s mission in the toilet, he added.
According to statistics, one of every two people or half a population would have piles to a certain degree at some stage of their life.
There were no differences among races or gender.
Due to embarrassment, many would diagnose the problem and find the solution themselves, allowing the condition to worsen to the point of needing surgery.
In the worst-case scenario, bleeding from the anus — a symptom associated with piles — might spark a belief it is cancer.
Thanks to technological advances, specifically a "circular stapler" invented by Italian surgeon Dr Antonio Longo, surgery is now a 15-minute procedure, which allows a patient to be on the feet and sitting comfortably the next day.
Over a million people underwent the Longo stapled haemorrhoidectomy or procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids since its introduction in 1998, including some 12,000 Malaysians.
The procedure, using a non-recyclable stapler and titanium staples, cuts a circumferential core of the rectal wall and immediately staples the wall, causing minimal pain and leaving no wounds.
"Instead of doing what usually takes three minutes to complete, you are spending 15 minutes," said Dr M. Sarkunnathas of a private hospital here.
While the causes of haemorrhoids, or swelling near the anus commonly known as "piles", are uncertain, toilet habits might be a factor.
"Squatting is good for the knees but sitting on the toilet is good for (not developing) piles. You take your pick," he said during a recent talk to raise awareness of the medical condition.
However, sitting too long was harmful if one were engrossed with reading and forgot one’s mission in the toilet, he added.
According to statistics, one of every two people or half a population would have piles to a certain degree at some stage of their life.
There were no differences among races or gender.
Due to embarrassment, many would diagnose the problem and find the solution themselves, allowing the condition to worsen to the point of needing surgery.
In the worst-case scenario, bleeding from the anus — a symptom associated with piles — might spark a belief it is cancer.
Thanks to technological advances, specifically a "circular stapler" invented by Italian surgeon Dr Antonio Longo, surgery is now a 15-minute procedure, which allows a patient to be on the feet and sitting comfortably the next day.
Over a million people underwent the Longo stapled haemorrhoidectomy or procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids since its introduction in 1998, including some 12,000 Malaysians.
The procedure, using a non-recyclable stapler and titanium staples, cuts a circumferential core of the rectal wall and immediately staples the wall, causing minimal pain and leaving no wounds.
Panel Of Doctors For Prison Inmates
KAJANG, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- A special panel of doctors would be appointed to attend to prison inmates, said Deputy Minister of Internal Security, Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.
He said the move was the first such initiative to replace the present arrangement where sick convicts had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
"The prison must have special doctors because the department is deeply concerned about the problem of contagious diseases, and convicts who have health problems must be treated immediately," he told reporters here Monday.
In the initial stage, he said, the Finance Ministry had approved an allocation of RM3 million last week for the appointment of the first group of panel doctors to serve 10 prisons throughout the country.
"The number of doctors to be deployed at each prison depends of the number of prisoners being held at the prison concerned," he added.
Fu said Kajang Prison was among the first to enjoy such benefit with three doctors currently serving the convicts there.
He said the appointment of the panel doctors was made because the Prisons Department's request to the Health Ministry to assign special doctors to the prisons could not be met due to the shortage of doctors.
Meanwhile, commenting on the case where 16 warders at the Simpang Renggam Prison were reported by a local press last Friday to have smuggled in prohibited items including ganja and heroin, he said five of them had been identified and one had been detained.
"All of them would be investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985," he said.
Fu also said that a special team known as the "Rapid Action Troop" had also been formed to carry out more thorough checks on convicts and prison staff to prevent smuggling of prohibited items.
He said the move was the first such initiative to replace the present arrangement where sick convicts had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
"The prison must have special doctors because the department is deeply concerned about the problem of contagious diseases, and convicts who have health problems must be treated immediately," he told reporters here Monday.
In the initial stage, he said, the Finance Ministry had approved an allocation of RM3 million last week for the appointment of the first group of panel doctors to serve 10 prisons throughout the country.
"The number of doctors to be deployed at each prison depends of the number of prisoners being held at the prison concerned," he added.
Fu said Kajang Prison was among the first to enjoy such benefit with three doctors currently serving the convicts there.
He said the appointment of the panel doctors was made because the Prisons Department's request to the Health Ministry to assign special doctors to the prisons could not be met due to the shortage of doctors.
Meanwhile, commenting on the case where 16 warders at the Simpang Renggam Prison were reported by a local press last Friday to have smuggled in prohibited items including ganja and heroin, he said five of them had been identified and one had been detained.
"All of them would be investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985," he said.
Fu also said that a special team known as the "Rapid Action Troop" had also been formed to carry out more thorough checks on convicts and prison staff to prevent smuggling of prohibited items.
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