Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Only 20% of 2.3 million Malaysian women of menopausal age sought professional healthcare advice on managing the symptoms of menopause last year.
This, according to Malaysian Menopause Society (MMS) president Dr Liew Fah Onn, means that as many as 60% of them might be suffering in silence when their quality of life could be much improved by proper assistance from healthcare professionals.
“The average age of menopause is 50 to 51, and women are expected to live for another 25 years after they reach menopause.
“It means an entire third of their life is spent in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal years.
“Thus, it is more important than ever to ensure that all women can live their golden years in optimal health and ease,” he told a news conference in conjunction with the annual World Menopause Day celebration here, yesterday.
Dr Liew said the consultation should be focusing on the basics of menopause treatment for high-quality life matching with women's individual needs.
“Only 10% of doctors could explain menopause.
“This is because many women are ashamed to tell the doctor of their condition.
“Surveys have reported that more than half of all women do not know that menopause is associated with increased risk of heart diseases.
“Yet, cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart attacks and strokes, are the leading causes of death in Malaysia and in the world today,” he said. - Bernama
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Monday, October 10, 2011
Shift work may affect housemen’s training, says Abdul Hamid
Star: PETALING JAYA: The creation of shift duties to ease the long working hours of housemen in public hospitals may affect their training.
Physicians for Social Responsibility vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Hamid Abdul Kadir voiced concern that training and supervision would be affected for those on the night shift because senior doctors only come when on call.
“New graduates require special attention and the shift system will not help train new house officers (HOs),” he said in an interview.
In his Budget 2012 speech on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the Government had introduced a flexible schedule with an average of 60 working hours per week for housemen to ease the workload of doctors who had to work for up to 120 hours per week.
He said that they would be paid a Special Flexible Working Allowance of RM600 a month effective Sept 1 this year, replacing the on-call allowance.
Dr Abdul Hamid said the over-crowding of housemen in most government hospitals had led to a lack of supervision and the night shift would only make the situation worse.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said they would still be taught during overlapping shifts when housemen from both shifts would be present.
“We will make sure they get the exposure they need,” he said.
Liow said shifts and reduced hours were needed to prevent on-calls that were extended for long without rest.
Physicians for Social Responsibility vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Hamid Abdul Kadir voiced concern that training and supervision would be affected for those on the night shift because senior doctors only come when on call.
“New graduates require special attention and the shift system will not help train new house officers (HOs),” he said in an interview.
In his Budget 2012 speech on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the Government had introduced a flexible schedule with an average of 60 working hours per week for housemen to ease the workload of doctors who had to work for up to 120 hours per week.
He said that they would be paid a Special Flexible Working Allowance of RM600 a month effective Sept 1 this year, replacing the on-call allowance.
Dr Abdul Hamid said the over-crowding of housemen in most government hospitals had led to a lack of supervision and the night shift would only make the situation worse.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said they would still be taught during overlapping shifts when housemen from both shifts would be present.
“We will make sure they get the exposure they need,” he said.
Liow said shifts and reduced hours were needed to prevent on-calls that were extended for long without rest.
Liow: We only accept qualified specialists
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will be strict in allowing specialists from overseas to practise here to ensure quality, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The Malaysian Medical Council would only allow qualified and trained specialists to serve in local hospitals, he added.
Liow was responding to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which questioned the Government's move to liberalise the healthcare sector.
The MMA had warned that the administration was taking a huge gamble with public healthcare as liberalising the sector could also see unqualified doctors treating patients.
The Prime Minister, during his Budget speech on Friday, had announced that 17 services sub-sectors, including private hospital services and medical and dental specialist services, would be liberalised in phases in 2012 to accelerate investment.
The initiative will allow up to 100% foreign equity participation in the selected sub-sectors.
“The move will attract top medical specialists from other countries and enable Malaysians to enjoy better healthcare services,” Liow said during a press conference after the National Anaesthesia Day celebration here yesterday.
The event, organised by Kuala Lumpur Hospital, saw 650 people participating in a five kilometre run to raise awareness about the anaesthetic services provided in the country.
The Malaysian Medical Council would only allow qualified and trained specialists to serve in local hospitals, he added.
Liow was responding to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which questioned the Government's move to liberalise the healthcare sector.
The MMA had warned that the administration was taking a huge gamble with public healthcare as liberalising the sector could also see unqualified doctors treating patients.
The Prime Minister, during his Budget speech on Friday, had announced that 17 services sub-sectors, including private hospital services and medical and dental specialist services, would be liberalised in phases in 2012 to accelerate investment.
The initiative will allow up to 100% foreign equity participation in the selected sub-sectors.
“The move will attract top medical specialists from other countries and enable Malaysians to enjoy better healthcare services,” Liow said during a press conference after the National Anaesthesia Day celebration here yesterday.
The event, organised by Kuala Lumpur Hospital, saw 650 people participating in a five kilometre run to raise awareness about the anaesthetic services provided in the country.
Conducting mass elective surgery an uphill task, says MMA
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has welcomed the Government's initiative to reduce the backlog of elective surgery cases but said ensuring its success may prove difficult.
One of the main challenges is to gather so many surgeons from the various disciplines together at one time.
“While it may not be a problem to get anaesthetists, it will be difficult to get the surgeons,” said its president Dr Mary Suma Cardosa.
Although it was a good idea, she said, a lot of preparation was needed before such an exercise could be implemented.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced yesterday that the Government would embark on a nationwide “Health Carnival” to reduce the backlog of cases at public hospitals and cut the waiting time from the current average of 32 weeks to 12 weeks.
He said the ministry would pool available surgeons and anaesthetists in the country to conduct mass elective surgery, which would begin next month in Sarawak.
Dr Cardosa said it would be more practical to address only selected elective surgery cases.
“It would also be better to do simpler procedures like cataract surgery which does not need as much postoperative care,” she said yesterday.
Dr Cardosa added that the waiting time for patients requiring elective surgery varied according to the type of procedure. “Cancer surgery is usually given priority over other types,” she said, adding that it also depended on the skills required.
A heart patient from Seremban, Jagadeeswaran Muthu, 51, said he had been put on the waiting list for four months for a heart procedure despite suffering from pains due to complications from a previous surgery in August.
“I can't afford to go to a private hospital so I do not have much choice but to wait,” said Jagadeeswaran, adding that he had lost his job as a driver due to his condition.
He welcomed the Government's initiative to shorten the waiting time for elective surgeries saying that it would benefit many others like himself.
One of the main challenges is to gather so many surgeons from the various disciplines together at one time.
“While it may not be a problem to get anaesthetists, it will be difficult to get the surgeons,” said its president Dr Mary Suma Cardosa.
Although it was a good idea, she said, a lot of preparation was needed before such an exercise could be implemented.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced yesterday that the Government would embark on a nationwide “Health Carnival” to reduce the backlog of cases at public hospitals and cut the waiting time from the current average of 32 weeks to 12 weeks.
He said the ministry would pool available surgeons and anaesthetists in the country to conduct mass elective surgery, which would begin next month in Sarawak.
Dr Cardosa said it would be more practical to address only selected elective surgery cases.
“It would also be better to do simpler procedures like cataract surgery which does not need as much postoperative care,” she said yesterday.
Dr Cardosa added that the waiting time for patients requiring elective surgery varied according to the type of procedure. “Cancer surgery is usually given priority over other types,” she said, adding that it also depended on the skills required.
A heart patient from Seremban, Jagadeeswaran Muthu, 51, said he had been put on the waiting list for four months for a heart procedure despite suffering from pains due to complications from a previous surgery in August.
“I can't afford to go to a private hospital so I do not have much choice but to wait,” said Jagadeeswaran, adding that he had lost his job as a driver due to his condition.
He welcomed the Government's initiative to shorten the waiting time for elective surgeries saying that it would benefit many others like himself.
Govt to hold ‘Health Carnival’ to cut waiting time for elective surgeries
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will pool its resources of available surgeons and anaesthetists to conduct mass elective surgeries in a nationwide operation to cut waiting time for such treatment from 32 weeks to about 12 weeks.
Billed as a “Health Carnival”, it is targeted at reducing the backlog of cases at public hospitals.
Elective surgeries are for non-emergency surgical procedures such as for cancer, cataract, vasectomy and hip and knee replacements.
The carnival, which will be held in every state, will kick off in Sarawak next month.
Sarawak and Sabah have the highest number of pending surgeries.
“We are currently calculating the number of cases as well as the manpower required for the exercise,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said that surgeons and anaesthetists would be brought in from all other states to conduct the surgeries.
This was the first time that the Government was embarking on such a programme, he told a press conference after opening the national Level World Anaesthesia Day yesterday.
Liow said he would personally visit the hospitals in Sarawak to monitor the implementation of the programme.
He also explained that a shortage of anaesthetists in the country had contributed to the backlog of elective cases.
“After we clear the backlog, we will only have to maintain the average waiting time of 12 weeks for all elective surgeries,” he said.
To date, he said, 32 hospitals in the country had been allowed to conduct elective surgeries on Saturdays to reduce their backlog of cases.
“Extended operating hours during the weekdays are also being approved for hospitals with heavy workload,” he said.
Liow said the intake of anaesthesiology trainees for the Masters programme in local universities had also been increased.
Universiti Putra Malaysia will be starting its own Masters programme in anaesthesiology in 2013, adding to the courses which are currently only available at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Liow said there was an estimated 620 anaesthetists in public and private hospitals in Malaysia, a ratio of one anaesthetist to 45,000 people.
“This shows that we are still far from the developed country norm of 1:10,000,” said Liow, adding that the Government aimed to double the number of anaesthetists in the country within the next 10 years.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman said the ministry did not have data on the number of patients currently on the waiting list for elective surgeries as the lists were updated by the individual hospitals.
Patients on the waiting list of each hospital will be informed when the carnival is held at their state.
Billed as a “Health Carnival”, it is targeted at reducing the backlog of cases at public hospitals.
Elective surgeries are for non-emergency surgical procedures such as for cancer, cataract, vasectomy and hip and knee replacements.
The carnival, which will be held in every state, will kick off in Sarawak next month.
Sarawak and Sabah have the highest number of pending surgeries.
“We are currently calculating the number of cases as well as the manpower required for the exercise,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said that surgeons and anaesthetists would be brought in from all other states to conduct the surgeries.
This was the first time that the Government was embarking on such a programme, he told a press conference after opening the national Level World Anaesthesia Day yesterday.
Liow said he would personally visit the hospitals in Sarawak to monitor the implementation of the programme.
He also explained that a shortage of anaesthetists in the country had contributed to the backlog of elective cases.
“After we clear the backlog, we will only have to maintain the average waiting time of 12 weeks for all elective surgeries,” he said.
To date, he said, 32 hospitals in the country had been allowed to conduct elective surgeries on Saturdays to reduce their backlog of cases.
“Extended operating hours during the weekdays are also being approved for hospitals with heavy workload,” he said.
Liow said the intake of anaesthesiology trainees for the Masters programme in local universities had also been increased.
Universiti Putra Malaysia will be starting its own Masters programme in anaesthesiology in 2013, adding to the courses which are currently only available at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Liow said there was an estimated 620 anaesthetists in public and private hospitals in Malaysia, a ratio of one anaesthetist to 45,000 people.
“This shows that we are still far from the developed country norm of 1:10,000,” said Liow, adding that the Government aimed to double the number of anaesthetists in the country within the next 10 years.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman said the ministry did not have data on the number of patients currently on the waiting list for elective surgeries as the lists were updated by the individual hospitals.
Patients on the waiting list of each hospital will be informed when the carnival is held at their state.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Medicine via post widely welcomed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Simply commendable. This is the public's response to the 1Malaysia Medicine By Post (UMP) on Jan 24.
Executed in line with the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), it was welcomed by a majority of the public who see it as proof of the government's concern for the welfare of the low-income group and the poor.
"This is the kind of service I want. I no longer need to rush to the hospital and take a number to queue for medicines.
"I totally support this move, not because I am lazy, but if a service is offered to make our life easier, then we should make full use of it," police retiree Sidek Salleh, 52, told Bernama.
He said the service not only helped patients save petrol and time, but chronic patients also no longer needed to worry about their supply shortage as it could be ordered through 1Malaysia UMP and sent to their doorstep.
For Salmina Sulaiman, 39, although the service was useful, she stressed that individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes must be checked by their doctors.
"Despite this facility, some patients still need to visit their doctor in order to control medicine intake," she said, adding that the 1Malaysia UMP service was beneficial to those living in rural areas or far from a hospital or clinic.
Meanwhile, the health ministry, in a bid to promote healthcare among the community, has upgraded and improved the efficiency of several services offered to patients at hospitals and health clinics.
As a pioneer for the 1Malaysia UMP service, the Putrajaya Hospital registered 296 patients taking advantage of the facility, as of July.
This number is expected to rise as the service has been extended to 26 pharmacy units at main hospitals in each state, including the Selayang Hospital, Putrajaya Health Clinic and the Luyang Health Clinic in Sabah.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told Bernama here, since it began in July, a total of 1,901 prescriptions were sent to patients.
"Patients with prescriptions for over a month have the option of receiving their medicines at home or the office," she said.
For repeat deliveries, she said various methods were available to make it easier for patients to order, should they run out of stock.
"Should the patient inform us that they want supply to be sent until the prescription ends, then the hospital or clinic will send the medicines continuously.
"Patients can call, SMS, or use the PosOnline system to contact the hospital or clinic offering these services," she added. Rosnah said pharmaceutical officers at the hospital or clinic would also remind patients to see their doctor when the prescription ended.
Through the 1Malaysia UMP, patients can also choose a suitable date to pick up their follow-up medication through the Integrated Medicine Dispensary System (SPUB), 'SMS and Take', 'Phone and Take', and the Drive-Thru Pharmacy service.
The SPUB service was implemented at pharmacy units in 136 hospitals and 532 health clinics nationwide, 'SMS and Take' at 66 hospitals and 44 health clinics while the 'Phone and Take' service was implemented at three hospitals and 14 health clinics.
On the cost of posting medicine using Pos Laju borne by the patient, Rosnah said RM3.50 was charged within Putrajaya, RM5 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM8 for Sabah and Sarawak. - Bernama
Executed in line with the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), it was welcomed by a majority of the public who see it as proof of the government's concern for the welfare of the low-income group and the poor.
"This is the kind of service I want. I no longer need to rush to the hospital and take a number to queue for medicines.
"I totally support this move, not because I am lazy, but if a service is offered to make our life easier, then we should make full use of it," police retiree Sidek Salleh, 52, told Bernama.
He said the service not only helped patients save petrol and time, but chronic patients also no longer needed to worry about their supply shortage as it could be ordered through 1Malaysia UMP and sent to their doorstep.
For Salmina Sulaiman, 39, although the service was useful, she stressed that individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes must be checked by their doctors.
"Despite this facility, some patients still need to visit their doctor in order to control medicine intake," she said, adding that the 1Malaysia UMP service was beneficial to those living in rural areas or far from a hospital or clinic.
Meanwhile, the health ministry, in a bid to promote healthcare among the community, has upgraded and improved the efficiency of several services offered to patients at hospitals and health clinics.
As a pioneer for the 1Malaysia UMP service, the Putrajaya Hospital registered 296 patients taking advantage of the facility, as of July.
This number is expected to rise as the service has been extended to 26 pharmacy units at main hospitals in each state, including the Selayang Hospital, Putrajaya Health Clinic and the Luyang Health Clinic in Sabah.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told Bernama here, since it began in July, a total of 1,901 prescriptions were sent to patients.
"Patients with prescriptions for over a month have the option of receiving their medicines at home or the office," she said.
For repeat deliveries, she said various methods were available to make it easier for patients to order, should they run out of stock.
"Should the patient inform us that they want supply to be sent until the prescription ends, then the hospital or clinic will send the medicines continuously.
"Patients can call, SMS, or use the PosOnline system to contact the hospital or clinic offering these services," she added. Rosnah said pharmaceutical officers at the hospital or clinic would also remind patients to see their doctor when the prescription ended.
Through the 1Malaysia UMP, patients can also choose a suitable date to pick up their follow-up medication through the Integrated Medicine Dispensary System (SPUB), 'SMS and Take', 'Phone and Take', and the Drive-Thru Pharmacy service.
The SPUB service was implemented at pharmacy units in 136 hospitals and 532 health clinics nationwide, 'SMS and Take' at 66 hospitals and 44 health clinics while the 'Phone and Take' service was implemented at three hospitals and 14 health clinics.
On the cost of posting medicine using Pos Laju borne by the patient, Rosnah said RM3.50 was charged within Putrajaya, RM5 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM8 for Sabah and Sarawak. - Bernama
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Budget 2012: Free HPV Vaccination For Women In 2012, Says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The government will provide free HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccinations to enable more women to be immunised against cervical cancer, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The prime minister said the three-dose vaccine immunisation, which costs RM150, will be implemented by the National Family Planning Board.
"RM50 million has been allocated for this purpose in 2012," he said while tabling the 2012 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat Friday.
To promote mother-child health, Najib also announced the construction of a hospital for women and children in Kuala Lumpur through a government and private joint venture, costing RM700 million.
Apart from that, the government has allocated RM10 million to implement training programmes to fulfill its policy of having at least 30 per cent women at managerial level in the corporate sector. The government will organise, among others, advanced management programmes for women with potential to become members of the board of directors, intensify advocacy activities for greater participation of women in the corporate sector and develop a database of potential women directors.
"Suitable training programmes to encourage female professionals to return to work will also be conducted," he added.
The prime minister said the allocation to the Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) has been doubled to RM300 million as an incentive to small entrepreneurs.
He said Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), the country's largest micro-credit organisation, will also allocate RM2.1 billion for micro-financing to entrepreneurs, particularly women.
"From this total, RM100 million each is provided for Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs through a special unit under AIM," he said.
Najib said the government also proposed to waive the stamp duty on the micro -financing agreements to reduce the entrepreneurs' operating costs.
The prime minister said the three-dose vaccine immunisation, which costs RM150, will be implemented by the National Family Planning Board.
"RM50 million has been allocated for this purpose in 2012," he said while tabling the 2012 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat Friday.
To promote mother-child health, Najib also announced the construction of a hospital for women and children in Kuala Lumpur through a government and private joint venture, costing RM700 million.
Apart from that, the government has allocated RM10 million to implement training programmes to fulfill its policy of having at least 30 per cent women at managerial level in the corporate sector. The government will organise, among others, advanced management programmes for women with potential to become members of the board of directors, intensify advocacy activities for greater participation of women in the corporate sector and develop a database of potential women directors.
"Suitable training programmes to encourage female professionals to return to work will also be conducted," he added.
The prime minister said the allocation to the Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) has been doubled to RM300 million as an incentive to small entrepreneurs.
He said Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), the country's largest micro-credit organisation, will also allocate RM2.1 billion for micro-financing to entrepreneurs, particularly women.
"From this total, RM100 million each is provided for Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs through a special unit under AIM," he said.
Najib said the government also proposed to waive the stamp duty on the micro -financing agreements to reduce the entrepreneurs' operating costs.
New ruling on service for pharmacists in govt hospitals
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory service for pharmacists in government hospitals has been reduced to only a year from three previously.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Cabinet approved the move last month and it would take effect immediately.
He said pharmacist positions in government hospitals were 89% filled compared with just 40% when the three-year compulsory service was introduced in 2004.
“It is high time we allowed them to work in the private sector,” he said after launching the Second Kuala Lumpur Valve Summit yesterday.
Liow said the one-year training period for graduates before starting compulsory service would remain.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said the private sector was facing a shortage of pharmacists and the new policy would help ease the problem.
She said that prior to the implementation of the three-year compulsory service, 60% of pharmacists were in the private sector, but after that, coupled with better working conditions in the public sector, it went down to 50%.
There are currently 8,600 pharmacists in the country.
On another matter, Liow said Malaysians should take note of the need to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
He added that NCDs made up two-thirds of all deaths globally, including Malaysia.
“A lot of people take it for granted and the urgency is not there.
“This is a serious matter. NCDs are pande- mic now and we must fight it like how we fight communicable diseases,” he said, add- ing that people must take charge of their health.
On whether the ministry would introduce tax on unhealthy fatty food as Denmark did recently, Liow said: “Malaysia will adopt preventive measures for now.”
Liow expressed hope that Budget 2012 would include funds to upgrade 2,000 community clinics to health clinics as they were needed not only to treat diseases, but also promote preventive measures against NCDs.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Cabinet approved the move last month and it would take effect immediately.
He said pharmacist positions in government hospitals were 89% filled compared with just 40% when the three-year compulsory service was introduced in 2004.
“It is high time we allowed them to work in the private sector,” he said after launching the Second Kuala Lumpur Valve Summit yesterday.
Liow said the one-year training period for graduates before starting compulsory service would remain.
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said the private sector was facing a shortage of pharmacists and the new policy would help ease the problem.
She said that prior to the implementation of the three-year compulsory service, 60% of pharmacists were in the private sector, but after that, coupled with better working conditions in the public sector, it went down to 50%.
There are currently 8,600 pharmacists in the country.
On another matter, Liow said Malaysians should take note of the need to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
He added that NCDs made up two-thirds of all deaths globally, including Malaysia.
“A lot of people take it for granted and the urgency is not there.
“This is a serious matter. NCDs are pande- mic now and we must fight it like how we fight communicable diseases,” he said, add- ing that people must take charge of their health.
On whether the ministry would introduce tax on unhealthy fatty food as Denmark did recently, Liow said: “Malaysia will adopt preventive measures for now.”
Liow expressed hope that Budget 2012 would include funds to upgrade 2,000 community clinics to health clinics as they were needed not only to treat diseases, but also promote preventive measures against NCDs.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Health Ministry Hopes Budget Has More Allocation For Rural Clinics
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) - The Health Ministry hopes that 2012 Budget to be tabled tomorrow will see an increase in allocation for upgrading of about 2,000 rural clinics nationwide.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said it also hopes that a Medical Assistant (MA) be stationed at each rural clinic to give treatment and prescription drugs to residents in nearby areas.
Currently, the rural clinics are managed by village nurses who help provide treatment to the kampung folks and children.
"Rural clinics not only provide treatment to the local population but also expose them to serious diseases and early detection," he told reporters after opening 2011 Heart Valve Conference 2011 today.
With additional allocation, early exposure and monotoring for symptoms of heart diseases, the number one killer in Malaysia, can be given to rural people.
The budget last year allocated about RM15.5bil to the health sector covering training, welfare, housing and community development.
The conference from today until Saturday attended by about 400 participants from Asean countries, Germany, Sudan, Qatar, India, China and Taiwan discusses the latest technologies in heart surgery.
Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said it also hopes that a Medical Assistant (MA) be stationed at each rural clinic to give treatment and prescription drugs to residents in nearby areas.
Currently, the rural clinics are managed by village nurses who help provide treatment to the kampung folks and children.
"Rural clinics not only provide treatment to the local population but also expose them to serious diseases and early detection," he told reporters after opening 2011 Heart Valve Conference 2011 today.
With additional allocation, early exposure and monotoring for symptoms of heart diseases, the number one killer in Malaysia, can be given to rural people.
The budget last year allocated about RM15.5bil to the health sector covering training, welfare, housing and community development.
The conference from today until Saturday attended by about 400 participants from Asean countries, Germany, Sudan, Qatar, India, China and Taiwan discusses the latest technologies in heart surgery.
Breathing new life into anti-smoking campaign
Malay Mail: KUALA LUMPUR: To deter cigarette smoking, the Health Ministry conducted a Nafas Baru (New Breath) campaign during the recent Ramadan.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said Nafas Baru was in line with their longstanding Tak Nak Merokok campaign and involved the distribution and dissemination of anti-smoking material to the public.
The ministry also said that Malaysia, as a signatory since 2005 to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) — a legal tool developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) — is bound to its 38 provisions covering the provisions for tobacco supply and control measures.
"In a committed effort to abide by the provisions of the FCTC since its ratification six years ago, almost all the provisions have been or are in the process of being carried out by the government," said the ministry.
"A study conducted over the last five years showed that Malaysia is believed to have spent over RM3 billion per year treating just three tobacco-related illnesses, namely, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
Among the actions taken were the implementation of Malaysia Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 which makes advertisements, sponsorships or promotions by tobacco companies illegal.
Under the regulations, designated no-smoking areas are increased from time to time, and minors are prohibited from selling, possessing or smoking tobacco products.
Other provisions enforced are ensuring that health and public policies are free from the influence of the tobacco industry, raising the price of tobacco and tobacco-related products in order to decrease demand for such items, and making it compulsory for tobacco manufacturers to carry warning labels featuring gruesome results of smoking.
The ministry also continually carries out educational campaigns through the mass media.
Infolines and services in local health clinics and hospitals aimed at helping those addicted to smoking were also provided.
Also, interventions throughout all levels of the community and programmes specifically targeting school children have been regularly held.
According to WHO statistics, more than five million people in the world will die from tobacco smoking-related illnesses this year. This does not include 600,000 non-smokers, 150,000 of them children, who will die from exposure to tobacco smoke.
In the 20th century, smoking claimed 100 million lives nationwide. In the 21st century, the number of such casualties is estimated to reach one billion.
A National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted in 2006 showed that 21.5 per cent, or roughly three million adults, in Malaysia are smokers.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said Nafas Baru was in line with their longstanding Tak Nak Merokok campaign and involved the distribution and dissemination of anti-smoking material to the public.
The ministry also said that Malaysia, as a signatory since 2005 to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) — a legal tool developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) — is bound to its 38 provisions covering the provisions for tobacco supply and control measures.
"In a committed effort to abide by the provisions of the FCTC since its ratification six years ago, almost all the provisions have been or are in the process of being carried out by the government," said the ministry.
"A study conducted over the last five years showed that Malaysia is believed to have spent over RM3 billion per year treating just three tobacco-related illnesses, namely, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
Among the actions taken were the implementation of Malaysia Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 which makes advertisements, sponsorships or promotions by tobacco companies illegal.
Under the regulations, designated no-smoking areas are increased from time to time, and minors are prohibited from selling, possessing or smoking tobacco products.
Other provisions enforced are ensuring that health and public policies are free from the influence of the tobacco industry, raising the price of tobacco and tobacco-related products in order to decrease demand for such items, and making it compulsory for tobacco manufacturers to carry warning labels featuring gruesome results of smoking.
The ministry also continually carries out educational campaigns through the mass media.
Infolines and services in local health clinics and hospitals aimed at helping those addicted to smoking were also provided.
Also, interventions throughout all levels of the community and programmes specifically targeting school children have been regularly held.
According to WHO statistics, more than five million people in the world will die from tobacco smoking-related illnesses this year. This does not include 600,000 non-smokers, 150,000 of them children, who will die from exposure to tobacco smoke.
In the 20th century, smoking claimed 100 million lives nationwide. In the 21st century, the number of such casualties is estimated to reach one billion.
A National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted in 2006 showed that 21.5 per cent, or roughly three million adults, in Malaysia are smokers.
Malaysia may turn into a competitor to India in clinical research soon
Pharmabiz: Malaysia may soon become a favored destination for clinical trials in the Asian region and can emerge as a possible competitor to India in clinical research in future, according to Prof Dixon Thomas, HoD of Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh.
Prof Dixon Thomas is doing a research on the project Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) launched by Malaysian government as part of the country’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). The ETP includes 12 national key economic areas (NKEA) which included clinical research. In view of the potential foreign investment to the country, contract clinical research has been identified as one of the entry point projects for the NKEA.
In a chat with Pharmabiz, Prof Dixon Thomas said Asia has 80 per cent of the world population and Malaysia being a country within the ASEAN region, is well-placed to achieve the status of a preferred destination for clinical trials in the region. Coordination of public and private hospitals, clinical research organizations, diverse patient pool, low cost and qualified professionals are the supporting factors that help the country to achieve that goal. The population in the ASEAN region provides huge potential both for the scientific pursuit of clinical trials as well as the subsequent pharmaceutical commercialization of research & development efforts.
According to him Clinical Research Malaysia is a project established to promote and develop the growth of industry sponsored clinical trials. Its main task is to encourage and support the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research organizations to select Malaysia as the preferred destination for contract clinical research and thus gain foreign direct investment from the global drug development industry. Its core function is to coordinate and foster greater collaboration among the ministry of health’s network of 24 Clinical Research Centres (CRCs) and other independent CR centres formed in private hospitals and academic centres, he said.
Regarding the progress of the project, he said Malaysia has made efforts in increasing the number of high-quality clinical trials being conducted by initially forming a One-Stop-Centre within the CRC, which acts as the main contact point for network of CRCs to facilitate access to 137 general and district Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. These hospitals act as the referral center for more than 4000 health clinics serving as potential sites for clinical trials. This One-Stop-Centre serves as the main contact point for industry and sponsors to access the sites and investigators. The Health Minister of the country, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, during the opening ceremony of National Conference for Clinical Research 2011, launched Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) and announced that CRM would provide a unique strategy to attract clinical trials to Malaysia, Prof Thomas added.
When asked about the advantages of Malaysia’s Industry Sponsored Trials, he said the CRM will ensure better communications between potential pharmaceutical industry sponsors and CRO’s with the MOH sites and investigators. There is supportive research infrastructure such as National Medical Research Register, which is an online register in which every clinical trial conducted within the country is recorded. The researcher acknowledged that CRC has been instrumental in establishing patient registries in more than thirty disease areas. Since 1999, Malaysia has mandated that all clinical trial investigators must receive training in relevant research topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Research Practice (GRP) in order to equip them with the necessary technical expertise and administrative capabilities when conducting the trials.
Another advantage is that the multi-racial and multi-ethnic local patient population providing an excellent opportunity for clinical trial investigators to conduct clinical research on a widely diverse patient population, especially pertaining to their genetic make-up. There is very good transport logistics, and costs are very manageable when conducting clinical trials in the country. Besides, the administrative and other costs incurred during the conduct of these trials in Malaysia will also be kept minimal, Prof Dixon Thomas said.
Prof Dixon Thomas is doing a research on the project Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) launched by Malaysian government as part of the country’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). The ETP includes 12 national key economic areas (NKEA) which included clinical research. In view of the potential foreign investment to the country, contract clinical research has been identified as one of the entry point projects for the NKEA.
In a chat with Pharmabiz, Prof Dixon Thomas said Asia has 80 per cent of the world population and Malaysia being a country within the ASEAN region, is well-placed to achieve the status of a preferred destination for clinical trials in the region. Coordination of public and private hospitals, clinical research organizations, diverse patient pool, low cost and qualified professionals are the supporting factors that help the country to achieve that goal. The population in the ASEAN region provides huge potential both for the scientific pursuit of clinical trials as well as the subsequent pharmaceutical commercialization of research & development efforts.
According to him Clinical Research Malaysia is a project established to promote and develop the growth of industry sponsored clinical trials. Its main task is to encourage and support the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research organizations to select Malaysia as the preferred destination for contract clinical research and thus gain foreign direct investment from the global drug development industry. Its core function is to coordinate and foster greater collaboration among the ministry of health’s network of 24 Clinical Research Centres (CRCs) and other independent CR centres formed in private hospitals and academic centres, he said.
Regarding the progress of the project, he said Malaysia has made efforts in increasing the number of high-quality clinical trials being conducted by initially forming a One-Stop-Centre within the CRC, which acts as the main contact point for network of CRCs to facilitate access to 137 general and district Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. These hospitals act as the referral center for more than 4000 health clinics serving as potential sites for clinical trials. This One-Stop-Centre serves as the main contact point for industry and sponsors to access the sites and investigators. The Health Minister of the country, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, during the opening ceremony of National Conference for Clinical Research 2011, launched Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) and announced that CRM would provide a unique strategy to attract clinical trials to Malaysia, Prof Thomas added.
When asked about the advantages of Malaysia’s Industry Sponsored Trials, he said the CRM will ensure better communications between potential pharmaceutical industry sponsors and CRO’s with the MOH sites and investigators. There is supportive research infrastructure such as National Medical Research Register, which is an online register in which every clinical trial conducted within the country is recorded. The researcher acknowledged that CRC has been instrumental in establishing patient registries in more than thirty disease areas. Since 1999, Malaysia has mandated that all clinical trial investigators must receive training in relevant research topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Research Practice (GRP) in order to equip them with the necessary technical expertise and administrative capabilities when conducting the trials.
Another advantage is that the multi-racial and multi-ethnic local patient population providing an excellent opportunity for clinical trial investigators to conduct clinical research on a widely diverse patient population, especially pertaining to their genetic make-up. There is very good transport logistics, and costs are very manageable when conducting clinical trials in the country. Besides, the administrative and other costs incurred during the conduct of these trials in Malaysia will also be kept minimal, Prof Dixon Thomas said.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
DAP MP protests unchecked powers in new medical Act
Malaysian Insider: KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Medical Device Authority Act, which grants absolute power to authorised enforcement officers to conduct raids and seizures over unregistered medical devices without producing a warrant.
The Act also stipulates the authorities will not be bound to pay damages or relief costs or be liable to court action for such seizures, unless a raid was conducted “without reasonable cause”.
During debate in Parliament today, Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) urged Putrajaya to withdraw and review provisions in the bill, arguing that it grants too much enforcement power to the Health Ministry and its agents.
“Section 57 gives blanket immunity to officials to raid or seize any medical devices. And no one can initiate any legal proceedings before any court,” he told the House.
The bill was tabled by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai for the second and third readings today, before being passed by majority vote.
Under the Act, “medical device” refers to “any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, in-vitro reagent or calibrator, software, material or other similar or related material intended by the manufacturer to be used on human beings” for various purposes such as “diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease” and other reasons.
The law compels all manufacturers, importers or distributors to register their medical devices with the newly formed Medical Advice Authority (MAA), following safety standards set by the Conformity Assessment Body, an independent regulatory agency formed under the Act.
Unregistered devices are also banned from being advertised and any person who violates this provision will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3,000 or a maximum three-year jail term, or both.
Speaking to The Malaysian Insider later, Lim said he was not opposed to the requirement for all medical devices to be registered in order to meet safety standards.
“But the wide scope of powers granted to health officials could be open to abuse and the manufacturers or retailers are offered no protection,” he said.
He pointed out that any negligence by health officials would be overlooked as no court action could be initiated to question their decisions.
According to Section 48 of the Act, the health minister may, in writing, authorise any public servant to exercise enforcement powers.
Section 50 states that the authorised officer “shall have all or any of the powers of a police officer of whatever rank in relation to police investigations in seizable cases as provided for under the Criminal Procedure Code”.
While Section 51 stipulates the officer should obtain a search warrant from a Magistrate, Section 52 states the said officer could also conduct the raid without a warrant if he has reason to believe that any delay in obtaining the warrant could adversely affect the evidence.
The Act also allows any “aggrieved” persons to appeal to the minister, who has the power to confirm, reverse or vary the decision of the MAA.
The Act also stipulates the authorities will not be bound to pay damages or relief costs or be liable to court action for such seizures, unless a raid was conducted “without reasonable cause”.
During debate in Parliament today, Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) urged Putrajaya to withdraw and review provisions in the bill, arguing that it grants too much enforcement power to the Health Ministry and its agents.
“Section 57 gives blanket immunity to officials to raid or seize any medical devices. And no one can initiate any legal proceedings before any court,” he told the House.
The bill was tabled by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai for the second and third readings today, before being passed by majority vote.
Under the Act, “medical device” refers to “any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, in-vitro reagent or calibrator, software, material or other similar or related material intended by the manufacturer to be used on human beings” for various purposes such as “diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease” and other reasons.
The law compels all manufacturers, importers or distributors to register their medical devices with the newly formed Medical Advice Authority (MAA), following safety standards set by the Conformity Assessment Body, an independent regulatory agency formed under the Act.
Unregistered devices are also banned from being advertised and any person who violates this provision will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3,000 or a maximum three-year jail term, or both.
Speaking to The Malaysian Insider later, Lim said he was not opposed to the requirement for all medical devices to be registered in order to meet safety standards.
“But the wide scope of powers granted to health officials could be open to abuse and the manufacturers or retailers are offered no protection,” he said.
He pointed out that any negligence by health officials would be overlooked as no court action could be initiated to question their decisions.
According to Section 48 of the Act, the health minister may, in writing, authorise any public servant to exercise enforcement powers.
Section 50 states that the authorised officer “shall have all or any of the powers of a police officer of whatever rank in relation to police investigations in seizable cases as provided for under the Criminal Procedure Code”.
While Section 51 stipulates the officer should obtain a search warrant from a Magistrate, Section 52 states the said officer could also conduct the raid without a warrant if he has reason to believe that any delay in obtaining the warrant could adversely affect the evidence.
The Act also allows any “aggrieved” persons to appeal to the minister, who has the power to confirm, reverse or vary the decision of the MAA.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Health Minister unveils 7 medical devices projects, RM17.1b revenue
The Edge: KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai unveiled seven new medical devices related Entry Point Projects (EPPs) which are expected to generate RM17.1 billion in revenue.
A statement from Pemandu on Thursday, Sept 29 said the new EPPs were expected to contribute to RM 11.4 billion in gross national income (GNI) and create 86,000 jobs by the year 2020.
The seven new EPPs are:
1) Tap into the fast-growing In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) market through academic-industry partnerships
2) Create next generation of single-use devices (SUD)
3) Build hub for high-value medical device contract manufacturing
4) Create Malaysian clinical devices champions
5) Orchestrate contract manufacturing supply chain
6) Medical equipment refurbishment hub
7) Build medical hardware and furniture cluster
A statement from Pemandu on Thursday, Sept 29 said the new EPPs were expected to contribute to RM 11.4 billion in gross national income (GNI) and create 86,000 jobs by the year 2020.
The seven new EPPs are:
1) Tap into the fast-growing In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) market through academic-industry partnerships
2) Create next generation of single-use devices (SUD)
3) Build hub for high-value medical device contract manufacturing
4) Create Malaysian clinical devices champions
5) Orchestrate contract manufacturing supply chain
6) Medical equipment refurbishment hub
7) Build medical hardware and furniture cluster
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Demand for healthcare for the aged set to rise significantly
SinChew: KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The demand for healthcare for the aged is expected to rise significantly in the coming years based on projections by the United Nations (UN).
Chief executive officer of Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, said under the UN definition, the Malaysian population was ageing.
"We are now classified as an 'ageing' nation, with over seven per cent of our population aged 60 years and older," he said in his keynote address at the Malaysian Private Pension and Healthcare Conference 2011 here today.
Azlan said with old age medical expenses were expected to increase.
He said health spending in Malaysia has grown from RM9.8 billion in 2007 to RM12.2 billion last year while the federal government's health expenditure was expected to be RM13.2 billion.
"This rise is moving in synchrony with the ageing demographics of the country and with rising healthcare costs," he said.
Azlan said the demand for healthcare was so strong that the country now has 217 private hospitals when 30 years ago, there were just a handful.
He said EPF was cognizant of its members' needs and for those most urgent, it has provided withdrawal schemes from members' account two such as for housing, education and critical illnesses.
"Specifically for critical illness withdrawals, we have raised the number of critical illnesses eligible for withdrawal from 36 to 55," he said.
Azlan said for critical illnesses, the EPF has in the past three years seen steady amounts of withdrawals, from circa RM46 million in 2006 to around RM35 million last year for a total of RM220 million in these past five years.
"We note, with some satisfaction that these amounts have been falling, implying, among other things, the increased awareness of the importance of retirement savings despite the rise in medical costs," he said.
Chief executive officer of Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, said under the UN definition, the Malaysian population was ageing.
"We are now classified as an 'ageing' nation, with over seven per cent of our population aged 60 years and older," he said in his keynote address at the Malaysian Private Pension and Healthcare Conference 2011 here today.
Azlan said with old age medical expenses were expected to increase.
He said health spending in Malaysia has grown from RM9.8 billion in 2007 to RM12.2 billion last year while the federal government's health expenditure was expected to be RM13.2 billion.
"This rise is moving in synchrony with the ageing demographics of the country and with rising healthcare costs," he said.
Azlan said the demand for healthcare was so strong that the country now has 217 private hospitals when 30 years ago, there were just a handful.
He said EPF was cognizant of its members' needs and for those most urgent, it has provided withdrawal schemes from members' account two such as for housing, education and critical illnesses.
"Specifically for critical illness withdrawals, we have raised the number of critical illnesses eligible for withdrawal from 36 to 55," he said.
Azlan said for critical illnesses, the EPF has in the past three years seen steady amounts of withdrawals, from circa RM46 million in 2006 to around RM35 million last year for a total of RM220 million in these past five years.
"We note, with some satisfaction that these amounts have been falling, implying, among other things, the increased awareness of the importance of retirement savings despite the rise in medical costs," he said.
Health Ministry To Look Into Kidney Trade Allegation
Bernama: KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The alleged involvement of Malaysian hospitals in illegal kidney trade will see the health ministry liaising with the federal police to launch an investigation.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the ministry took a very serious view of a recent media report on this matter.
He explained that kidney transplantation in Malaysia was currently performed at specific hospitals, namely Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Selayang Hospital, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and a few private hospitals in the Klang Valley.
Dr Hasan said it seemed a little far-fetched for such an illegal activity, especially involving foreigners, to have been conducted in any of the said hospitals.
"However, if there is evidence that such a thing had happened in any of the hospitals, the ministry will certainly take serious action against them," he vowed.
The report alleged that donors from remote villages in Bangladesh were allegedly flown to Southeast Asia to sell their kidneys.
Dr Hasan said the ministry encouraged cadaveric organ transplantation and transplants from live, related donors.
He noted that transplants from unrelated donors needed to be vetted by an independent body called 'Unrelated Transplant Approval Committee', appointed by the health director-general.
"Hence, the alleged transplants from unrelated foreigners (from Bangladesh) would have required prior approval from the ministry. Our records show that there have been no such requests or applications," he said.
As a member of the World Health Organisation and signatory to The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism, Malaysia is committed to ensuring that illegal organ trade did not occur in the country, said Dr Hasan.
"To further regulate transplantation, the ministry is currently in the midst of drafting a new and comprehensive Transplantation Bill," he said, adding that the National Organ, Tissue and Cell Transplantation Policy was established in 2007 to guide the development of transplantation based on best ethical practices in Malaysian hospitals.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the ministry took a very serious view of a recent media report on this matter.
He explained that kidney transplantation in Malaysia was currently performed at specific hospitals, namely Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Selayang Hospital, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and a few private hospitals in the Klang Valley.
Dr Hasan said it seemed a little far-fetched for such an illegal activity, especially involving foreigners, to have been conducted in any of the said hospitals.
"However, if there is evidence that such a thing had happened in any of the hospitals, the ministry will certainly take serious action against them," he vowed.
The report alleged that donors from remote villages in Bangladesh were allegedly flown to Southeast Asia to sell their kidneys.
Dr Hasan said the ministry encouraged cadaveric organ transplantation and transplants from live, related donors.
He noted that transplants from unrelated donors needed to be vetted by an independent body called 'Unrelated Transplant Approval Committee', appointed by the health director-general.
"Hence, the alleged transplants from unrelated foreigners (from Bangladesh) would have required prior approval from the ministry. Our records show that there have been no such requests or applications," he said.
As a member of the World Health Organisation and signatory to The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism, Malaysia is committed to ensuring that illegal organ trade did not occur in the country, said Dr Hasan.
"To further regulate transplantation, the ministry is currently in the midst of drafting a new and comprehensive Transplantation Bill," he said, adding that the National Organ, Tissue and Cell Transplantation Policy was established in 2007 to guide the development of transplantation based on best ethical practices in Malaysian hospitals.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A healthy lure for tourists
Star: PETALING JAYA: Foreigners will find Malaysia an attractive place for healthcare as the country offers affordable and quality medical treatment by accredited healthcare providers.
Launching the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Exhibition 2011 in Hong Kong yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia had many highly-trained specialists with recognised qualifications, mostly from Britain, Ireland and the United States.
“Many of them have been involved in revolutionary and ground-breaking research which has garnered internationally-acclaimed awards and recognition,” he told visitors to the show.
He added that besides state-of-the-art equipment and treatment, patients from Hong Kong and China would have no problem conversing with doctors as Mandarin, Cantonese and English are all widely spoken.
“With a favourable exchange rate, Malaysia has an advantage in terms of cost of care,” said Liow, adding that the country adopted a single pricing policy for private medical treatment where foreigners enjoyed the same rate as locals.
The exhibition, organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, featured 17 exhibitors from hospitals and related industry players.
Present at the launch were MHTC chief executive officer Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin, Malaysian celebrity Michael Wong, who was named the country's health care travel ambassador, Hong Kong artistes Nat Chan Pak Cheung and Petrina Fung Bo Bo and Malaysia consul-general in Hong Kong Jilid Kuminding.
Launching the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Exhibition 2011 in Hong Kong yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia had many highly-trained specialists with recognised qualifications, mostly from Britain, Ireland and the United States.
“Many of them have been involved in revolutionary and ground-breaking research which has garnered internationally-acclaimed awards and recognition,” he told visitors to the show.
He added that besides state-of-the-art equipment and treatment, patients from Hong Kong and China would have no problem conversing with doctors as Mandarin, Cantonese and English are all widely spoken.
“With a favourable exchange rate, Malaysia has an advantage in terms of cost of care,” said Liow, adding that the country adopted a single pricing policy for private medical treatment where foreigners enjoyed the same rate as locals.
The exhibition, organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, featured 17 exhibitors from hospitals and related industry players.
Present at the launch were MHTC chief executive officer Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin, Malaysian celebrity Michael Wong, who was named the country's health care travel ambassador, Hong Kong artistes Nat Chan Pak Cheung and Petrina Fung Bo Bo and Malaysia consul-general in Hong Kong Jilid Kuminding.
Who’s using it?
Star: BASED on the latest Malaysian Population and Family Survey, only around 52% of couples in Malaysia are using at least one form of contraception, whether natural or artificial.
The 2004 survey conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board (better known by its Malay acronym, LPPKN), spoke to a sampling of married women aged between 15-49, and were either currently using, or whose spouse was using, at least one form of contraception.
This included artificial methods like hormone pills, condoms, and intra-uterine devices (IUDs), as well as natural methods like periodic abstinence using the rhythm method, withdrawal, lactational amenorrhea method (using breastfeeding and the absence of periods as an indication of non-fertility) and folk methods.
The percentage of these women is considered the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR).
The surveys, which are carried out every 10 years, show that the CPR in the country has been holding relatively steady around 50% ever since 1984. Ten years before that, it was 36%.
The survey reports that for the major ethnic groups, 64.3% of Chinese couples practise some form of contraception; followed by couples of other races, 59.3%; Indian couples, 51% and Malay couples, 39.3%.
And while urbanisation and education has increased the CPR, LPPKN Human Reproduction Division director Dr Norliza Ahmad says that “the differentials between urban (50.7%) and rural couples (43.3%), and across education categories (primary or no schooling 46.5%; secondary 48.6%; and post-secondary 49.3%) are much less pronounced than ethnic differentials”.
The most popular method of contraception is the oral contraceptive pill (14%), while the rhythm method is the most used among the natural, or non-modern, methods (9.3%).
The survey also showed that around one quarter of married couples wanted to stop or delay having children, but were not using any contraceptive methods for various reasons. This “unmet need for contraception” was highest among women in their 40s (64.4%).
Dr Norliza says that this could be due to a couple of factors.
“Number one is they might think that they are not fertile, This perception is partly true because at this age, there is a natural decline in fertility. However, the chance of getting pregnant is still there.”
Currently, women less than 50 years old are advised to continue using contraception until they have had no periods for two years, and women above 50 to continue for 12 months after their last period.
“Secondly may be because they are unaware of the contraceptive choices available. This could be due to inadequate advice by healthcare providers.” She adds that education and awareness is a very important part of LPPKN’s work as many women are afraid of the side effects of artificial, or modern, contraceptive methods.
In addition, Dr Norliza says that a wider range of contraceptive methods, such as low-dose oestrogen and long-acting formulations need to be made widely available to the community, and that effective counselling is a priority.
“More concentrated efforts are also needed to encourage and facilitate active male participation, and to reduce their objection to family planning practice.
“Nevertheless, women’s rights to decide on contraception and fertility will not be neglected.”
According to Dr Norliza, future areas of research for LPPKN include emergency contraception, unmet needs, and family planning usage among singles.
The 2004 survey conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board (better known by its Malay acronym, LPPKN), spoke to a sampling of married women aged between 15-49, and were either currently using, or whose spouse was using, at least one form of contraception.
This included artificial methods like hormone pills, condoms, and intra-uterine devices (IUDs), as well as natural methods like periodic abstinence using the rhythm method, withdrawal, lactational amenorrhea method (using breastfeeding and the absence of periods as an indication of non-fertility) and folk methods.
The percentage of these women is considered the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR).
The surveys, which are carried out every 10 years, show that the CPR in the country has been holding relatively steady around 50% ever since 1984. Ten years before that, it was 36%.
The survey reports that for the major ethnic groups, 64.3% of Chinese couples practise some form of contraception; followed by couples of other races, 59.3%; Indian couples, 51% and Malay couples, 39.3%.
And while urbanisation and education has increased the CPR, LPPKN Human Reproduction Division director Dr Norliza Ahmad says that “the differentials between urban (50.7%) and rural couples (43.3%), and across education categories (primary or no schooling 46.5%; secondary 48.6%; and post-secondary 49.3%) are much less pronounced than ethnic differentials”.
The most popular method of contraception is the oral contraceptive pill (14%), while the rhythm method is the most used among the natural, or non-modern, methods (9.3%).
The survey also showed that around one quarter of married couples wanted to stop or delay having children, but were not using any contraceptive methods for various reasons. This “unmet need for contraception” was highest among women in their 40s (64.4%).
Dr Norliza says that this could be due to a couple of factors.
“Number one is they might think that they are not fertile, This perception is partly true because at this age, there is a natural decline in fertility. However, the chance of getting pregnant is still there.”
Currently, women less than 50 years old are advised to continue using contraception until they have had no periods for two years, and women above 50 to continue for 12 months after their last period.
“Secondly may be because they are unaware of the contraceptive choices available. This could be due to inadequate advice by healthcare providers.” She adds that education and awareness is a very important part of LPPKN’s work as many women are afraid of the side effects of artificial, or modern, contraceptive methods.
In addition, Dr Norliza says that a wider range of contraceptive methods, such as low-dose oestrogen and long-acting formulations need to be made widely available to the community, and that effective counselling is a priority.
“More concentrated efforts are also needed to encourage and facilitate active male participation, and to reduce their objection to family planning practice.
“Nevertheless, women’s rights to decide on contraception and fertility will not be neglected.”
According to Dr Norliza, future areas of research for LPPKN include emergency contraception, unmet needs, and family planning usage among singles.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Malaysia Against Delays In Introducing New Generic Drugs
Bernama: KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia does not want the introduction of new generic drugs to be obstructed and delayed by conflicting interpretations of national legislation and regulations on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) by various parties.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said with the increasing number of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), many countries were faced with a huge challenge in providing sufficient access to essential medicines to treat such cases. The positive economic impact of generic substitutions can be enormous. For Malaysia which provides free medical care to its citizens, generics are essential to meet the continuous delivery of healthcare to its population," he said in his speech at the United Nations High-Level Meeting On NCDs in New York Monday.
The text of his speech was made available to the media here.
Liow noted that the United Nations Declaration on HIV/AIDS in June had endorsed important flexibilities guaranteed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) TRIPS Agreement to ensure that trade would not violate patients' rights.
"While the promotion of international trade is important, especially within a rules-based trading system, the WTO should provide flexibilities, particularly to developing countries," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said with the increasing number of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), many countries were faced with a huge challenge in providing sufficient access to essential medicines to treat such cases. The positive economic impact of generic substitutions can be enormous. For Malaysia which provides free medical care to its citizens, generics are essential to meet the continuous delivery of healthcare to its population," he said in his speech at the United Nations High-Level Meeting On NCDs in New York Monday.
The text of his speech was made available to the media here.
Liow noted that the United Nations Declaration on HIV/AIDS in June had endorsed important flexibilities guaranteed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) TRIPS Agreement to ensure that trade would not violate patients' rights.
"While the promotion of international trade is important, especially within a rules-based trading system, the WTO should provide flexibilities, particularly to developing countries," he said.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ministry tightens rules over bird’s nests
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Owners of bird's nest processing premises have been given until Oct 1 to register their businesses with the Health Ministry in a move to regulate and control the product's quality.
“At the moment, the premises are only registered with the local authorities, not with the ministry,” said minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, adding that the Chinese Government had expressed concern over the high levels of nitrite contained in the nests exported to the country.
“China is taking the issue very seriously,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Liow said the Government had agreed that any food item exported to the China would have to be certified by the ministry and the Veterinary Services Department.
“We will take action against premises that do not register with us by Oct 1,” he said, adding that they could also be fined up to RM10,000 for not doing so.
Their registration forms can be obtained from the state health department, district health offices or online at fosimdomestic.moh.gov.my.
Liow said the processing premises would be given until the end of the year to implement the food safety assurance system or be fined up to RM10,000.
He said operators could choose from the 1Malaysia Food Safety Scheme (SK1M), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) or the Good Manufacturing Practice, all of which were endorsed by the ministry.
He said the SK1M, which is free of charge, was implemented to assist small and medium entrepreneurs.
“To date, 64 companies have already obtained the SK1M certification.”
“At the moment, the premises are only registered with the local authorities, not with the ministry,” said minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, adding that the Chinese Government had expressed concern over the high levels of nitrite contained in the nests exported to the country.
“China is taking the issue very seriously,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Liow said the Government had agreed that any food item exported to the China would have to be certified by the ministry and the Veterinary Services Department.
“We will take action against premises that do not register with us by Oct 1,” he said, adding that they could also be fined up to RM10,000 for not doing so.
Their registration forms can be obtained from the state health department, district health offices or online at fosimdomestic.moh.gov.my.
Liow said the processing premises would be given until the end of the year to implement the food safety assurance system or be fined up to RM10,000.
He said operators could choose from the 1Malaysia Food Safety Scheme (SK1M), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) or the Good Manufacturing Practice, all of which were endorsed by the ministry.
He said the SK1M, which is free of charge, was implemented to assist small and medium entrepreneurs.
“To date, 64 companies have already obtained the SK1M certification.”
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Malaysia On Alert Although No Influenza A (H5N1) Outbreak - Liow
Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is on Influenza A (H5N1) alert although there has been no outbreak in the country since 2003, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.
However, he said the Health Ministry's surveillance team had been activated to monitor the situation on the ground from time to time.
"Malaysia has been free from Influenza A H5N1 since 2003 as there have been no positive samples.
"However, we are working closely with the Veterinary Services Department. If chicken are affected, we will ensure the situation is contained so that there will be infection of humans," he told reporters after attending the Health Ministry's Merdeka Raya celebration here Thursday.
Liow advised the public to take preventive measures, including seeking immediate medical attention at clinics if they develop influenza-like illness symptoms.
On the haze problem, Liow urged the people to avoid outdoor activities at areas where the Air Pollution Index (API) was unhealthy.
"Patients with eye-disease, asthma and chronic bronchitis should seek immediate medical attention," he said.
Asked whether the ministry would distribute face masks if the air quality deteriorated further, he said ministry would not as they were cheap and easily available in the market.
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is on Influenza A (H5N1) alert although there has been no outbreak in the country since 2003, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.
However, he said the Health Ministry's surveillance team had been activated to monitor the situation on the ground from time to time.
"Malaysia has been free from Influenza A H5N1 since 2003 as there have been no positive samples.
"However, we are working closely with the Veterinary Services Department. If chicken are affected, we will ensure the situation is contained so that there will be infection of humans," he told reporters after attending the Health Ministry's Merdeka Raya celebration here Thursday.
Liow advised the public to take preventive measures, including seeking immediate medical attention at clinics if they develop influenza-like illness symptoms.
On the haze problem, Liow urged the people to avoid outdoor activities at areas where the Air Pollution Index (API) was unhealthy.
"Patients with eye-disease, asthma and chronic bronchitis should seek immediate medical attention," he said.
Asked whether the ministry would distribute face masks if the air quality deteriorated further, he said ministry would not as they were cheap and easily available in the market.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)