Star: PETALING JAYA: Temperatures have cooled down at a ward in University Malaya Medical Centre after the air-conditioning system has come back to working condition.
The system recently broke down for more than 10 days, resulting in some 20 patients having to put up with the discomfort amid the current hot weather.
Although they were given fans, these gave little comfort to the patients, some of whom were recovering from surgery while others had been warded either for observation or after they had undergone chemotherapy recently.
Family members had made many calls to The Star complaining of the discomfort of their loved ones, while patients also complained of difficulty in sleeping due to the heat.
A check at the ward yesterday showed that the air-conditioning was back to normal. Instead of seeing patients being fanned by loved ones, they were now bundled up in blankets because of the cool air.
One patient who had just undergone chemotherapy said she was relieved to have the air-conditioning back, claiming that her back got wet constantly as a result of sweating when the system broke down.
Being unable to move on her own, she said she could only writhe in discomfort on her bed.
“Now I feel more comfortable as it is not hot any more,” she said.
Meanwhile, UMMC in a statement apologised for the breakdown and said although the air-conditioning was now cold, it was not fully up to its normal strength.
The system was still undergoing tests over the balancing of the rate flow of water and the supply of coolant.
Deputy director (professional) Assoc Prof Dr Jamiyah Hassan said maintenance works for the system were currently under way from the sixth to the 13th levels of the main building.
“Our engineers will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the comfort of our patients,” she said.
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, July 17, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Cure-all holy water going for RM30 at night markets
NST: IPOH: It is purported to be a cure-all holy water, to be used for ailments from diabetes and stroke to kidney stones.
It costs between RM15 and RM27, and is sold at night markets and by more than 800 stockists.
The manufacturer, Annusyarah Sdn Bhd, claims in its website that the water derives its healing properties from a procedure known as annusyarah.
Quranic verses are written on a white plate with a yellow ink made from the saffron plant. Zam Zam water is then poured over the plate and the water is said to gain healing properties from the verses.
National Islamic Medical Practitioners Association president Prof Dr Abdul Latif Mohd said they were against such practices because they had no basis in medicine.
"For a product to be accepted as a medicine or treatment to cure an ailment, it must undergo clinical testing."
Dr Abdul Latif added that relying on the testimonials of people who had used the product was not evidence that the product was safe or could be used as a remedy.
The Annusyarah website also shows a certificate from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, and a letter of support from the Perak Mufti.
However, it does not carry endorsements from the Perak Religious Department for halal procedures. Nor does it have certification from the State Health Department or the Health Ministry that the product is safe.
But this has not stopped the company, which has been selling the holy water for over a year, from expanding its operations.
It is opening a factory at the Mara Industrial Area in Ulu Kinta today. Deputy Minister of Co-operative and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Khamsiyah Yeop is expected to open the factory.
Although the Perak State Mufti has endorsed the product, some doubt its authenticity and its healing properties.
Religious teacher Pak Nan said healing water could not be produced on a large scale or be sold for profit.
"When a person asks us for air penawar (healing water), it must be custom-made," he said. "Which means that as the verses from the Quran are read into the water, the person’s name is included.
"We cannot seek payment for the service. If the person wishes to sedekah (to give alms) we accept, but we cannot ask for payment," he said.
Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria, however, says the procedure does not violate Islamic law.
"It is not against Syarak, and yes it can be commercialised for profit. The ink, za’faran, is not cheap. And it is not abusing the Quran. There have been no complaints from the ulama."
Some stockists say there is nothing wrong with the product, and that the Perak Mufti supports it.
It costs between RM15 and RM27, and is sold at night markets and by more than 800 stockists.
The manufacturer, Annusyarah Sdn Bhd, claims in its website that the water derives its healing properties from a procedure known as annusyarah.
Quranic verses are written on a white plate with a yellow ink made from the saffron plant. Zam Zam water is then poured over the plate and the water is said to gain healing properties from the verses.
National Islamic Medical Practitioners Association president Prof Dr Abdul Latif Mohd said they were against such practices because they had no basis in medicine.
"For a product to be accepted as a medicine or treatment to cure an ailment, it must undergo clinical testing."
Dr Abdul Latif added that relying on the testimonials of people who had used the product was not evidence that the product was safe or could be used as a remedy.
The Annusyarah website also shows a certificate from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, and a letter of support from the Perak Mufti.
However, it does not carry endorsements from the Perak Religious Department for halal procedures. Nor does it have certification from the State Health Department or the Health Ministry that the product is safe.
But this has not stopped the company, which has been selling the holy water for over a year, from expanding its operations.
It is opening a factory at the Mara Industrial Area in Ulu Kinta today. Deputy Minister of Co-operative and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Khamsiyah Yeop is expected to open the factory.
Although the Perak State Mufti has endorsed the product, some doubt its authenticity and its healing properties.
Religious teacher Pak Nan said healing water could not be produced on a large scale or be sold for profit.
"When a person asks us for air penawar (healing water), it must be custom-made," he said. "Which means that as the verses from the Quran are read into the water, the person’s name is included.
"We cannot seek payment for the service. If the person wishes to sedekah (to give alms) we accept, but we cannot ask for payment," he said.
Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria, however, says the procedure does not violate Islamic law.
"It is not against Syarak, and yes it can be commercialised for profit. The ink, za’faran, is not cheap. And it is not abusing the Quran. There have been no complaints from the ulama."
Some stockists say there is nothing wrong with the product, and that the Perak Mufti supports it.
Stick to modern cancer treatment, advises doctor
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Do not turn to traditional treatment to cure cancer.
The National Cancer Society’s consultant radiologist, Dr Sulaiman Tamanang, said women with breast cancer especially should stick to scientifically-proven modern medicine or procedures.
"Most of the patients seek traditional treatment first and then only modern treatment, but by then, the disease has reached a critical stage."
Statistics show that one in 19 Malaysian women is likely to develop breast cancer.
Dr Sulaiman cited a case where a patient opted to undergo traditional treatment for one year.
"She and her husband went all over the world in search of treatment. When they finally returned home to get modern treatment, it was already too late."
Breast cancer, said Dr Sulaiman, was a curable disease if detected early but many patients feared disfigurement if the breast had to be removed.
"Medical advances now provide ways to reconstruct the breast," said Dr Sulaiman.
Yesterday, 42 single mothers participated in a free mammogram and pap smear programme organised by the society and Wanita Umno’s Social Development and Welfare Bureau.
The National Cancer Society’s consultant radiologist, Dr Sulaiman Tamanang, said women with breast cancer especially should stick to scientifically-proven modern medicine or procedures.
"Most of the patients seek traditional treatment first and then only modern treatment, but by then, the disease has reached a critical stage."
Statistics show that one in 19 Malaysian women is likely to develop breast cancer.
Dr Sulaiman cited a case where a patient opted to undergo traditional treatment for one year.
"She and her husband went all over the world in search of treatment. When they finally returned home to get modern treatment, it was already too late."
Breast cancer, said Dr Sulaiman, was a curable disease if detected early but many patients feared disfigurement if the breast had to be removed.
"Medical advances now provide ways to reconstruct the breast," said Dr Sulaiman.
Yesterday, 42 single mothers participated in a free mammogram and pap smear programme organised by the society and Wanita Umno’s Social Development and Welfare Bureau.
Pushing for healthier lifestyle
Star: Stressful jobs, fast food and lack of exercise have resulted in the increase of cases of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease among Malaysians. FOONG PEK YEE outlines what the Health Ministry has to say about the deadly trend.
William, a senior executive, takes nine tablets plus two multi-vitamin supplements a day, literally to stay alive.
He is a diabetic, and had a heart attack four years ago, when he was 40.
“I know what a healthy lifestyle is, and I know I fail all but one of the five criteria,” said William.
Confessing that he drinks once in a while, the 5ft 6in executive weighs in at 79kg. He works 15 hours a day, smokes and literally gulps down his lunch and dinner at cafes.
“Either I quit my job or die in my job” he said in response to teasing that he was a walking time bomb.
Has William learnt from his heart attack?
He related that while waiting at the general practitioner's clinic for a letter for admission to do his angioplasty, he lit up a cigarette and told himself that it would be his last one.
He was so weak then that he was not even able to take a single puff.
But that was it.
Five months later, he was smoking again, with the excuse that it could relieve stress.
Asked why he went back to smoking knowing that there were over 2,000 types of poisons and toxins inside a cigarette, his answer was: “Either I die from stress or I die from smoking.”
William is not alone. Most Malaysians are aware of what a healthy lifestyle is all about, and yet are not prepared to make the necessary adjustments.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said there is awareness on a healthy lifestyle but the biggest hurdle is, how do we get Malaysians to adopt it and sustain it?
For example, many Malaysians start to exercise and then find excuses not to carry on.
Lee said a ministry survey had shown that 32% of Malaysians had exercised before but somehow stopped.
“Putting on sports attire, shoes, beating the traffic jam and fighting for parking space before you step into the gym can be very stressful,” he quipped.
He said while some people prefer the gym, there are also alternatives.
Lee, who loves to walk and hike, suggests using the stairs instead of the lift and parking a bit further away.
Adequate exercise means at least a 20-minute session three times a week. According to Lee, only 14% of Malaysians have adequate exercise.
Besides fighting tobacco companies, the ministry also has to deal with beauty salons and people who sell supplements or so-called health food which promise an easier way to beauty and health.
People fall for these services that offer them a perfect body and fast-track slimming without being aware of the consequences.
Resorting to drugs or extreme dieting could damage the liver and kidney, he warned.
“Please consult your doctor on your needs, including health food,” Lee said, adding that not all drugs or supplements are suitable for all people at all times.
On the 25% of Malaysians above 18 who smoke (numbering close to 4 million), Lee said 95% of them were aware of the dangers of smoking.
Our children, because of the changing lifestyle, also take too much fast food and do not have as much physical exercise as before.
There is an alarming rise in the number of obese children and adults in the country, and the trend is pervading other fast developing countries in Asia as well.
Culturally, Lee feels that the traditional 10-course Chinese dinner should also be reduced to six courses, if not less, to curb over-eating or food wastage. But he feels this is not something that can be easily overcome.
People are having their dinner late because of their hectic lifestyles, and this is compounded by the fact that supper is also becoming a Malaysian habit. They go to bed soon after that, and this is not very good for the digestive system.
The end result of failing to adopt a healthy lifestyle is the following statistic: 25% Malaysians are overweight or obese, between 20% and 30% have hypertension, and 8.5% Malaysians have diabetes.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek described the combination of lifestyle-related diseases as equivalent to a “death sentence” in medical terms.
But there is still hope of a “pardon” and a new lease of life as many Malaysians still subscribe to the saying “Better late, than never”.
William, a senior executive, takes nine tablets plus two multi-vitamin supplements a day, literally to stay alive.
He is a diabetic, and had a heart attack four years ago, when he was 40.
“I know what a healthy lifestyle is, and I know I fail all but one of the five criteria,” said William.
Confessing that he drinks once in a while, the 5ft 6in executive weighs in at 79kg. He works 15 hours a day, smokes and literally gulps down his lunch and dinner at cafes.
“Either I quit my job or die in my job” he said in response to teasing that he was a walking time bomb.
Has William learnt from his heart attack?
He related that while waiting at the general practitioner's clinic for a letter for admission to do his angioplasty, he lit up a cigarette and told himself that it would be his last one.
He was so weak then that he was not even able to take a single puff.
But that was it.
Five months later, he was smoking again, with the excuse that it could relieve stress.
Asked why he went back to smoking knowing that there were over 2,000 types of poisons and toxins inside a cigarette, his answer was: “Either I die from stress or I die from smoking.”
William is not alone. Most Malaysians are aware of what a healthy lifestyle is all about, and yet are not prepared to make the necessary adjustments.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said there is awareness on a healthy lifestyle but the biggest hurdle is, how do we get Malaysians to adopt it and sustain it?
For example, many Malaysians start to exercise and then find excuses not to carry on.
Lee said a ministry survey had shown that 32% of Malaysians had exercised before but somehow stopped.
“Putting on sports attire, shoes, beating the traffic jam and fighting for parking space before you step into the gym can be very stressful,” he quipped.
He said while some people prefer the gym, there are also alternatives.
Lee, who loves to walk and hike, suggests using the stairs instead of the lift and parking a bit further away.
Adequate exercise means at least a 20-minute session three times a week. According to Lee, only 14% of Malaysians have adequate exercise.
Besides fighting tobacco companies, the ministry also has to deal with beauty salons and people who sell supplements or so-called health food which promise an easier way to beauty and health.
People fall for these services that offer them a perfect body and fast-track slimming without being aware of the consequences.
Resorting to drugs or extreme dieting could damage the liver and kidney, he warned.
“Please consult your doctor on your needs, including health food,” Lee said, adding that not all drugs or supplements are suitable for all people at all times.
On the 25% of Malaysians above 18 who smoke (numbering close to 4 million), Lee said 95% of them were aware of the dangers of smoking.
Our children, because of the changing lifestyle, also take too much fast food and do not have as much physical exercise as before.
There is an alarming rise in the number of obese children and adults in the country, and the trend is pervading other fast developing countries in Asia as well.
Culturally, Lee feels that the traditional 10-course Chinese dinner should also be reduced to six courses, if not less, to curb over-eating or food wastage. But he feels this is not something that can be easily overcome.
People are having their dinner late because of their hectic lifestyles, and this is compounded by the fact that supper is also becoming a Malaysian habit. They go to bed soon after that, and this is not very good for the digestive system.
The end result of failing to adopt a healthy lifestyle is the following statistic: 25% Malaysians are overweight or obese, between 20% and 30% have hypertension, and 8.5% Malaysians have diabetes.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek described the combination of lifestyle-related diseases as equivalent to a “death sentence” in medical terms.
But there is still hope of a “pardon” and a new lease of life as many Malaysians still subscribe to the saying “Better late, than never”.
Only water and fruit at Health Ministry meetings
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Two pieces of fruit and a glass of plain water – this is the standard fare served at post-Cabinet meetings in the Health Ministry.
The spartan menu has been drawn up at the minister’s instruction to check overeating.
Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has done away with coffee, tea, pastries, cakes and fried chicken at the weekly meetings in Putrajaya, saying he must walk the talk if he is serious about promoting healthy eating.
“Malaysians are eating more than they should, if not double the amount needed,” said the ministry’s parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, on the minister’s directive.
For instance, Lee said, some senior government officers also had a morning coffee break, an afternoon tea break and supper apart from the three regular meals.
“All these breaks also come with food like kuih, fried beehoon, fried mee and nasi lemak.
“And having a meeting table covered with more plates and cutlery than files is not an uncommon sight,” he lamented, adding that decision-makers must set a good example so as to set the stage for more effective health campaigns.
The minister’s office, he added, must therefore lead the way before it could start to preach to others.
And, according to the ministry, there is much more to healthy living than eating properly.
The ministry also conducts a weekly aerobics session for civil servants in Putrajaya every Monday.
However, said Lee, while the session had started with 200 participants during the launch by Dr Chua in March last year, attendance had since dropped to about 30 now.
“This is not surprising because although 76% of Malaysians had listed health as the most important element in life based on a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia study in 2004, the majority has failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The ministry considers five criteria that are essential for a healthy lifestyle – the person must not smoke, exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week, take steps to reduce stress, have a balanced diet and avoid alcohol or cut back on it.
The spartan menu has been drawn up at the minister’s instruction to check overeating.
Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has done away with coffee, tea, pastries, cakes and fried chicken at the weekly meetings in Putrajaya, saying he must walk the talk if he is serious about promoting healthy eating.
“Malaysians are eating more than they should, if not double the amount needed,” said the ministry’s parliamentary secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, on the minister’s directive.
For instance, Lee said, some senior government officers also had a morning coffee break, an afternoon tea break and supper apart from the three regular meals.
“All these breaks also come with food like kuih, fried beehoon, fried mee and nasi lemak.
“And having a meeting table covered with more plates and cutlery than files is not an uncommon sight,” he lamented, adding that decision-makers must set a good example so as to set the stage for more effective health campaigns.
The minister’s office, he added, must therefore lead the way before it could start to preach to others.
And, according to the ministry, there is much more to healthy living than eating properly.
The ministry also conducts a weekly aerobics session for civil servants in Putrajaya every Monday.
However, said Lee, while the session had started with 200 participants during the launch by Dr Chua in March last year, attendance had since dropped to about 30 now.
“This is not surprising because although 76% of Malaysians had listed health as the most important element in life based on a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia study in 2004, the majority has failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The ministry considers five criteria that are essential for a healthy lifestyle – the person must not smoke, exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week, take steps to reduce stress, have a balanced diet and avoid alcohol or cut back on it.
Ensure you’re STD-free, married men told
Star: IPOH: Married men, listen up. If you have had unprotected sex with others, do not do it with your wife.
Wait until the end of the six-month window period and after blood tests show negative results for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
The advice came from Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who said such diseases could not be detected immediately and there was a window period of about six months.
“Don’t think that if you have gone to Haadyai, you are safe after you have been declared free of STD,” she said at the Perak Wanita MCA annual general meeting here yesterday.
“Some men think that they are cleared if they immediately carry out a blood test which produces negative results,” she said, adding that it was an illusion.
“So please don’t have sex with your wife for at least six months if you have had unprotected sex outside of marriage,” said Dr Ng.
“Even if you want to, please use a condom. Practise safe sex,” she added.
Dr Ng, who is Deputy Finance Minister, urged Wanita members to take care of their health by taking early cancer detection tests.
Wait until the end of the six-month window period and after blood tests show negative results for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
The advice came from Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who said such diseases could not be detected immediately and there was a window period of about six months.
“Don’t think that if you have gone to Haadyai, you are safe after you have been declared free of STD,” she said at the Perak Wanita MCA annual general meeting here yesterday.
“Some men think that they are cleared if they immediately carry out a blood test which produces negative results,” she said, adding that it was an illusion.
“So please don’t have sex with your wife for at least six months if you have had unprotected sex outside of marriage,” said Dr Ng.
“Even if you want to, please use a condom. Practise safe sex,” she added.
Dr Ng, who is Deputy Finance Minister, urged Wanita members to take care of their health by taking early cancer detection tests.
Air Quality In Kuala Selangor At An Unhealthy Level
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) --The air quality in Kuala Selangor Saturday was determined to be unhealthy following a haze that enveloped the area, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).
The air pollution index readings at 51 stations in the country at 11 am today showed 18 areas were good, 32 moderate and one unhealthy, said DOE in a statement today.
It said the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre's satellite images yesterday showed 83 hot spots in Sumatra, 146 (Kalimantan), 28 (Sarawak), nine (Peninsular Malaysia), five (Perak), two (Pahang), and one each in Selangor and Kelantan.
The visibility at most places in the country at 11 am was more that 10 km, which is considered to be good, except for five areas, namely Prai (7 km), while in Sitiawan, Batu Embun, Klang and Tawau it was at nine kilometres at 9 am.
The department and the Meteorological Services Department were monitoring changes in the weather and the pollution index due to the dry spell in the country at the moment, the statement said.
It said DOE was also stepping up enforcement on open burning by conducting checks and surveillance from the air.
Open burning was found in Selangor at the Raja Muda Musa Forest Reserve, Sekinchan and Johan Setia, it added.
DOE urged the people to report open burning cases to its hotline at 1-800-88-2727.
The air pollution index readings at 51 stations in the country at 11 am today showed 18 areas were good, 32 moderate and one unhealthy, said DOE in a statement today.
It said the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre's satellite images yesterday showed 83 hot spots in Sumatra, 146 (Kalimantan), 28 (Sarawak), nine (Peninsular Malaysia), five (Perak), two (Pahang), and one each in Selangor and Kelantan.
The visibility at most places in the country at 11 am was more that 10 km, which is considered to be good, except for five areas, namely Prai (7 km), while in Sitiawan, Batu Embun, Klang and Tawau it was at nine kilometres at 9 am.
The department and the Meteorological Services Department were monitoring changes in the weather and the pollution index due to the dry spell in the country at the moment, the statement said.
It said DOE was also stepping up enforcement on open burning by conducting checks and surveillance from the air.
Open burning was found in Selangor at the Raja Muda Musa Forest Reserve, Sekinchan and Johan Setia, it added.
DOE urged the people to report open burning cases to its hotline at 1-800-88-2727.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Ipoh Hospital's Ambulatory Care Centre opens
NST: The Ipoh Hospital's Ambulatory Care Centre was officially opened today, more than three years after its targetted completion in April 2003.
Built at a cost of RM45 million, the building is one of 191 approved for Perak under the Eigth Malaysia Plan which saw RM254 million of allocations made.
Four stories high, the centre aims to reduce congestions at the wards by drawing away day care patients and houses, amongst others, the rehabilitation, pharmacy, information technology and surgery units.
The research ad quality control unit is also housed within the centre, together with a library and an image production unit.
There are also more than RM10 million worth of medical equipments within the building.
Amongst those who would benefit from the centre are thalassemic and cancer patients.
Patients needing treatment are admitted from 7am and would be allowed to leave before 5pm.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah officiated the opening ceremony which was attended by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and State Health, Science and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Tan Chin Meng.
Built at a cost of RM45 million, the building is one of 191 approved for Perak under the Eigth Malaysia Plan which saw RM254 million of allocations made.
Four stories high, the centre aims to reduce congestions at the wards by drawing away day care patients and houses, amongst others, the rehabilitation, pharmacy, information technology and surgery units.
The research ad quality control unit is also housed within the centre, together with a library and an image production unit.
There are also more than RM10 million worth of medical equipments within the building.
Amongst those who would benefit from the centre are thalassemic and cancer patients.
Patients needing treatment are admitted from 7am and would be allowed to leave before 5pm.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah officiated the opening ceremony which was attended by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and State Health, Science and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Tan Chin Meng.
HFMD returns to Sarawak
Star: KUCHING: Sarawak is experiencing a “second wave” of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), with a steady increase in the number of new cases reported since May.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said 403 new cases were reported last week compared with 315 and 253 cases in the preceding two weeks.
The outbreak had earlier shown a downward trend from the middle of March, when it hit its peak of 1,345 cases in a week, to early May with 156 cases in a week.
However, the number of cases has since started to rise again and the state Health Department has intensified its HFMD control operations, including active case detection, health education and closure of preschools where necessary.
Earlier this week, two kindergartens in Miri were issued with two-week closure orders.
Dr Chan said the “second wave” could be due to the increased movement of people during the May state election and the Gawai holidays last month.
“We’re giving people the same advice as before: observe good hygiene and avoid bringing young children to crowded places.
“Also, we will ask preschools and kindergartens to close if we find two or more cases in their premises,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He added that the Government would not be issuing a blanket closure order at the moment because the number of serious cases was still low.
“We will be watching the situation very carefully. If there are a lot of serious cases, or if the graph goes up very sharply and the disease is spreading rapidly, we will consider closing all the kindergartens,” he said.
Meanwhile, 66 new cases were reported in the state yesterday, with 10 children admitted to hospital.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said 403 new cases were reported last week compared with 315 and 253 cases in the preceding two weeks.
The outbreak had earlier shown a downward trend from the middle of March, when it hit its peak of 1,345 cases in a week, to early May with 156 cases in a week.
However, the number of cases has since started to rise again and the state Health Department has intensified its HFMD control operations, including active case detection, health education and closure of preschools where necessary.
Earlier this week, two kindergartens in Miri were issued with two-week closure orders.
Dr Chan said the “second wave” could be due to the increased movement of people during the May state election and the Gawai holidays last month.
“We’re giving people the same advice as before: observe good hygiene and avoid bringing young children to crowded places.
“Also, we will ask preschools and kindergartens to close if we find two or more cases in their premises,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He added that the Government would not be issuing a blanket closure order at the moment because the number of serious cases was still low.
“We will be watching the situation very carefully. If there are a lot of serious cases, or if the graph goes up very sharply and the disease is spreading rapidly, we will consider closing all the kindergartens,” he said.
Meanwhile, 66 new cases were reported in the state yesterday, with 10 children admitted to hospital.
Klang Valley blanketed by haze
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The haze is back in the Klang Valley but the authorities are confident that the situation, caused by a change in wind direction, is only transitory.
Visibility throughout yesterday was slightly down from over 10km on normal days to between seven and eight kilometres, particularly in areas around Petaling Jaya.
This, according to the Meteorological Department, was due to prevailing winds blowing smoke from hotspots clustered around the Riau and Jambi provinces in Sumatra in the direction of Selangor.
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk S. Sothinathan said there was a marked increase in the number of hotspots detected over the last two days.
According to the latest satellite images, he said, there were about 90 hotspots detected in Sumatra, an increase of about 60 over the two-day period.
Latest reports from Indonesia indicated that there were hundreds of forest fires raging in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Sothinathan said that while the haze was quite visible, there was no cause for alarm.
“None of our monitoring stations showed air pollution index (API) that could be categorised as bad or unhealthy.”
Meanwhile, in Penang, it was a clear sunny day yesterday as intermittent rains kept the haze away.
A State Meteorological Department spokesman said morning showers were expected for another day or so before the weather turned dry, which could see hazy days returning.
Visibility throughout yesterday was slightly down from over 10km on normal days to between seven and eight kilometres, particularly in areas around Petaling Jaya.
This, according to the Meteorological Department, was due to prevailing winds blowing smoke from hotspots clustered around the Riau and Jambi provinces in Sumatra in the direction of Selangor.
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk S. Sothinathan said there was a marked increase in the number of hotspots detected over the last two days.
According to the latest satellite images, he said, there were about 90 hotspots detected in Sumatra, an increase of about 60 over the two-day period.
Latest reports from Indonesia indicated that there were hundreds of forest fires raging in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Sothinathan said that while the haze was quite visible, there was no cause for alarm.
“None of our monitoring stations showed air pollution index (API) that could be categorised as bad or unhealthy.”
Meanwhile, in Penang, it was a clear sunny day yesterday as intermittent rains kept the haze away.
A State Meteorological Department spokesman said morning showers were expected for another day or so before the weather turned dry, which could see hazy days returning.
No More New Mental Hospitals, Says Chua
IPOH, July 14 (Bernama) -- No more new mental hospitals are to be built but treatment for mental ailments will be centralised under the community treatment programme to reduce cost and speed up the patient's recovery process.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said 50 state and district hospitals would be turned into centralised treatment centres for mental ailments and another 800 health care centres would provide follow-up treatment and medications.
There is no need for more hospitals because not all mental patients require treatment under confinement instead more need community treatment where the family and society come into play.
The testimony to this was the decline of the inmates at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta from 5,000 to 3,000 since the community treatment was introduced, he told reporters after visiting Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta here, Friday.
In a related development, Dr Chua said the number of psychiatrist were inadequate with currently 1 for every 30,000 patients as not many were keen to specialise in psychiatry.
He said Malaysia needs 880 psychiatrists compared to 165 available currently.
However, Dr Chua said to overcome the shortfall about 30 psychiatrists are being trained at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia under post graduate programme.
Another two groups of psychiatrists are in Melbourne, Australia, undergoing training for community treatment.
"If these pioneer groups succeed in providing effective treatment, we will enhance training and also the numbers to be trained," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said 50 state and district hospitals would be turned into centralised treatment centres for mental ailments and another 800 health care centres would provide follow-up treatment and medications.
There is no need for more hospitals because not all mental patients require treatment under confinement instead more need community treatment where the family and society come into play.
The testimony to this was the decline of the inmates at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta from 5,000 to 3,000 since the community treatment was introduced, he told reporters after visiting Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta here, Friday.
In a related development, Dr Chua said the number of psychiatrist were inadequate with currently 1 for every 30,000 patients as not many were keen to specialise in psychiatry.
He said Malaysia needs 880 psychiatrists compared to 165 available currently.
However, Dr Chua said to overcome the shortfall about 30 psychiatrists are being trained at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia under post graduate programme.
Another two groups of psychiatrists are in Melbourne, Australia, undergoing training for community treatment.
"If these pioneer groups succeed in providing effective treatment, we will enhance training and also the numbers to be trained," he said.
November Deadline For Private Clinics To Register With Ministry
KEPALA BATAS, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has given private clinics until November to register themselves with the ministry or face suspension or closure.
The ministry's Parliamentary Secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, said in addition to this, all private clinics are required to hire trained and qualified staff.
He said failure to do this would be breaching the Private Medical Care Facilities and Services Regulation 2006 that was gazetted last May 1, where offenders are given six months to toe the line.
Speaking to reporters after closing the Penang Young Doctors Convention, organised by the state Health Department and Education Department here today, he said so far, many of the private clinics have registered themselves.
The ministry would only know the actual number of private clinics operating in the country after this November, he added.
On news reports that 99 percent of nurses and dental surgery assistants in the private sector are unqualified, Lee said the ministry could not confirm the report but would probe the matter.
The report quoted Universiti Sains Malaysia's Dean of Dental Science School Centre, Prof Ab Rani Samsudin, who had said the situation arose due to the insufficient number of training institutes for such a skill.
Lee said that if the report were true, the private clinics, which hired these unqualified staff, are exposing their clients to the danger of malpractices while they themselves face legal action.
The regulation, recently gazetted, would help the government to monitor and enforce the law to ensure private clinics have the standard facilities and hire qualified staff.
On the young doctor programme, Lee said the programme had been made a co-curriculum activity by the ministry to expose primary school students to health-related matters.
He said the programme will be expanded to all schools as it helps to create positive thinking youths as well as inculcate interests to pursue a career in medicine.
He said there are 16 schools in Penang chosen to offer such a programme, participated by some 350 students.
The ministry's Parliamentary Secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon, said in addition to this, all private clinics are required to hire trained and qualified staff.
He said failure to do this would be breaching the Private Medical Care Facilities and Services Regulation 2006 that was gazetted last May 1, where offenders are given six months to toe the line.
Speaking to reporters after closing the Penang Young Doctors Convention, organised by the state Health Department and Education Department here today, he said so far, many of the private clinics have registered themselves.
The ministry would only know the actual number of private clinics operating in the country after this November, he added.
On news reports that 99 percent of nurses and dental surgery assistants in the private sector are unqualified, Lee said the ministry could not confirm the report but would probe the matter.
The report quoted Universiti Sains Malaysia's Dean of Dental Science School Centre, Prof Ab Rani Samsudin, who had said the situation arose due to the insufficient number of training institutes for such a skill.
Lee said that if the report were true, the private clinics, which hired these unqualified staff, are exposing their clients to the danger of malpractices while they themselves face legal action.
The regulation, recently gazetted, would help the government to monitor and enforce the law to ensure private clinics have the standard facilities and hire qualified staff.
On the young doctor programme, Lee said the programme had been made a co-curriculum activity by the ministry to expose primary school students to health-related matters.
He said the programme will be expanded to all schools as it helps to create positive thinking youths as well as inculcate interests to pursue a career in medicine.
He said there are 16 schools in Penang chosen to offer such a programme, participated by some 350 students.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Give Private Healtcare Act a chance, docs told
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has urged doctors to give the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and Regulations (2006) a chance to function.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said a lot of feedback from doctors had been received on the Act which had come into force on May 1.
“We have no intention of treating doctors as criminals,” he told a press conference at the third Malaysian Cardiovascular Interventional Symposium with Live Transmission 2006.
He was responding to the many objections doctors had raised, with some saying that the RM300,000 fine and jail sentence would criminalise doctors.
“We think that most doctors in Malaysia are responsible and good.
“At the same time, doctors should not think that all patients are crooks and are just waiting to sue them.
“Most of our patients are good patients. They are obedient and don't complain much. So there should be a balanced view,” he said.
Dr Chua said the whole spirit of the Act was to ensure that healthcare, which was becoming more commercialised, should be regulated.
“While I agree that the RM300,000 fine is a little prohibitive, human lives cannot be measured in terms of dollars and cents.
“The Act is to protect the interest of patients as well as ensure that the increasing number of practitioners practice with care,” he said.
The Act provides for patients in private healthcare facilities to complain to the ministry about unsatisfactory care or service.
Before this, there was no avenue for them to complain and the ministry was not empowered to act against doctors.
“Although there are weaknesses in the Act, we are ready to listen to those affected including the Malaysian Medical Association so that the weaknesses or the provisions could be changed,” said Dr Chua.
In his speech, Dr Chua said drugs to control hypertension and diabetes topped the list of medicines used in 2004.
Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said a lot of feedback from doctors had been received on the Act which had come into force on May 1.
“We have no intention of treating doctors as criminals,” he told a press conference at the third Malaysian Cardiovascular Interventional Symposium with Live Transmission 2006.
He was responding to the many objections doctors had raised, with some saying that the RM300,000 fine and jail sentence would criminalise doctors.
“We think that most doctors in Malaysia are responsible and good.
“At the same time, doctors should not think that all patients are crooks and are just waiting to sue them.
“Most of our patients are good patients. They are obedient and don't complain much. So there should be a balanced view,” he said.
Dr Chua said the whole spirit of the Act was to ensure that healthcare, which was becoming more commercialised, should be regulated.
“While I agree that the RM300,000 fine is a little prohibitive, human lives cannot be measured in terms of dollars and cents.
“The Act is to protect the interest of patients as well as ensure that the increasing number of practitioners practice with care,” he said.
The Act provides for patients in private healthcare facilities to complain to the ministry about unsatisfactory care or service.
Before this, there was no avenue for them to complain and the ministry was not empowered to act against doctors.
“Although there are weaknesses in the Act, we are ready to listen to those affected including the Malaysian Medical Association so that the weaknesses or the provisions could be changed,” said Dr Chua.
In his speech, Dr Chua said drugs to control hypertension and diabetes topped the list of medicines used in 2004.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Autistic kids must have early support
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: These children can see, smell and hear the world but make no sense of it – they are autistic children who live in a world of their own.
According to National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) executive director Liew Yoon Loy, many children suffer from autism but are not given appropriate help because their parents are unaware of their needs.
“Parents who do not understand autism cannot provide early support for their children. These children look normal but have special needs and it takes a lot of patience to care for them,” she said yesterday.
“Autistic children show symptoms within 36 months of their life, and parents should be aware of these symptoms so that they can bring their child for diagnosis. If their child is confirmed to be autistic, they can seek help early.”
Children with autism usually have communication and behavioural problems, and are unable to relate normally to other people. However, they can possess extraordinary abilities in a particular field such as mathematics or music.
Liew added that some parents were ashamed of their autistic children, as outsiders would judge them as being “lousy parents.”
“Autism is not about poor upbringing. It’s actually a neurobiological disorder that causes lifelong development disability, and early detection is essential to give the child special help he needs,” she told a press conference after a cheque presentation.
“A study in Britain shows that one in every 110 children suffers from autism, but there are no figures in Malaysia.”
Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore presented RM90,000 to Nasom to establish a bakery and launderette programme at two vocational centres for autistic children.
Two groups of 15 teenagers each will train at the vocational centres to enhance their employment opportunities.
Also present at the presentation ceremony were Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen (who is Nasom’s patron), Nasom president Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin and Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.
For more information contact Nasom at 03-4023 6698/7698 or visit www.nasom.org.my
According to National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) executive director Liew Yoon Loy, many children suffer from autism but are not given appropriate help because their parents are unaware of their needs.
“Parents who do not understand autism cannot provide early support for their children. These children look normal but have special needs and it takes a lot of patience to care for them,” she said yesterday.
“Autistic children show symptoms within 36 months of their life, and parents should be aware of these symptoms so that they can bring their child for diagnosis. If their child is confirmed to be autistic, they can seek help early.”
Children with autism usually have communication and behavioural problems, and are unable to relate normally to other people. However, they can possess extraordinary abilities in a particular field such as mathematics or music.
Liew added that some parents were ashamed of their autistic children, as outsiders would judge them as being “lousy parents.”
“Autism is not about poor upbringing. It’s actually a neurobiological disorder that causes lifelong development disability, and early detection is essential to give the child special help he needs,” she told a press conference after a cheque presentation.
“A study in Britain shows that one in every 110 children suffers from autism, but there are no figures in Malaysia.”
Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore presented RM90,000 to Nasom to establish a bakery and launderette programme at two vocational centres for autistic children.
Two groups of 15 teenagers each will train at the vocational centres to enhance their employment opportunities.
Also present at the presentation ceremony were Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen (who is Nasom’s patron), Nasom president Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin and Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin.
For more information contact Nasom at 03-4023 6698/7698 or visit www.nasom.org.my
Most Malaysians unaware that washing hands prevents infection
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are generally clean but they are not washing their hands enough.
In a Global Hygiene Survey, a third of the respondents admitted to taking short cuts by not washing their hands after going to the toilet.
Another 34% did not wash their hands before meals.
The survey was funded by Reckitt Benckiser Malaysia and Singapore, manufacturers of Dettol, and carried out by the Hygiene Council.
It includes nine global experts in the fields of microbiology, virology, infectious disease, immunology and public health.
Other countries included in the survey aimed at providing a better picture of current hygiene practices were the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and India.
Some of the questions asked were on the effective way to prevent the spread of germs at home and measures to protect against influenza.
Council member Dr Christopher Lee, a senior consultant physician for infectious diseases at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said hands were the human body’s main contact points for microbes but many Malaysians seemed to be unaware of this.
He said all it took for an infection to take place was a hand carrying microbes to touch the inner nose, mouth or the eye to enable them to get into the body.
“The survey revealed that only a third of Malaysians think that washing hands is an effective prevention method for infections and this is worrying (given the) understanding of how disease-carrying microbes can spread,” he told a press conference to announce the results of the survey yesterday.
Lee said many people, when faced with outbreaks including the avian influenza and SARS, thought that wearing a mask would prevent infection, when touch was a far easier way to pick up a virus.
He said another misconception was that infections would be caught from outside the house, whereas poor cleaning habits at home could allow microbes to breed and infect family members through touch.
Council chairman Prof John Oxford said Malaysians did not fare too badly as they were placed in the middle of the scale compared with other countries in the survey.
“The main thing here is that we have identified the weaknesses and now we have to begin work to increase the awareness among the people on how best to avoid infections,” he said.
He said as the world faced more dangerous outbreaks such as the avian influenza and SARS, proper hygiene methods would help to reduce risks tremendously.
In a Global Hygiene Survey, a third of the respondents admitted to taking short cuts by not washing their hands after going to the toilet.
Another 34% did not wash their hands before meals.
The survey was funded by Reckitt Benckiser Malaysia and Singapore, manufacturers of Dettol, and carried out by the Hygiene Council.
It includes nine global experts in the fields of microbiology, virology, infectious disease, immunology and public health.
Other countries included in the survey aimed at providing a better picture of current hygiene practices were the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and India.
Some of the questions asked were on the effective way to prevent the spread of germs at home and measures to protect against influenza.
Council member Dr Christopher Lee, a senior consultant physician for infectious diseases at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said hands were the human body’s main contact points for microbes but many Malaysians seemed to be unaware of this.
He said all it took for an infection to take place was a hand carrying microbes to touch the inner nose, mouth or the eye to enable them to get into the body.
“The survey revealed that only a third of Malaysians think that washing hands is an effective prevention method for infections and this is worrying (given the) understanding of how disease-carrying microbes can spread,” he told a press conference to announce the results of the survey yesterday.
Lee said many people, when faced with outbreaks including the avian influenza and SARS, thought that wearing a mask would prevent infection, when touch was a far easier way to pick up a virus.
He said another misconception was that infections would be caught from outside the house, whereas poor cleaning habits at home could allow microbes to breed and infect family members through touch.
Council chairman Prof John Oxford said Malaysians did not fare too badly as they were placed in the middle of the scale compared with other countries in the survey.
“The main thing here is that we have identified the weaknesses and now we have to begin work to increase the awareness among the people on how best to avoid infections,” he said.
He said as the world faced more dangerous outbreaks such as the avian influenza and SARS, proper hygiene methods would help to reduce risks tremendously.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
32,500 out of 1.5m patients died in govt hospitals
Sun2Surf: KUALA LUMPUR: Last year 32,588 people out of the 1,508,871 nationwide who sought treatement at government hospitals died but this constitutes only 2.16% of the total number, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
In a written reply to Loh Seng Kok (BN-Kelana Jaya), he said among the causes of deaths at government hospitals were, Septecaemia (17.94%), heart diseases and diseases of pulmonary circulation (14.66%), Malignant Neoplasms (9.32%), Cerebrovascular diseases (7.85%), and accidents resulting in deaths (6.12%).
"All deaths at Health Ministry hospitals will be investigated in a detailed and objective manner through several death investigation committees such as the Peri-Operative Mortality Review, Perinatal Mortality Review, Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death and Hospital Mortality Review," he said.
Chua said the outcome of such investigations would be submitted to state health departments, and then forwarded to the Health Ministry for any corrective measures to be taken.
"Among the reasons for the investigations is to identify any shortcomings and ensure patients receive quality treatment services," he said.
In a written reply to Loh Seng Kok (BN-Kelana Jaya), he said among the causes of deaths at government hospitals were, Septecaemia (17.94%), heart diseases and diseases of pulmonary circulation (14.66%), Malignant Neoplasms (9.32%), Cerebrovascular diseases (7.85%), and accidents resulting in deaths (6.12%).
"All deaths at Health Ministry hospitals will be investigated in a detailed and objective manner through several death investigation committees such as the Peri-Operative Mortality Review, Perinatal Mortality Review, Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death and Hospital Mortality Review," he said.
Chua said the outcome of such investigations would be submitted to state health departments, and then forwarded to the Health Ministry for any corrective measures to be taken.
"Among the reasons for the investigations is to identify any shortcomings and ensure patients receive quality treatment services," he said.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Call for higher fines over use of boric acid
NST: KUALA KANGSAR: Errant noodle manufacturers have continued using boric acid in their products as the low fines imposed have failed to act as a deterrent.
To check this, the Health Ministry has been urged to implore the court to impose the maximum penalty permissible under the Food Act 1983.
Under the Act, those found guilty of using the banned substance as a food preservative can be fined up to RM20,000 and jailed two years.
Noodle manufacturer Wong Yoke Fat said those guilty were only fined between RM3,000 and RM5,000.
"This is a paltry sum as they can easily make profits of up to RM10,000 by using boric acid," he told the New Straits Times here yesterday.
He claimed those using boric acid could produce an additional five kilos of noodles from a 25kg bag of flour.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek recently said that noodles in Penang and Selangor had been found with a high content of boric acid.
A random survey in April showed that Selangor topped the list with 19 per cent of samples containing dangerously high levels of boric acid, followed by Penang with 16 per cent.
The highest number of cases were in Klang, Selangor, and Kepala Batas, Sungai Dua and Butterworth in Penang.
Boric acid is used to preserve wood in the furniture industry and also in medication.
A person who consumes food with a lot of boric acid could suffer nausea, diarrhoea, dermatitis, kidney failure and damage to blood vessels.
Wong said in Singapore, offenders were even jailed for using boric acid.
To check this, the Health Ministry has been urged to implore the court to impose the maximum penalty permissible under the Food Act 1983.
Under the Act, those found guilty of using the banned substance as a food preservative can be fined up to RM20,000 and jailed two years.
Noodle manufacturer Wong Yoke Fat said those guilty were only fined between RM3,000 and RM5,000.
"This is a paltry sum as they can easily make profits of up to RM10,000 by using boric acid," he told the New Straits Times here yesterday.
He claimed those using boric acid could produce an additional five kilos of noodles from a 25kg bag of flour.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek recently said that noodles in Penang and Selangor had been found with a high content of boric acid.
A random survey in April showed that Selangor topped the list with 19 per cent of samples containing dangerously high levels of boric acid, followed by Penang with 16 per cent.
The highest number of cases were in Klang, Selangor, and Kepala Batas, Sungai Dua and Butterworth in Penang.
Boric acid is used to preserve wood in the furniture industry and also in medication.
A person who consumes food with a lot of boric acid could suffer nausea, diarrhoea, dermatitis, kidney failure and damage to blood vessels.
Wong said in Singapore, offenders were even jailed for using boric acid.
Blackout at medical centre after TNB sub-station fire
NST: KLANG: There was chaos in the darkness as staff at the Pantai Klang Specialist Medical Centre evacuated patients following an explosion at the hospital’s Tenaga Nasional Bhd sub-station last night.
Witnesses reported hearing two explosions from the sub-station on the ground floor of the building about 8.10pm. Moments later, the hospital plunged into darkness.
Hospital staff began making arrangements to transfer patients needing primary care to other hospitals while others were discharged and told to return to the hospital today. There were about 30 patients warded in the hospital.
The hospital contacted the families of patients to inform them of the situation.
Persiaran Raja Muda Musa was closed to traffic except for ambulances and family members to make their way to the hospital.
Pantai Klang Specialist Medical Centre chief executive Johnny Ng said a fire at the sub-station caused the blackout.
One of the patients sent home was Amira Nur Farizah, 5, who was admitted earlier in the day for high fever.
Her mother Siti Zakiah Mohd Alias, 28, said hospital staff advised her to take Amira home.
"She has been having a fever for eight days and now I have to take her home and return tomorrow (today)."
A relative of one of the patients, who wanted to be known only as Tan, said his mother had been admitted for high blood pressure and that this was the last thing she needed.
"They should have had better emergency plans," he said.
At Press time, TNB workers were still trying to reconnect supply to the hospital.
Witnesses reported hearing two explosions from the sub-station on the ground floor of the building about 8.10pm. Moments later, the hospital plunged into darkness.
Hospital staff began making arrangements to transfer patients needing primary care to other hospitals while others were discharged and told to return to the hospital today. There were about 30 patients warded in the hospital.
The hospital contacted the families of patients to inform them of the situation.
Persiaran Raja Muda Musa was closed to traffic except for ambulances and family members to make their way to the hospital.
Pantai Klang Specialist Medical Centre chief executive Johnny Ng said a fire at the sub-station caused the blackout.
One of the patients sent home was Amira Nur Farizah, 5, who was admitted earlier in the day for high fever.
Her mother Siti Zakiah Mohd Alias, 28, said hospital staff advised her to take Amira home.
"She has been having a fever for eight days and now I have to take her home and return tomorrow (today)."
A relative of one of the patients, who wanted to be known only as Tan, said his mother had been admitted for high blood pressure and that this was the last thing she needed.
"They should have had better emergency plans," he said.
At Press time, TNB workers were still trying to reconnect supply to the hospital.
Friends source of info on HIV
Star: LANGKAWI: Friends are the ones most young Malaysians get their information on HIV from, according to one of the two surveys funded by United Nations Population Fund.
More than 60% of the respondents said friends were their main source of information relating to HIV. Teachers and lecturers came a close second at 59%.
As for information on other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 48% got their information from teachers and lecturers while 44% said friends were their main source.
This was the findings of one of the surveys under a project named Protecting Young Malaysians from HIV and STIs. This survey, conducted last year, had 347 respondents.
The other survey found that the majority of young people have heard of HIV, but many have misconceptions.
About half of the 6,564 respondents in this survey thought that an HIV infected person could be visually identified, the infection could be cured, and HIV could be transmitted through mosquito bites, sharing of cups and living together.
The results of the surveys were revealed at the two-day National Advocacy Seminar for the Media organised by the Federation of Family Planning Associations Malaysia (FFPAM) here, which ended on Saturday.
These surveys are part of the FFPAM's project which kicked off in October 2004 and will be concluded next year.
The reports on the surveys said the results highlighted the need for young people to be given knowledge so they could educate their peers on HIV and STIs.
FFPAM chairman Dr Kamaruzaman Ali said they used the “youth to youth” approach to ensure the message was accurate and appropriate.
Since early this year, 420 “peer educators” had been roped in to disseminate information through projects to combat misconceptions and to drive home the right message.
Loh Tze Lin, 15, from SMJK Notre Dame, Malacca, who was at the seminar, said that as a peer educator, she gave talks to her schoolmates, put up information, set up a “HIV corner” in her school and carried out surveys.
She even pasted a condom on the AIDS information board in school so that her schoolmates knew what it looked like. “My friends are now more open about HIV and AIDS,” she said.
United Nations Development Programme representative Dr Richard Leete said the project involved 80 adult volunteers and also peer educators in secondary schools, colleges, a factory and a drug rehabilitation centre.
The project is being carried out through the family planning associations of Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Malacca.
More than 60% of the respondents said friends were their main source of information relating to HIV. Teachers and lecturers came a close second at 59%.
As for information on other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 48% got their information from teachers and lecturers while 44% said friends were their main source.
This was the findings of one of the surveys under a project named Protecting Young Malaysians from HIV and STIs. This survey, conducted last year, had 347 respondents.
The other survey found that the majority of young people have heard of HIV, but many have misconceptions.
About half of the 6,564 respondents in this survey thought that an HIV infected person could be visually identified, the infection could be cured, and HIV could be transmitted through mosquito bites, sharing of cups and living together.
The results of the surveys were revealed at the two-day National Advocacy Seminar for the Media organised by the Federation of Family Planning Associations Malaysia (FFPAM) here, which ended on Saturday.
These surveys are part of the FFPAM's project which kicked off in October 2004 and will be concluded next year.
The reports on the surveys said the results highlighted the need for young people to be given knowledge so they could educate their peers on HIV and STIs.
FFPAM chairman Dr Kamaruzaman Ali said they used the “youth to youth” approach to ensure the message was accurate and appropriate.
Since early this year, 420 “peer educators” had been roped in to disseminate information through projects to combat misconceptions and to drive home the right message.
Loh Tze Lin, 15, from SMJK Notre Dame, Malacca, who was at the seminar, said that as a peer educator, she gave talks to her schoolmates, put up information, set up a “HIV corner” in her school and carried out surveys.
She even pasted a condom on the AIDS information board in school so that her schoolmates knew what it looked like. “My friends are now more open about HIV and AIDS,” she said.
United Nations Development Programme representative Dr Richard Leete said the project involved 80 adult volunteers and also peer educators in secondary schools, colleges, a factory and a drug rehabilitation centre.
The project is being carried out through the family planning associations of Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Malacca.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Study Shows Youth Aware Of Healthy Lifestyle
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- A study by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has shown that 95.5 per cent of youths aged between 13 and 24 years in the country know about HIV and AIDS.
Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said 46.3 per cent of the respondents were also aware about family planning methods.
The findings show that Malaysian youths are exposed to health care, she said in a statement in conjunction with World Population Day Tuesday.
The United Nations has chosen "Young People" as the theme for this year's celebration to signify the importance of empowering young people with knowledge and awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
Shahrizat said her ministry and its agencies would continue to enhance awareness on the perils of social decadence by organising various programmes for youths.
"The initiatives are aimed at encouraging society to lend a helping hand to make youth development programmes a success," she said.
Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said 46.3 per cent of the respondents were also aware about family planning methods.
The findings show that Malaysian youths are exposed to health care, she said in a statement in conjunction with World Population Day Tuesday.
The United Nations has chosen "Young People" as the theme for this year's celebration to signify the importance of empowering young people with knowledge and awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
Shahrizat said her ministry and its agencies would continue to enhance awareness on the perils of social decadence by organising various programmes for youths.
"The initiatives are aimed at encouraging society to lend a helping hand to make youth development programmes a success," she said.
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