Star: PETALING JAYA: Yvonne Foong, the 20-year-old who raised her own funds to treat her genetically incurable disease, has become the first Malaysian to have an auditory brainstem implant (ABI).
The only child of a freelance landscape contractor, she suffers from NF2, a rare form of neurofibromatosis – an illness of the nervous system where tumours grow on the hearing nerves and affect a person's ability to hear.
Her Nov 4 surgery in Los Angeles was the fourth major one she had undergone since she was diagnosed with NF2 at the age of 13, according to Subang Jaya state assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng.
She raised RM230,000 on her own to finance her operation and speaks of her experience on her website www.yvonnefoong.com.
Yvonne had a 24-channel, multi-electrode ABI placed in her ear. The ABI is the only hearing aid that is suitable for patients of NF2. Conventional hearing aids do not work on them.
Yvonne is deaf in her right ear and is unable to balance properly. She withdrew into a life of loneliness after NF2 forced her to give up music, ballet and figure skating.
However, instead of giving up on life or asking for handouts, she has worked hard to raise money for her operation by selling T-shirts, organising rock concerts, giving motivational talks and writing a book about living with NF titled I Am Not Sick, Just A Bit Unwell.
True grit won her the Asian Youth Ambassadors’ Most Outstanding Youth of the Year award last year.
Meanwhile, her townsfolk in Subang Jaya have started a fund-raising campaign for Yvonne and will hold their third charity golf tournament in her aid.
They have collected RM16,000 so far, with developer Emko Properties Sdn Bhd donating RM10,000.
The rest came from Lee (RM5,000) and Jackie Yap, whose daughter is a friend of Yvonne’s (RM1,000).
Lee said money from the charity golf event, to be held at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club on Dec 3, would help meet Yvonne’s surgery expenses and also follow-up treatment in Los Angeles.
“I really admire her determination. She has managed to raise so much through her own effort.
“We hope to contribute money to help ease her financial worries and let her concentrate on getting well.”
For details, contact Lee's service centre (tel: 03-8023 6580, fax: 03-8023 6549).
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Fencing out the bird flu
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Farmers who practise integrated farming must separate the various animals with fences to reduce the risk of H5N1 avian influenza virus transmission.
Although the fencing might cost farmers some money initially, this would be beneficial in the long run, said Dr B. Venugopalan, technical officer at the World Health Organisation representative office for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore here yesterday.
While pigs were good hosts for avian influenza viruses as well as human influenza viruses, ducks were carriers of the virus even though they were not infected, he said at the Avian Influenza (H5N1) editors briefing.
Besides good husbandry practice, contact between poultry and wild birds too should be minimised, he said.
“Although Malaysia had no cases of humans infected by the H5N1 avian influenza, the momentum of preparedness has to be sustained for years to come,” he said.
“We cannot be complacent because in some countries, outbreaks and deaths are still being reported,” he said.
From December 2003 to October this year, 10 countries reported cases of human avian influenza H5N1 infection. Vietnam reported the highest number of cases – 93, with 42 deaths. Indonesia reported 72 cases with 55 deaths.
The spread of the virus from animals to humans was currently not efficient.
However, if the avian influenza virus combined with human influenza virus to create a new human influenza that could spread from humans to humans, it would cause a global outbreak, said Dr Venugopalan.
This can occur when:
·A PIG absorbs the bird flu virus from birds and humans, brings about a mutated strain and passes it to someone who is suffering from human influenza;
·A PERSON absorbs avian influenza virus and human flu virus and spreads a mutated version of the virus to another person; or
·A PERSON who has human influenza virus absorbs avian flu virus from a bird.
For H5N1 treatment, the anti-viral drug has to be taken within 48 hours for it to be effective, but often patients come after that, thinking that they only had common colds, Dr Venugopalan said.
Nevertheless, the drug could still reduce some of the virus.
He said it was not advisable for people to stock up anti-viral drugs at home because the drugs need a doctor's prescription and if not taken in the right dosage, drug resistance might occur.
People must maintain a basic hygiene routine such as washing hands and covering one's mouth and nose when sneezing, he said.
“Vigilance is crucial. And it's not just about monitoring avian flu but having good health,” he said.
Although the fencing might cost farmers some money initially, this would be beneficial in the long run, said Dr B. Venugopalan, technical officer at the World Health Organisation representative office for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore here yesterday.
While pigs were good hosts for avian influenza viruses as well as human influenza viruses, ducks were carriers of the virus even though they were not infected, he said at the Avian Influenza (H5N1) editors briefing.
Besides good husbandry practice, contact between poultry and wild birds too should be minimised, he said.
“Although Malaysia had no cases of humans infected by the H5N1 avian influenza, the momentum of preparedness has to be sustained for years to come,” he said.
“We cannot be complacent because in some countries, outbreaks and deaths are still being reported,” he said.
From December 2003 to October this year, 10 countries reported cases of human avian influenza H5N1 infection. Vietnam reported the highest number of cases – 93, with 42 deaths. Indonesia reported 72 cases with 55 deaths.
The spread of the virus from animals to humans was currently not efficient.
However, if the avian influenza virus combined with human influenza virus to create a new human influenza that could spread from humans to humans, it would cause a global outbreak, said Dr Venugopalan.
This can occur when:
·A PIG absorbs the bird flu virus from birds and humans, brings about a mutated strain and passes it to someone who is suffering from human influenza;
·A PERSON absorbs avian influenza virus and human flu virus and spreads a mutated version of the virus to another person; or
·A PERSON who has human influenza virus absorbs avian flu virus from a bird.
For H5N1 treatment, the anti-viral drug has to be taken within 48 hours for it to be effective, but often patients come after that, thinking that they only had common colds, Dr Venugopalan said.
Nevertheless, the drug could still reduce some of the virus.
He said it was not advisable for people to stock up anti-viral drugs at home because the drugs need a doctor's prescription and if not taken in the right dosage, drug resistance might occur.
People must maintain a basic hygiene routine such as washing hands and covering one's mouth and nose when sneezing, he said.
“Vigilance is crucial. And it's not just about monitoring avian flu but having good health,” he said.
Friday, November 10, 2006
MyWatch: Ban 14-stick packs now
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Fourteen-stick cigarette packs should be banned immediately, the Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Heath (MyWATCH) urged.
MyWATCH president Datuk Hatijah Ayob said she was disappointed that the ban did not take place in July as stated by the Health Ministry.
“We fail to understand how postponing the ban on ‘kiddie packs’ to 2010 will protect children from smoking,” she said.
Currently, cigarettes are sold in 20-stick and 14-stick packs. She said minors go for the 14-pack because it was cheaper.
Earlier this year, the Health Ministry decided to ban sales of 14-stick packs beginning July 1, in conjunction with the 2006 World No Tobacco Day.
Hatijah said the ban did not take place and there had been proposals to amend the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations to postpone the ban to 2010.
MyWATCH president Datuk Hatijah Ayob said she was disappointed that the ban did not take place in July as stated by the Health Ministry.
“We fail to understand how postponing the ban on ‘kiddie packs’ to 2010 will protect children from smoking,” she said.
Currently, cigarettes are sold in 20-stick and 14-stick packs. She said minors go for the 14-pack because it was cheaper.
Earlier this year, the Health Ministry decided to ban sales of 14-stick packs beginning July 1, in conjunction with the 2006 World No Tobacco Day.
Hatijah said the ban did not take place and there had been proposals to amend the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations to postpone the ban to 2010.
Chua: Many farmers may be using beta-agonist in pig feed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Eat less pork as many pig farmers are suspected of using the banned drug beta-agonist in their pig feed.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek urged consumers to be patient until the authorities complete their checks on pig farmers and pork sellers.
Beta agonist is used to force pigs to mature faster with a higher amount of lean meat, but it can cause palpitation, headaches and even death, especially in heart patients.
“The demand in Selangor is 3,500 pigs a day, half of which are slaughtered in illegal slaughter houses,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.
He said farmers were suspected of feeding pigs with beta-agonist for speedy growth to cash in on the high pork prices.
He had earlier met with Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia representatives, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar and state executive councillors at Parliament House.
Dr Chua said farmers would now be required to sign an undertaking in front of a commissioner for oaths when they wanted to renew their annual licence that their livestock would not be fed beta-agonist.
“If the authorities find beta-agonist in the pigs, the farmer will first be given a stern warning,” he added.
“But if the farmer repeats the offence, his pigs will be quarantined for a month so that they are not sold, exported or slaughtered illegally. If the farmer commits the offence for the third time, his farm will be closed.”
He also said pork sellers would be required to produce the invoice from their supplier or farmers to ensure that they did not buy from those who used beta-agonist.
“If the seller fails to do so, he will be fined RM100,000 and jailed five years,” he said.
Dr Chua said he would work with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to identify illegal slaughterhouses.
“We will conduct raids and random checks on farmers and pork sellers,” he added.
Food Safety and Quality Division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad, who was present, said farmers using beta-agonist had three weeks from now to get rid of the drug before enforcement began.
Dr Chua also said animal feed containing beta-agonist would be listed under restricted orders. This means the feed can be inspected.
Chua said that the ministry had not found any pharmacist selling beta-agonist.
“The beta-agonist used are likely to be smuggled in from neighbouring countries.”
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek urged consumers to be patient until the authorities complete their checks on pig farmers and pork sellers.
Beta agonist is used to force pigs to mature faster with a higher amount of lean meat, but it can cause palpitation, headaches and even death, especially in heart patients.
“The demand in Selangor is 3,500 pigs a day, half of which are slaughtered in illegal slaughter houses,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.
He said farmers were suspected of feeding pigs with beta-agonist for speedy growth to cash in on the high pork prices.
He had earlier met with Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia representatives, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar and state executive councillors at Parliament House.
Dr Chua said farmers would now be required to sign an undertaking in front of a commissioner for oaths when they wanted to renew their annual licence that their livestock would not be fed beta-agonist.
“If the authorities find beta-agonist in the pigs, the farmer will first be given a stern warning,” he added.
“But if the farmer repeats the offence, his pigs will be quarantined for a month so that they are not sold, exported or slaughtered illegally. If the farmer commits the offence for the third time, his farm will be closed.”
He also said pork sellers would be required to produce the invoice from their supplier or farmers to ensure that they did not buy from those who used beta-agonist.
“If the seller fails to do so, he will be fined RM100,000 and jailed five years,” he said.
Dr Chua said he would work with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to identify illegal slaughterhouses.
“We will conduct raids and random checks on farmers and pork sellers,” he added.
Food Safety and Quality Division director Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad, who was present, said farmers using beta-agonist had three weeks from now to get rid of the drug before enforcement began.
Dr Chua also said animal feed containing beta-agonist would be listed under restricted orders. This means the feed can be inspected.
Chua said that the ministry had not found any pharmacist selling beta-agonist.
“The beta-agonist used are likely to be smuggled in from neighbouring countries.”
Heavier Penalties Under Amended Poisons Act
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The amended Poisons Act 1952 that will be tabled in Parliament soon provides for heavier penalties against those who commit offences related to possession and dispensing of scheduled poisons.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry had prepared the draft bill which, among other things, empowers pharmacy enforcement officers to detain, arrest and conduct an inspection on those suspected to have violated the act.
The act was being amended to overcome the illegal sale of scheduled poisons, including antibiotics, he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat, here.
Chua was replying to a question from Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) on the mechanism to enforce the Poisons Act 1952 and the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998 as well as the ministry's measures to overcome the illegal sale of antibiotics.
He said that according to the Poisons Act, all premises selling poisons should be licensed and adhere to guidelines in the act, including the sale of poisons according to several classes.
For example, he said poisons in Class B could only be sold with the prescription of a doctor while those in Class A were prohibited from sale in the market and were only used for research.
Chua said the pharmacy enforcement officers would raid premises selling the scheduled poisons (including antibiotics) without a licence and those that sell or dispense scheduled poisons without adherence to the act.
On the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998, he said 7,350 clinics had been registered with a registration fee of RM1,500 per clinic.
"The act stipulates that each clinic should have the most basic of facilities and equipment for patients," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry had prepared the draft bill which, among other things, empowers pharmacy enforcement officers to detain, arrest and conduct an inspection on those suspected to have violated the act.
The act was being amended to overcome the illegal sale of scheduled poisons, including antibiotics, he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat, here.
Chua was replying to a question from Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) on the mechanism to enforce the Poisons Act 1952 and the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998 as well as the ministry's measures to overcome the illegal sale of antibiotics.
He said that according to the Poisons Act, all premises selling poisons should be licensed and adhere to guidelines in the act, including the sale of poisons according to several classes.
For example, he said poisons in Class B could only be sold with the prescription of a doctor while those in Class A were prohibited from sale in the market and were only used for research.
Chua said the pharmacy enforcement officers would raid premises selling the scheduled poisons (including antibiotics) without a licence and those that sell or dispense scheduled poisons without adherence to the act.
On the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998, he said 7,350 clinics had been registered with a registration fee of RM1,500 per clinic.
"The act stipulates that each clinic should have the most basic of facilities and equipment for patients," he said.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Clinics run by NGOs not required to register
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Clinics and hospice services run by non-governmental bodies are not required to register themselves under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act.
Other clinics qualifying for this exemption are health facilities run by factories where the doctors work on a part-time basis or are on scheduled visits, estate and offshore clinics, and those located at ports to provide emergency services.
However, these clinics and hospice centres must still write to the Health Ministry, explaining the reasons for their exemption.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Cabinet decided to allow the exemption because most of these clinics were not profit-oriented and were also carrying out beneficial activities.
“Most of the estate clinics don’t actually have doctors serving in them while offshore clinics are located at oil platforms,” he said.
“But dialysis centres run by NGOs will still have to register themselves with the ministry because most of the kidney patients require long-term daily care.
“This is true as well for hospice centres which have hospital-like facilities and whose patients stay in,” he told reporters after hosting the ministry’s joint Hari Raya and Deepavali do here yesterday.
Under the Act, private clinics would have to register themselves or risk a fine up to RM300,000 or six years’ jail or both. The deadline for registration ran out on Oct 31.
Dr Chua said as at yesterday, some 7,350 doctors had registered their clinics with the ministry.
“This is far beyond the initial number of doctors and private clinics we had estimated earlier.
“There are also some who are still in the process of registering,” he said.
He said they would need another month to coordinate follow-up action.
Other clinics qualifying for this exemption are health facilities run by factories where the doctors work on a part-time basis or are on scheduled visits, estate and offshore clinics, and those located at ports to provide emergency services.
However, these clinics and hospice centres must still write to the Health Ministry, explaining the reasons for their exemption.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Cabinet decided to allow the exemption because most of these clinics were not profit-oriented and were also carrying out beneficial activities.
“Most of the estate clinics don’t actually have doctors serving in them while offshore clinics are located at oil platforms,” he said.
“But dialysis centres run by NGOs will still have to register themselves with the ministry because most of the kidney patients require long-term daily care.
“This is true as well for hospice centres which have hospital-like facilities and whose patients stay in,” he told reporters after hosting the ministry’s joint Hari Raya and Deepavali do here yesterday.
Under the Act, private clinics would have to register themselves or risk a fine up to RM300,000 or six years’ jail or both. The deadline for registration ran out on Oct 31.
Dr Chua said as at yesterday, some 7,350 doctors had registered their clinics with the ministry.
“This is far beyond the initial number of doctors and private clinics we had estimated earlier.
“There are also some who are still in the process of registering,” he said.
He said they would need another month to coordinate follow-up action.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Errant doctors face RM300,000 fine
NST: PETALING JAYA: The Oct 31 deadline for the registration of clinics has come and gone but there are still some 150 doctors who have not done so.
These errant doctors could expect a knock on their clinic doors soon as Health Ministry officials would be checking their premises which are now deemed illegal.
Enforcement officers are still gathering information before raiding the clinics. Doctors practising in unregistered clinics can be fined up to RM300,000 under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
To date, 7,200 doctors have registered their clinics as required under the Act which came into force in May this year.
"Some 98 per cent of private practitioners have registered their clinics. We believe another two per cent have not. We will know the actual figure in two weeks when all the states submit their reports," Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said after opening the five-day Asia-Pacific Joint Forum at the Sheraton Hotel in Subang yesterday.
This would be the first time the ministry would have a comprehensive picture on the private clinics in the country.
"Until now, it was only an estimation. We will now have the actual figure," Dr Chua said, adding that those who had not registered their clinics should do so quickly.
Doctors nationwide were given six months to comply with the Act. Some flexibility was given following meetings with representatives of private hospitals and clinics.
However, there was no compromise where patients’ rights were concerned. These include the right to know, to consent, to air their grievances, to receive emergency treatment and quality care.
These errant doctors could expect a knock on their clinic doors soon as Health Ministry officials would be checking their premises which are now deemed illegal.
Enforcement officers are still gathering information before raiding the clinics. Doctors practising in unregistered clinics can be fined up to RM300,000 under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
To date, 7,200 doctors have registered their clinics as required under the Act which came into force in May this year.
"Some 98 per cent of private practitioners have registered their clinics. We believe another two per cent have not. We will know the actual figure in two weeks when all the states submit their reports," Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said after opening the five-day Asia-Pacific Joint Forum at the Sheraton Hotel in Subang yesterday.
This would be the first time the ministry would have a comprehensive picture on the private clinics in the country.
"Until now, it was only an estimation. We will now have the actual figure," Dr Chua said, adding that those who had not registered their clinics should do so quickly.
Doctors nationwide were given six months to comply with the Act. Some flexibility was given following meetings with representatives of private hospitals and clinics.
However, there was no compromise where patients’ rights were concerned. These include the right to know, to consent, to air their grievances, to receive emergency treatment and quality care.
More young people contracting HIV
NST: PETALING JAYA: Every 15 seconds, a young person contracts HIV in East Asia. This shocking statistic illustrates the rapidly growing number of young people infected with the virus.
In Malaysia alone, 35 per cent of reported HIV infections occur among those below 29 years old.
A total of 70,559 HIV infections, including 10,663 AIDS cases, were reported last year.
Over 6,000 young people aged between 15 and 24 years are newly infected throughout the world each year and young people now make up 50 per cent of the world’s new HIV infections.
In addition, there are nearly 1,800 new paediatric infections each day.
With an estimated 930,000 new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific in 2005, UN agencies have called for urgent efforts to better integrate HIV prevention, treatment and care into maternal and newborn health services.
In China, 40 per cent of infections are among those under 30, and in Vietnam, 63 per cent of infections occur among those under 30.
Thailand sees 28,000 new infections a year, with 50 to 60 per cent comprising children and young people under 24.
UNAIDS director (regional support team for Asia and the Pacific) J.V.R Prasada Rao said the overwhelming majority of HIV infections were sexually transmitted or associated with pregnancy, child birth and breast-feeding.
He said the number of people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region was 8.3 million in 2005 and growing.
UNAIDS estimated that by the end of 2003, about 168,000 children in the region were infected, up from 136,000 at the end of 2001. In 2004, in Asia, there were an estimated 155,400 pregnant women infected with HIV and 46,900 children became infected with HIV.
"To prevent new HIV infections in children, we must prevent HIV infection in women," said Richard Leete, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) resident co-ordinator for Malaysia.
Richard Bridle, Unicef deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific said: "Many countries in Asia and the Pacific already have national guidelines in place for the prevention of parent to child transmission. Many countries have trained health workers and are introducing treatment."
The Asia-Pacific joint forum, from Nov 6 to 10, brings together health professionals, government representatives, people living with HIV, and civil society groups from 22 countries in the region.
It is jointly organised by WHO (World Health Organisation), Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund), UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) and UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS).
Delegates are expected to agree on a framework for stronger links between maternal and child health, family planning, sexual health and counselling and testing for HIV and sexually-transmitted infections.
In Malaysia alone, 35 per cent of reported HIV infections occur among those below 29 years old.
A total of 70,559 HIV infections, including 10,663 AIDS cases, were reported last year.
Over 6,000 young people aged between 15 and 24 years are newly infected throughout the world each year and young people now make up 50 per cent of the world’s new HIV infections.
In addition, there are nearly 1,800 new paediatric infections each day.
With an estimated 930,000 new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific in 2005, UN agencies have called for urgent efforts to better integrate HIV prevention, treatment and care into maternal and newborn health services.
In China, 40 per cent of infections are among those under 30, and in Vietnam, 63 per cent of infections occur among those under 30.
Thailand sees 28,000 new infections a year, with 50 to 60 per cent comprising children and young people under 24.
UNAIDS director (regional support team for Asia and the Pacific) J.V.R Prasada Rao said the overwhelming majority of HIV infections were sexually transmitted or associated with pregnancy, child birth and breast-feeding.
He said the number of people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region was 8.3 million in 2005 and growing.
UNAIDS estimated that by the end of 2003, about 168,000 children in the region were infected, up from 136,000 at the end of 2001. In 2004, in Asia, there were an estimated 155,400 pregnant women infected with HIV and 46,900 children became infected with HIV.
"To prevent new HIV infections in children, we must prevent HIV infection in women," said Richard Leete, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) resident co-ordinator for Malaysia.
Richard Bridle, Unicef deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific said: "Many countries in Asia and the Pacific already have national guidelines in place for the prevention of parent to child transmission. Many countries have trained health workers and are introducing treatment."
The Asia-Pacific joint forum, from Nov 6 to 10, brings together health professionals, government representatives, people living with HIV, and civil society groups from 22 countries in the region.
It is jointly organised by WHO (World Health Organisation), Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund), UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) and UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS).
Delegates are expected to agree on a framework for stronger links between maternal and child health, family planning, sexual health and counselling and testing for HIV and sexually-transmitted infections.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Reflexologists urged to register themselves for official recognition
NST: Reflexology practitioners have been urged to register with the Malaysian Society for Complementary Therapies to enable them to get official recognition.
The leader of MSCT’s Reflexology Chapter, Abdul Azis Ishak, said this is important as the government is likely to introduce the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Act next year to regulate those offering alternative therapies.
He said although there are between 5,000 and 8,000 practitioners, only about 600 are registered with the MSCT which is recognised by the Health Ministry.
“We are conducting a programme to upgrade and formalise the knowledge and skills of existing practitioners because a majority of them do not have formal qualifications,” Abdul Azis said.
As part of the upgrading and formalisation process, members have to attend an induction course conducted by the chapter’s secretariat at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Skudai, Johor.
Only those who have successfully completed the course would be issued the Annual Practising Certificate for next year. A total of 33 people attended the first course from Sept 6 to 8.
The next course will be held from Nov 28 to 30. MSCT members will have to pay a fee of RM750 while non-members will be charged RM1,034. Call 03-79544521 for details.
The leader of MSCT’s Reflexology Chapter, Abdul Azis Ishak, said this is important as the government is likely to introduce the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Act next year to regulate those offering alternative therapies.
He said although there are between 5,000 and 8,000 practitioners, only about 600 are registered with the MSCT which is recognised by the Health Ministry.
“We are conducting a programme to upgrade and formalise the knowledge and skills of existing practitioners because a majority of them do not have formal qualifications,” Abdul Azis said.
As part of the upgrading and formalisation process, members have to attend an induction course conducted by the chapter’s secretariat at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Skudai, Johor.
Only those who have successfully completed the course would be issued the Annual Practising Certificate for next year. A total of 33 people attended the first course from Sept 6 to 8.
The next course will be held from Nov 28 to 30. MSCT members will have to pay a fee of RM750 while non-members will be charged RM1,034. Call 03-79544521 for details.
Malaysian Breast Cancer Survivor Leaves Mark In New York
NEW YORK, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- When Ranjit Kaur Pritam Singh arrived in New York in early October as the chosen speaker on breast cancer, she hardly realised what an impact she would make not only on the Big Apple but also on the world's patients.
Ranjit delivered her piece to an audience gathered here under the aegis of the Avon Global Breast Cancer Survivors' Day on Oct 5.
Ranjit whose heart-wrenching story has moved many breast cancer victims and given hope to those who are suffering -- many in silence and despair -- spoke on behalf of the world's breast cancer survivors at a gala luncheon hosted by Avon Foundation.
The luncheon was held to honour breast cancer survivors and international breast cancer scientists in celebration of what is the second annual "Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer".
The audience at this high-profiled event held at the prestigious New York Historical Society premises included Avon scholars-research scientists from Brazil, Romania, China, Russia, Egypt, Serbia, Jordan, Turkey and Malaysia.
A spokesperson of the Avon Foundation, a public charity founded in 1955 and committed to the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, told Bernama that Ranjit was selected because of "her courage and power of sustenance in the face of tremendous human challenges".
Ranjit, who is the president of the Malaysian Breast Cancer Welfare Association, which lists Toh Puan Raja Teh Zaitun Raja Kamarulzaman as the patron, had said in an exclusive interview in New York with Bernama that she is an eight-year breast cancer survivor.
"Although breast cancer occurs mostly in women over age 50, I got it when I was 44. Like many women, I discovered it through a breast self-examination.
"I did not know of any family or friend with breast cancer, and it was only through the education and awareness created by programmes like the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade that I knew how to do the self-examination," she said.
Ranjit, who obtained a Master's science degree in Community Disability Studies from the University College London in 1995, and works in a public affairs capacity with Tanjung Public, said that her "world came apart" when subsequently the examining doctor confirmed that she had breast cancer.
However, she wished that the doctor had given her some time to reflect rather than having her wheeled straight into the operation theatre after revealing to her that she had breast cancer.
"I was simply wheeled into the operation theatre after the doctor told me about my problem," she recalled.
"I was in a state of complete shock. I think the doctor should have given me some time to enable me to prepare myself."
She broke into tears with nobody there to console her. "Since that fateful day, I have had three operations but I would like to advise women suffering from breast cancer to also get their lymph nodes removed.
"Many Malaysian women do not know the consequences of not doing this, which can be problematic."
However, she picked up the pieces of her broken life and decided not only to bounce back but to also give courage and hope to thousands of other women suffering from the disease.
"I met Margaret Gooi, a Malaysian breast cancer survivor who gave me hope and encouragement. I regained my calmness after meeting her. I suddenly regained my confidence and got the impetus to fight the disease," she said.
Ranjit, who has not yet been cured and still undergoes treatment -- chemotherapy which has side-effects such as nausea, a heart-valve problem, etc. -- felt that she had to do something to help others and decided to join the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).
"I was very fortunate to have access to good care, but many women in my country are not so lucky. In some parts of Malaysia, good medical care is not available or is too expensive.
"I cannot imagine what it would be like to have breast cancer and not being able to get the treatment needed," she told the Avon gathering.
She advised parents to ensure that their children are not overweight or obese. While little is known still about the exact causes of cancer, she urged parents not to feed fat to their children and make them do regular exercise.
"And women should go for a mammogram once a year. Don't tell me it's painful because the consequences of discovering cancer later can be far too painful."
She lauded the role of Avon Malaysia which has been raising funds to purchase new hospital equipment and has created programmes to help low- income women with breast cancer.
Nik Surina Suria, Avon Malaysia's public relations manager who was with Ranjit in New York, disclosed that Avon Foundation would be giving a grant to the BCWA to launch a fund-raising project.
She said that Avon was keenly following health issues of concern to women in Malaysia, particularly breast cancer.
Ranjit delivered her piece to an audience gathered here under the aegis of the Avon Global Breast Cancer Survivors' Day on Oct 5.
Ranjit whose heart-wrenching story has moved many breast cancer victims and given hope to those who are suffering -- many in silence and despair -- spoke on behalf of the world's breast cancer survivors at a gala luncheon hosted by Avon Foundation.
The luncheon was held to honour breast cancer survivors and international breast cancer scientists in celebration of what is the second annual "Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer".
The audience at this high-profiled event held at the prestigious New York Historical Society premises included Avon scholars-research scientists from Brazil, Romania, China, Russia, Egypt, Serbia, Jordan, Turkey and Malaysia.
A spokesperson of the Avon Foundation, a public charity founded in 1955 and committed to the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, told Bernama that Ranjit was selected because of "her courage and power of sustenance in the face of tremendous human challenges".
Ranjit, who is the president of the Malaysian Breast Cancer Welfare Association, which lists Toh Puan Raja Teh Zaitun Raja Kamarulzaman as the patron, had said in an exclusive interview in New York with Bernama that she is an eight-year breast cancer survivor.
"Although breast cancer occurs mostly in women over age 50, I got it when I was 44. Like many women, I discovered it through a breast self-examination.
"I did not know of any family or friend with breast cancer, and it was only through the education and awareness created by programmes like the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade that I knew how to do the self-examination," she said.
Ranjit, who obtained a Master's science degree in Community Disability Studies from the University College London in 1995, and works in a public affairs capacity with Tanjung Public, said that her "world came apart" when subsequently the examining doctor confirmed that she had breast cancer.
However, she wished that the doctor had given her some time to reflect rather than having her wheeled straight into the operation theatre after revealing to her that she had breast cancer.
"I was simply wheeled into the operation theatre after the doctor told me about my problem," she recalled.
"I was in a state of complete shock. I think the doctor should have given me some time to enable me to prepare myself."
She broke into tears with nobody there to console her. "Since that fateful day, I have had three operations but I would like to advise women suffering from breast cancer to also get their lymph nodes removed.
"Many Malaysian women do not know the consequences of not doing this, which can be problematic."
However, she picked up the pieces of her broken life and decided not only to bounce back but to also give courage and hope to thousands of other women suffering from the disease.
"I met Margaret Gooi, a Malaysian breast cancer survivor who gave me hope and encouragement. I regained my calmness after meeting her. I suddenly regained my confidence and got the impetus to fight the disease," she said.
Ranjit, who has not yet been cured and still undergoes treatment -- chemotherapy which has side-effects such as nausea, a heart-valve problem, etc. -- felt that she had to do something to help others and decided to join the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).
"I was very fortunate to have access to good care, but many women in my country are not so lucky. In some parts of Malaysia, good medical care is not available or is too expensive.
"I cannot imagine what it would be like to have breast cancer and not being able to get the treatment needed," she told the Avon gathering.
She advised parents to ensure that their children are not overweight or obese. While little is known still about the exact causes of cancer, she urged parents not to feed fat to their children and make them do regular exercise.
"And women should go for a mammogram once a year. Don't tell me it's painful because the consequences of discovering cancer later can be far too painful."
She lauded the role of Avon Malaysia which has been raising funds to purchase new hospital equipment and has created programmes to help low- income women with breast cancer.
Nik Surina Suria, Avon Malaysia's public relations manager who was with Ranjit in New York, disclosed that Avon Foundation would be giving a grant to the BCWA to launch a fund-raising project.
She said that Avon was keenly following health issues of concern to women in Malaysia, particularly breast cancer.
PET-CT & Cyclotron Facility At Putrajaya Hospital Launched
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid Tuesday opened the PET-CT and Cyclotron Facility at Putrajaya Hospital here, marking the first phase of the formation of the National Cancer Institute.
The scanning of PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computerised Tomography) through the three-dimensional image would enable doctors to trace the active cells in cancer patients, making treatment more effective.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said, the use of the PET-CT technology had changed the treatment of several types of cancer including lungs, head and neck cancer.
Cyclotron is a machine to produce radiopharmaceutical such as isotop.
In his speech at the function, Dr Chua said the National Cancer Institute which would be set up at the hospital, would be a comprehensive cancer centre which could carry out treatment, rehabilitation, research and other activities connected with treatment of the disease.
Speaking to reporters after the function, he said the government had spent RM23 million on the new facilities at the Putrajaya and Penang Hospitals.
Dr Chua said, the two hospitals currently could carry out scanning on five patients each a day and his ministry planned to equip the Johor Baharu Hospital with similar facilities.
He said, patients who wished to use the service would be charged RM500 for a third class ward, RM5,000 (second class) and RM6,500 (first class).
"The cost is lower than in some other countries such as Singapore where patients are charged between RM8,000 and RM10,000," he said.
The new facility could trace cancer at an early stage, he added.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong later opened the Penyayang Pesakit Kanser (PPK) Positive Image Centre at the hospital.
PPK was initiated by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) and the centre is a cancer support initiative that sells aid for cancer patients including prostheses, support wear, swimwear, wigs and other credentials for cancer patients and survivors.
PPK has also developed Comfort Aide, a post-surgery kit comprising an edema support bra, a foam form and compression aid.
Penyayang Chairman Nori Abdullah was present.
Nori said her mother Datin Seri Endon Mahmood first saw a similar shop in Los Angeles while she was undergoing cancer treatment there and felt that Malaysians would benefit by having a similar shop here.
"Positive Image is the realisation of mother's vision," she said in a statement released by Penyayang.
The scanning of PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computerised Tomography) through the three-dimensional image would enable doctors to trace the active cells in cancer patients, making treatment more effective.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said, the use of the PET-CT technology had changed the treatment of several types of cancer including lungs, head and neck cancer.
Cyclotron is a machine to produce radiopharmaceutical such as isotop.
In his speech at the function, Dr Chua said the National Cancer Institute which would be set up at the hospital, would be a comprehensive cancer centre which could carry out treatment, rehabilitation, research and other activities connected with treatment of the disease.
Speaking to reporters after the function, he said the government had spent RM23 million on the new facilities at the Putrajaya and Penang Hospitals.
Dr Chua said, the two hospitals currently could carry out scanning on five patients each a day and his ministry planned to equip the Johor Baharu Hospital with similar facilities.
He said, patients who wished to use the service would be charged RM500 for a third class ward, RM5,000 (second class) and RM6,500 (first class).
"The cost is lower than in some other countries such as Singapore where patients are charged between RM8,000 and RM10,000," he said.
The new facility could trace cancer at an early stage, he added.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong later opened the Penyayang Pesakit Kanser (PPK) Positive Image Centre at the hospital.
PPK was initiated by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) and the centre is a cancer support initiative that sells aid for cancer patients including prostheses, support wear, swimwear, wigs and other credentials for cancer patients and survivors.
PPK has also developed Comfort Aide, a post-surgery kit comprising an edema support bra, a foam form and compression aid.
Penyayang Chairman Nori Abdullah was present.
Nori said her mother Datin Seri Endon Mahmood first saw a similar shop in Los Angeles while she was undergoing cancer treatment there and felt that Malaysians would benefit by having a similar shop here.
"Positive Image is the realisation of mother's vision," she said in a statement released by Penyayang.
More AIDS cases in heterosexual relationships
NST: PETALING JAYA: The transmission of HIV/AIDS is no longer largely confined to homosexual relations.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said heterosexual transmission had increased from 4.9 per cent of all cases in 1990 to 22.2 per cent last year.
During the same period, female cases increased from 1.2 per cent to 12 per cent of the total reported cases.
Mother-to-child transmission, among others, was on the increase.
He said a total of 70,559 HIV infections, including 10,663 AIDS cases, was reported in the country last year.
"Mother-to-child transmission increased from 0.2 per cent in 1991 when the first three cases were reported, to 1.2 per cent last year," he said after opening the Asia-Pacific joint forum at Sheraton Subang.
The forum is aimed at addressing, among others, the integration of sexual reproduction health, maternal and child health, sexually-transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention and comprehensive approach to preventing mother-to-child transmission.
It is being organised by the World Health Organisation, Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund), UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) and Unaids (Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS).
In Malaysia, through the National Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Programme started in 1998, pregnant women receive voluntary, confidential HIV screening and counselling at ante-natal clinics.
Of about 350,000 pregnant women screened in 2005, 107 were HIV-positive.
Dr Chua said of 840 babies born to HIV-positive mothers up to the end of last year, 32 were HIV-positive.
All HIV-positive women and newborn were offered free anti-retroviral therapy.
Dr Chua said Malaysia had shown its commitment to the "3 by 5" initiative set by the WHO to ensure that three million sufferers of HIV/AIDS in the world had access to anti-retroviral treatment by last year.
In Malaysia, he added, an estimated 3,800 patients were on HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) as of the end of last year.
"Our aim is to put 5,000 patients on HAART by end of this year. A locally-produced 3-in-1 anti-retroviral drug has been available since May and will be given free to AIDS patients requiring HAART," he said.
The government will spend about RM300 million in the next five years on AIDS prevention.
On the harm reduction strategies, Dr Chua said: "We have seen early successes in the methadone replacement therapy, and needle-syringe exchange and condom programmes."
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said heterosexual transmission had increased from 4.9 per cent of all cases in 1990 to 22.2 per cent last year.
During the same period, female cases increased from 1.2 per cent to 12 per cent of the total reported cases.
Mother-to-child transmission, among others, was on the increase.
He said a total of 70,559 HIV infections, including 10,663 AIDS cases, was reported in the country last year.
"Mother-to-child transmission increased from 0.2 per cent in 1991 when the first three cases were reported, to 1.2 per cent last year," he said after opening the Asia-Pacific joint forum at Sheraton Subang.
The forum is aimed at addressing, among others, the integration of sexual reproduction health, maternal and child health, sexually-transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention and comprehensive approach to preventing mother-to-child transmission.
It is being organised by the World Health Organisation, Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund), UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) and Unaids (Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS).
In Malaysia, through the National Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Programme started in 1998, pregnant women receive voluntary, confidential HIV screening and counselling at ante-natal clinics.
Of about 350,000 pregnant women screened in 2005, 107 were HIV-positive.
Dr Chua said of 840 babies born to HIV-positive mothers up to the end of last year, 32 were HIV-positive.
All HIV-positive women and newborn were offered free anti-retroviral therapy.
Dr Chua said Malaysia had shown its commitment to the "3 by 5" initiative set by the WHO to ensure that three million sufferers of HIV/AIDS in the world had access to anti-retroviral treatment by last year.
In Malaysia, he added, an estimated 3,800 patients were on HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) as of the end of last year.
"Our aim is to put 5,000 patients on HAART by end of this year. A locally-produced 3-in-1 anti-retroviral drug has been available since May and will be given free to AIDS patients requiring HAART," he said.
The government will spend about RM300 million in the next five years on AIDS prevention.
On the harm reduction strategies, Dr Chua said: "We have seen early successes in the methadone replacement therapy, and needle-syringe exchange and condom programmes."
Therapy for more folks
Star: SUBANG JAYA: The needle/syringe exchange and condom programme will be extended to the entire country by 2010 under the Government’s harm reduction strategies to prevent HIV/ AIDS.
Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said methadone replacement therapy and anti-retroviral treatment would also be expanded to include more people.
The Health Minister said the needle/syringe exchange and condom pilot project which started last year with 1,200 participants in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang was a success, and as such it would be extended under the National Strategic Plan for HIV.
“The aim is to have 2,000 people involved by 2010 with each state having a centre for treatment. This will cost RM45mil,” he told reporters after opening the joint forum incorporating the Consultation on Integrating Prevention and Management of STI/HIV/AIDS into Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health Services, and the 6th Asia-Pacific UN PMTCT Task Force Meeting.
The therapy which was also implemented last year involved 1,240 drug addicts, and the second phase of this programme should have 5,000 addicts by next year, Dr Chua added.
“Most encouragingly, we see an excellent retention rate of 85%. Of these, 73% have found jobs. Our plan is to cover between 15,000 and 20,000 cases by 2010,” he said, adding that this would cost RM140mil over the next five years.
On anti-retroviral drugs, Dr Chua said Malaysia was committed to the World Health Organisation initiative to ensure that the three million HIV/AIDS sufferers in the world have access to anti-retroviral treatment.
In Malaysia, he said, the aim was to put 5,000 patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy by the end of this year.
“Since we started using the locally-made 3-in-1 medicine, we have been able to reduce treatment cost from RM2,200 to RM150 per patient a month. With the cost reduction, we are confident of reaching out to almost 15,000 people in the next five years,” he said.
The Cabinet, Dr Chua said, had approved an additional RM100mil for the country’s HIV/AIDS prevention programme, making the total cost a staggering RM500mil for the next five years.
He also said that Malaysia was among countries with a “concentrated” HIV epidemic, with the positivity rate among antenatal mothers being less than 0.1%, and more than 5% among drug users.
The epidemic in Malaysia began largely with high-risk behaviours such as intravenous drug use and visiting sex workers, he said.
Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said methadone replacement therapy and anti-retroviral treatment would also be expanded to include more people.
The Health Minister said the needle/syringe exchange and condom pilot project which started last year with 1,200 participants in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang was a success, and as such it would be extended under the National Strategic Plan for HIV.
“The aim is to have 2,000 people involved by 2010 with each state having a centre for treatment. This will cost RM45mil,” he told reporters after opening the joint forum incorporating the Consultation on Integrating Prevention and Management of STI/HIV/AIDS into Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health Services, and the 6th Asia-Pacific UN PMTCT Task Force Meeting.
The therapy which was also implemented last year involved 1,240 drug addicts, and the second phase of this programme should have 5,000 addicts by next year, Dr Chua added.
“Most encouragingly, we see an excellent retention rate of 85%. Of these, 73% have found jobs. Our plan is to cover between 15,000 and 20,000 cases by 2010,” he said, adding that this would cost RM140mil over the next five years.
On anti-retroviral drugs, Dr Chua said Malaysia was committed to the World Health Organisation initiative to ensure that the three million HIV/AIDS sufferers in the world have access to anti-retroviral treatment.
In Malaysia, he said, the aim was to put 5,000 patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy by the end of this year.
“Since we started using the locally-made 3-in-1 medicine, we have been able to reduce treatment cost from RM2,200 to RM150 per patient a month. With the cost reduction, we are confident of reaching out to almost 15,000 people in the next five years,” he said.
The Cabinet, Dr Chua said, had approved an additional RM100mil for the country’s HIV/AIDS prevention programme, making the total cost a staggering RM500mil for the next five years.
He also said that Malaysia was among countries with a “concentrated” HIV epidemic, with the positivity rate among antenatal mothers being less than 0.1%, and more than 5% among drug users.
The epidemic in Malaysia began largely with high-risk behaviours such as intravenous drug use and visiting sex workers, he said.
10 Pct Of Aging Population May Suffer AF
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Some 10 per cent of the country's population above 48 years old risk suffering from Atrial Fibrillation (AF) - a condition where the heart rhythm is abnormal, according to a surgeon.
National Heart Institute (NHI) consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeswant Dillon said the risk of experiencing AF was higher when a person grew older and if left untreated, it could cause death.
"AF could occur to anyone, even healthy individuals with no medical condition or history.
"It is more prevalent among the males," he told reporters at NHI's second Symposium on Advanced Techniques in Thoracoscopic Ablation and Mitral Valve Repair, here Monday.
He said the rapid and disorganised rhythm of AF would affect the heart's ability to perform its normal function, thus patients could risk suffering from stroke, heart failure and mortality.
Dr Dillon, who is also the Symposium Director, said although no specific cause was known, among the factors that could trigger AF were stress, high intake of caffeine and alcohol, and stimulant medications.
"Among the symptoms of AF are shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue and blackout," he said.
The two-day symposium is being held following the success of the earlier symposium held last March, which was a landmark achievement for NHI for being the first medical centre in Asia and Australasia to perform a 'key-hole" (endoscopic) - an innovative surgical technique to treat AF.
At the first symposium, six AF patients became the pioneer batch for treatment using such a method.
Among them was Chow Yow Choy, 48, from Ipoh. He had suffered from AF for six years before being encouraged by his doctor to try out the new method.
"When the AF occurred, I felt tired and had to abandon the work I was doing to get some rest. Normally it lasted for a few hours," he said.
"Prior to the surgery, I had to travel regularly between Ipoh and the NHI for treatment. Since the surgery, I had not experienced AF and I feel very normal," he said.
Another patient, Norazilah Jonit, 49, from Kajang, said she frequently suffered irregular heart beats before she went for the surgery.
"Sometimes, I would suffer from a heart pause, and at times I could hear my heart beat very fast at night. It was scary and stressed me out," the retired Bukit Aman police officer said.
"And now, I can return to my active self, although I only stick to some mild exercise routine like jogging and aerobic. I also go for follow-up check-up once every two months," she said.
Some 150 participants comprising cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists from government and private hospitals in China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Croatia, Canada, the United States of America, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia attended the symposium.
National Heart Institute (NHI) consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeswant Dillon said the risk of experiencing AF was higher when a person grew older and if left untreated, it could cause death.
"AF could occur to anyone, even healthy individuals with no medical condition or history.
"It is more prevalent among the males," he told reporters at NHI's second Symposium on Advanced Techniques in Thoracoscopic Ablation and Mitral Valve Repair, here Monday.
He said the rapid and disorganised rhythm of AF would affect the heart's ability to perform its normal function, thus patients could risk suffering from stroke, heart failure and mortality.
Dr Dillon, who is also the Symposium Director, said although no specific cause was known, among the factors that could trigger AF were stress, high intake of caffeine and alcohol, and stimulant medications.
"Among the symptoms of AF are shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue and blackout," he said.
The two-day symposium is being held following the success of the earlier symposium held last March, which was a landmark achievement for NHI for being the first medical centre in Asia and Australasia to perform a 'key-hole" (endoscopic) - an innovative surgical technique to treat AF.
At the first symposium, six AF patients became the pioneer batch for treatment using such a method.
Among them was Chow Yow Choy, 48, from Ipoh. He had suffered from AF for six years before being encouraged by his doctor to try out the new method.
"When the AF occurred, I felt tired and had to abandon the work I was doing to get some rest. Normally it lasted for a few hours," he said.
"Prior to the surgery, I had to travel regularly between Ipoh and the NHI for treatment. Since the surgery, I had not experienced AF and I feel very normal," he said.
Another patient, Norazilah Jonit, 49, from Kajang, said she frequently suffered irregular heart beats before she went for the surgery.
"Sometimes, I would suffer from a heart pause, and at times I could hear my heart beat very fast at night. It was scary and stressed me out," the retired Bukit Aman police officer said.
"And now, I can return to my active self, although I only stick to some mild exercise routine like jogging and aerobic. I also go for follow-up check-up once every two months," she said.
Some 150 participants comprising cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists from government and private hospitals in China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Croatia, Canada, the United States of America, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia attended the symposium.
Monday, November 06, 2006
All major towns to get medics on bikes
NST: GEORGE TOWN: Motorcycle ambulance squads will be set up in major towns nationwide, after the success of the pilot project in the Klang Valley.
Health Ministry Parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said paramedics on bikes could reach patients much more quickly than ambulances, especially in traffic jams.
It sometimes takes up to 45 minutes to reach a patient.
He said trained paramedics on 10 motorcycles were involved in the pilot project. The ministry is especially keen to expand the programme to cities with a high traffic volume.
"Many lives may be saved if paramedics could provide emergency treatment to accident victims within a short period of time."
Lee said the service was also aimed at complementing emergency services in outlying areas not easily accessible to ambulances. He also quashed rumours that the government planned to privatise ambulance services.
The ministry had decided to outsource the maintenance of ambulances to reduce costs.
The ministry had been allocated RM18 million to buy 900 new ambulances to replace the ageing fleet.
Lee said this after officiating the inaugural Penang Open Category Paintball Championship — Jelutong Cup here. A total of 22 teams took part in the event organised by the state Youth and Sports Department and the Penang Discovery Society.
Health Ministry Parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said paramedics on bikes could reach patients much more quickly than ambulances, especially in traffic jams.
It sometimes takes up to 45 minutes to reach a patient.
He said trained paramedics on 10 motorcycles were involved in the pilot project. The ministry is especially keen to expand the programme to cities with a high traffic volume.
"Many lives may be saved if paramedics could provide emergency treatment to accident victims within a short period of time."
Lee said the service was also aimed at complementing emergency services in outlying areas not easily accessible to ambulances. He also quashed rumours that the government planned to privatise ambulance services.
The ministry had decided to outsource the maintenance of ambulances to reduce costs.
The ministry had been allocated RM18 million to buy 900 new ambulances to replace the ageing fleet.
Lee said this after officiating the inaugural Penang Open Category Paintball Championship — Jelutong Cup here. A total of 22 teams took part in the event organised by the state Youth and Sports Department and the Penang Discovery Society.
Inculcate Strong Culture Of Safety
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Medical professionals need to inculcate a strong culture of safety if improvement in health quality is to be achieved, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Sunday.
The Deputy Prime Minister said there must be proper change in culture, perspective and attitude towards errors, failures and their causes.
"One of the key approaches to ensure quality is to enlarge the "quality envelope". This is to move towards a culture of safety," he said in his speech at the opening of the 18th Figo World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, here Sunday.
He said it was true that life permitted no absolute safety, however, as medical professionals, it was their responsibility to ensure that no harm befell on patients.
Najib said that quality in health care, in particular maternal health, was a global issue and it was no longer being judged solely at the city level but also internationally.
He said Malaysia had made impressive gains in the standard of living and many of these gains had accrued to women.
Najib said there had been steady improvement in the health status of Malaysian women as indicated by the rising life expectancy at birth and declining maternal mortality and fertility rate.
"The average life expectancy of women increased from 58.2 years in 1957 to 75 years in 2000, an increase of 29 per cent," he said.
He said the maternal mortality rate had decreased more than tenfold to 0.2 per 1,000 live births after 43 years of independence.
Najib said from a high of 2.8 per 1,000 live births between 1956 and 1960, the maternal mortality rate declined by 25 per cent to only 2.1 per 1,000 live births five years later and then to 1.6 one decade after independence.
"Between 1957 and the early 1980's the decline averaged 27.8 per cent every five years and the mortality rate maintained its rapid fall through the 1980's and 1990's," he said.
On the six-day congress, he said one of the main areas of interest was maternal mortality because in some countries the rates of women dying during the reproductive process were extremely high.
More than 8,000 participants from 130 nations are attending the congress which starts today with some 700 papers to be presented.
At the same event, the wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, one of the first Malay woman doctors in the country, received the Figo Recognition Award for her contribution on women health in the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister said there must be proper change in culture, perspective and attitude towards errors, failures and their causes.
"One of the key approaches to ensure quality is to enlarge the "quality envelope". This is to move towards a culture of safety," he said in his speech at the opening of the 18th Figo World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, here Sunday.
He said it was true that life permitted no absolute safety, however, as medical professionals, it was their responsibility to ensure that no harm befell on patients.
Najib said that quality in health care, in particular maternal health, was a global issue and it was no longer being judged solely at the city level but also internationally.
He said Malaysia had made impressive gains in the standard of living and many of these gains had accrued to women.
Najib said there had been steady improvement in the health status of Malaysian women as indicated by the rising life expectancy at birth and declining maternal mortality and fertility rate.
"The average life expectancy of women increased from 58.2 years in 1957 to 75 years in 2000, an increase of 29 per cent," he said.
He said the maternal mortality rate had decreased more than tenfold to 0.2 per 1,000 live births after 43 years of independence.
Najib said from a high of 2.8 per 1,000 live births between 1956 and 1960, the maternal mortality rate declined by 25 per cent to only 2.1 per 1,000 live births five years later and then to 1.6 one decade after independence.
"Between 1957 and the early 1980's the decline averaged 27.8 per cent every five years and the mortality rate maintained its rapid fall through the 1980's and 1990's," he said.
On the six-day congress, he said one of the main areas of interest was maternal mortality because in some countries the rates of women dying during the reproductive process were extremely high.
More than 8,000 participants from 130 nations are attending the congress which starts today with some 700 papers to be presented.
At the same event, the wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, one of the first Malay woman doctors in the country, received the Figo Recognition Award for her contribution on women health in the country.
70,000 Malaysians Contracted HIV Since 1986
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- It is estimated that more than 70,000 Malaysians have been infected with HIV resulting in more than 8,000 deaths since the first positive cases was detected 20 years ago, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said despite this disturbing statistics, HIV in Malaysia remained unseen and hidden while it is still a subject many Malaysians preferred not to confront.
"We prefer to see it only from a distance and speak of it only when we absolutely have to," he said while addressing the Red Ribbon Gala 2006 dinner organised by the Malaysia Aids Foundation, here Sunday.
Also present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Najib said HIV was an unfounding human catastrophe that must be addressed.
He said more than 80 per cent of those infected with HIV were in the 20 to 40 age group.
Najib said the government was aware that HIV/Aids must be dealt whole-heartedly and expeditiously.
In the Ninth Malaysian Plan the government has committed significant resources towards greater efforts in controlling the HIV/ Aids.
"There has to be a concerted effort to fight the HIV/Aids by all parties. Experience from around the world has shown that partnership between government, community, the business sector, the media and NGO's are critical in combating the epidemic," he said.
Najib said the role of companies and corporation in this regard was more important.
At the same event, Staff Nurse Jubaidah Bee Nagoor Pitchay was awarded the Dr Siti Hasmah Award by the Malaysian Aids Foundation for her contribution in treating Aids patients.
He said despite this disturbing statistics, HIV in Malaysia remained unseen and hidden while it is still a subject many Malaysians preferred not to confront.
"We prefer to see it only from a distance and speak of it only when we absolutely have to," he said while addressing the Red Ribbon Gala 2006 dinner organised by the Malaysia Aids Foundation, here Sunday.
Also present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Najib said HIV was an unfounding human catastrophe that must be addressed.
He said more than 80 per cent of those infected with HIV were in the 20 to 40 age group.
Najib said the government was aware that HIV/Aids must be dealt whole-heartedly and expeditiously.
In the Ninth Malaysian Plan the government has committed significant resources towards greater efforts in controlling the HIV/ Aids.
"There has to be a concerted effort to fight the HIV/Aids by all parties. Experience from around the world has shown that partnership between government, community, the business sector, the media and NGO's are critical in combating the epidemic," he said.
Najib said the role of companies and corporation in this regard was more important.
At the same event, Staff Nurse Jubaidah Bee Nagoor Pitchay was awarded the Dr Siti Hasmah Award by the Malaysian Aids Foundation for her contribution in treating Aids patients.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Malaysian mothers get a better deal during childbirth
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has one of the lowest maternal death rates in the developing world. And it was one of quickest to bring down the number of deaths after childbirth.
Ministry of Health statistics show the maternal mortality rate (MMR) was brought down from 530 per 100,000 pregnant women in 1955, to the current 30:100,000.
Malaysia’s record of lowering MMR in a short period will be among the topics for discussion at the World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Figo 2006), the world’s largest convention of gynaecologists and obstetricians.
The congress opens today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and will end on Nov 10.
As a preface to the summit, the ministry sponsored 42 young obstetricians on a tour of local healthcare facilities.
Their visits included urban hospitals with advanced systems to rural hospitals with more basic facilities.
"These doctors are all below the age of 40, and were carefully selected so they will have the drive and time to implement what they have learnt here back home," said Figo organising committee vice-chairman Datuk Dr Alex Mathews.
"We have shown them our rural areas and hospitals and they have listened to what our experts have to say on contributing factors to low MMR and healthcare management," said Dr Mathews.
He said commitment from the government, teamwork between healthcare professionals, proper allocation of funds and professional training were among the advantages that helped the country maintain its record.
Most of the participants of the tour say that unlike Malaysia, people in their countries have poor access to healthcare and their governments lack the political will to provide the best facilities.
Dr Emem Bassey, from Nigeria said: "I find that 95 per cent of women in Malaysia give birth at places with well-equipped facilities, but only 35 per cent of our women get that."
He added that Nigeria had enough doctors but too few were willing to work in rural areas.
Dr Tupon Wata of Fiji said: "We have all the facilities we need but we also need a committed team of professionals and a standard public healthcare system to deliver a good service."
She said Fiji’s MMR was among the lowest in the Pacific islands, but still higher than Malaysia’s at 80:100,000.
Dr Ahmed El-Hadidy said: "Malaysian leaders know how to prioritise, but the most outstanding thing I have noticed is the human factor."
Egypt, he says, lacks incentives for medical professionals, and many are not motivated to work as obstetricians or gynaecologists.
"We don’t share the same vision and dream of providing the best healthcare for the people, which is naturally more important than building fancy hospitals.
"We have the needed facilities but delivering a good service is another matter," he said.
The United Nations has estimated that of the approximately half-a-million women who die during childbirth each year, 99 per cent are in developing countries.
Ministry of Health statistics show the maternal mortality rate (MMR) was brought down from 530 per 100,000 pregnant women in 1955, to the current 30:100,000.
Malaysia’s record of lowering MMR in a short period will be among the topics for discussion at the World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Figo 2006), the world’s largest convention of gynaecologists and obstetricians.
The congress opens today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and will end on Nov 10.
As a preface to the summit, the ministry sponsored 42 young obstetricians on a tour of local healthcare facilities.
Their visits included urban hospitals with advanced systems to rural hospitals with more basic facilities.
"These doctors are all below the age of 40, and were carefully selected so they will have the drive and time to implement what they have learnt here back home," said Figo organising committee vice-chairman Datuk Dr Alex Mathews.
"We have shown them our rural areas and hospitals and they have listened to what our experts have to say on contributing factors to low MMR and healthcare management," said Dr Mathews.
He said commitment from the government, teamwork between healthcare professionals, proper allocation of funds and professional training were among the advantages that helped the country maintain its record.
Most of the participants of the tour say that unlike Malaysia, people in their countries have poor access to healthcare and their governments lack the political will to provide the best facilities.
Dr Emem Bassey, from Nigeria said: "I find that 95 per cent of women in Malaysia give birth at places with well-equipped facilities, but only 35 per cent of our women get that."
He added that Nigeria had enough doctors but too few were willing to work in rural areas.
Dr Tupon Wata of Fiji said: "We have all the facilities we need but we also need a committed team of professionals and a standard public healthcare system to deliver a good service."
She said Fiji’s MMR was among the lowest in the Pacific islands, but still higher than Malaysia’s at 80:100,000.
Dr Ahmed El-Hadidy said: "Malaysian leaders know how to prioritise, but the most outstanding thing I have noticed is the human factor."
Egypt, he says, lacks incentives for medical professionals, and many are not motivated to work as obstetricians or gynaecologists.
"We don’t share the same vision and dream of providing the best healthcare for the people, which is naturally more important than building fancy hospitals.
"We have the needed facilities but delivering a good service is another matter," he said.
The United Nations has estimated that of the approximately half-a-million women who die during childbirth each year, 99 per cent are in developing countries.
Watch out for health clinics on wheels
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysians will have access to reproductive health services with the introduction of mobile clinics.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has bought the first of several specially designed buses, which will travel around the country offering several services.
They are family planning services, screening packages for the elderly, counselling on reproductive health for men and women, health screenings such as BMI and blood pressure readings, demonstrations of breast self-examination and pap smears.
Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said this is the first service of its kind in the country.
In Perak, the mobile clinic will be operated by the National Population and Family Planning Board.
She said six more mobile clinics will be acquired for the other states in the peninsula.
"Every year, the ministry will provide free health screening for a week at all Family Planning clinics in commemoration of Mother’s Day in May," she said, when opening a public forum on women’s health supported by her ministry.
Chew said reproductive cancer is on the rise among Malaysian women. Breast cancer is the leading cause of women’s cancer deaths, followed by cervical cancer.
In a 2003 study of married women aged 20 to 65, the Board found that many women were unaware of the importance of a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
Close to a quarter did not think it was necessary because they felt no pain.
About one in five said they were too busy, while the fear of pain and shyness were both cited by 10 per cent of the women surveyed.
Some 20.3 per cent of the women involved in the study said they had never even heard of pap smear tests.
"Various risk factors have been linked to the incidence of cervical cancer.
"They are old age, low socio-economic status, multiple partners, age of first sexual encounter and the history of sexually transmitted diseases especially in Human Papilloma Viral (HPV) infection.
"But it is a fact that 99 per cent of cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection."
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has bought the first of several specially designed buses, which will travel around the country offering several services.
They are family planning services, screening packages for the elderly, counselling on reproductive health for men and women, health screenings such as BMI and blood pressure readings, demonstrations of breast self-examination and pap smears.
Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said this is the first service of its kind in the country.
In Perak, the mobile clinic will be operated by the National Population and Family Planning Board.
She said six more mobile clinics will be acquired for the other states in the peninsula.
"Every year, the ministry will provide free health screening for a week at all Family Planning clinics in commemoration of Mother’s Day in May," she said, when opening a public forum on women’s health supported by her ministry.
Chew said reproductive cancer is on the rise among Malaysian women. Breast cancer is the leading cause of women’s cancer deaths, followed by cervical cancer.
In a 2003 study of married women aged 20 to 65, the Board found that many women were unaware of the importance of a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
Close to a quarter did not think it was necessary because they felt no pain.
About one in five said they were too busy, while the fear of pain and shyness were both cited by 10 per cent of the women surveyed.
Some 20.3 per cent of the women involved in the study said they had never even heard of pap smear tests.
"Various risk factors have been linked to the incidence of cervical cancer.
"They are old age, low socio-economic status, multiple partners, age of first sexual encounter and the history of sexually transmitted diseases especially in Human Papilloma Viral (HPV) infection.
"But it is a fact that 99 per cent of cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection."
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Smokers shy to get help to quit
NST: GEORGE TOWN: The ambitious project to get 30 per cent of smokers to attend quit-smoking clinics has failed.
The Health Ministry had expected about 30 per cent of the estimated 4.6 million smokers nationwide to register for advice and counselling with such clinics.
However, after five years, the ministry’s recent survey showed that only 20 per cent had registered.
Health Ministry’s parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said one of the reasons for the failure to achieve the target was lack of awareness about the clinics.
Another reason was attributed to smokers’ shyness in seeking help from the clinics.
"Of course, many of them simply refuse to quit.
"We will redouble our efforts in the anti-smoking campaign to ensure more people sign up with the clinics," he said after launching the Ops Tak Nak campaign at SMK (C) Sacred Heart in Balik Pulau near here yesterday.
The government had allocated RM7 million for the anti- smoking campaign aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the country.
In Malaysia, more than 50 per cent of the male population are smokers, higher than the United States (35 per cent) and the United Kingdom (38 per cent).
The government introduced the "Tak Nak" programme in 2004, but it was also a failure.
Despite the failure, the government would continue to embark on its anti-smoking campaign.
Lee said the Ops Tak Nak would be promoted in schools and student smokers would be referred to the clinics for help.
"Teachers will still carry out spot-checks in classes to detect students who bring cigarettes to school so that appropriate action can be taken against smokers.
"Officers from the Health Department will also conduct checks at coffee shops and supermarkets mainly thronged by students."
The Health Ministry had expected about 30 per cent of the estimated 4.6 million smokers nationwide to register for advice and counselling with such clinics.
However, after five years, the ministry’s recent survey showed that only 20 per cent had registered.
Health Ministry’s parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said one of the reasons for the failure to achieve the target was lack of awareness about the clinics.
Another reason was attributed to smokers’ shyness in seeking help from the clinics.
"Of course, many of them simply refuse to quit.
"We will redouble our efforts in the anti-smoking campaign to ensure more people sign up with the clinics," he said after launching the Ops Tak Nak campaign at SMK (C) Sacred Heart in Balik Pulau near here yesterday.
The government had allocated RM7 million for the anti- smoking campaign aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the country.
In Malaysia, more than 50 per cent of the male population are smokers, higher than the United States (35 per cent) and the United Kingdom (38 per cent).
The government introduced the "Tak Nak" programme in 2004, but it was also a failure.
Despite the failure, the government would continue to embark on its anti-smoking campaign.
Lee said the Ops Tak Nak would be promoted in schools and student smokers would be referred to the clinics for help.
"Teachers will still carry out spot-checks in classes to detect students who bring cigarettes to school so that appropriate action can be taken against smokers.
"Officers from the Health Department will also conduct checks at coffee shops and supermarkets mainly thronged by students."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)