Star: KLANG: Travellers from Hong Kong have no cause to fear they would contract dengue fever if they visit Malaysia, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua was responding to a question over a report in a Hong Kong newspaper which cautioned against visiting Malaysia due to an alleged dengue outbreak.
“This advice is baseless because dengue is endemic, meaning that it is always here but there occurs an increase in cases from time to time,” said Dr Chua.
He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) Outpatient Treatment Complex here by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor yesterday.
Dr Chua also said Selangor was the only state that had seen an increase in dengue cases.
Besides the media report, the Hong Kong Travel Health Services website also stated that a 34-year-old traveller from Hong Kong had “imported” the disease from Malaysia. The advisory stated that the woman had been in Malaysia from Oct 10 to 24.
“This is not accurate and I received a call from Deputy Tourism Minister (Datuk Donald Lim) about it and we hope to relay this (that its not accurate information) to the Hong Kong administration through him and the Tourism Ministry,” added Dr Chua.
He said certain parties, including those from other countries, had misconstrued the Government’s transparency policy in providing information.
Earlier in his speech Dr Chua said Selangor had been given RM1.042bil, the biggest allocation given to a state for healthcare under the 9th Malaysia Plan.
“Among the main projects to be initiated are the Shah Alam and Kuala Selangor hospitals, the Bandar Botanic Health Clinic, the Food and Vector Quality Control Laboratory as well as the Klang district health office.”
According to Dr Chua, the Health Ministry was aware of the overcrowding at HTAR due to an increase in population and rapid development in surrounding areas.
He said the Government had built hospitals in Selayang, Serdang, Ampang and Sungai Buloh.
“Now that these hospitals are fully operational, we hope that overcrowding in HTAR will be reduced.”
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
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Overcome Hospital Congestion, Ordered Sultan Of Selangor
KLANG, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Concerned over congestion at the wards of government hospitals, Sultan of Selangor wanted the Health Ministry to overcome the problem especially at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (TARH) here which at times exceeded full capacity.
"The people are placing high hopes on medical services due to the high level of awareness on healthy living as a result of good education and as such hospitalisation must be made comfortable," he said when opening the TARH Day Care Complex, here Monday.
Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Costing RM85 million, the day care complex which began operation in August provides a more effective, efficient and quality management of health services in a comfortable environment.
The Sultan advised the people to be patient and considerate when seeking treatment at hospitals for the medical officers were also ready to render a fast service.
In his speech, Dr Chua said Selangor would be among the states with a high standard of health service in the country and congestion at certain hospitals including in Klang would be overcome with the completion of three new hospitals in Serdang, Ampang and Sungai Buloh.
On a travel warning by the Hong Kong authorities to its citizens against visiting Malaysia because of a dengue outbreak, he said it was uncalled for and inaccurate information.
"Dengue is an epidemic that could happen anywhere," he said when commenting on the warning issued by the Hong Kong authorities after one of its citizens was infected with dengue fever after returning from Malaysia.
"The people are placing high hopes on medical services due to the high level of awareness on healthy living as a result of good education and as such hospitalisation must be made comfortable," he said when opening the TARH Day Care Complex, here Monday.
Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Costing RM85 million, the day care complex which began operation in August provides a more effective, efficient and quality management of health services in a comfortable environment.
The Sultan advised the people to be patient and considerate when seeking treatment at hospitals for the medical officers were also ready to render a fast service.
In his speech, Dr Chua said Selangor would be among the states with a high standard of health service in the country and congestion at certain hospitals including in Klang would be overcome with the completion of three new hospitals in Serdang, Ampang and Sungai Buloh.
On a travel warning by the Hong Kong authorities to its citizens against visiting Malaysia because of a dengue outbreak, he said it was uncalled for and inaccurate information.
"Dengue is an epidemic that could happen anywhere," he said when commenting on the warning issued by the Hong Kong authorities after one of its citizens was infected with dengue fever after returning from Malaysia.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Tung Shin to set up traditional medicine academy
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Tung Shin Hospital (TSH) is in the midst of setting up its own Academy of Traditional Medicine in hopes of training high calibre traditional Chinese medical practitioners.
Estimated to cost between RM2mil and RM3mil, TSH president Tan Sri Teo Soo Cheng said the hospital had been receiving help from the Singapore Traditional Medicine Institute as to how to set up its own training facility.
“They are like our consultants. It will also be convenient as those being trained can undergo practical training at our premises,” Teo said at the 125th anniversary of TSH yesterday.
TSH currently has two wings – one which offers Western medicine and the other traditional Chinese medical treatment.
Teo said the academy would utilise an old building within the premises. The hospital was in the process of getting the Health Ministry’s approval.
On the anniversary which was celebrated at the hospital’s new Chinese Medical Building, Teo said he was pleased to see vast improvements in the delivery of healthcare services since shifting into the new building.
TSH vice-president Ng Beh Tong hoped the hospital would continue to provide top-class professional services and courtesy towards its patients.
“This is the only way we can compete with commercial hospitals and their beautiful buildings.”
The graduation ceremony of 28 assistant nurses from the TSH Academy of Nursing was also held in conjunction with the anniversary. Loyal staff who had served at the hospital between 10 and 35 years were given tokens of appreciation.
Estimated to cost between RM2mil and RM3mil, TSH president Tan Sri Teo Soo Cheng said the hospital had been receiving help from the Singapore Traditional Medicine Institute as to how to set up its own training facility.
“They are like our consultants. It will also be convenient as those being trained can undergo practical training at our premises,” Teo said at the 125th anniversary of TSH yesterday.
TSH currently has two wings – one which offers Western medicine and the other traditional Chinese medical treatment.
Teo said the academy would utilise an old building within the premises. The hospital was in the process of getting the Health Ministry’s approval.
On the anniversary which was celebrated at the hospital’s new Chinese Medical Building, Teo said he was pleased to see vast improvements in the delivery of healthcare services since shifting into the new building.
TSH vice-president Ng Beh Tong hoped the hospital would continue to provide top-class professional services and courtesy towards its patients.
“This is the only way we can compete with commercial hospitals and their beautiful buildings.”
The graduation ceremony of 28 assistant nurses from the TSH Academy of Nursing was also held in conjunction with the anniversary. Loyal staff who had served at the hospital between 10 and 35 years were given tokens of appreciation.
Disabled face daily barriers
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: “We want disabled-friendly vehicle, We cannot get into buses, We want barrier-free and accessible buses.” Scrawled on placards, these plaintive pleas represented some of the daily obstacles faced by wheelchair-bound people in getting around in public.
Led by Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, the group of disabled people gathered at the KL Sentral bus stop, lobbying for facilities that are more sensitive to their needs.
Besides demanding disabled-friendly buses, they also wanted disabled-friendly infrastructure such as wheelchair ramps at bus stops.
The association’s president V. Murugeswaran said buses were one of the most important modes of public transport for the disabled, as most of them did not own a car and taxis were too expensive.
He said they were disappointed with the public bus operator, RapidKL, which had failed to fulfil its promise to provide 100 disabled-friendly buses.
“RapidKL bought new buses in September but we have yet to see one that is disabled-friendly,” Murugeswaran told reporters in conjunction with the International Day of Disabled Persons.
“Without public transport, we lose out on a lot of opportunities such as jobs and education.
“At this celebration, we want to show decision makers our daily obstacles but we do not want charity, we want to be independent,” he said.
Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport Group (BEAT) coordinator Christine Lee said they had sent a memorandum to RapidKL to explain the needs of the disabled.
“Statistics have shown that the number of disabled people is rising due to accidents and old age.
“Disabled-friendly facilities are accessible and safe for wheelchair-bound people, the elderly, young children as well as pregnant women,” she said.
When contacted, RapidKL corporate communications division senior manager Katherine Chew said the 100 units of disabled-friendly buses would be delivered in batches from Europe soon.
“We hope they will arrive by January,” she said.
She also urged the disabled community to be patient, as changes could not be made overnight.
Led by Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, the group of disabled people gathered at the KL Sentral bus stop, lobbying for facilities that are more sensitive to their needs.
Besides demanding disabled-friendly buses, they also wanted disabled-friendly infrastructure such as wheelchair ramps at bus stops.
The association’s president V. Murugeswaran said buses were one of the most important modes of public transport for the disabled, as most of them did not own a car and taxis were too expensive.
He said they were disappointed with the public bus operator, RapidKL, which had failed to fulfil its promise to provide 100 disabled-friendly buses.
“RapidKL bought new buses in September but we have yet to see one that is disabled-friendly,” Murugeswaran told reporters in conjunction with the International Day of Disabled Persons.
“Without public transport, we lose out on a lot of opportunities such as jobs and education.
“At this celebration, we want to show decision makers our daily obstacles but we do not want charity, we want to be independent,” he said.
Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport Group (BEAT) coordinator Christine Lee said they had sent a memorandum to RapidKL to explain the needs of the disabled.
“Statistics have shown that the number of disabled people is rising due to accidents and old age.
“Disabled-friendly facilities are accessible and safe for wheelchair-bound people, the elderly, young children as well as pregnant women,” she said.
When contacted, RapidKL corporate communications division senior manager Katherine Chew said the 100 units of disabled-friendly buses would be delivered in batches from Europe soon.
“We hope they will arrive by January,” she said.
She also urged the disabled community to be patient, as changes could not be made overnight.
Addicts not doomed for life
Star: PENANG: A drug addict is not doomed for life. Unfortunately, that is the general perception, said an anti-drug abuse voluntary group here.
Global Addiction Network said there were many success stories of those who had kicked the habit.
“If properly administered, treatments can be successful,” said its chairman Datuk Zainuddin Bahari.
Speaking at an international symposium here on Saturday, he stressed on the importance of follow-ups once former addicts leave rehabilitation centres.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who opened the symposium, said the drug menace was more serious in developed countries as their nations had more spending power.
However, he said, the situation in Malaysia was also alarming.
“I am told that there is a new case of drug addiction every two hours in Malaysia.
“That means there are 360 new drug addicts every month,” he added
Global Addiction Network said there were many success stories of those who had kicked the habit.
“If properly administered, treatments can be successful,” said its chairman Datuk Zainuddin Bahari.
Speaking at an international symposium here on Saturday, he stressed on the importance of follow-ups once former addicts leave rehabilitation centres.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who opened the symposium, said the drug menace was more serious in developed countries as their nations had more spending power.
However, he said, the situation in Malaysia was also alarming.
“I am told that there is a new case of drug addiction every two hours in Malaysia.
“That means there are 360 new drug addicts every month,” he added
Needle plan by next year
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The government-funded Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) will be introduced in all states by next year to check the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Under the NGO-driven programme, Drop In Centres will be set up in different states to provide needle exchange, face-to-face counselling and medical treatment.
There are centres now in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru and they give out information and help educate intravenous drug users (IDU) on ways to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS infections.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said a study showed that five to six drug users in Malaysia shared needles daily.
“They inject themselves three to five times a day. So we have to give them clean needles under the NSEP programme.
“Condoms are also provided so that HIV/AIDS is not sexually transmitted,” he added.
He said HIV/AIDS cases in the country might reach 300,000 by 2015 if more aggressive measures were not taken to check the spread.
Dr Chua hoped that with the eradication plan in place, the cases would be capped at 100,000.
As for those against the idea of providing needles and condoms, he said: “There was initially some objection, but following the strong commitment (given) by our Prime Minister and his deputy, we find that there is a general acceptance.”
Dr Chua said the Government and NGOs had gradually raised the level of awareness where the focus was on curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“We are also trying to eliminate the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS (patients) and drug users.
“We have in our country people who think drug addicts should be consigned to an island and starved to death, or left to look after themselves. I believe most Malaysians don’t subscribe to that,” he said.
The NSEP target is to reach 1,200 to 2,100 IDUs by the beginning of next year.
As at August this year, 1,233 IDUs were recruited and given needles, and more 34,000 NSEP kits were given out. Each kit contains four needles, four syringes and eight cotton swabs.
Dr Chua said the return rate of used syringes was 58%.
Under the NGO-driven programme, Drop In Centres will be set up in different states to provide needle exchange, face-to-face counselling and medical treatment.
There are centres now in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru and they give out information and help educate intravenous drug users (IDU) on ways to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS infections.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said a study showed that five to six drug users in Malaysia shared needles daily.
“They inject themselves three to five times a day. So we have to give them clean needles under the NSEP programme.
“Condoms are also provided so that HIV/AIDS is not sexually transmitted,” he added.
He said HIV/AIDS cases in the country might reach 300,000 by 2015 if more aggressive measures were not taken to check the spread.
Dr Chua hoped that with the eradication plan in place, the cases would be capped at 100,000.
As for those against the idea of providing needles and condoms, he said: “There was initially some objection, but following the strong commitment (given) by our Prime Minister and his deputy, we find that there is a general acceptance.”
Dr Chua said the Government and NGOs had gradually raised the level of awareness where the focus was on curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“We are also trying to eliminate the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS (patients) and drug users.
“We have in our country people who think drug addicts should be consigned to an island and starved to death, or left to look after themselves. I believe most Malaysians don’t subscribe to that,” he said.
The NSEP target is to reach 1,200 to 2,100 IDUs by the beginning of next year.
As at August this year, 1,233 IDUs were recruited and given needles, and more 34,000 NSEP kits were given out. Each kit contains four needles, four syringes and eight cotton swabs.
Dr Chua said the return rate of used syringes was 58%.
Anti-aedes steps mulled
Star: BUTTERWORTH: New buildings may have to do without rain gutters or “closed” ones may have to be installed to drain away rainwater.
This is the latest measure mulled over by the Government to reduce the breeding grounds of aedes mosquitoes and to check the spread of dengue, said Housing and Local Government Ministry parliamentary secretary Dr S. Subramaniam.
“New buildings in Singapore have been designed without gutters. When it rains, it may be a bit noisy as the rainwater will hit the roof and flow directly to the ground.
“But the move has been effective in preventing the gutters from becoming aedes breeding sites,” he said after opening an anti-dengue campaign and gotong-royong at SJK(T) Ladang Prye here yesterday.
Dr Subramaniam said the ministry had asked its architects to study roof designs with closed gutters and also those without gutters.
“Gutters were originally introduced in certain housing projects to help promote the Government’s rain harvesting programme.
“So, removing all gutters from existing houses may jeopardise this programme. Thus, we have to study the issue carefully before making a decision,” he said.
He also noted that the local authorities were also looking at using the bacillus thuringiensis bacteria either as aerosol or in tablet form to kill aedes larvae.
“It is effective but a little costly,” he said.
This is the latest measure mulled over by the Government to reduce the breeding grounds of aedes mosquitoes and to check the spread of dengue, said Housing and Local Government Ministry parliamentary secretary Dr S. Subramaniam.
“New buildings in Singapore have been designed without gutters. When it rains, it may be a bit noisy as the rainwater will hit the roof and flow directly to the ground.
“But the move has been effective in preventing the gutters from becoming aedes breeding sites,” he said after opening an anti-dengue campaign and gotong-royong at SJK(T) Ladang Prye here yesterday.
Dr Subramaniam said the ministry had asked its architects to study roof designs with closed gutters and also those without gutters.
“Gutters were originally introduced in certain housing projects to help promote the Government’s rain harvesting programme.
“So, removing all gutters from existing houses may jeopardise this programme. Thus, we have to study the issue carefully before making a decision,” he said.
He also noted that the local authorities were also looking at using the bacillus thuringiensis bacteria either as aerosol or in tablet form to kill aedes larvae.
“It is effective but a little costly,” he said.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Infant formula sold here is safe
Star: KUALA TERENGGANU: A brand of infant formula that was recalled in Australia by its manufacturer has not affected its distribution in Malaysia, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said the recall of the NAN 2 HA Gold product is limited to only Australia, where it has a different formulation and is manufactured in Germany.
“The product for the local market (in Malaysia) is manufactured in Switzerland and is, therefore, safe for consumption,” he said in a press statement that was distributed after the official renaming of the Kuala Terengganu Hospital to the Sultanah Nur Zarinah Hospital here yesterday.
Sultan Mizan Zinal Abidin officiated at the renaming ceremony, which was in honour of his consort.
Dr Chua gave an assurance that the infant formula that comes in 900g containers is safe for consumption in Malaysia despite the voluntary nationwide recall made by Nestle Australia.
He said the recall was made after small metal fragments were found in some batches of the products.
He said the recall of the NAN 2 HA Gold product is limited to only Australia, where it has a different formulation and is manufactured in Germany.
“The product for the local market (in Malaysia) is manufactured in Switzerland and is, therefore, safe for consumption,” he said in a press statement that was distributed after the official renaming of the Kuala Terengganu Hospital to the Sultanah Nur Zarinah Hospital here yesterday.
Sultan Mizan Zinal Abidin officiated at the renaming ceremony, which was in honour of his consort.
Dr Chua gave an assurance that the infant formula that comes in 900g containers is safe for consumption in Malaysia despite the voluntary nationwide recall made by Nestle Australia.
He said the recall was made after small metal fragments were found in some batches of the products.
KT hospital set to treat injured scuba divers
Star: KUALA TERENGGANU: The Kuala Terengganu Hospital, renamed Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah yesterday, will have an “hyperbaric chamber unit” in its emergency department to treat injured scuba divers.
This is in support of the expanding tourism industry and scuba-diving activities in the state.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the unit, the first in the east coast, was on par with the one at the military hospital in Lumut.
“The setting-up of the unit is part of the RM5.5mil upgrading and renovation of the hospital’s Emergency Department,” he said in his speech at a ceremony to rename the hospital yesterday.
Among the upgrading projects planned are building a maternity specialist complex (RM120mil), a stroke ward/ acute ICU (RM37mil) and a psychiatry and mental health complex (RM28mil), and expanding the intensive care unit (RM25mil).
This is in support of the expanding tourism industry and scuba-diving activities in the state.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the unit, the first in the east coast, was on par with the one at the military hospital in Lumut.
“The setting-up of the unit is part of the RM5.5mil upgrading and renovation of the hospital’s Emergency Department,” he said in his speech at a ceremony to rename the hospital yesterday.
Among the upgrading projects planned are building a maternity specialist complex (RM120mil), a stroke ward/ acute ICU (RM37mil) and a psychiatry and mental health complex (RM28mil), and expanding the intensive care unit (RM25mil).
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Follow health inspectors to ensure no hanky-panky
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The next time a health officer checks your house for mosquito larvae, make sure you follow him when he makes his inspection round.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said his ministry recently received a complaint that an officer had planted larvae in the compound of a house in Klang.
“The resident provided proof that there was no larvae on his premises,” said Dr Chua.
When the officer was questioned, he admitted he had brought the larvae from the neighbouring area, the minister said.
“We have investigated the case and disciplinary action will be taken against the health officer,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Dr Chua reminded the public to be vigilant for mosquitoes breeding in their premises as the number of dengue cases in the Federal Territory and Selangor had doubled from 400 to 800 in the last three weeks.
“Please take care of the environment where you live and keep it clean so that mosquitoes cannot multiply,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said his ministry recently received a complaint that an officer had planted larvae in the compound of a house in Klang.
“The resident provided proof that there was no larvae on his premises,” said Dr Chua.
When the officer was questioned, he admitted he had brought the larvae from the neighbouring area, the minister said.
“We have investigated the case and disciplinary action will be taken against the health officer,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Dr Chua reminded the public to be vigilant for mosquitoes breeding in their premises as the number of dengue cases in the Federal Territory and Selangor had doubled from 400 to 800 in the last three weeks.
“Please take care of the environment where you live and keep it clean so that mosquitoes cannot multiply,” he said.
Sorry, docs can’t use these words
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors at health screening centres have been told not to tell patients “sorry, you don’t have many more years to live,” based on blood test results.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek called on such centres to be professional and do a thorough check before making any conclusions on their patients’ health.
“Don’t leave patients high and dry without explaining the true state of their health. Doctors should explain so that the patient knows how his ailment is affecting him,” he said at the launch of the second Country Heights Health Screening Centre to be located at Plaza Mont Kiara yesterday.
“Not any Ali, Ah Kow or Muthu can open a health centre. This is because the health of the person is very important to the individual and his family,” Dr Chua said.
He called for screening tests and programmes to be conducted under proper medical guidance.
“All medical results should be interpreted in the light of the patient’s clinical condition and properly explained by a medical doctor. Pre- and post-test counselling should also be provided, and patients should be referred for a second opinion if necessary,” he said.
“There must also be proper treatment and follow-up that is safe, ethical, acceptable and effective.”
To regulate this sector of the health industry, Dr Chua said a Pathology Bill would be tabled in Parliament next year.
He said there was demand for screening services as the public had become more health conscious.
“Unfortunately, this has led to the proliferation and aggressive marketing of a large array of screening tests, many of which are conducted without proper medical guidance and may be unnecessary or even misused,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek called on such centres to be professional and do a thorough check before making any conclusions on their patients’ health.
“Don’t leave patients high and dry without explaining the true state of their health. Doctors should explain so that the patient knows how his ailment is affecting him,” he said at the launch of the second Country Heights Health Screening Centre to be located at Plaza Mont Kiara yesterday.
“Not any Ali, Ah Kow or Muthu can open a health centre. This is because the health of the person is very important to the individual and his family,” Dr Chua said.
He called for screening tests and programmes to be conducted under proper medical guidance.
“All medical results should be interpreted in the light of the patient’s clinical condition and properly explained by a medical doctor. Pre- and post-test counselling should also be provided, and patients should be referred for a second opinion if necessary,” he said.
“There must also be proper treatment and follow-up that is safe, ethical, acceptable and effective.”
To regulate this sector of the health industry, Dr Chua said a Pathology Bill would be tabled in Parliament next year.
He said there was demand for screening services as the public had become more health conscious.
“Unfortunately, this has led to the proliferation and aggressive marketing of a large array of screening tests, many of which are conducted without proper medical guidance and may be unnecessary or even misused,” he said.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Negri next to test couples for HIV
Star: JELEBU: Negri Sembilan is set to join other states in making HIV-testing compulsory for Muslim couples before marriage.
State Deputy Health, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Roslan Mohd Yusof said that a proposal would be submitted to the four undang and Yang di-Pertuan Besar next month.
If approved, he said that the compulsory testing would begin next year.
“We want to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate,” he said yesterday after opening the state-level World AIDS Day celebration on behalf of chairman Datuk Yu Chok Tow.
He said those with HIV-positive partners would be advised on the treatment available as well as given counselling.
“Some are still willing to get married because of love,” he said.
Selangor, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang have made HIV-testing compulsory for Muslim couples intending to get married.
Jakim director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman had said in July that Muslim couples in all states would have to be tested for HIV before they could get married.
Health Department deputy director Dr Omar Mihat, in his speech on behalf of director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail, said response to voluntary HIV testing had not been good.
“Maybe, they are afraid. The numbers are low even though the tests are free and confidential,” he said.
Malaysian AIDS Council executive director Nik Mohd Fahmee Nik Hussin said the poor response was because Malaysians did not think that they were at risk. ”That's why we need more targeted programmes to create awareness.”
State Deputy Health, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Roslan Mohd Yusof said that a proposal would be submitted to the four undang and Yang di-Pertuan Besar next month.
If approved, he said that the compulsory testing would begin next year.
“We want to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate,” he said yesterday after opening the state-level World AIDS Day celebration on behalf of chairman Datuk Yu Chok Tow.
He said those with HIV-positive partners would be advised on the treatment available as well as given counselling.
“Some are still willing to get married because of love,” he said.
Selangor, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang have made HIV-testing compulsory for Muslim couples intending to get married.
Jakim director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman had said in July that Muslim couples in all states would have to be tested for HIV before they could get married.
Health Department deputy director Dr Omar Mihat, in his speech on behalf of director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail, said response to voluntary HIV testing had not been good.
“Maybe, they are afraid. The numbers are low even though the tests are free and confidential,” he said.
Malaysian AIDS Council executive director Nik Mohd Fahmee Nik Hussin said the poor response was because Malaysians did not think that they were at risk. ”That's why we need more targeted programmes to create awareness.”
More women infected with HIV in last 15 years
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian women are getting infected with HIV even as the needle exchange programme and drug substitution therapy are achieving their targets.
In the last 15 years, the number of women infected with HIV has jumped 10 times from 1.2% in 1990 to 12% in 2005, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech for the United Nations World AIDS Day Commemoration themed Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.
The text of his speech was read out by the ministry’s Disease Control director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
Asked why this was so, Dr Ramlee said infection through heterosexual relationships was on the rise, prompting United Nations resident coordinator Dr Richard Leete to quip: “Drug addicts have sex, that’s the simple fact.”
However, the main mode of HIV transmission in Malaysia is still through the sharing of needles, which accounted for 75% of the cases.
“Till the end of June this year, 73,427 cases of HIV infection had been noted, and the infection rate is still disproportionately high in men, who accounted for 92.6% of all notified cases,” Dr Chua said.
Dr Ramlee told a press conference later that the Methadone Maintenance Therapy and the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP), which came under the Harm Reduction Programme, had been able to reach more than its initial target.
“When we started the NSEP in February this year, we targeted 1,200 people. To date, we have reached 1,233 people. Of that, 107 have been referred for methadone therapy.
“As for the methadone therapy which the ministry started in October last year, we also targeted 1,200 people, but have enrolled 1,240,” he said.
He said they hoped to enrol 5,000 drug addicts for the therapy by the end of 2007, and increase the number of venues providing such therapy nationwide.
In the last 15 years, the number of women infected with HIV has jumped 10 times from 1.2% in 1990 to 12% in 2005, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech for the United Nations World AIDS Day Commemoration themed Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.
The text of his speech was read out by the ministry’s Disease Control director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
Asked why this was so, Dr Ramlee said infection through heterosexual relationships was on the rise, prompting United Nations resident coordinator Dr Richard Leete to quip: “Drug addicts have sex, that’s the simple fact.”
However, the main mode of HIV transmission in Malaysia is still through the sharing of needles, which accounted for 75% of the cases.
“Till the end of June this year, 73,427 cases of HIV infection had been noted, and the infection rate is still disproportionately high in men, who accounted for 92.6% of all notified cases,” Dr Chua said.
Dr Ramlee told a press conference later that the Methadone Maintenance Therapy and the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP), which came under the Harm Reduction Programme, had been able to reach more than its initial target.
“When we started the NSEP in February this year, we targeted 1,200 people. To date, we have reached 1,233 people. Of that, 107 have been referred for methadone therapy.
“As for the methadone therapy which the ministry started in October last year, we also targeted 1,200 people, but have enrolled 1,240,” he said.
He said they hoped to enrol 5,000 drug addicts for the therapy by the end of 2007, and increase the number of venues providing such therapy nationwide.
AIDS fight needs action, says minister
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Government is not interested in armchair critics and conservatives in its fight against HIV and AIDS, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
“If I have to deal with conservatives or people who are against the fight to curb the disease, a lot of my time, a lot of non-governmental organisations’ time will be spent on managing their negative reaction,” he said in an interview with The Star.
“We don’t want unnecessary publicity that would generate a backlash as these critics do not suffer from HIV or AIDS.”
The Government, he said, wanted to help those suffering from HIV or AIDS.
“What’s important is that the people come forward quietly to make it a success,” he said.
“The armchair critics put a lot of moral or religious dimension on what is basically, to the Government, an infectious disease, which if not controlled, can become an epidemic.
“The fight against AIDS is not an election campaign. We want to work and convince a group, who have been virtually marginalised before this, to come forward so that the AIDS problem will be curbed.”
The Health Ministry is taking the “bull by the horns” to check the growth of AIDS.
“Our first pilot project in working with NGOs has gained general acceptance. That’s how we should move forward,” he said.
Dr Chua said NGOs were working closely with the Government.
“So all this is NGO driven, but funded by the Government, with us supervising.
“We actually direct the NGOs where and how to move,” he said.
“We had three centres initially and now we are trying to make sure that in 2010 there is a centre in every state.
“Initially, we started from 1,000 to 2,000 people. We are sure that we’ll be able to reach out to 15,000 to 20,000 people in our fight against AIDS.”
The Government has allocated RM500mil to curb HIV and AIDS under the National Strategic Plan and several NGOs would be funded.
Dr Chua said: “We will work closely with NGOs and fund their activities for the needle exchange programme, methadone replacement therapy and networking.”
“If I have to deal with conservatives or people who are against the fight to curb the disease, a lot of my time, a lot of non-governmental organisations’ time will be spent on managing their negative reaction,” he said in an interview with The Star.
“We don’t want unnecessary publicity that would generate a backlash as these critics do not suffer from HIV or AIDS.”
The Government, he said, wanted to help those suffering from HIV or AIDS.
“What’s important is that the people come forward quietly to make it a success,” he said.
“The armchair critics put a lot of moral or religious dimension on what is basically, to the Government, an infectious disease, which if not controlled, can become an epidemic.
“The fight against AIDS is not an election campaign. We want to work and convince a group, who have been virtually marginalised before this, to come forward so that the AIDS problem will be curbed.”
The Health Ministry is taking the “bull by the horns” to check the growth of AIDS.
“Our first pilot project in working with NGOs has gained general acceptance. That’s how we should move forward,” he said.
Dr Chua said NGOs were working closely with the Government.
“So all this is NGO driven, but funded by the Government, with us supervising.
“We actually direct the NGOs where and how to move,” he said.
“We had three centres initially and now we are trying to make sure that in 2010 there is a centre in every state.
“Initially, we started from 1,000 to 2,000 people. We are sure that we’ll be able to reach out to 15,000 to 20,000 people in our fight against AIDS.”
The Government has allocated RM500mil to curb HIV and AIDS under the National Strategic Plan and several NGOs would be funded.
Dr Chua said: “We will work closely with NGOs and fund their activities for the needle exchange programme, methadone replacement therapy and networking.”
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Working for 34 hours
NST: MY sister has just completed her degree in medicine overseas and should be returning to serve as a house officer in any hospital in Malaysia.
To my surprise, her seniors in university, who are currently serving house officers and medical officers in Malaysia, are discouraging her and her classmates from returning to practise in Malaysia.
Their main reasons are that house officers are often shouted at and humiliated in front of others, including patients and fellow colleagues.
There are also the long working hours.
On days that a house officer or medical officer is "on call", he/she is subjected to the following working hours:
• Monday: 7.30am to 5pm (normal working hours);
• (On call) 5pm to 7.30am the following day;
• Tuesday: 7.30am to 5pm (normal working hours).
This means that a house officer/medical officer who goes to work on Monday starts his/her work at 7.30am and it only ends at 5pm the following day.
This means that he has to work 34 hours before he or she can go home.
The fact that such working hours have long been practised is not a justification and not a valid excuse.
The Health Ministry needs to make changes to improve the working environment of doctors in hospitals in Malaysia.
The current practice and working environment are clearly discouraging doctors from returning to Malaysia to work. In the long term, this will cause a brain drain in the medical profession.
G.K. Petaling Jaya
To my surprise, her seniors in university, who are currently serving house officers and medical officers in Malaysia, are discouraging her and her classmates from returning to practise in Malaysia.
Their main reasons are that house officers are often shouted at and humiliated in front of others, including patients and fellow colleagues.
There are also the long working hours.
On days that a house officer or medical officer is "on call", he/she is subjected to the following working hours:
• Monday: 7.30am to 5pm (normal working hours);
• (On call) 5pm to 7.30am the following day;
• Tuesday: 7.30am to 5pm (normal working hours).
This means that a house officer/medical officer who goes to work on Monday starts his/her work at 7.30am and it only ends at 5pm the following day.
This means that he has to work 34 hours before he or she can go home.
The fact that such working hours have long been practised is not a justification and not a valid excuse.
The Health Ministry needs to make changes to improve the working environment of doctors in hospitals in Malaysia.
The current practice and working environment are clearly discouraging doctors from returning to Malaysia to work. In the long term, this will cause a brain drain in the medical profession.
G.K. Petaling Jaya
MMA: Doctors lucky to get housemanship
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The year- long housemanship can be a steep learning curve. Exhaustion and long hours are par for the course.
But new doctors should look on it as a time to gain valuable experience.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said: "The first year of a doctor’s life can be very difficult, but it is their vocation and they should think positively.
"They are lucky to get such hands-on experience."
Dr Teoh was asked to comment on a Letter to the Editor published in the New Straits Times yesterday, which said that medical students studying overseas were being discouraged by their seniors to return to practise in Malaysia.
Long hours, and being shouted at and humiliated in front of others were two of the reasons given.
The letter said that housemen have to work their normal shift from 7.30am to 5pm, be on call from 5pm to 7.30am and then continue with another normal shift until 5pm.
When the long hours, up to 34 or more at a stretch when a houseman is on call, were brought up in the past the Health Ministry blamed it on the shortage of doctors.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said on call duties are part of a doctor’s responsibility, "but with the increase in the number of doctors joining the service, we hope the situation will get better in the future".
But several medical officers who went through a "nightmarish" year as housemen said the long hours probably "did more harm than good".
But a doctor, who did his housemanship in Malacca Hospital six years ago, disagreed saying he had to work seven days a week, including public holidays.
"If we wanted a day off, we had to apply for annual leave. It was terrible.
"I didn’t have a life outside the hospital. It got so bad, there was a time when out of sheer exhaustion I couldn’t perform CPR properly to resuscitate a patient.
"He was the third patient to collapse that night, and I was already spent from a lack of sleep and hard work.
"I think making doctors work so long probably does more harm than good," he said.
He confirmed that housemen were treated badly by the medical officers, who referred to them as "the scum of the earth".
Another doctor, who did her housemanship in Kuantan Hospital last year, said the hands-on experience was the best way to learn, but the working hours could be a little easier.
"We don’t mind working for 24 hours while on call and then doing the morning rounds. But at least they should let us off by midday so we can rest," she said.
This was echoed by another doctor, based in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who said housemen were very often too tired to concentrate by the end of their long shifts.
"They can’t think properly, and this sometimes leads to wrong medical decisions as their judgment is affected."
But new doctors should look on it as a time to gain valuable experience.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said: "The first year of a doctor’s life can be very difficult, but it is their vocation and they should think positively.
"They are lucky to get such hands-on experience."
Dr Teoh was asked to comment on a Letter to the Editor published in the New Straits Times yesterday, which said that medical students studying overseas were being discouraged by their seniors to return to practise in Malaysia.
Long hours, and being shouted at and humiliated in front of others were two of the reasons given.
The letter said that housemen have to work their normal shift from 7.30am to 5pm, be on call from 5pm to 7.30am and then continue with another normal shift until 5pm.
When the long hours, up to 34 or more at a stretch when a houseman is on call, were brought up in the past the Health Ministry blamed it on the shortage of doctors.
Health Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said on call duties are part of a doctor’s responsibility, "but with the increase in the number of doctors joining the service, we hope the situation will get better in the future".
But several medical officers who went through a "nightmarish" year as housemen said the long hours probably "did more harm than good".
But a doctor, who did his housemanship in Malacca Hospital six years ago, disagreed saying he had to work seven days a week, including public holidays.
"If we wanted a day off, we had to apply for annual leave. It was terrible.
"I didn’t have a life outside the hospital. It got so bad, there was a time when out of sheer exhaustion I couldn’t perform CPR properly to resuscitate a patient.
"He was the third patient to collapse that night, and I was already spent from a lack of sleep and hard work.
"I think making doctors work so long probably does more harm than good," he said.
He confirmed that housemen were treated badly by the medical officers, who referred to them as "the scum of the earth".
Another doctor, who did her housemanship in Kuantan Hospital last year, said the hands-on experience was the best way to learn, but the working hours could be a little easier.
"We don’t mind working for 24 hours while on call and then doing the morning rounds. But at least they should let us off by midday so we can rest," she said.
This was echoed by another doctor, based in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who said housemen were very often too tired to concentrate by the end of their long shifts.
"They can’t think properly, and this sometimes leads to wrong medical decisions as their judgment is affected."
Mechanical heart girl Tee making progress
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Tee Hui Yi, who was implanted with a mechanical heart two months ago, is progressing well.
A statement from the National Heart Institute (IJN) said the 13-year-old girl was transferred to the general ward on Nov 21 where she would undergo further rehabilitation. Prior to that, she was recuperating in the intensive care unit (ICU).
She would also be trained to self-manage her mechanical heart.
Tee, who is from Batu Pahat, is the country’s second mechanical heart assist recipient after Mohamed Fikri Nor Azmi, 16, received it last July.
Tee was taken off the ventilator on Nov 8 — a week after making her first post-surgery public appearance at a meeting with the media.
Throughout her stay in the ICU, she underwent daily cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation routine exercises. Two days after being taken off the ventilator, she started taking semi- solid food and on Nov 12, she started on a normal diet.
In celebration of her progress, the ICU staff treated her to her favourite food — fried chicken.
On Monday, she was taken to Lake Titiwangsa for morning exercises as part of the out-of-hospital programme.
Tee was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure when she was two years old after suffering from a viral infection. Since then, she became a regular patient at the Batu Pahat Hospital and the IJN.
Her condition deteriorated further and she was placed on the heart transplant list in May this year.
She has not been to school for two years.
On Sept 13, she was re-admitted to the IJN. While undergoing treatment, she developed a potential fatal heart rhythm.
It was a After this, that IJN decided to implant Tee with the mechanical heart.
A statement from the National Heart Institute (IJN) said the 13-year-old girl was transferred to the general ward on Nov 21 where she would undergo further rehabilitation. Prior to that, she was recuperating in the intensive care unit (ICU).
She would also be trained to self-manage her mechanical heart.
Tee, who is from Batu Pahat, is the country’s second mechanical heart assist recipient after Mohamed Fikri Nor Azmi, 16, received it last July.
Tee was taken off the ventilator on Nov 8 — a week after making her first post-surgery public appearance at a meeting with the media.
Throughout her stay in the ICU, she underwent daily cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation routine exercises. Two days after being taken off the ventilator, she started taking semi- solid food and on Nov 12, she started on a normal diet.
In celebration of her progress, the ICU staff treated her to her favourite food — fried chicken.
On Monday, she was taken to Lake Titiwangsa for morning exercises as part of the out-of-hospital programme.
Tee was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure when she was two years old after suffering from a viral infection. Since then, she became a regular patient at the Batu Pahat Hospital and the IJN.
Her condition deteriorated further and she was placed on the heart transplant list in May this year.
She has not been to school for two years.
On Sept 13, she was re-admitted to the IJN. While undergoing treatment, she developed a potential fatal heart rhythm.
It was a After this, that IJN decided to implant Tee with the mechanical heart.
Production of Baike Wan herbal supplement stopped
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Production of the herbal supplement Baike Wan has stopped and products bearing this name found on the shelves are dangerous imitations that should be avoided.
According to Shen Loon She Enterprise Sdn Bhd, the Penang-based registered licence holder of Baike Wan, the product was banned by the Health Ministry early last year .
Shen Loon She business development director Andy Lee said fake Baike Wan products contained harmful substances.
“There are three manufacturers in the country making the fake product that comes in different types of packaging, with the capsule shells imported from China.
“Our customers told us that they can buy the the imitation product for as low as RM28 from medical halls compared with the original price of RM43,” he said yesterday.
Lee said the original Baike Wan product contained herbal ingredients that could relieve muscle and joint pains. Because of the imitations, the company has renamed its product Edoly Capsules.
On whether fake Edoly Capsules could be produced, Lee said it would be difficult because all products registered with the Drug Control Authority were required to bear a hologram or Meditag.
Lee said his company had lodged reports with the police and the Health Ministry over the imitation products.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the ministry had received complaints from a foreign regulatory agency that Baike Wan from Malaysia contained scheduled poisons such as chlorpheniramine, piroxicam and frusemide.
“Chlorpheniramine is used to treat sinuses, piroxicam is a painkiller and frusemide can cause a drop in blood pressure,” he said in a press statement recently.
“These drugs are not allowed in traditional medicines as they can cause side effects if used without a doctor’s supervision.”
Dr Ismail reminded those with stock to stop sales immediately as it was an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, and carries a maximum fine of RM25,000, three years’ jail or both.
According to Shen Loon She Enterprise Sdn Bhd, the Penang-based registered licence holder of Baike Wan, the product was banned by the Health Ministry early last year .
Shen Loon She business development director Andy Lee said fake Baike Wan products contained harmful substances.
“There are three manufacturers in the country making the fake product that comes in different types of packaging, with the capsule shells imported from China.
“Our customers told us that they can buy the the imitation product for as low as RM28 from medical halls compared with the original price of RM43,” he said yesterday.
Lee said the original Baike Wan product contained herbal ingredients that could relieve muscle and joint pains. Because of the imitations, the company has renamed its product Edoly Capsules.
On whether fake Edoly Capsules could be produced, Lee said it would be difficult because all products registered with the Drug Control Authority were required to bear a hologram or Meditag.
Lee said his company had lodged reports with the police and the Health Ministry over the imitation products.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the ministry had received complaints from a foreign regulatory agency that Baike Wan from Malaysia contained scheduled poisons such as chlorpheniramine, piroxicam and frusemide.
“Chlorpheniramine is used to treat sinuses, piroxicam is a painkiller and frusemide can cause a drop in blood pressure,” he said in a press statement recently.
“These drugs are not allowed in traditional medicines as they can cause side effects if used without a doctor’s supervision.”
Dr Ismail reminded those with stock to stop sales immediately as it was an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, and carries a maximum fine of RM25,000, three years’ jail or both.
Tighter control on medicines
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Anyone caught with unregistered medicines and health supplement products in future may face tougher penalties under amendments to a key legislation.
Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Che Mohd Zin Che Awang said these products would include traditional medicine and over-the-counter items.
“This is because all traditional medicine and over-the-counter items must now be registered by the Drug Control Authority. Any product, even traditional medicine, which is unregistered, is illegal.
“Previously, we had to prove that anyone caught with the illegal products had the intention to sell them before we could charge the individual with a more serious offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984,” he said.
“But now, under the proposed amendments, we can charge them with possession – regardless of whether the items are for sale or not, and it will carry a heavier penalty.”
Anyone convicted can face a fine of up to RM35,000 for the first offence and RM50,000 for the subsequent offence or a five-year jail term.
For companies, the fine can go up to between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
The introduction of Meditag holograms for all registered medicines and health supplement products last year had made it easier for enforcement officers to identify and confiscate illegal products, he said.
For the first 10 months of this year, 22,000 items without the Meditag holograms were seized.
“We should see a drop in these illegal products by the end of the year, he said.
The ministry is drafting amendments to the Poisons Act to provide stiffer punishment for clinics that illegally “divert” certain types of psychotropic drugs such as buprenorphine (used for drug substitution therapy), midazolam (used to treat insomnia) and pseudoepherine tablets (precursors contained in cold remedies)
At present, the penalty is a RM5,000 fine.
The Poisons Act covers both products and raw materials containing scheduled or controlled substances.
Che Mohd Zin said if a substance was an unregistered item, clinic owners found selling it could be jailed up to three years or fined up to RM25,000 or both for the first offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical services division director Datuk Che Mohd Zin Che Awang said these products would include traditional medicine and over-the-counter items.
“This is because all traditional medicine and over-the-counter items must now be registered by the Drug Control Authority. Any product, even traditional medicine, which is unregistered, is illegal.
“Previously, we had to prove that anyone caught with the illegal products had the intention to sell them before we could charge the individual with a more serious offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984,” he said.
“But now, under the proposed amendments, we can charge them with possession – regardless of whether the items are for sale or not, and it will carry a heavier penalty.”
Anyone convicted can face a fine of up to RM35,000 for the first offence and RM50,000 for the subsequent offence or a five-year jail term.
For companies, the fine can go up to between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
The introduction of Meditag holograms for all registered medicines and health supplement products last year had made it easier for enforcement officers to identify and confiscate illegal products, he said.
For the first 10 months of this year, 22,000 items without the Meditag holograms were seized.
“We should see a drop in these illegal products by the end of the year, he said.
The ministry is drafting amendments to the Poisons Act to provide stiffer punishment for clinics that illegally “divert” certain types of psychotropic drugs such as buprenorphine (used for drug substitution therapy), midazolam (used to treat insomnia) and pseudoepherine tablets (precursors contained in cold remedies)
At present, the penalty is a RM5,000 fine.
The Poisons Act covers both products and raw materials containing scheduled or controlled substances.
Che Mohd Zin said if a substance was an unregistered item, clinic owners found selling it could be jailed up to three years or fined up to RM25,000 or both for the first offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Botox Safe In Hands Of Specialists, Says Deputy Minister
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Botox, the anti-ageing agent banned by the National Fatwa Council, is safe for consumer use if administered by specialists.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd. Latif Ahmad said consumers however should be wary of the side effects of the botox injections.
"However, the botox injections are not available at any hospital or clinic under the Ministry of Health," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2007 in the Dewan Rakyat here.
Botox or Botulinum Toxin Type A is used to reduce facial wrinkles.
Abd Latif disclosed that the Medical Devices Act and the Cosmetics Act were at the final stages of drafting before being presented to the Attorney-General and the Cabinet for approval.
He also said that the rise in breast cancer cases could be due to the lifestyle of modern women who chose not to breastfeed their babies.
In this respect, the government had allocated RM500 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to build a cancer institute next to the Putrajaya Hospital for cancer research, he added.
On the use of silicon for cosmetic purposes, he said the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of the United States had determined that silicon implants were safe if handled by specialists.
"Government hospitals have conducted 50 plastic surgeries for reconstructive purposes but no cosmetic surgery has ever been done," he said.
The Deputy Minister said it was difficult to trace cases of cosmetic surgeries involving silicon implants as there had been no reports from consumers.
"Normally, those who have gone for silicon implants are shy to come forward especially when they have been scarred physically," he said.
Abd Latif said that other than the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), there were seven other hospitals in the Klang Valley serving about three million people.
They are the Ampang Hospital, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Serdang Hospital, Selayang Hospital, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Putrajaya Hospital.
He dismissed claims that the ministry had discriminated other races when recruiting nurses for government hospitals as it was done by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd. Latif Ahmad said consumers however should be wary of the side effects of the botox injections.
"However, the botox injections are not available at any hospital or clinic under the Ministry of Health," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2007 in the Dewan Rakyat here.
Botox or Botulinum Toxin Type A is used to reduce facial wrinkles.
Abd Latif disclosed that the Medical Devices Act and the Cosmetics Act were at the final stages of drafting before being presented to the Attorney-General and the Cabinet for approval.
He also said that the rise in breast cancer cases could be due to the lifestyle of modern women who chose not to breastfeed their babies.
In this respect, the government had allocated RM500 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to build a cancer institute next to the Putrajaya Hospital for cancer research, he added.
On the use of silicon for cosmetic purposes, he said the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of the United States had determined that silicon implants were safe if handled by specialists.
"Government hospitals have conducted 50 plastic surgeries for reconstructive purposes but no cosmetic surgery has ever been done," he said.
The Deputy Minister said it was difficult to trace cases of cosmetic surgeries involving silicon implants as there had been no reports from consumers.
"Normally, those who have gone for silicon implants are shy to come forward especially when they have been scarred physically," he said.
Abd Latif said that other than the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), there were seven other hospitals in the Klang Valley serving about three million people.
They are the Ampang Hospital, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Serdang Hospital, Selayang Hospital, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Putrajaya Hospital.
He dismissed claims that the ministry had discriminated other races when recruiting nurses for government hospitals as it was done by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
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