Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has urged trained nurses to serve locally rather than go abroad.
“About 400 of our nurses leave the country every year to serve overseas.
“I hope the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) and the Health Ministry will work together to ensure that our country does not run dry of experienced and capable nurses,” he said in his speech to a crowd of about 2,300 nurses at the launch of International Nurses Day yesterday
In his speech, read out by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the Prime Minister said professional nurses were fast becoming a commodity in the job market.
According to MNA, there are about 60,000 nurses nationwide.
Abdullah said the Government, in acknowledging nurses with leadership skills and experience, provided them opportunities to become hospital directors. Two nurses, Fatimah Supiah Otet and Ling Heng Choo, are serving as hospital directors in Sarawak.
Abdullah said that the success of health tourism would hinge on the cooperation and support from the nursing fraternity.
At the event themed Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces=quality patient care, three nurses were presented with special awards – Mariam Madhar Ali for her contribution to the community, Lee Siew Hoon for her contribution in education and Zubaidah Mohd Said for her nursing services.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 12.
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, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Disease management vital for asthma patients
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Asthma patients may think that their condition restricts them from physical exercise, but if they manage their disease with medication they can lead a normal life, health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.
A recent Asia-Pacific study showed that in Malaysia, like in China, more than 50% of children had to miss school while 23% of adults missed work because of asthma.
The study said Asia-Pacific recorded a higher rate of absence from work and school due to asthma, with the disease impacting highly on daily activities due to poor asthma control, compared with in the United States or Europe.
It showed that asthma management in the region was below the international recommended level of care.
“The disease becomes a burden to the country, families and the patients. But while it is a chronic and lifelong disease, it is not untreatable. It won’t go away, so sufferers just have to cope with it.
“Furthermore, treatment has evolved and there is now better medication that gives patients a better quality of life. When you control the disease, you can lead a normal life,” Dr Ismail said at a jogathon held in conjunction with the Fifth World Asthma Day yesterday.
Co-organised by the Asthma Council Malaysia, Lung Foundation of Malaysia and Malaysian Thoracic Society, with support from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, the event saw participation by 1,400 asthma patients and others.
Dr Ismail said the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood showed that 8% to 10% of children in Malaysia suffered from asthma while for adults it was 6%.
Asthma Council Malaysia's Dr Norzila Mohamed Zainudin said asthma was an urban disease and its prevalence in countries such as Australia, United States and Britain was higher at between 15% and 20% of the population.
Meanwhile, Dr Ismail said the plan for a biotech company that developed artificial blood to invest in Malaysia was an exciting idea that might provide the country more innovative ways of meeting its blood supply needs.
A recent Asia-Pacific study showed that in Malaysia, like in China, more than 50% of children had to miss school while 23% of adults missed work because of asthma.
The study said Asia-Pacific recorded a higher rate of absence from work and school due to asthma, with the disease impacting highly on daily activities due to poor asthma control, compared with in the United States or Europe.
It showed that asthma management in the region was below the international recommended level of care.
“The disease becomes a burden to the country, families and the patients. But while it is a chronic and lifelong disease, it is not untreatable. It won’t go away, so sufferers just have to cope with it.
“Furthermore, treatment has evolved and there is now better medication that gives patients a better quality of life. When you control the disease, you can lead a normal life,” Dr Ismail said at a jogathon held in conjunction with the Fifth World Asthma Day yesterday.
Co-organised by the Asthma Council Malaysia, Lung Foundation of Malaysia and Malaysian Thoracic Society, with support from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, the event saw participation by 1,400 asthma patients and others.
Dr Ismail said the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood showed that 8% to 10% of children in Malaysia suffered from asthma while for adults it was 6%.
Asthma Council Malaysia's Dr Norzila Mohamed Zainudin said asthma was an urban disease and its prevalence in countries such as Australia, United States and Britain was higher at between 15% and 20% of the population.
Meanwhile, Dr Ismail said the plan for a biotech company that developed artificial blood to invest in Malaysia was an exciting idea that might provide the country more innovative ways of meeting its blood supply needs.
13 clinics to provide subsidised mammogram tests at RM50
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen clinics throughout the country will be providing mammogram tests for breast cancer with government subsidies of RM50 per check-up.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the clinics were part of the first phase of the subsidised mammogram test programme.
She hoped to see at least one clinic in every state constituency by phase three of the programme.
She said the National Cancer Society estimated in 2003 that one in every 19 women was at risk of getting breast cancer and there were 46.2 breast cancer cases in every 100,000 women, she said.
“This shows that our women do not know much about breast cancer and mammogram tests.
“We are worried that some women may not be able to afford the test,” said Shahrizat, adding that each mammogram test costs at least RM90.
Those who qualify for the subsidy must be between 40 and 69 years old and have a monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
Shahrizat was speaking to reporters after launching the subsidised mammogram test programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday in conjunction with the ministry’s celebration of Mother’s Day.
Besides giving out free mammogram test certificates to 10 selected women, the ministry also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records with the most number of women (2,389) taking part in the mammogram test in a day.
On Sunday Star’s front page report about unscrupulous charity organisations using third parties to solicit funds, Shahrizat said her ministry was keeping a close watch on these organisations.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the clinics were part of the first phase of the subsidised mammogram test programme.
She hoped to see at least one clinic in every state constituency by phase three of the programme.
She said the National Cancer Society estimated in 2003 that one in every 19 women was at risk of getting breast cancer and there were 46.2 breast cancer cases in every 100,000 women, she said.
“This shows that our women do not know much about breast cancer and mammogram tests.
“We are worried that some women may not be able to afford the test,” said Shahrizat, adding that each mammogram test costs at least RM90.
Those who qualify for the subsidy must be between 40 and 69 years old and have a monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
Shahrizat was speaking to reporters after launching the subsidised mammogram test programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday in conjunction with the ministry’s celebration of Mother’s Day.
Besides giving out free mammogram test certificates to 10 selected women, the ministry also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records with the most number of women (2,389) taking part in the mammogram test in a day.
On Sunday Star’s front page report about unscrupulous charity organisations using third parties to solicit funds, Shahrizat said her ministry was keeping a close watch on these organisations.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Govt mulls anti-cancer vaccine
NST: THE government is still studying the viability of vaccinating women against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the ministry needed to study the suitability and efficacy of the vaccine as it was still new on the market and not many countries were using it. He was replying to a question by Senator Samsiah Samsuddin who asked the government to consider making it obligatory for all school-going girls to be vaccinated to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. He said cervical cancer was the second most common form of cancer among women after breast cancer, with 19 cases occurring in every 1,000 women. Dr Abdul Latiff added, however, that the vaccine did not offer 100 per cent protection.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the ministry needed to study the suitability and efficacy of the vaccine as it was still new on the market and not many countries were using it. He was replying to a question by Senator Samsiah Samsuddin who asked the government to consider making it obligatory for all school-going girls to be vaccinated to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. He said cervical cancer was the second most common form of cancer among women after breast cancer, with 19 cases occurring in every 1,000 women. Dr Abdul Latiff added, however, that the vaccine did not offer 100 per cent protection.
Timely boost for medical association
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Emergency Medical Support Association (Memsa) has received a timely boost for its community service programmes.
It recently received a diagnostic equipment set from Kencana Petroleum Berhad.
The CardioVision MS2000 will enable Memsa to carry out arterial stiffness index (ASI) checks besides the usual blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.
ASI is an important diagnostic measurement to indicate whether a person’s blood vessels are still elastic or have hardened.
The hardening of arteries or arterioscleroris will cause the blood vessels to lose elasticity and become brittle, interfering with the normal flow of blood. This can lead to heart attacks, stroke or problems to key organs.
All you have to do is key in your cholesterol and blood sugar readings into the CardioVision MS2000. Within seconds, you will know the state of your arteries.
Memsa is a non-governmental organisation which lends support to other community service organisations to conduct medical camps for the less fortunate.
Call Memsa at 03-62753698 or email memsa.ems@gmail.com
It recently received a diagnostic equipment set from Kencana Petroleum Berhad.
The CardioVision MS2000 will enable Memsa to carry out arterial stiffness index (ASI) checks besides the usual blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.
ASI is an important diagnostic measurement to indicate whether a person’s blood vessels are still elastic or have hardened.
The hardening of arteries or arterioscleroris will cause the blood vessels to lose elasticity and become brittle, interfering with the normal flow of blood. This can lead to heart attacks, stroke or problems to key organs.
All you have to do is key in your cholesterol and blood sugar readings into the CardioVision MS2000. Within seconds, you will know the state of your arteries.
Memsa is a non-governmental organisation which lends support to other community service organisations to conduct medical camps for the less fortunate.
Call Memsa at 03-62753698 or email memsa.ems@gmail.com
Move to register lupus patients
Star: PETALING JAYA: A national registry to identify and register patients suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) will be set up soon so that a concerted effort can be taken by the Health Ministry to overcome the chronic disease.
The SLE Association Malaysia (SLEAM) will start the ball rolling. Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Lee Kah Choon said there were an estimated 10,000 Malaysians afflicted with the disease.
He, however, said this could only be the tip of the iceberg.
“There might still be many patients out there who are not aware that they may be lupus sufferers and so we must have the data to know how to tackle it,” Dr Lee said after participating in the World Lupus Day proclamation yesterday.
SLE is an auto-immune disease meaning it causes the immune system to turn against parts of the body it is supposed to protect. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.
“Unfortunately, SLE is not an easy disease to diagnose as the symptoms that show up mimic many common illnesses,” said SLEAM acting president Assoc Prof Dr Esha Das Gupta.
Dr Esha said the “disease with a thousand faces” projected symptoms like painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever and extreme fatigue.
She said it could be fatal if it affected the kidneys, heart or brain but was highly treatable if detected early.
“As statistics go, 90% of sufferers are women while men and children make up the remaining 10%. There is usually a triggering factor in a person, who is genetically inclined, that will cause the disease,” she said.
Dr Esha added that it was also a disease of the young (15 - 45 years of age) and its economic impact was large considering it could strike those in the prime of their life.
As for treatment, Dr Esha said there were specialist government hospitals equipped with combined clinics where the relevant specialists would sit side by side to treat patients.
Dr Esha said the association was also looking to hire counsellors to help those afflicted with the disease to cope, as they were now relying on volunteers who were also lupus sufferers.
The SLE Association Malaysia (SLEAM) will start the ball rolling. Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Lee Kah Choon said there were an estimated 10,000 Malaysians afflicted with the disease.
He, however, said this could only be the tip of the iceberg.
“There might still be many patients out there who are not aware that they may be lupus sufferers and so we must have the data to know how to tackle it,” Dr Lee said after participating in the World Lupus Day proclamation yesterday.
SLE is an auto-immune disease meaning it causes the immune system to turn against parts of the body it is supposed to protect. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.
“Unfortunately, SLE is not an easy disease to diagnose as the symptoms that show up mimic many common illnesses,” said SLEAM acting president Assoc Prof Dr Esha Das Gupta.
Dr Esha said the “disease with a thousand faces” projected symptoms like painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever and extreme fatigue.
She said it could be fatal if it affected the kidneys, heart or brain but was highly treatable if detected early.
“As statistics go, 90% of sufferers are women while men and children make up the remaining 10%. There is usually a triggering factor in a person, who is genetically inclined, that will cause the disease,” she said.
Dr Esha added that it was also a disease of the young (15 - 45 years of age) and its economic impact was large considering it could strike those in the prime of their life.
As for treatment, Dr Esha said there were specialist government hospitals equipped with combined clinics where the relevant specialists would sit side by side to treat patients.
Dr Esha said the association was also looking to hire counsellors to help those afflicted with the disease to cope, as they were now relying on volunteers who were also lupus sufferers.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Rural doctor shortage can be solved: MMA
Daily Express: Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) supports the call by the Minister of Health to politicians to refrain from interfering with postings of doctors to rural areas.
"This gross disparity in distribution of doctors is not something that cannot be solved and we would like to share feedback from our members," said its President, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, in a statement, Tuesday.
He said for the doctors who serve in East Malaysia, the heavier workload, more complex cases handled and more operative experience are seen as advantageous for their clinical training.
"Most of the district doctors are on alternate day call or at best one in three calls. Given that there is a chronic shortage, this situation exists for the length of time they serve which sometimes exceeds two years.
"There must be better support mechanisms for the junior doctors (fresh from housemanship training) who may be required to perform procedures that may tax all their abilities.
"The fear of making a mistake in an unsupervised situation is a constant stress. This issue certainly requires proper risk management by the Ministry of Health. We need more experienced doctors where the transfer of cases can take more than two hours," he said.
"Unlike in West Malaysia, patients in Sabah and Sarawak do not bypass the district hospital to crowd the specialist hospitals because of transport issues.
"Economic reasons also preclude the ability for most to seek private care.
"Thus the outpatient, inpatient and operative workload of the doctor in Kudat or Kapit hospitals is much higher than in comparable sized hospitals in the Peninsula," he added.
He noted that most district hospitals have less than a quarter of their posts filled.
Besides struggling to cope with daily workloads, it is near impossible to allow doctors to attend training courses.
"Similarly, it is difficult to get relief doctors even to attend required service induction and orientation programmes," he said.
Many in their third year are still not confirmed in service, which renders them ineligible for postgraduate entry. Furthermore, the lack of senior specialists for training and motivating the new doctors creates a vicious cycle.
The MMA would advise that the solution is not to hire more foreign doctors. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation would show that there are aspects that can be improved.
"In the past 30 years, we have already submitted many proposals, including faster promotions and more credit points for postgraduate training," said Dr Teoh.
However, these have not been uniformly addressed and the process is not transparent to all young doctors. The latest proposal by SCHOMOS (Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialist), is for instance in critical allowance for all doctors serving in East Malaysia. While the reception to this proposal has been encouraging, the authorities must expedite the implementation before going abroad to recruit more foreign doctors, he said.
He pointed out that the provision of significant financial incentives has been proven in many countries to improve the urban rural distribution of doctors and hoped that it will be implemented as soon as possible.
"We are confident that if these allowances are attractive enough, it will be more viable and practical to have our doctors to serve rather than casting abroad for foreign doctors," he said, adding the total economic and social cost will also be much lower than employing expatriates.
Dr Teoh said there are other issues regarding work permits which need to be resolved with the State governments.
However, the relative lack of equipment and other supportive facilities also frustrate the clinician and allocating bigger budgets for these hospitals will hopefully be able to compensate in part for the shortfalls.
It may prove easier to move money than to move personnel, he said.
"We are confident that a meaningful solution is possible and necessary so that the people of East Malaysia can receive equivalent care after 50 years as a nation. Soon, perhaps a stint in East Malaysia will be privilege and essential for career advancements, such that the Health Minister, will have his fellow parliamentarians lobbying for doctors vying to serve in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
"This gross disparity in distribution of doctors is not something that cannot be solved and we would like to share feedback from our members," said its President, Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, in a statement, Tuesday.
He said for the doctors who serve in East Malaysia, the heavier workload, more complex cases handled and more operative experience are seen as advantageous for their clinical training.
"Most of the district doctors are on alternate day call or at best one in three calls. Given that there is a chronic shortage, this situation exists for the length of time they serve which sometimes exceeds two years.
"There must be better support mechanisms for the junior doctors (fresh from housemanship training) who may be required to perform procedures that may tax all their abilities.
"The fear of making a mistake in an unsupervised situation is a constant stress. This issue certainly requires proper risk management by the Ministry of Health. We need more experienced doctors where the transfer of cases can take more than two hours," he said.
"Unlike in West Malaysia, patients in Sabah and Sarawak do not bypass the district hospital to crowd the specialist hospitals because of transport issues.
"Economic reasons also preclude the ability for most to seek private care.
"Thus the outpatient, inpatient and operative workload of the doctor in Kudat or Kapit hospitals is much higher than in comparable sized hospitals in the Peninsula," he added.
He noted that most district hospitals have less than a quarter of their posts filled.
Besides struggling to cope with daily workloads, it is near impossible to allow doctors to attend training courses.
"Similarly, it is difficult to get relief doctors even to attend required service induction and orientation programmes," he said.
Many in their third year are still not confirmed in service, which renders them ineligible for postgraduate entry. Furthermore, the lack of senior specialists for training and motivating the new doctors creates a vicious cycle.
The MMA would advise that the solution is not to hire more foreign doctors. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation would show that there are aspects that can be improved.
"In the past 30 years, we have already submitted many proposals, including faster promotions and more credit points for postgraduate training," said Dr Teoh.
However, these have not been uniformly addressed and the process is not transparent to all young doctors. The latest proposal by SCHOMOS (Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialist), is for instance in critical allowance for all doctors serving in East Malaysia. While the reception to this proposal has been encouraging, the authorities must expedite the implementation before going abroad to recruit more foreign doctors, he said.
He pointed out that the provision of significant financial incentives has been proven in many countries to improve the urban rural distribution of doctors and hoped that it will be implemented as soon as possible.
"We are confident that if these allowances are attractive enough, it will be more viable and practical to have our doctors to serve rather than casting abroad for foreign doctors," he said, adding the total economic and social cost will also be much lower than employing expatriates.
Dr Teoh said there are other issues regarding work permits which need to be resolved with the State governments.
However, the relative lack of equipment and other supportive facilities also frustrate the clinician and allocating bigger budgets for these hospitals will hopefully be able to compensate in part for the shortfalls.
It may prove easier to move money than to move personnel, he said.
"We are confident that a meaningful solution is possible and necessary so that the people of East Malaysia can receive equivalent care after 50 years as a nation. Soon, perhaps a stint in East Malaysia will be privilege and essential for career advancements, such that the Health Minister, will have his fellow parliamentarians lobbying for doctors vying to serve in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
Medical tourists claim RTD treated them like criminals
Sun2Surf: PENANG (May 9, 2007): Two years ago, cancer patient Manahara Siahaan(pix) , 75, of Medan arrived at Penang International Airport in a wheelchair.
When he attempted to board an airport limousine to get to the hospital he was supposed to go for his treatment, the driver refused to take him.
Manahara, a businessman diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 1998, then contacted the hospital which sent a van to pick him up.
He was among those who were in a hospital van yesterday which was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel at the airport.
"I have been coming here every three weeks over the past five years for my treatment at Mount Miriam Hospital and also Penang Adventist Hospital," he said.
"Each time, I stay for at least five days at a hotel, and spend between RM5,000 and RM6,000.
"Patients like me need professional assistance and the van drivers know how to handle us as we come here often.
"This is something the limousine drivers cannot provide. We would not mind paying them but they cannot assist us medically.
"I also know of others arriving from Medan including those with diabetic problems, whom the limousine drivers have refused to ferry.
"All of us have been coming to Penang because right from the word go, from the time we seek treatment at the Adventist Hospital in Medan until we come here, the service provided is impeccable," said Manahara, who in 2004 was told by doctors he had six months to live but yesterday was given the all-clear sign.
Another patient Anna Flora Hutabarat (pix), 57, the sister of Rumondang Hutajulu, 63, who complained to theSun about yesterday's incident, said she and the rest of the group were fasting prior to their medical checkup and were upset when they were made to wait for half an hour in the scorching heat before they were allowed to leave.
Anna has been coming here for the past four years for her kidney ailment while Rumondang underwent kidney surgery in the hospital today.
"I even told the RTD officer this fact, that we were fasting, and all we wanted to do was to get to the hospital for our check-ups, but he accused us of coming here for a holiday, as we all looked well enough to him as we were wearing make-up.
"We come here because of the service, and the cost of treatment is much cheaper than what is offered in Singapore and other neighbouring countries.
"The last thing we expected is to be treated like criminals," she told theSun in an interview.
Another patient Dina Noviarity (pix), 45, who accompanied her father Pak Kadir, 76, who had fluid in his lungs said she has been making trips to the hospital for the past four years.
"Even my mother underwent a heart operation in the hospital last year and we spend a lot of money. This incident leaves a very bad taste in our mouth.
"We do not know if we would still want to come back for our medical checkups in future after this," she added.
When he attempted to board an airport limousine to get to the hospital he was supposed to go for his treatment, the driver refused to take him.
Manahara, a businessman diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 1998, then contacted the hospital which sent a van to pick him up.
He was among those who were in a hospital van yesterday which was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel at the airport.
"I have been coming here every three weeks over the past five years for my treatment at Mount Miriam Hospital and also Penang Adventist Hospital," he said.
"Each time, I stay for at least five days at a hotel, and spend between RM5,000 and RM6,000.
"Patients like me need professional assistance and the van drivers know how to handle us as we come here often.
"This is something the limousine drivers cannot provide. We would not mind paying them but they cannot assist us medically.
"I also know of others arriving from Medan including those with diabetic problems, whom the limousine drivers have refused to ferry.
"All of us have been coming to Penang because right from the word go, from the time we seek treatment at the Adventist Hospital in Medan until we come here, the service provided is impeccable," said Manahara, who in 2004 was told by doctors he had six months to live but yesterday was given the all-clear sign.
Another patient Anna Flora Hutabarat (pix), 57, the sister of Rumondang Hutajulu, 63, who complained to theSun about yesterday's incident, said she and the rest of the group were fasting prior to their medical checkup and were upset when they were made to wait for half an hour in the scorching heat before they were allowed to leave.
Anna has been coming here for the past four years for her kidney ailment while Rumondang underwent kidney surgery in the hospital today.
"I even told the RTD officer this fact, that we were fasting, and all we wanted to do was to get to the hospital for our check-ups, but he accused us of coming here for a holiday, as we all looked well enough to him as we were wearing make-up.
"We come here because of the service, and the cost of treatment is much cheaper than what is offered in Singapore and other neighbouring countries.
"The last thing we expected is to be treated like criminals," she told theSun in an interview.
Another patient Dina Noviarity (pix), 45, who accompanied her father Pak Kadir, 76, who had fluid in his lungs said she has been making trips to the hospital for the past four years.
"Even my mother underwent a heart operation in the hospital last year and we spend a lot of money. This incident leaves a very bad taste in our mouth.
"We do not know if we would still want to come back for our medical checkups in future after this," she added.
Hospital needs permit to ferry patients
Sun2Surf: PENANG (May 9, 2007): Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran when contacted today said it is illegal for hospitals to provide transport services for their patients.
"Even if they are doing it as a free service for their patients, they still need a permit or licence to do so, either from us, the Health or Tourism Ministry to use their vans for such purposes.
"Otherwise, the service is considered illegal. The same also applies to vans sent by hotels to pick up guests from the airport.
"They must have permits from us or be licensed by the ministry to do so," he added.
Following the incident where a hospital van was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel after fetching patients from the airport yesterday, the hospital hired a tour bus to transport patients arriving today.
It is learnt that over the past week, RTD officials had also issued similar summonses to vans from other private hospitals on the island which also ferried patients from the airport to the hospital.
The problem has been ongoing for the past four years and limousine operators have been unhappy with hospital vans picking up the patients, which they claimed have been eating into their business.
A source said due to the problem, a few years ago, several hospitals even met the limousine operators to seek a solution to the problem but it did not materialise due to the limousine operators' refusal to fetch all the patients regardness of their medical conditions.
Meanwhile, RTD director Hassan Yaccob when contacted said an internal investigation has been commenced into yesterday's incident.
"I will be meeting with state tourism committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow and other relevant authorities tomorrow to help resolve this issue," he said in a telephone interview.
"Even if they are doing it as a free service for their patients, they still need a permit or licence to do so, either from us, the Health or Tourism Ministry to use their vans for such purposes.
"Otherwise, the service is considered illegal. The same also applies to vans sent by hotels to pick up guests from the airport.
"They must have permits from us or be licensed by the ministry to do so," he added.
Following the incident where a hospital van was stopped and detained by Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel after fetching patients from the airport yesterday, the hospital hired a tour bus to transport patients arriving today.
It is learnt that over the past week, RTD officials had also issued similar summonses to vans from other private hospitals on the island which also ferried patients from the airport to the hospital.
The problem has been ongoing for the past four years and limousine operators have been unhappy with hospital vans picking up the patients, which they claimed have been eating into their business.
A source said due to the problem, a few years ago, several hospitals even met the limousine operators to seek a solution to the problem but it did not materialise due to the limousine operators' refusal to fetch all the patients regardness of their medical conditions.
Meanwhile, RTD director Hassan Yaccob when contacted said an internal investigation has been commenced into yesterday's incident.
"I will be meeting with state tourism committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow and other relevant authorities tomorrow to help resolve this issue," he said in a telephone interview.
Perak Sees 100 Percent Rise In Dengue Fever Cases
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Perak has registered a 100 percent increase in dengue fever with 53 cases for the April 29-May 5 period compared with 26 cases in the previous week.
A Health Ministry statement released, here Wednesday said overall dengue cases had dropped by 2.7 percent except for Perak, Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.
Selangor recorded eight more cases with 240 (232 previously), the highest while Johor had five more with 58, Melaka had one more with 21 while Putrajaya had three cases when there was none previously.
Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan saw less cases with 102 (117) and 18 (23) previously.
For the April 29-May 5 period, there were 717 suspected cases of dengue fever compared with 737 cases in the previous week of which 674 cases were suspected dengue and 43 cases were suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever cases.
However, of the 717 cases only 208 cases were confirmed positive by dengue serology tests with no death recorded.
The ministry urged all parties to increase prevention and control of dengue fever by conducting checks on breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes.
The statement said vacant land formed the main breeding ground (7.4 percent) followed by government buildings and factories (5.3), health facilities (4), construction sites (3.4), rubbish dumps (2.7) and schools (2).
A total of 281 notices and 203 summonses were issued against owners of premises over the last fortnight nationwide with fines amounting to RM31,570.
A Health Ministry statement released, here Wednesday said overall dengue cases had dropped by 2.7 percent except for Perak, Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.
Selangor recorded eight more cases with 240 (232 previously), the highest while Johor had five more with 58, Melaka had one more with 21 while Putrajaya had three cases when there was none previously.
Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan saw less cases with 102 (117) and 18 (23) previously.
For the April 29-May 5 period, there were 717 suspected cases of dengue fever compared with 737 cases in the previous week of which 674 cases were suspected dengue and 43 cases were suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever cases.
However, of the 717 cases only 208 cases were confirmed positive by dengue serology tests with no death recorded.
The ministry urged all parties to increase prevention and control of dengue fever by conducting checks on breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes.
The statement said vacant land formed the main breeding ground (7.4 percent) followed by government buildings and factories (5.3), health facilities (4), construction sites (3.4), rubbish dumps (2.7) and schools (2).
A total of 281 notices and 203 summonses were issued against owners of premises over the last fortnight nationwide with fines amounting to RM31,570.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Hospital probes parang attack
NST: KLANG: Authorities at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital have initiated a probe into Sunday’s robbery in which an undergraduate was seriously injured.
Hospital director Dr Yahya Baba said this was the first such incident at the hospital, and security officers are also looking at how to prevent a recurrence.
At about 10pm, 23-year-old Nur Atiqah Yaacob was slashed three times by a parang-wielding robber in an isolated carpark of the hospital.
Her left hand was nearly severed at the wrist, her right hand was injured and she needed 10 stitches to close a gash on her head.
Yahya said the hospital had adequate guards to monitor the hospital’s four entrances, and measures were in place to protect the staff working night shifts.
But, he said, Nur Atiqah should not have been in the carpark at that time of night because visiting hours were over.
Hospital director Dr Yahya Baba said this was the first such incident at the hospital, and security officers are also looking at how to prevent a recurrence.
At about 10pm, 23-year-old Nur Atiqah Yaacob was slashed three times by a parang-wielding robber in an isolated carpark of the hospital.
Her left hand was nearly severed at the wrist, her right hand was injured and she needed 10 stitches to close a gash on her head.
Yahya said the hospital had adequate guards to monitor the hospital’s four entrances, and measures were in place to protect the staff working night shifts.
But, he said, Nur Atiqah should not have been in the carpark at that time of night because visiting hours were over.
Doing medicine in Egypt
Star: CAIRO: The Higher Education Ministry will standardise its procedures to facilitate the sending of students to study medicine in Egypt.
“Last September, 499 first-year students arrived in Egypt to study medicine at seven universities. This is our first big batch, so there are many logistical issues that need to be ironed out such as minimum entry qualifications, errant agents and housing,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed who was on a week-long working trip to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Speaking to The Star after a dialogue with about 500 Malaysian students at the Malaysian Hall here on Monday, he said Malaysia has been sending students over to Egypt for religious studies for decades and has just started sponsoring students to take up the highly in demand, critical programme in the Northern African country because of its wide advantages.
“Studying medicine in Egypt is unique because students learn in English and use Arabic in the society so they can improve their proficiency in both. And for some universities like Al-Azhar University, they need to study and memorise the Quran too,” he added.
There are currently more than 640 public and private Malaysian students taking up medicine in the country.
Mustapa also had a special dialogue with 250 Malaysian medical students to get feedback on the problems they face such as their difficulty in the Arabic language and delay in the payment of fees which bar them from sitting for their exams.
To help address the problems, a committee that will be headed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt and student leaders has been set up.
On the issue of errant education agents, Mustapa said he had met with the relevant sponsors in Malaysia and proposed a new system to avoid abuses.
Mustapa also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian Higher Education Minister Dr Amr Ezzat Salma to foster more exchanges in medicine between the two countries.
“Last September, 499 first-year students arrived in Egypt to study medicine at seven universities. This is our first big batch, so there are many logistical issues that need to be ironed out such as minimum entry qualifications, errant agents and housing,” said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed who was on a week-long working trip to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Speaking to The Star after a dialogue with about 500 Malaysian students at the Malaysian Hall here on Monday, he said Malaysia has been sending students over to Egypt for religious studies for decades and has just started sponsoring students to take up the highly in demand, critical programme in the Northern African country because of its wide advantages.
“Studying medicine in Egypt is unique because students learn in English and use Arabic in the society so they can improve their proficiency in both. And for some universities like Al-Azhar University, they need to study and memorise the Quran too,” he added.
There are currently more than 640 public and private Malaysian students taking up medicine in the country.
Mustapa also had a special dialogue with 250 Malaysian medical students to get feedback on the problems they face such as their difficulty in the Arabic language and delay in the payment of fees which bar them from sitting for their exams.
To help address the problems, a committee that will be headed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt and student leaders has been set up.
On the issue of errant education agents, Mustapa said he had met with the relevant sponsors in Malaysia and proposed a new system to avoid abuses.
Mustapa also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian Higher Education Minister Dr Amr Ezzat Salma to foster more exchanges in medicine between the two countries.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Dengue vaccine still a long way off
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: It could take another 15 to 20 years before an effective vaccine or a cure is found for dengue.
Extensive research is being conducted in several countries, including the United States, India and Malaysia, following its emergence as a major public health problem globally.
However, 200 years after the first dengue fever epidemic was reported in Asia, Africa and North America, there was still no sign of a vaccine.
Currently, the most promising research involved a plant-based anti-viral preparation known as Dengimm.
A five-member research team from University Malaya Medical Centre had carried out evaluation studies on the preparation's potential in the hope that it could be used as an alternative approach for early treatment of the disease.
"An effective vaccine must provide high level and lasting immunity and, at the moment, many approaches are taken in the development of a dengue vaccine.
"This includes vaccines which will be able to cripple highly infective dengue viruses," said Professor Shamala Devi, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference & Research at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya.
The most common treatment for dengue today involves easing its symptoms. Once diagnosed with dengue fever, a patient is prescribed plenty of bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine such as paracetamol to reduce the fever.
Drinking lots of water is vital as it prevents dehydration. If the patient is unable to drink orally, he is usually given fluid intravenously.
Over-the-counter pain-reducing medicines are also considered safe for most to ease the pain.
"Although intravenous fluids may be all that is required for treatment, good nursing care and observation are also essential as the symptoms of dengue may change rapidly and the patient may end up in critical condition," said Shamala.
As it will take a long time to produce an effective vaccine, the public has been urged to take precautions to stop its spread.
This includes controlling the mosquito vector in and around the house where most transmissions occur. Among the precautions include avoid having stagnant water for more than a week as the life cycle of the Aedes mosquito lasts for seven to 14 days.
"You should also change the water in your pet's water container regularly and clean water containers.
"Be proactive and contact the authorities if you suspect a case of dengue fever in your neighbourhood.
"You can also participate in community efforts like gotong-royong and make insecticide spraying a weekly routine at home."
Windows and doors should also be kept open when fogging is carried out as this would enable the insecticide to get to the Aedes mosquitoes and larvae inside the house.
Extensive research is being conducted in several countries, including the United States, India and Malaysia, following its emergence as a major public health problem globally.
However, 200 years after the first dengue fever epidemic was reported in Asia, Africa and North America, there was still no sign of a vaccine.
Currently, the most promising research involved a plant-based anti-viral preparation known as Dengimm.
A five-member research team from University Malaya Medical Centre had carried out evaluation studies on the preparation's potential in the hope that it could be used as an alternative approach for early treatment of the disease.
"An effective vaccine must provide high level and lasting immunity and, at the moment, many approaches are taken in the development of a dengue vaccine.
"This includes vaccines which will be able to cripple highly infective dengue viruses," said Professor Shamala Devi, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference & Research at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Malaya.
The most common treatment for dengue today involves easing its symptoms. Once diagnosed with dengue fever, a patient is prescribed plenty of bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine such as paracetamol to reduce the fever.
Drinking lots of water is vital as it prevents dehydration. If the patient is unable to drink orally, he is usually given fluid intravenously.
Over-the-counter pain-reducing medicines are also considered safe for most to ease the pain.
"Although intravenous fluids may be all that is required for treatment, good nursing care and observation are also essential as the symptoms of dengue may change rapidly and the patient may end up in critical condition," said Shamala.
As it will take a long time to produce an effective vaccine, the public has been urged to take precautions to stop its spread.
This includes controlling the mosquito vector in and around the house where most transmissions occur. Among the precautions include avoid having stagnant water for more than a week as the life cycle of the Aedes mosquito lasts for seven to 14 days.
"You should also change the water in your pet's water container regularly and clean water containers.
"Be proactive and contact the authorities if you suspect a case of dengue fever in your neighbourhood.
"You can also participate in community efforts like gotong-royong and make insecticide spraying a weekly routine at home."
Windows and doors should also be kept open when fogging is carried out as this would enable the insecticide to get to the Aedes mosquitoes and larvae inside the house.
Safety audit at all NS camps
Sun2Surf: BANGI (May 4, 2007): A safety audit system will be introduced at all National Service (NS) training camps by the National Service Training Department (JLKN) to ensure they are safe for use, National ServiceTraining Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said today.
He said the system would be implemented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at all 80 NS camps in the country to ensure they were administered according to the required operation standards.
Lee, who is NIOSH chairman, said the system had received the greenlight from the Defence Ministry.
"A pilot project had been carried out where NIOSH audited six camps since last year. The audit reports will be handed to JLKN for further action, including setting the dates for auditing at the remaining camps," he told reporters after launching the World Occupational Safety and Health Day organised by NIOSH here.
Lee said NIOSH officers would do the auditing where they would check the equipment and infrastructure at NS camps to ensure they met the required standards.
He said the move was in line with a Defence Ministry directive for all camp operators to obtain certification from appointed consultants, the latest by next month.
"All camp commandants, the trainers and NS trainees should realise the importance of safety and not compromise on the matter," Bernama quoted Lee as saying today.
On another matter, Lee said statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) showed a 60% drop in the number of workplace accidents from 120,000 cases in 1994 to 58,321 last year.
He said the number of accidents reported to Socso in 2000 was 95,006 cases followed by 95,926 cases in 2001, 81,810 in 2002, 73,858 in 2003, 69,132 in 2004 and 61,182 in 2005.
The drop was due to the high commitment from the government, employers and awareness among the workers on ensuring safety at the workplace, he added.
He said the system would be implemented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at all 80 NS camps in the country to ensure they were administered according to the required operation standards.
Lee, who is NIOSH chairman, said the system had received the greenlight from the Defence Ministry.
"A pilot project had been carried out where NIOSH audited six camps since last year. The audit reports will be handed to JLKN for further action, including setting the dates for auditing at the remaining camps," he told reporters after launching the World Occupational Safety and Health Day organised by NIOSH here.
Lee said NIOSH officers would do the auditing where they would check the equipment and infrastructure at NS camps to ensure they met the required standards.
He said the move was in line with a Defence Ministry directive for all camp operators to obtain certification from appointed consultants, the latest by next month.
"All camp commandants, the trainers and NS trainees should realise the importance of safety and not compromise on the matter," Bernama quoted Lee as saying today.
On another matter, Lee said statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) showed a 60% drop in the number of workplace accidents from 120,000 cases in 1994 to 58,321 last year.
He said the number of accidents reported to Socso in 2000 was 95,006 cases followed by 95,926 cases in 2001, 81,810 in 2002, 73,858 in 2003, 69,132 in 2004 and 61,182 in 2005.
The drop was due to the high commitment from the government, employers and awareness among the workers on ensuring safety at the workplace, he added.
Health Ministry opens crisis centre
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has opened a centre to coordinate efforts to address health issues during epidemics, crises and disasters.
The Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) will collaborate and maintain a communications network with local as well as foreign organisations and institutes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the centre would help the ministry strengthen its disaster and crisis management capabilities in tackling health and rehabilitation issues.
He said the CPRC had played an important role in collecting and disseminating information during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) scare.
“The effective coordination and dissemination of information through this centre had prevented local transmission of SARS,” he added.
However, there were small hiccups during the launch yesterday, causing Dr Chua to take a swipe at the country’s broadband connection.
“The Malaysian lines need upgrading,” he told reporters when a teleconference with state health directors was disrupted by intermittent connection.
The Terengganu state health director, who was briefing Dr Chua on a case, could hardly be heard.
“Linking (to the states) is not a problem but the line is a problem.
“As you have seen, when it is congested you cannot hear.
“Maybe (Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim) Keng Yaik will not be happy,” he said.
The RM2mil CPRC, under the disease control director, is equipped with four computers, six LCD monitors, Internet access, and two hotlines as well as facsimile and TV satellite facilities to obtain up-to-date reports on a crisis or disaster.
It can be activated based on several criteria, such as when a disease breaks out in more than one state.
It can also be activated when there is a crisis or disaster with high morbidity or mortality rate, or those occurring in a cluster manner or extraordinary incidences caused by an infectious disease with unknown pathogen.
Others are situations involving extraordinary events in other countries, large-scale disasters, whether natural or man-made; bio-terrorism and Level Three disasters (complex or involving bigger areas or more than one country).
The centre’s hotline number is 03-8881 0600.
The Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) will collaborate and maintain a communications network with local as well as foreign organisations and institutes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the centre would help the ministry strengthen its disaster and crisis management capabilities in tackling health and rehabilitation issues.
He said the CPRC had played an important role in collecting and disseminating information during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) scare.
“The effective coordination and dissemination of information through this centre had prevented local transmission of SARS,” he added.
However, there were small hiccups during the launch yesterday, causing Dr Chua to take a swipe at the country’s broadband connection.
“The Malaysian lines need upgrading,” he told reporters when a teleconference with state health directors was disrupted by intermittent connection.
The Terengganu state health director, who was briefing Dr Chua on a case, could hardly be heard.
“Linking (to the states) is not a problem but the line is a problem.
“As you have seen, when it is congested you cannot hear.
“Maybe (Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim) Keng Yaik will not be happy,” he said.
The RM2mil CPRC, under the disease control director, is equipped with four computers, six LCD monitors, Internet access, and two hotlines as well as facsimile and TV satellite facilities to obtain up-to-date reports on a crisis or disaster.
It can be activated based on several criteria, such as when a disease breaks out in more than one state.
It can also be activated when there is a crisis or disaster with high morbidity or mortality rate, or those occurring in a cluster manner or extraordinary incidences caused by an infectious disease with unknown pathogen.
Others are situations involving extraordinary events in other countries, large-scale disasters, whether natural or man-made; bio-terrorism and Level Three disasters (complex or involving bigger areas or more than one country).
The centre’s hotline number is 03-8881 0600.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Local biotech firms to get much-needed boost
NST: STEM-CELL research and development in Malaysia will be given a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the country’s lead development agency for the biotechnology industry, Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd (Biotech Corp), and the Manipal Education and Medical Group International of India today.
It will be done on the sidelines of BIO 2007, the world’s largest annual biotechnology convention and exhibition, here.
Both chairmen — Tan Sri Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus for Biotech Corp and Dr Ramdas Pai for Manipal Group — are expected to be the signatories.
Under the MoU, a Manipal Group subsidiary will be established in Malaysia to spearhead stem-cell research.
This is one of a flurry of MoUs that will be concluded between Malaysian biotechnology companies and foreign partners at BIO 2007, and witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is leading the 350-strong Malaysian delegation to the convention.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, commenting on Friday on the large number of MoUs to be inked, had said that it augured well for the development of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
He said serious efforts were being made to attract local and foreign investments into the sector and in developing Malaysia as a serious player in the field.
Biotech Corp will also sign two MoUs with Avesta Gengraine Technologies Pte Ltd and Avesta Biotherapeutics & Research Pte Ltd of India.
On Saturday, it signed one with the organiser of BIO 2007, the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, to enhance Malaysia’s image as a biotechnology hub in Asia and to demonstrate its commitment to put in place an economic, political and policy framework in Malaysia to realise this aim.
Malaysian company Inno Biologics will strike a partnership with three companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH of Germany, one of the world’s top leading pharmaceutical companies involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing human pharmaceuticals and animal health products.
The other MoUs are between Jamaluddin’s ministry and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the development of science and technology for the manufacturing of bio-plastics in Malaysia; Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre and 454 Life Sciences Corporation of USA; and 1st Global Biotech Sdn Bhd Malaysia and Biozyme Technology Corporation, Taiwan’s largest herbal enzyme manufacturer.
Kedah BioResources Corporation Sdn Bhd will sign two MoUs with the Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Insect Biotech Co.
Another MoU signing to take place tomorrow is between Felda and Twin Rivers Technologies over the feasibility of Felda Holdings Berhad acquiring a controlling stake of North America’s fastest growing oleo-chemical supplier.
It will be done on the sidelines of BIO 2007, the world’s largest annual biotechnology convention and exhibition, here.
Both chairmen — Tan Sri Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus for Biotech Corp and Dr Ramdas Pai for Manipal Group — are expected to be the signatories.
Under the MoU, a Manipal Group subsidiary will be established in Malaysia to spearhead stem-cell research.
This is one of a flurry of MoUs that will be concluded between Malaysian biotechnology companies and foreign partners at BIO 2007, and witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is leading the 350-strong Malaysian delegation to the convention.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, commenting on Friday on the large number of MoUs to be inked, had said that it augured well for the development of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
He said serious efforts were being made to attract local and foreign investments into the sector and in developing Malaysia as a serious player in the field.
Biotech Corp will also sign two MoUs with Avesta Gengraine Technologies Pte Ltd and Avesta Biotherapeutics & Research Pte Ltd of India.
On Saturday, it signed one with the organiser of BIO 2007, the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, to enhance Malaysia’s image as a biotechnology hub in Asia and to demonstrate its commitment to put in place an economic, political and policy framework in Malaysia to realise this aim.
Malaysian company Inno Biologics will strike a partnership with three companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH of Germany, one of the world’s top leading pharmaceutical companies involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing human pharmaceuticals and animal health products.
The other MoUs are between Jamaluddin’s ministry and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the development of science and technology for the manufacturing of bio-plastics in Malaysia; Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre and 454 Life Sciences Corporation of USA; and 1st Global Biotech Sdn Bhd Malaysia and Biozyme Technology Corporation, Taiwan’s largest herbal enzyme manufacturer.
Kedah BioResources Corporation Sdn Bhd will sign two MoUs with the Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Insect Biotech Co.
Another MoU signing to take place tomorrow is between Felda and Twin Rivers Technologies over the feasibility of Felda Holdings Berhad acquiring a controlling stake of North America’s fastest growing oleo-chemical supplier.
School asthma clubs to cut absenteeism
NST: IPOH: Asthma Clubs may make their debut in schools to minimise absenteeism among students.
The Perak Chest Society is looking into setting up the clubs to help students who have asthma cope with it.
If the move becomes a reality, the Asthma Clubs will be the first of their kind in the country.
"There is no database on the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren. We are conducting a survey at SK Perempuan Methodist and SMK Perempuan Methodist in Ipoh to get feedback on how serious the sickness is among students," said Perak Chest Society president Dr Leong Oon Keong.
"We will identify students who have been diagnosed and those who may suffer from asthma based on the symptoms they have."
The proposed Asthma Clubs are part of the society’s Asthma Friendly School programme.
He said once the society had obtained feedback from the schools, it would brief the education department about the proposed project.
"We want to inculcate self management of the ailment among students as asthma is incurable," he said, adding that students, parents, guardians, teachers and doctors would participate in the clubs.
Dr Leong was speaking after attending the launch of an Emergency Asthma Management Course at a private hospital here on Saturday.
Perak MCA English Bureau chairman Datuk Thong Fah Chong was the guest of honour at the course, which was attended by 150 participants in conjunction with World Asthma Day on May 1.
Thong said the course provided basic knowledge on how to recognise impending attacks.
It also provided tips on how to manage an acute asthma attack before expert medical assistance was available.
"It is hoped that in the future, with the assistance of the Asthma Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Thoracic Society, the course will be developed into a certificate course similar to the basic life support course."
The Perak Chest Society is looking into setting up the clubs to help students who have asthma cope with it.
If the move becomes a reality, the Asthma Clubs will be the first of their kind in the country.
"There is no database on the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren. We are conducting a survey at SK Perempuan Methodist and SMK Perempuan Methodist in Ipoh to get feedback on how serious the sickness is among students," said Perak Chest Society president Dr Leong Oon Keong.
"We will identify students who have been diagnosed and those who may suffer from asthma based on the symptoms they have."
The proposed Asthma Clubs are part of the society’s Asthma Friendly School programme.
He said once the society had obtained feedback from the schools, it would brief the education department about the proposed project.
"We want to inculcate self management of the ailment among students as asthma is incurable," he said, adding that students, parents, guardians, teachers and doctors would participate in the clubs.
Dr Leong was speaking after attending the launch of an Emergency Asthma Management Course at a private hospital here on Saturday.
Perak MCA English Bureau chairman Datuk Thong Fah Chong was the guest of honour at the course, which was attended by 150 participants in conjunction with World Asthma Day on May 1.
Thong said the course provided basic knowledge on how to recognise impending attacks.
It also provided tips on how to manage an acute asthma attack before expert medical assistance was available.
"It is hoped that in the future, with the assistance of the Asthma Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Thoracic Society, the course will be developed into a certificate course similar to the basic life support course."
Parasitic problems lurking behind contact lenses
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Contact lens users beware. There may be parasites lurking behind your image-enhancing eyewear.
If you are careless in your cleansing regime, you are opening yourself up to potential corneal inflammation.
A less-than-adequate cleaning of your contact lens allows one-cell microscopic aquatic parasites to invade the cornea and lead to acanthamoeba keratitis, or corneal ulcer acanthamoeba.
It is a rare, but very painful and potentially blinding, infection of the cornea, the transparent covering of the eye.
The infection rate is approximately one in 30,000 contact lens wearers.
In about 85 per cent of such cases, the condition is associated with contact lens use.
Symptoms of the infection include a sensation of having something in the eye, watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swelling of the upper eyelid and extreme pain.
If the disease is detected early, when only the surface layer of the cornea is infected, it may respond rapidly to treatment.
However, if it is recognised late, intensive treatment may be needed for up to 12 months. Infection can also reoccur after treatment.
In a poster presentation on Contamination of Used Contact Lenses by Acanthamoeba species, carried out by Putri Noradyani MH, et al, from Universiti Kebangsaan Ma-laysia, on 99 lens users with no symptoms, it was found that:
# the acanthamoeba parasite is ubiquitous in various lens wearer environment. Contamination was possible from air, dust, unclean hands and use of tap water.
(Acanthamoeba is also found in chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs and even in bottled water. It is also present, without causing infection, in the nasal passages of healthy people.)
# contact lens storage cases washed in tap water and kept wet, serve as a suitable condition for the growth of bacteria and fungus, thus becoming a food source for the parasite; and,
# a few studies have shown the adherence of acanthamoeba trophozoites (feeding stage) on the surface of new and worn contact lenses, especially in water contact lenses which are popular now.
Many contact lens users are known to ignore the advice of their optician and lens care instructions.
They rinse their lenses or storage cases in tap water, which may introduce the parasite to the case.
Once inside the case, it can survive and grow, feeding on bacteria that may also contaminate the case. The organisms are then transferred from the case to the cornea on the contact lens.
The lens holds the organisms in place on the eye, and this may ultimately lead to infection.
If you are careless in your cleansing regime, you are opening yourself up to potential corneal inflammation.
A less-than-adequate cleaning of your contact lens allows one-cell microscopic aquatic parasites to invade the cornea and lead to acanthamoeba keratitis, or corneal ulcer acanthamoeba.
It is a rare, but very painful and potentially blinding, infection of the cornea, the transparent covering of the eye.
The infection rate is approximately one in 30,000 contact lens wearers.
In about 85 per cent of such cases, the condition is associated with contact lens use.
Symptoms of the infection include a sensation of having something in the eye, watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swelling of the upper eyelid and extreme pain.
If the disease is detected early, when only the surface layer of the cornea is infected, it may respond rapidly to treatment.
However, if it is recognised late, intensive treatment may be needed for up to 12 months. Infection can also reoccur after treatment.
In a poster presentation on Contamination of Used Contact Lenses by Acanthamoeba species, carried out by Putri Noradyani MH, et al, from Universiti Kebangsaan Ma-laysia, on 99 lens users with no symptoms, it was found that:
# the acanthamoeba parasite is ubiquitous in various lens wearer environment. Contamination was possible from air, dust, unclean hands and use of tap water.
(Acanthamoeba is also found in chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs and even in bottled water. It is also present, without causing infection, in the nasal passages of healthy people.)
# contact lens storage cases washed in tap water and kept wet, serve as a suitable condition for the growth of bacteria and fungus, thus becoming a food source for the parasite; and,
# a few studies have shown the adherence of acanthamoeba trophozoites (feeding stage) on the surface of new and worn contact lenses, especially in water contact lenses which are popular now.
Many contact lens users are known to ignore the advice of their optician and lens care instructions.
They rinse their lenses or storage cases in tap water, which may introduce the parasite to the case.
Once inside the case, it can survive and grow, feeding on bacteria that may also contaminate the case. The organisms are then transferred from the case to the cornea on the contact lens.
The lens holds the organisms in place on the eye, and this may ultimately lead to infection.
Hidden danger at playground, parks
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Dogs make lovely and loyal pets, but there are health risks of which owners should be made aware.
These domestic companions can be host to parasitic worms that can pass infection to humans. Children are particularly susceptible.
Infected dogs that defecate in public parks and playgrounds pose a particular hazard. Their faeces contaminates the soil.
Dogs infected with adult hookworms (Toxocara canis or T. canis) can pass out thousands of eggs daily.
In a study conducted by researchers Yusri M.Y. et al from the Institute of Medical Research and the Laotian Ministry of Health titled Detection of Parasitic Infection Among Rural and Urban Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia, it was found that six species of nematodes (worms), including an unknown one, and a species of cestode (tapeworms) were found in 175 stool samples taken randomly.
The worms were hookworms, threadworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Two areas of different demographic characteristics were studied, namely an urban area in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, and two rural areas — the aboriginal settlements of Pos Sendut and Pos Lenjang in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.
The two settlements were considered a low socio-economic population which depended on rivers for water supply and sanitation.
The study was conducted from January to July last year.
The findings on canine faeces showed some interesting results:
• All canine faeces showed the highest prevalence of roundworms;
• Urban dogs showed greater presence of hookworms and whipworms; and,
• Rural dogs showed more roundworms.
In the case of soil contamination, the samples were tested for hookworm contamination as a potential source of human infection.
Urban soil samples showed a higher contamination rate, with hookworm eggs most abundant.
The conclusions drawn were that direct infection from dog to human is not hazardous as the eggs need two weeks to become infectious.
It is more hazardous for people to be exposed to a contaminated environment. Children in playgrounds and people walking barefeet are at high risk of being infected.
However, a 2003 report by British veterinarians discovered that people may become infected from the T. canis worm simply by stroking a dog that carries the parasite.
They discovered that the worm can be found in dog fur in addition to canine faeces. Of 60 dogs that they examined, a quarter had eggs of the worm in their fur.
These domestic companions can be host to parasitic worms that can pass infection to humans. Children are particularly susceptible.
Infected dogs that defecate in public parks and playgrounds pose a particular hazard. Their faeces contaminates the soil.
Dogs infected with adult hookworms (Toxocara canis or T. canis) can pass out thousands of eggs daily.
In a study conducted by researchers Yusri M.Y. et al from the Institute of Medical Research and the Laotian Ministry of Health titled Detection of Parasitic Infection Among Rural and Urban Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia, it was found that six species of nematodes (worms), including an unknown one, and a species of cestode (tapeworms) were found in 175 stool samples taken randomly.
The worms were hookworms, threadworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Two areas of different demographic characteristics were studied, namely an urban area in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, and two rural areas — the aboriginal settlements of Pos Sendut and Pos Lenjang in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.
The two settlements were considered a low socio-economic population which depended on rivers for water supply and sanitation.
The study was conducted from January to July last year.
The findings on canine faeces showed some interesting results:
• All canine faeces showed the highest prevalence of roundworms;
• Urban dogs showed greater presence of hookworms and whipworms; and,
• Rural dogs showed more roundworms.
In the case of soil contamination, the samples were tested for hookworm contamination as a potential source of human infection.
Urban soil samples showed a higher contamination rate, with hookworm eggs most abundant.
The conclusions drawn were that direct infection from dog to human is not hazardous as the eggs need two weeks to become infectious.
It is more hazardous for people to be exposed to a contaminated environment. Children in playgrounds and people walking barefeet are at high risk of being infected.
However, a 2003 report by British veterinarians discovered that people may become infected from the T. canis worm simply by stroking a dog that carries the parasite.
They discovered that the worm can be found in dog fur in addition to canine faeces. Of 60 dogs that they examined, a quarter had eggs of the worm in their fur.
Viral threat from deforestation
NST: What have monkeys got to do with dengue? And what have dogs got to do with hookworm infection? Plenty, it appears, as TERESA YONG found out at a recent seminar on parasitology
KUALA LUMPUR: Much has been said about the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate deforestation.
Chopping down trees, however, means much more than just that.
Everyone knows deforestation takes away the natural habitat of all kinds of jungle animals and drives them closer to human habitats.
What most do not know is that these animals put us at more risk from all kinds of diseases.
Studies done in 1986 suggest dengue viruses are maintained in a primate cycle involving monkeys and vectors of the aedes (Ae) niveus group.
This raises the possibility that the Ae albopictus mosquito may introduce the sylvatic (primate) virus to humans now that these primates live close to people in the urban areas, said Dr Indra Vythilingam, a research officer and former head of the Parasitology Unit, Institute of Medical Research.
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by two types of mosquitoes, Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus.
First reported in Malaysia in 1902, dengue affects 100 million people worldwide.
Dengue cases had more than doubled from 17,368 in 2001 to 39,654 in 2005. The fatality rate showed a similar trend over the same period, increasing from 50 to 107, according to Health Ministry statistics.
Malaysia has one of the best dengue control programmes in the region and yet cases of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever are increasing, said Dr Indra.
She presented a plenary paper on Emerging Threats of Vector-borne Diseases in Malaysia at the three-day 43rd Annual Scientific Seminar of Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Centenary Celebration of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (UK) here recently.
She pointed out that a number of vector-borne diseases discovered decades ago still persist now. These diseases include malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Some have become of greater public health importance now than before.
"Dengue is a good example of one that is increasing in the number of cases over the years. It has acquired a higher status since it poses a great threat to the people in urban areas."
Chikungunya, another viral disease, is also resurfacing in Malaysia and the main vectors are the same for dengue. Two outbreaks were reported in Klang in 1998 and last year in Bagan Panchor, Perak.
Malaria, which kills a child every second in Africa, is well under control in Malaysia.
"However, our neighbouring countries are not so fortunate and malaria is a serious problem there. Now, due to good diagnostic techniques, we are seeing simian malaria in humans.
"Perhaps this could lead in the future to simian malaria being transmitted from humans to humans," she warned.
Of the parasitic vector-borne diseases, filariasis is rare in Malaysia. However, of late, an increasing number of cases of Wuchereria bancrofti (which causes elephantiasis) are being imported into the country.
Culex mosquitoes, the main vector, is abundant and they are susceptible to the parasite.
Dr Indra said there was too much emphasis on fogging to kill adult mosquitoes. Instead, she said, the breeding sites should be eliminated.
Dr Indra said the health system must be strengthened so that health workers can provide effective intervention and assess the success in controlling the vector-borne diseases.
Besides deforestation, other factors which increase the risk of vector-borne disease transmission include natural disasters and poorly planned urbanisation which leads to the mushrooming of settlements with poor water supply.
Environmental changes and rapid air travel also directly affect the emergence and resurgence of such diseases, said Dr Indra.
KUALA LUMPUR: Much has been said about the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate deforestation.
Chopping down trees, however, means much more than just that.
Everyone knows deforestation takes away the natural habitat of all kinds of jungle animals and drives them closer to human habitats.
What most do not know is that these animals put us at more risk from all kinds of diseases.
Studies done in 1986 suggest dengue viruses are maintained in a primate cycle involving monkeys and vectors of the aedes (Ae) niveus group.
This raises the possibility that the Ae albopictus mosquito may introduce the sylvatic (primate) virus to humans now that these primates live close to people in the urban areas, said Dr Indra Vythilingam, a research officer and former head of the Parasitology Unit, Institute of Medical Research.
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by two types of mosquitoes, Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus.
First reported in Malaysia in 1902, dengue affects 100 million people worldwide.
Dengue cases had more than doubled from 17,368 in 2001 to 39,654 in 2005. The fatality rate showed a similar trend over the same period, increasing from 50 to 107, according to Health Ministry statistics.
Malaysia has one of the best dengue control programmes in the region and yet cases of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever are increasing, said Dr Indra.
She presented a plenary paper on Emerging Threats of Vector-borne Diseases in Malaysia at the three-day 43rd Annual Scientific Seminar of Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Centenary Celebration of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (UK) here recently.
She pointed out that a number of vector-borne diseases discovered decades ago still persist now. These diseases include malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Some have become of greater public health importance now than before.
"Dengue is a good example of one that is increasing in the number of cases over the years. It has acquired a higher status since it poses a great threat to the people in urban areas."
Chikungunya, another viral disease, is also resurfacing in Malaysia and the main vectors are the same for dengue. Two outbreaks were reported in Klang in 1998 and last year in Bagan Panchor, Perak.
Malaria, which kills a child every second in Africa, is well under control in Malaysia.
"However, our neighbouring countries are not so fortunate and malaria is a serious problem there. Now, due to good diagnostic techniques, we are seeing simian malaria in humans.
"Perhaps this could lead in the future to simian malaria being transmitted from humans to humans," she warned.
Of the parasitic vector-borne diseases, filariasis is rare in Malaysia. However, of late, an increasing number of cases of Wuchereria bancrofti (which causes elephantiasis) are being imported into the country.
Culex mosquitoes, the main vector, is abundant and they are susceptible to the parasite.
Dr Indra said there was too much emphasis on fogging to kill adult mosquitoes. Instead, she said, the breeding sites should be eliminated.
Dr Indra said the health system must be strengthened so that health workers can provide effective intervention and assess the success in controlling the vector-borne diseases.
Besides deforestation, other factors which increase the risk of vector-borne disease transmission include natural disasters and poorly planned urbanisation which leads to the mushrooming of settlements with poor water supply.
Environmental changes and rapid air travel also directly affect the emergence and resurgence of such diseases, said Dr Indra.
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