FreeMalaysiaToday: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has concurred with Pakatan Rakyat that contents of seven food items sold in Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) did not comply with the law.
The seven items are fruit jam, evaporated milk, condensed creamer, ice-cream, sardine tins, curry chicken sardines and growing-up milk.
DAP MP Tony Pua said the ministry had also admitted to relying on the respective factories’ internal audit instead of instituting laboratory tests as bench marks.
“They (ministry officials) said the sweetened creamer did reach its 10% minimum amount of fat content.
“As for the growing-up milk, there is no definition for follow-on milk and the ministry is in the midst of coming up with laws on that.
“I hope that Health Minister (Liow Tiong Lai) will work and ensure compliance. I do not want to test all the products,” said Pua.
Both Pua and colleague Nurul Izzah Anwar from PKR had a 90-minute closed-door meeting with Health Ministry officials including its director-general Hassan Abdul Rahman and food safety officers this morning.
Last month, Pua, Nurul Izzah and PAS’ Dzulkefly Ahmad held a demonstration in front of KR1M outlet in Bandar Tun Razak.
The trio had highlighted the inferior quality of the food products in the outlet and the failure of the products to meet minimum requirement as stipulated by law.
Pua had also pointed out the confusion over growing-up milk and follow-on milk because it was targeted at the same group when the latter was actually for children ages of one to three.
Neither Hassan nor the Health Ministry has issued a statement on today’s meeting.
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
Saturday, December 03, 2011
International nursing university needed enhance professionalism in nursing?
BorneoPost: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia now has some 80,000 registered nurses working in public and private hospitals nationwide.
The local demand for nurses has increased tremendously in the past few years because of rapid development in the nation’s healthcare sector.
Activists in the country’s nursing sector have called for the government to set up an international nursing university to boost professionalism in the field.
This international nursing university, which will specialise in nursing sciences, professionalism in this sector can be further boosted, they say.
Academic excellence
A Malaysian Nursing Board official (who declined to be named) said the presence of such a university would augur well for the development of academic excellence and professional skills in the nursing profession in Malaysia.
“If established, a nursing sciences university would be able to offer a comprehensive education in nursing on a centralised basis. Naturally, the university would have to be associated with a teaching hospital for its clinical courses,” she said.
She said the university would have academic staff made up of trained nurses.
“All of the courses offered would be on nursing sciences, including specialised programmes. The professors, associate professors, lecturers and tutors would be professionally trained nurses,” she said.
A trained professional
A senior nurse, Zuraida Samad, said: “Before, people thought nurses were only supposed to feed and wash patients in hospitals.
“Today, the public have come to realise nurses also provide nursing diagnosis. This is distinct from medical diagnosis, which is the sole responsibility of doctors,” she told this writer at a public hospital here.
Zuraida said a nurse is a trained professional who instinctively knows what to do when a patient experiences difficulties at a time when a doctor is unavailable.
She said nursing focuses on the caring, educating and research aspects of the healthcare system. Caring will always remain fundamental to nursing.
“Those who choose nursing as a career are young people who are caring, dedicated and feel that they are called to serve the sick and improve their health.
Developing unique quality
Nursing tutor Beatrice Wong said nursing is different today.
“Nursing training focuses on developing the unique quality of nurses who are caring, well-disciplined, motivated and equipped with critical-thinking skills.
“Nursing teaches how to use minds, hands and hearts in caring for those in need,” she said, adding that there is a large demand for qualified nurses.
She said at least 130,000 nurses need to be trained by the year 2020 in order to meet the nurse-to-population ratio of 1:200 as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Malaysia’s current ratio is 1:645. Singapore’s ratio is 1:203, and Japan’s is at 1:134.
Nursing board
In order for a nurse to be registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board, a trainee nurse must have the minimum of three credits in SPM, with credits in Bahasa Malaysia, Science and one other subject, preferably Mathematic or English.
The person must pass a board examination administered in the final year of a three-year Diploma in Nursing programme, and complete at least 48 weeks of practical training at a hospital.
The Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing, established in 1961 at the Assunta Hospital, is the first private nursing school in Malaysia.
In 1991 Puteri Nursing College became the first nursing school to implement the diploma nursing programme of the Health Ministry. The following year, all other Malaysian nursing colleges followed suit.
The largest nursing college in Malaysia is MasterSkill College of Nursing, which admits 1,000 students each year.
The local demand for nurses has increased tremendously in the past few years because of rapid development in the nation’s healthcare sector.
Activists in the country’s nursing sector have called for the government to set up an international nursing university to boost professionalism in the field.
This international nursing university, which will specialise in nursing sciences, professionalism in this sector can be further boosted, they say.
Academic excellence
A Malaysian Nursing Board official (who declined to be named) said the presence of such a university would augur well for the development of academic excellence and professional skills in the nursing profession in Malaysia.
“If established, a nursing sciences university would be able to offer a comprehensive education in nursing on a centralised basis. Naturally, the university would have to be associated with a teaching hospital for its clinical courses,” she said.
She said the university would have academic staff made up of trained nurses.
“All of the courses offered would be on nursing sciences, including specialised programmes. The professors, associate professors, lecturers and tutors would be professionally trained nurses,” she said.
A trained professional
A senior nurse, Zuraida Samad, said: “Before, people thought nurses were only supposed to feed and wash patients in hospitals.
“Today, the public have come to realise nurses also provide nursing diagnosis. This is distinct from medical diagnosis, which is the sole responsibility of doctors,” she told this writer at a public hospital here.
Zuraida said a nurse is a trained professional who instinctively knows what to do when a patient experiences difficulties at a time when a doctor is unavailable.
She said nursing focuses on the caring, educating and research aspects of the healthcare system. Caring will always remain fundamental to nursing.
“Those who choose nursing as a career are young people who are caring, dedicated and feel that they are called to serve the sick and improve their health.
Developing unique quality
Nursing tutor Beatrice Wong said nursing is different today.
“Nursing training focuses on developing the unique quality of nurses who are caring, well-disciplined, motivated and equipped with critical-thinking skills.
“Nursing teaches how to use minds, hands and hearts in caring for those in need,” she said, adding that there is a large demand for qualified nurses.
She said at least 130,000 nurses need to be trained by the year 2020 in order to meet the nurse-to-population ratio of 1:200 as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Malaysia’s current ratio is 1:645. Singapore’s ratio is 1:203, and Japan’s is at 1:134.
Nursing board
In order for a nurse to be registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board, a trainee nurse must have the minimum of three credits in SPM, with credits in Bahasa Malaysia, Science and one other subject, preferably Mathematic or English.
The person must pass a board examination administered in the final year of a three-year Diploma in Nursing programme, and complete at least 48 weeks of practical training at a hospital.
The Tun Tan Cheng Lock College of Nursing, established in 1961 at the Assunta Hospital, is the first private nursing school in Malaysia.
In 1991 Puteri Nursing College became the first nursing school to implement the diploma nursing programme of the Health Ministry. The following year, all other Malaysian nursing colleges followed suit.
The largest nursing college in Malaysia is MasterSkill College of Nursing, which admits 1,000 students each year.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Malaysian medical students arrive in Ireland
InsideIreland: NUI Galway and UCC recently welcomed the first intake of Malaysian students after a partnership with Allianze University College of Medical Sciences (AUCMS), Kapala Batas, in northern Malaysia.
The twinned medical programme is offered by both universities and around 100 Malaysian students split equally across the across the two universities are to study in Ireland for the first two and a half years of the five-year degree.
The new partnership however is the outcome of discussions which began in 2005 when the Ministry of Health in Malaysia approached the Irish universities, seeking to develop sustainable Malaysia-based medical education capacity into the future.
An agreement was signed in 2009 in Penang and students will gain qualifications from both the Malaysian and Irish professional accrediting authorities.
Professor Gerard Loftus, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at NUI Galway, said: “The programme is a very exciting augmentation of the strong tradition we have in the education of Malaysian medical students over the years.
“The Malaysian Government recognises that our Malaysian students achieve high clinical standards. I am particularly pleased also that the many very able and committed people who have worked on this project from the outset back in 2005 are here today, when all their efforts come to fruition.”
Current NUI Galway student, Mohamad Sharifudin Dzulkefli said: “Studying in two institutes of higher learning in Ireland and Malaysia really gives us a lot of advantages in terms of knowledge as well as experience.
“NUI Galway has a lot to offer for the AUCMS students. Gaining basic medical knowledge in Ireland and applying it during the clinical years back in Malaysia gives us the upper hand in the medical field.”
The twinned medical programme is offered by both universities and around 100 Malaysian students split equally across the across the two universities are to study in Ireland for the first two and a half years of the five-year degree.
The new partnership however is the outcome of discussions which began in 2005 when the Ministry of Health in Malaysia approached the Irish universities, seeking to develop sustainable Malaysia-based medical education capacity into the future.
An agreement was signed in 2009 in Penang and students will gain qualifications from both the Malaysian and Irish professional accrediting authorities.
Professor Gerard Loftus, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at NUI Galway, said: “The programme is a very exciting augmentation of the strong tradition we have in the education of Malaysian medical students over the years.
“The Malaysian Government recognises that our Malaysian students achieve high clinical standards. I am particularly pleased also that the many very able and committed people who have worked on this project from the outset back in 2005 are here today, when all their efforts come to fruition.”
Current NUI Galway student, Mohamad Sharifudin Dzulkefli said: “Studying in two institutes of higher learning in Ireland and Malaysia really gives us a lot of advantages in terms of knowledge as well as experience.
“NUI Galway has a lot to offer for the AUCMS students. Gaining basic medical knowledge in Ireland and applying it during the clinical years back in Malaysia gives us the upper hand in the medical field.”
Malaysian Sugar Consumption Exceeds WHO Recommended Intake
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Sugar consumption among Malaysians is at a high rate, with the average of 51 grammes daily a cause for concern.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister (MDTCC) Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said this exceeded the 50gm daily limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"This means Malaysians are at risk for serious health problems such as diabetes, whereby poor health will stunt the national transformation programmes implemented for the country to achieve developed and high-income nation status," she said in her speech when launching the Dutch Lady Malaysia's 'Reduce Sugar' campaign, here, today.
Her speech text was read out by the ministry's deputy secretary-general Mahani Tan Abdullah.
Tan said that physically and mentally fit human capital was critical for a nation's development.
"What's more worrying is increasing obesity and diabetes among youths who are the future leaders of the country," she said.
Therefore, Tan said, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin's earlier statement that Malaysia ranked fourth in the Asean region for obesity and sixth among Asia Pacific countries should not be taken lightly.
"The reduce sugar consumption campaign carried out by MDTCC and the Health Ministry since 2009 will be continued for years to come," she said.
Tan hoped that more companies in Malaysia, especially food manufacturers, would emulate Dutch Lady Malaysia's effort in supporting government efforts to reduce sugar intake and improve the health of Malaysians.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister (MDTCC) Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said this exceeded the 50gm daily limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"This means Malaysians are at risk for serious health problems such as diabetes, whereby poor health will stunt the national transformation programmes implemented for the country to achieve developed and high-income nation status," she said in her speech when launching the Dutch Lady Malaysia's 'Reduce Sugar' campaign, here, today.
Her speech text was read out by the ministry's deputy secretary-general Mahani Tan Abdullah.
Tan said that physically and mentally fit human capital was critical for a nation's development.
"What's more worrying is increasing obesity and diabetes among youths who are the future leaders of the country," she said.
Therefore, Tan said, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin's earlier statement that Malaysia ranked fourth in the Asean region for obesity and sixth among Asia Pacific countries should not be taken lightly.
"The reduce sugar consumption campaign carried out by MDTCC and the Health Ministry since 2009 will be continued for years to come," she said.
Tan hoped that more companies in Malaysia, especially food manufacturers, would emulate Dutch Lady Malaysia's effort in supporting government efforts to reduce sugar intake and improve the health of Malaysians.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Can Prevent Deaths Of 1.6 Million Babies
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Pneumococcal disease causes the deaths of 1.6 million children around the world every year. Ironically, the disease is easily preventable through vaccination.
Pneumococcal disease is a group of diseases caused by the pneumonia streptococcus bacteria, which causes sepsis (infection in the blood), meningitis (infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord), pneumonia (lung infection) and otitis media (middle ear infection).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) found the disease to kill more children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined.
The death of children younger than five years old to the disease can be prevented if parents are aware of the threat of pneumococcal disease and have their children vaccinated early.
RESULTS OF INFECTION
There are four main results of infection --meningitis, bacteremia or sepsis, pneumonia and otitis media.
Meningitis is a pneumococcal disease with the worst repercussions.
Children, particularly those younger than five, are at high risk of either dying or suffering from brain damage as a result of the infection. Meningitis can also result in lifelong blindness or deafness.
Every two minutes, an Asian child dies from the infection.
Those who contract meningitis usually show symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, seizures, high fever and, in worst-case scenarios, will fall into a coma.
Studies show that those most prone to meningitis are babies under 12 months, with 10 cases for every 100,000 children.
If the disease causes otitis media, the eardrums will swell and cause extreme pain to the patient, fever and sleep disturbances.
Pneumonia symptoms include sudden high fever, chills, chest pains and difficulty breathing. The fatality rate from this infection is quite high, between five and seven percent.
EARLY PREVENTION
Vaccinating a baby as early as possible is the most effective way to prevent pneumococcal infection. And, according to WHO, it is more cost-effective than treatment.
This is made clear by Consultant Pediatrician Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, who wants the public to take a stand in protecting the lives of children from pneumococcal infection.
Relating his personal experience, he said he once ran while cradling a baby with high fever and vomiting from his clinic at the Damansara Specialist Hospital to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but the baby died of pneumococcal meningitis 10 hours later.
"Every child deserves to grow up healthy and protected from pneumococcal infection," said Dr Musa, who wants effective prevention methods made available to all Malaysian children.
"Symptoms of the pneumococcal infection are very similar to the common cold or fever, making early detection difficult. Unfortunately, only one of five babies receives the antibiotic treatment needed.
"Therefore, three doses of the vaccine is the most cost-effective and reasonable way of protecting the health of your child," he said.
COST OF VACCINATION
Dr Musa, who is also the founder of the Asian Strategic Alliance for Pneumococcal Disease Prevention (ASAP), is hoping that pneumococcal vaccination can be included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and be made compulsory for all Malaysian babies.
He said the Malaysian Pediatric Association is still working hard to lobby the Health Ministry to agree to the proposal. If they succeed and there is high demand for the vaccine, he believes that the price of the vaccine will be lowered.
For now, a dose of what is known as the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) costs RM200. A baby needs three doses over an interval of time.
The vaccine can be given to children under five years of age, but babies under two are more at risk.
HERD IMMUNITY
Interestingly, said Dr Musa, the vaccine has the properties of "herd immunity," which means that adults close to a vaccinated baby would also become immune to the disease.
"In the United States, the number of cases of pneumococcal disease among children has been lowered. Even the number of adult patients fell several years after PCV vaccination for children was made compulsory," he said.
At least 50 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau, have chosen to include the pneumococcal vaccination into their NIP, for the benefit of their children.
Pneumococcal disease can attack children and adults, but not everyone exposed to it will fall sick.
Persons carrying the s.pneumonia bacterium naturally in their nasal cavities can spread the bacteria through coughing, sneezing or exhaling.
There are two highly vulnerable age groups: children under five years of age and people aged 55 and above.
Babies under two face the highest risk, especially if they have not been breastfed, are exposed to cigarette smoke or are sent to daycare.
SPREAD THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION
Pneumococcal disease remains a serious threat to child health that is easily preventable. Unfortunately, many Malaysian children have yet to be protected from the risk of death from the disease.
Today, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer in Malaysia is working with several volunteer bodies such as ASAP, Pitter Patter, parenting2u.com and SJ Echo to launch the website www.abc4pneumococcal.com.
The website is aimed at raising public awareness of pneumococcal disease. It also calls on parents to ensure every child in Malaysia is protected against the killer through infant vaccination.
Visitors can also sign a support pledge on the website, endorsing the bid to include the pneumococcal vaccine as part of the NIP.
Pneumococcal disease is a group of diseases caused by the pneumonia streptococcus bacteria, which causes sepsis (infection in the blood), meningitis (infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord), pneumonia (lung infection) and otitis media (middle ear infection).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) found the disease to kill more children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined.
The death of children younger than five years old to the disease can be prevented if parents are aware of the threat of pneumococcal disease and have their children vaccinated early.
RESULTS OF INFECTION
There are four main results of infection --meningitis, bacteremia or sepsis, pneumonia and otitis media.
Meningitis is a pneumococcal disease with the worst repercussions.
Children, particularly those younger than five, are at high risk of either dying or suffering from brain damage as a result of the infection. Meningitis can also result in lifelong blindness or deafness.
Every two minutes, an Asian child dies from the infection.
Those who contract meningitis usually show symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, seizures, high fever and, in worst-case scenarios, will fall into a coma.
Studies show that those most prone to meningitis are babies under 12 months, with 10 cases for every 100,000 children.
If the disease causes otitis media, the eardrums will swell and cause extreme pain to the patient, fever and sleep disturbances.
Pneumonia symptoms include sudden high fever, chills, chest pains and difficulty breathing. The fatality rate from this infection is quite high, between five and seven percent.
EARLY PREVENTION
Vaccinating a baby as early as possible is the most effective way to prevent pneumococcal infection. And, according to WHO, it is more cost-effective than treatment.
This is made clear by Consultant Pediatrician Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, who wants the public to take a stand in protecting the lives of children from pneumococcal infection.
Relating his personal experience, he said he once ran while cradling a baby with high fever and vomiting from his clinic at the Damansara Specialist Hospital to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but the baby died of pneumococcal meningitis 10 hours later.
"Every child deserves to grow up healthy and protected from pneumococcal infection," said Dr Musa, who wants effective prevention methods made available to all Malaysian children.
"Symptoms of the pneumococcal infection are very similar to the common cold or fever, making early detection difficult. Unfortunately, only one of five babies receives the antibiotic treatment needed.
"Therefore, three doses of the vaccine is the most cost-effective and reasonable way of protecting the health of your child," he said.
COST OF VACCINATION
Dr Musa, who is also the founder of the Asian Strategic Alliance for Pneumococcal Disease Prevention (ASAP), is hoping that pneumococcal vaccination can be included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and be made compulsory for all Malaysian babies.
He said the Malaysian Pediatric Association is still working hard to lobby the Health Ministry to agree to the proposal. If they succeed and there is high demand for the vaccine, he believes that the price of the vaccine will be lowered.
For now, a dose of what is known as the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) costs RM200. A baby needs three doses over an interval of time.
The vaccine can be given to children under five years of age, but babies under two are more at risk.
HERD IMMUNITY
Interestingly, said Dr Musa, the vaccine has the properties of "herd immunity," which means that adults close to a vaccinated baby would also become immune to the disease.
"In the United States, the number of cases of pneumococcal disease among children has been lowered. Even the number of adult patients fell several years after PCV vaccination for children was made compulsory," he said.
At least 50 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau, have chosen to include the pneumococcal vaccination into their NIP, for the benefit of their children.
Pneumococcal disease can attack children and adults, but not everyone exposed to it will fall sick.
Persons carrying the s.pneumonia bacterium naturally in their nasal cavities can spread the bacteria through coughing, sneezing or exhaling.
There are two highly vulnerable age groups: children under five years of age and people aged 55 and above.
Babies under two face the highest risk, especially if they have not been breastfed, are exposed to cigarette smoke or are sent to daycare.
SPREAD THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION
Pneumococcal disease remains a serious threat to child health that is easily preventable. Unfortunately, many Malaysian children have yet to be protected from the risk of death from the disease.
Today, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer in Malaysia is working with several volunteer bodies such as ASAP, Pitter Patter, parenting2u.com and SJ Echo to launch the website www.abc4pneumococcal.com.
The website is aimed at raising public awareness of pneumococcal disease. It also calls on parents to ensure every child in Malaysia is protected against the killer through infant vaccination.
Visitors can also sign a support pledge on the website, endorsing the bid to include the pneumococcal vaccine as part of the NIP.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Private healthcare told to improve services
Star: LOCAL private hospitals must be prepared to face stiff competition from foreign investors following the liberalisation of private-healthcare services next year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said private healthcare providers must improve their services and facilities in order to be on par with their foreign counterparts, if not better, by the time the country’s doors are opened.
“Clearly, our private hospitals have to improve their quality of service in order to remain competitive, but I am confident it can be done,” he said after performing the ground-breaking ceremony of Anson Bay Medical Centre in Teluk Intan recently.
Liow said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had recently announced the liberalisation of 17 sub-sectors in the service industry under Budget 2012.
The move, to be carried in phases, would include the private healthcare service industry, Liow added.
“The initiative will allow up to 100% foreign equity participation in selected sub-sectors and as a result, the healthcare industry will become borderless and we will need to start competing globally,” he said.
Liow added that the industry was worth an estimated RM26.76bil (US$8.4bil) or 4.75% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
Pointing out that the global health tourism industry was expected to reach RM240bil in 2020 with Southeast Asian countries contributing about RM9.6bil of the total amount, Liow said Malaysia’s health tourism was relatively small in comparison.
“According to figures in 2010, we only received about 400,000 medical tourists, which is equivalent to RM380mil in earnings.
“Competitors such as Singapore and Thailand have shown stronger growth in this area and have established themselves as leaders in high value healthcare experiences,” he said.
Liow added that the Government had initiated various strategies to transform its healthcare tourism industry by marketing itself beyond Indonesia, which made up about 80% of Malaysia’s revenue in healthcare tourism.
“We are targeting China, Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom,” he said.
He said private healthcare providers must improve their services and facilities in order to be on par with their foreign counterparts, if not better, by the time the country’s doors are opened.
“Clearly, our private hospitals have to improve their quality of service in order to remain competitive, but I am confident it can be done,” he said after performing the ground-breaking ceremony of Anson Bay Medical Centre in Teluk Intan recently.
Liow said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had recently announced the liberalisation of 17 sub-sectors in the service industry under Budget 2012.
The move, to be carried in phases, would include the private healthcare service industry, Liow added.
“The initiative will allow up to 100% foreign equity participation in selected sub-sectors and as a result, the healthcare industry will become borderless and we will need to start competing globally,” he said.
Liow added that the industry was worth an estimated RM26.76bil (US$8.4bil) or 4.75% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
Pointing out that the global health tourism industry was expected to reach RM240bil in 2020 with Southeast Asian countries contributing about RM9.6bil of the total amount, Liow said Malaysia’s health tourism was relatively small in comparison.
“According to figures in 2010, we only received about 400,000 medical tourists, which is equivalent to RM380mil in earnings.
“Competitors such as Singapore and Thailand have shown stronger growth in this area and have established themselves as leaders in high value healthcare experiences,” he said.
Liow added that the Government had initiated various strategies to transform its healthcare tourism industry by marketing itself beyond Indonesia, which made up about 80% of Malaysia’s revenue in healthcare tourism.
“We are targeting China, Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom,” he said.
Are Nurses Overworked? Could Shortages Be A Factor?
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- "Have patience, I only have two hands. Can you hold on for a while!".
It sounds harsh and rude, but that was what a patient experienced in a hospital here.
"I had wanted to ask about my medication. There were only two or three nurses attending to all of the patients in the ward at that time.
"I do understand that they had to attend to more urgent matters concerning other patients. The ward at that time was full of patients and visitors, and there were only a few nurses on duty. The nurse that I had wanted to question probably lost her temper when she became too busy," said the patient, who wished to be named as Fatima Bee of Pulau Pinang.
Why there are not enough nurses?
For those who work in the healthcare industry, the nursing shortage, particularly in public hospitals, is real and incredibly frightening.
NURSING SHORTAGE
According to healthcare authorities, more than 70 per cent of Malaysian hospitals currently do not have adequate nursing staffs.
According to media reports, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has said that 109 universities and colleges in Malaysia offer nursing training programmes.
The nursing programmes are offered at 85 private universities and colleges (IPTS) and 10 public universities (IPTA) nationwide, including one operated by the Defence Ministry, and 38 nursing schools administered by the Health Ministry.
He said there are some 80,000 nurses at hospitals and clinics nationwide, but only some 80 per cent of the jobs are filled.
And about 1,100 Malaysian-trained nurses are working abroad, he is reported to have said.
Low said about 9,000 nurses graduate from nursing colleges nationwide and enter the work force each year, but unfortunately this number needs to increase by 30 per cent in order to even begin addressing the nation's healthcare needs.
STRESSFUL OCCUPATION
Many in the healthcare industry consider nursing one of the most stressful occupations there is.
Dr Ahmat Fakrudin, a general practitioner who used to serve in government hospitals, said most nurses, in general, are overworked.
"Staffing shortages only make their jobs harder. Whether due to stress or health problems related to the difficult work, many nurses are forced to leave the profession early," he said.
He said there is also the patient care factor to consider, as overworked and under-staffed nurses means a lower quality of care overall.
"I believe when there are more nurses employed in a hospital, there will be a much higher patient satisfaction with the quality of services rendered in the wards," he added.
NEED FOR MORE NURSES
Nursing science lecturer Mary Lim said a substantial increase in the number of nurses is needed in hospitals nationwide in order to create a viable ratio of caregivers to patients for the future.
"There are several factors contributing to the shortage of nurses in the healthcare industry," she said.
Among them are that nursing school enrollment is not increasing quickly enough, and nursing colleges are turning away qualified applicants.
"Some applicants are rejected because they are thought to be over-qualified," she said.
Lim said there are not enough high-level nurses to fill academic and faculty positions.
"Out of the many who complete their diploma in nursing programmes, only a small percentage go on for advanced courses such as bachelor's and master's degrees. Therefore, there is only a small pool of nurses with advanced degrees available to be in the academic and clinical nursing fields.
"Addressing the nursing shortage means opening up the pipeline to move trained nurses to be teachers, hence producing more nurses," she said.
24 HOUR SERVICE
As nursing care is a 24-hour service, Lim said, there needs to be an adequate number of nursing staff on duty.
"Nurses believe the heavy workload and inadequate staff have negative impacts on the quality of patient care," she said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the ratio recommended for nurses to population ratio in a country such as Malaysia is 1:200.
According to the healthcare authorities, the ratio in Malaysia is one nurse for every 329 people and the country needs some 150,000 nurses in order to meet society's healthcare needs.
It sounds harsh and rude, but that was what a patient experienced in a hospital here.
"I had wanted to ask about my medication. There were only two or three nurses attending to all of the patients in the ward at that time.
"I do understand that they had to attend to more urgent matters concerning other patients. The ward at that time was full of patients and visitors, and there were only a few nurses on duty. The nurse that I had wanted to question probably lost her temper when she became too busy," said the patient, who wished to be named as Fatima Bee of Pulau Pinang.
Why there are not enough nurses?
For those who work in the healthcare industry, the nursing shortage, particularly in public hospitals, is real and incredibly frightening.
NURSING SHORTAGE
According to healthcare authorities, more than 70 per cent of Malaysian hospitals currently do not have adequate nursing staffs.
According to media reports, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has said that 109 universities and colleges in Malaysia offer nursing training programmes.
The nursing programmes are offered at 85 private universities and colleges (IPTS) and 10 public universities (IPTA) nationwide, including one operated by the Defence Ministry, and 38 nursing schools administered by the Health Ministry.
He said there are some 80,000 nurses at hospitals and clinics nationwide, but only some 80 per cent of the jobs are filled.
And about 1,100 Malaysian-trained nurses are working abroad, he is reported to have said.
Low said about 9,000 nurses graduate from nursing colleges nationwide and enter the work force each year, but unfortunately this number needs to increase by 30 per cent in order to even begin addressing the nation's healthcare needs.
STRESSFUL OCCUPATION
Many in the healthcare industry consider nursing one of the most stressful occupations there is.
Dr Ahmat Fakrudin, a general practitioner who used to serve in government hospitals, said most nurses, in general, are overworked.
"Staffing shortages only make their jobs harder. Whether due to stress or health problems related to the difficult work, many nurses are forced to leave the profession early," he said.
He said there is also the patient care factor to consider, as overworked and under-staffed nurses means a lower quality of care overall.
"I believe when there are more nurses employed in a hospital, there will be a much higher patient satisfaction with the quality of services rendered in the wards," he added.
NEED FOR MORE NURSES
Nursing science lecturer Mary Lim said a substantial increase in the number of nurses is needed in hospitals nationwide in order to create a viable ratio of caregivers to patients for the future.
"There are several factors contributing to the shortage of nurses in the healthcare industry," she said.
Among them are that nursing school enrollment is not increasing quickly enough, and nursing colleges are turning away qualified applicants.
"Some applicants are rejected because they are thought to be over-qualified," she said.
Lim said there are not enough high-level nurses to fill academic and faculty positions.
"Out of the many who complete their diploma in nursing programmes, only a small percentage go on for advanced courses such as bachelor's and master's degrees. Therefore, there is only a small pool of nurses with advanced degrees available to be in the academic and clinical nursing fields.
"Addressing the nursing shortage means opening up the pipeline to move trained nurses to be teachers, hence producing more nurses," she said.
24 HOUR SERVICE
As nursing care is a 24-hour service, Lim said, there needs to be an adequate number of nursing staff on duty.
"Nurses believe the heavy workload and inadequate staff have negative impacts on the quality of patient care," she said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the ratio recommended for nurses to population ratio in a country such as Malaysia is 1:200.
According to the healthcare authorities, the ratio in Malaysia is one nurse for every 329 people and the country needs some 150,000 nurses in order to meet society's healthcare needs.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Khazanah confirms healthcare unit to be listed next year
SunDaily: KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 27, 2011): Khazanah Nasional Bhd will float shares in its hospital operating unit, Integrated Healthcare Holdings Sdn Bhd, next year, says its managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar.
Speaking to reporters after the 16th Malaysian Capital Market Summit last Friday, he however declined to reveal the size of the initial public offering and the listing venue.
Meanwhile, Khazanah spokesman Mohd Asuki Abas said the listing is subject to the board's deliberation.
They were commenting on recent news reports that Integrated Healthcare, which is majority owned by Khazanah, is planning to list in the first half of 2012 in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and could potentially raise up to US$2 billion (RM6.39 billion).
Khazanah owns 70% of Integrated Healthcare, which in turn owns 100% of Singapore-based Parkway Pantai Ltd, Pantai Holdings Bhd, IMU Health Sdn Bhd and has a 12.2% stake in India's Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.
Earlier, during the summit, Azman said while government-linked companies (GLCs) are the economic driver, there is a need for regional strategy and collaboration, especially if companies are not able to expand on their own.
He said the government started promoting private-public collaborations two years ago.
"Although partnerships such as between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are controversial, they are necessary," he said at a session titled "Conversations with GLC Leaders — GLC Transformation — Drivers of Transformation, Creators of Wealth".
On mergers and acquisitions such as that between government-linked UEM Land Holdings Bhd and private property developer Sunrise Bhd, Azman said such companies are not crowding out the private sector.
He said private-public partnerships are encouraged if the companies can work together and complement each other.
Speaking to reporters after the 16th Malaysian Capital Market Summit last Friday, he however declined to reveal the size of the initial public offering and the listing venue.
Meanwhile, Khazanah spokesman Mohd Asuki Abas said the listing is subject to the board's deliberation.
They were commenting on recent news reports that Integrated Healthcare, which is majority owned by Khazanah, is planning to list in the first half of 2012 in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and could potentially raise up to US$2 billion (RM6.39 billion).
Khazanah owns 70% of Integrated Healthcare, which in turn owns 100% of Singapore-based Parkway Pantai Ltd, Pantai Holdings Bhd, IMU Health Sdn Bhd and has a 12.2% stake in India's Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.
Earlier, during the summit, Azman said while government-linked companies (GLCs) are the economic driver, there is a need for regional strategy and collaboration, especially if companies are not able to expand on their own.
He said the government started promoting private-public collaborations two years ago.
"Although partnerships such as between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are controversial, they are necessary," he said at a session titled "Conversations with GLC Leaders — GLC Transformation — Drivers of Transformation, Creators of Wealth".
On mergers and acquisitions such as that between government-linked UEM Land Holdings Bhd and private property developer Sunrise Bhd, Azman said such companies are not crowding out the private sector.
He said private-public partnerships are encouraged if the companies can work together and complement each other.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Is M’sia ready to de-criminalise drugs?
FreeMalaysiaToday: PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been urged to consider the decriminalisation of drugs as a new policy to better deal with the country’s perennial drug problem.
Several experts voiced support for this radical view and said more countries around the world are beginning to accept that drug addiction is a disease which can be treated.
Many countries have found that treating drug addiction as a criminal issue has failed, and are considering addressing problem as a health and social issue.
“Decriminalising” means that a person possessing small amounts of drugs for personal use does not constitute a crime. Drug trafficking is still considered a serious crime.
Internationally, policymakers and experts have taken note of Portugal, which in 2001 decriminalised all drugs including cocaine and heroine.
Those found with 10 days worth of drugs would not be arrested, but sent to a Dissuasion Commission which assesses the person’s needs and tailors an optional programme for them.
The Portugal case has been repeatedly referred to and touted as a resounding success, with impressive results.
It has reduced addiction, HIV infections, drug-related crimes and drug-related deaths; and more addicts are seeking treatment. It has also freed Portugal police to concentrate on big-time dealers.
Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) president Zaman Khan said he fully supports the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use in this country too.
“Possession of drugs in small amounts should not be treated as a crime. Rather, the addict should be regarded as a patient needing rehabilitation,” said Zaman, a former federal CID director and Prisons Department director-general.
“I’m not supporting the taking drugs for fun, and I’m not saying go ahead and smoke your drugs,” he added.
Change in perception
However, public acceptance was important, and a crucial a paradigm shift in perception must occur for the anything to work, said Zaman.
“I think we are ready. But our people are not making a cry for it yet. You can’t expect politicians to go for this without the support of the community.
“I believe the government is already looking into this possibility, and are just waiting for us to voice up,” said Zaman, who said discussions and debates on this topic were needed.
Zaman said top leaders in the country, including Bukit Aman narcotics director Noor Rashid Ibrahim, are beginning to see that criminalising drug addiction was erroneous.
Years of experience in the police force and prisons taught Zaman that the old ways of arresting addicts and forcing them to kick the habit have not been successful.
“Caning is no solution either. It just drives them deeper underground. And if police are free from catching small-time addicts, you can pay attention to the big-time traffickers,’ he said.
Prisons are no help as there is access to drugs there and Zaman was quick to admit that.
“I would be the last person to deny that drugs never came into prisons. Prison walls are pervious and the drugs somehow came in despite all my efforts to change things.”
For years, medical professionals and addiction therapists have been advocating the use of drug substitution therapy or medical assisted therapy, which Zaman said has proven to effective worldwide.
Zaman said that needle exchange programmes, which was introduced in 2006, was vital in bringing down HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia.
Zaman found it puzzling that on one hand, the government supports medical assisted therapy and needle exchange; but on the other, still regard drug addiction as an offence.
“That’s a problem. Because addicts who want to get better would not come forward when the an arrest is just waiting outside these clinics and centres,” he said.
Discussions must start
Meanwhile, addiction therapist and substance abuse counselor Chris Sekar said decriminalisation was the right direction for Malaysia to go.
“Anyone caught with a positive for his urine test should be sent for compulsory treatment rather than put into prison, which often just aggravates the situation as there’s no treatment,” said Chris, who is a recovered heroine addict who has been clean for 30 years.
He said those found with drugs on them should be identified as either user or dealer. “If say I’m found with RM50 worth of heroine, I am a user. I have a disease victim. Why put me in prison for two years?”
For years now, Chris said, the world is heading towards more “harm reduction and demand reduction” approaches and it seemed to be a trend that works.
He said the idea was for doctors, psychiatrists and therapists to work on making the addict functional and normal.
“Generally, in the western world, and even Singapore, elements of such approaches are being implemented,” said Chris.
“That would not be an issue if a proper system to treat them was in place to treat the addiction. It’s a disease and that is what makes them engage in socially unacceptable behaviour.”Chris argued that addicts commit crime when withdrawal symptoms kick in and there need to feed the habit.
He said the government must financially support more treatment efforts and allow other groups, including private centres, to work together with the same goal of treating the addict.
Better alternatives
Meanwhile, Australian Dr Adrian Dunlop, an expert in drug and alcohol addition with the New South Wales Ministry of Health, said studies have shown treatment is more on cost-effective than incarceration.
Dunlop said it was impossible not to take notice of what Portugal has done and achieved with its decriminalisation policy and suggested that countries like Australia and Malaysia should begin to seriously discuss it.
Echoing his view, Dr Alex Wodak, the director of alcohol and drug Service in St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, also hoped Malaysia would also begin to discuss the ‘pros and cons’ and evidence of such measures.
“Globally, the ‘war on drugs’ approach has failed. And we should start discussing alternatives, and I feel that that discussion should begin Malaysia,” said Dr Wodak.
“You can’t dismiss Portugal, Switzerland and Holland and several other countries in South America which are introducing new and effective ways to deal with the drug issue,” he said.
“I think we are much better off with health and social intervention rather than law enforcement.
“Law enforcement is expensive, pretty ineffective and is often counter-productive. It has often serious unintended negative consequences like corruption,” he said.
Citing the example of marijuana, Dr Wodak said he supported having the drug regulated and taxed.
“If you’re asking me is it okay to smoke marijuana, that would be the wrong question. The more important question is, should it be provided by a regulated outlet, or by criminals and the corrupt police? The more dangerous we think canabis is, the more logical it is to regulate that supply,” he said.
Dr Wodak said up until 1906, people in Australia could go to a shop and buy taxed and regulated edible opium; while until 1903, Coca-Cola in the US contained cocaine.
“So when we’re talking about decriminalisation, we’re really talking about re-legalisation. Because we’ve been down this path before. It’s not a brave new world but a world we’ve been in before. It’s not as if we discuss about this then the sky will fall in.”
Several experts voiced support for this radical view and said more countries around the world are beginning to accept that drug addiction is a disease which can be treated.
Many countries have found that treating drug addiction as a criminal issue has failed, and are considering addressing problem as a health and social issue.
“Decriminalising” means that a person possessing small amounts of drugs for personal use does not constitute a crime. Drug trafficking is still considered a serious crime.
Internationally, policymakers and experts have taken note of Portugal, which in 2001 decriminalised all drugs including cocaine and heroine.
Those found with 10 days worth of drugs would not be arrested, but sent to a Dissuasion Commission which assesses the person’s needs and tailors an optional programme for them.
The Portugal case has been repeatedly referred to and touted as a resounding success, with impressive results.
It has reduced addiction, HIV infections, drug-related crimes and drug-related deaths; and more addicts are seeking treatment. It has also freed Portugal police to concentrate on big-time dealers.
Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) president Zaman Khan said he fully supports the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use in this country too.
“Possession of drugs in small amounts should not be treated as a crime. Rather, the addict should be regarded as a patient needing rehabilitation,” said Zaman, a former federal CID director and Prisons Department director-general.
“I’m not supporting the taking drugs for fun, and I’m not saying go ahead and smoke your drugs,” he added.
Change in perception
However, public acceptance was important, and a crucial a paradigm shift in perception must occur for the anything to work, said Zaman.
“I think we are ready. But our people are not making a cry for it yet. You can’t expect politicians to go for this without the support of the community.
“I believe the government is already looking into this possibility, and are just waiting for us to voice up,” said Zaman, who said discussions and debates on this topic were needed.
Zaman said top leaders in the country, including Bukit Aman narcotics director Noor Rashid Ibrahim, are beginning to see that criminalising drug addiction was erroneous.
Years of experience in the police force and prisons taught Zaman that the old ways of arresting addicts and forcing them to kick the habit have not been successful.
“Caning is no solution either. It just drives them deeper underground. And if police are free from catching small-time addicts, you can pay attention to the big-time traffickers,’ he said.
Prisons are no help as there is access to drugs there and Zaman was quick to admit that.
“I would be the last person to deny that drugs never came into prisons. Prison walls are pervious and the drugs somehow came in despite all my efforts to change things.”
For years, medical professionals and addiction therapists have been advocating the use of drug substitution therapy or medical assisted therapy, which Zaman said has proven to effective worldwide.
Zaman said that needle exchange programmes, which was introduced in 2006, was vital in bringing down HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia.
Zaman found it puzzling that on one hand, the government supports medical assisted therapy and needle exchange; but on the other, still regard drug addiction as an offence.
“That’s a problem. Because addicts who want to get better would not come forward when the an arrest is just waiting outside these clinics and centres,” he said.
Discussions must start
Meanwhile, addiction therapist and substance abuse counselor Chris Sekar said decriminalisation was the right direction for Malaysia to go.
“Anyone caught with a positive for his urine test should be sent for compulsory treatment rather than put into prison, which often just aggravates the situation as there’s no treatment,” said Chris, who is a recovered heroine addict who has been clean for 30 years.
He said those found with drugs on them should be identified as either user or dealer. “If say I’m found with RM50 worth of heroine, I am a user. I have a disease victim. Why put me in prison for two years?”
For years now, Chris said, the world is heading towards more “harm reduction and demand reduction” approaches and it seemed to be a trend that works.
He said the idea was for doctors, psychiatrists and therapists to work on making the addict functional and normal.
“Generally, in the western world, and even Singapore, elements of such approaches are being implemented,” said Chris.
“That would not be an issue if a proper system to treat them was in place to treat the addiction. It’s a disease and that is what makes them engage in socially unacceptable behaviour.”Chris argued that addicts commit crime when withdrawal symptoms kick in and there need to feed the habit.
He said the government must financially support more treatment efforts and allow other groups, including private centres, to work together with the same goal of treating the addict.
Better alternatives
Meanwhile, Australian Dr Adrian Dunlop, an expert in drug and alcohol addition with the New South Wales Ministry of Health, said studies have shown treatment is more on cost-effective than incarceration.
Dunlop said it was impossible not to take notice of what Portugal has done and achieved with its decriminalisation policy and suggested that countries like Australia and Malaysia should begin to seriously discuss it.
Echoing his view, Dr Alex Wodak, the director of alcohol and drug Service in St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, also hoped Malaysia would also begin to discuss the ‘pros and cons’ and evidence of such measures.
“Globally, the ‘war on drugs’ approach has failed. And we should start discussing alternatives, and I feel that that discussion should begin Malaysia,” said Dr Wodak.
“You can’t dismiss Portugal, Switzerland and Holland and several other countries in South America which are introducing new and effective ways to deal with the drug issue,” he said.
“I think we are much better off with health and social intervention rather than law enforcement.
“Law enforcement is expensive, pretty ineffective and is often counter-productive. It has often serious unintended negative consequences like corruption,” he said.
Citing the example of marijuana, Dr Wodak said he supported having the drug regulated and taxed.
“If you’re asking me is it okay to smoke marijuana, that would be the wrong question. The more important question is, should it be provided by a regulated outlet, or by criminals and the corrupt police? The more dangerous we think canabis is, the more logical it is to regulate that supply,” he said.
Dr Wodak said up until 1906, people in Australia could go to a shop and buy taxed and regulated edible opium; while until 1903, Coca-Cola in the US contained cocaine.
“So when we’re talking about decriminalisation, we’re really talking about re-legalisation. Because we’ve been down this path before. It’s not a brave new world but a world we’ve been in before. It’s not as if we discuss about this then the sky will fall in.”
Malaysia's Khazanah to list healthcare arm next year
AsiaOne Health: KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian state investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd will list its unit, Integrated Healthcare Sdn Bhd, next year, Business Times newspaper reported on Saturday.
Khazanah owns 70 per cent of Integrated Healthcare, while the balance 30 per cent is held by Japan's Mitsui & Co Ltd . "God willing, the listing will be next year," Khazanah managing director Azman Mokhtar was quoted as saying by the paper.
Khazanah had said in April that it aimed to list Integrated Healthcare, which also owns Singapore's Parkway Holdings, within one to three years.
Khazanah owns 70 per cent of Integrated Healthcare, while the balance 30 per cent is held by Japan's Mitsui & Co Ltd . "God willing, the listing will be next year," Khazanah managing director Azman Mokhtar was quoted as saying by the paper.
Khazanah had said in April that it aimed to list Integrated Healthcare, which also owns Singapore's Parkway Holdings, within one to three years.
Herbal Industry To Grow At 15 Per Cent
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- There is a great potential for growth in the local herbal industry market, which is estimated to grow at 15 per cent per annum, with the market value rising from RM7 billion in 2010 to some RM29 billion by 2020.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said herbal products currently made up less than 10 per cent of Malaysia's exports of medicine and the number was growing.
"The country's exports of medicine currently stand at over RM400 million and are expected to hit RM600 million by year-end," he said at the media briefing on the 5th Global Bio-herbs Economic Forum here today.
Liow said the local herbal industry has attracted many multinational companies (MNCs) from the West to come to Malaysia to set up joint corporations with the local entities to conduct research and development.
He cited Novartis of Switzerland as an example, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and Malaysian Biotech Corp to explore bioactive compounds from natural resources.
The MOU also gave Novartis a chance to leverage on Malaysia's biodiversity for the development of novel medical opportunities, he said.
Liow said the herbal industry has big potential.
"As far as I know, there are a few (MNCs) in the country. At the moment, I can see Novartis is working with the Sarawak State Government in this area in Sarawak, looking into herbs and identifying certain herbal products.
"Once you turn these into medicine, you can export it," he said.
He said the global trade of natural products has been reported to amount to RM777 billion in 2006 and was projected to triple to over RM2 trillion by 2020.
Liow said the herbal industry has become a powerful engine of economic growth, due to demographic shifts such as extended longevity as well as greater affluence and changing life style.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said herbal products currently made up less than 10 per cent of Malaysia's exports of medicine and the number was growing.
"The country's exports of medicine currently stand at over RM400 million and are expected to hit RM600 million by year-end," he said at the media briefing on the 5th Global Bio-herbs Economic Forum here today.
Liow said the local herbal industry has attracted many multinational companies (MNCs) from the West to come to Malaysia to set up joint corporations with the local entities to conduct research and development.
He cited Novartis of Switzerland as an example, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and Malaysian Biotech Corp to explore bioactive compounds from natural resources.
The MOU also gave Novartis a chance to leverage on Malaysia's biodiversity for the development of novel medical opportunities, he said.
Liow said the herbal industry has big potential.
"As far as I know, there are a few (MNCs) in the country. At the moment, I can see Novartis is working with the Sarawak State Government in this area in Sarawak, looking into herbs and identifying certain herbal products.
"Once you turn these into medicine, you can export it," he said.
He said the global trade of natural products has been reported to amount to RM777 billion in 2006 and was projected to triple to over RM2 trillion by 2020.
Liow said the herbal industry has become a powerful engine of economic growth, due to demographic shifts such as extended longevity as well as greater affluence and changing life style.
Register, traditional medicine wholesalers told
NST: SERI KEMBANGAN: Traditional medicine suppliers and wholesalers are called to register their products with the Health Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the exercise was for the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) to verify that the products were suitable for public consumption.
“Only products that have been registered and checked by the ministry will be allowed to make claims that it can treat specific diseases or illnesses,” he said.
He said making such claims in the present set of regulations was against the law.
“At present, a supplier of traditional medicinal product, such as a herb, cannot claim that it can treat diabetes or specifically claim that it supplements the health of one’s kidneys,” Liow told a press conference after the 5th Global Bio-Herbs Economic Forum here today.
However, that will change once the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill was passed as an Act next year.
“The registration process, which includes laboratory tests will certify if a product can do what it claims to do,” he said.
“Some products will be certified more easily than others because of it’s rich ethnopharmacological background; the average time to test each product will roughly take 60 working days,” Liow added.
Traditional medicine suppliers and wholesalers can register their products online via www.bpfk.gov.my
Meanwhile, the 5th Bio-Herbs Economic Forum 2011 saw the convergence of academics, scientists, pharmacists and businessmen from several countries here.
The forum served as a platform for traditional medicine industry players to discuss the health benefits of traditional medicines and also its economic value to the country.
Liow said that Malaysia was set to be a global manufacturer and exporter of alternative medicines due to the country’s rich bio-diversity.
“The Malaysian government acknowledges the importance of traditional medicines in terms of it’s health benefits and also it’s economic value,” he said in his opening speech.
“The Health Ministry had enabled several reforms in the health sector to recognise traditional medicines as a viable and healthy way to approach health issues,” he said.
He said the usage of traditional medicines to complement contemporary medicines was a more holistic approach to maintaining good health.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the exercise was for the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) to verify that the products were suitable for public consumption.
“Only products that have been registered and checked by the ministry will be allowed to make claims that it can treat specific diseases or illnesses,” he said.
He said making such claims in the present set of regulations was against the law.
“At present, a supplier of traditional medicinal product, such as a herb, cannot claim that it can treat diabetes or specifically claim that it supplements the health of one’s kidneys,” Liow told a press conference after the 5th Global Bio-Herbs Economic Forum here today.
However, that will change once the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill was passed as an Act next year.
“The registration process, which includes laboratory tests will certify if a product can do what it claims to do,” he said.
“Some products will be certified more easily than others because of it’s rich ethnopharmacological background; the average time to test each product will roughly take 60 working days,” Liow added.
Traditional medicine suppliers and wholesalers can register their products online via www.bpfk.gov.my
Meanwhile, the 5th Bio-Herbs Economic Forum 2011 saw the convergence of academics, scientists, pharmacists and businessmen from several countries here.
The forum served as a platform for traditional medicine industry players to discuss the health benefits of traditional medicines and also its economic value to the country.
Liow said that Malaysia was set to be a global manufacturer and exporter of alternative medicines due to the country’s rich bio-diversity.
“The Malaysian government acknowledges the importance of traditional medicines in terms of it’s health benefits and also it’s economic value,” he said in his opening speech.
“The Health Ministry had enabled several reforms in the health sector to recognise traditional medicines as a viable and healthy way to approach health issues,” he said.
He said the usage of traditional medicines to complement contemporary medicines was a more holistic approach to maintaining good health.
Medicinal value claims allowed
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Traditional and complementary medicine manufacturers and suppliers can make certain claims about the medicinal values of their products from next year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said those who wanted to make such claims must first register their products with the ministry.
“We have formed a working committee to look into an approved list of claims for traditional medicine.
“Two categories have been identified for traditional claims – for ‘traditional health use’ and ‘traditional treatment’,” he said after launching the Fifth Global Bio-Herbs Economic Forum here yesterday.
The medicines, he added, could be registered online via the ministry’s website.
“The registration will be completed in 60 days,” said Liow, adding that lab tests would also be conducted to check on some of the claims.
He added that in some cases, traditional medicines would come with historical records sufficient to support the claim while some might need lab study evidence to justify the claim.
He said the ministry, through its working committee, was also looking at expanding the claims allowed for traditional medicine and health supplements.
Manufacturers and suppliers who wanted to register their products and make claims must have clear-cut evidence on what their traditional and complimentary medicines could do.
“But they cannot say it can be used to treat a disease,” said Liow.
He said herbal products must also conform to the highest standards of manufacturing to be able to compete in terms of quality, safety, efficacy, pricing and branding.
Liow urged all traditional and complementary medicine as well as herbal products manufacturers and suppliers to register their products before the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill is passed.
So far, 11,763 traditional medicines have registered with the ministry.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said those who wanted to make such claims must first register their products with the ministry.
“We have formed a working committee to look into an approved list of claims for traditional medicine.
“Two categories have been identified for traditional claims – for ‘traditional health use’ and ‘traditional treatment’,” he said after launching the Fifth Global Bio-Herbs Economic Forum here yesterday.
The medicines, he added, could be registered online via the ministry’s website.
“The registration will be completed in 60 days,” said Liow, adding that lab tests would also be conducted to check on some of the claims.
He added that in some cases, traditional medicines would come with historical records sufficient to support the claim while some might need lab study evidence to justify the claim.
He said the ministry, through its working committee, was also looking at expanding the claims allowed for traditional medicine and health supplements.
Manufacturers and suppliers who wanted to register their products and make claims must have clear-cut evidence on what their traditional and complimentary medicines could do.
“But they cannot say it can be used to treat a disease,” said Liow.
He said herbal products must also conform to the highest standards of manufacturing to be able to compete in terms of quality, safety, efficacy, pricing and branding.
Liow urged all traditional and complementary medicine as well as herbal products manufacturers and suppliers to register their products before the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Bill is passed.
So far, 11,763 traditional medicines have registered with the ministry.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
New health insurance scheme for foreign students
Malay Mail: KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic insurers Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd, MAA Takaful Bhd and FOSMEC Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for foreign students under the care of FOSMEC.
They would market these products from January next year.
Takaful Ikhlas president and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Moheeb Syed Kamarulzaman said the product was specifically designed for full-time international students to meet the health checkup and insurance coverage guidelines et by the Higher Education Ministry since July 1, 2008.
“Takaful Ikhlas will prostudentsvide group hospital and surgical coverage while MAA Takaful will provide the group personal accident product,” he said.
The services covered under this package are outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, personal accident and death and repatriation. Monthly payments for the new coverage includes two separate premium prices.
The premium for MAA Takaful is set at RM50 per annum, providing RM50,000 in coverage with an additional RM10,000 for death reparation, while RM56 per annum gets similar premium coverage but death reparation is raised to RM20,000.
The insurance premium for Takaful Ikhlas product would depend on the health condition of the buyer and the combined premiums for both insurances cannot exceed RM300 set by the government.
For starters, Takaful Ikhlas has set a RM4 million target for premiums under the plan, added Syed Moheed.
FOSMEC chairman Datuk Wira Dr Bahari Abu Mansor said this is the first insurance scheme that provides such coverage for foreign students.
“Previously, insurance coverage for this category of students was either one of the two schemes.” he said.
It was reported that Higher Education Ministry recorded an increase of 7,000 students at private institutions of higher learning every year. The government hopes to reach a total of 200,000 foreign students locally by 2015, turning Malaysia into a higher education hub.
Bahari said: “We see this initiative as a measure to help attain that goal as more students will find Malaysia an attractive education destination.
It will also help to lighten the burden of government hospitals tasked to treat foreign students. “FOSMEC hopes that with this new insurance package, the government will consider making FOSMEC the sole agency for all foreign student health screens,” he said.
FOSMEC is an agency responsible for conducting and supervising foreign students medical examination check up, health screening and to prevent dangerous and infected disease subject to the directives from the Higher Education Ministry.
They would market these products from January next year.
Takaful Ikhlas president and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Moheeb Syed Kamarulzaman said the product was specifically designed for full-time international students to meet the health checkup and insurance coverage guidelines et by the Higher Education Ministry since July 1, 2008.
“Takaful Ikhlas will prostudentsvide group hospital and surgical coverage while MAA Takaful will provide the group personal accident product,” he said.
The services covered under this package are outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, personal accident and death and repatriation. Monthly payments for the new coverage includes two separate premium prices.
The premium for MAA Takaful is set at RM50 per annum, providing RM50,000 in coverage with an additional RM10,000 for death reparation, while RM56 per annum gets similar premium coverage but death reparation is raised to RM20,000.
The insurance premium for Takaful Ikhlas product would depend on the health condition of the buyer and the combined premiums for both insurances cannot exceed RM300 set by the government.
For starters, Takaful Ikhlas has set a RM4 million target for premiums under the plan, added Syed Moheed.
FOSMEC chairman Datuk Wira Dr Bahari Abu Mansor said this is the first insurance scheme that provides such coverage for foreign students.
“Previously, insurance coverage for this category of students was either one of the two schemes.” he said.
It was reported that Higher Education Ministry recorded an increase of 7,000 students at private institutions of higher learning every year. The government hopes to reach a total of 200,000 foreign students locally by 2015, turning Malaysia into a higher education hub.
Bahari said: “We see this initiative as a measure to help attain that goal as more students will find Malaysia an attractive education destination.
It will also help to lighten the burden of government hospitals tasked to treat foreign students. “FOSMEC hopes that with this new insurance package, the government will consider making FOSMEC the sole agency for all foreign student health screens,” he said.
FOSMEC is an agency responsible for conducting and supervising foreign students medical examination check up, health screening and to prevent dangerous and infected disease subject to the directives from the Higher Education Ministry.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Liow: KR1M milk powder is safe
Star: OPPOSITION claims that the milk powder sold at Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) contained over eight times the legal limit of vitamin A has been proven to be unfounded, said the Health Ministry.
“The analysis of samples taken from the manufacturers showed the content of vitamin A did not exceed the maximum 5,000 international units as stated in the Food Regulations Act 1985,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai during a press conference at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He chided DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua for allegedly misleading the public by giving false information about the safety of the food sold at KR1M.
“He had bad intention when he tried to exploit the issue and exposed it to the media.
“I would have thanked him if he had asked the ministry to verify the quality of the product.
“Instead, he chose to do it for his own political mileage,” he said.
He noted that Pua was confused with the rulings in the Food Regulations Act.
“The milk powder is categorised as a growing up milk powder which comes under Rule 395, while he compared it with the ruling for follow-up milk.
“Our findings showed the KR1M growing up milk powder had 3,240 IU/100g.
“It did not exceed the maximum allowed level of vitamin A in milk powder,” he said.
However, Liow said, the oyster sauce did not pass the Health Ministry’s test and would be taken off the shelves.
“Samples of the oyster sauce showed it was below the approved standard under the Food Regulations Act.
“We have instructed the Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperative Ministry to act on it,” he said.
He said other products including the creamer, Ceylon tea, blackcurrant cordial and condensed milk were safe for consumption.
“We are looking at all the allegations made by Pua,” said Liow, adding that all public complaints concerning food safety would be investigated immediately.
Pua had recently claimed that the milk powder did not contain at least 15 of the legally required essential fatty acids, vitamins and mineral, while its vitamin A content was 802% above the permissible level.
“The analysis of samples taken from the manufacturers showed the content of vitamin A did not exceed the maximum 5,000 international units as stated in the Food Regulations Act 1985,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai during a press conference at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He chided DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua for allegedly misleading the public by giving false information about the safety of the food sold at KR1M.
“He had bad intention when he tried to exploit the issue and exposed it to the media.
“I would have thanked him if he had asked the ministry to verify the quality of the product.
“Instead, he chose to do it for his own political mileage,” he said.
He noted that Pua was confused with the rulings in the Food Regulations Act.
“The milk powder is categorised as a growing up milk powder which comes under Rule 395, while he compared it with the ruling for follow-up milk.
“Our findings showed the KR1M growing up milk powder had 3,240 IU/100g.
“It did not exceed the maximum allowed level of vitamin A in milk powder,” he said.
However, Liow said, the oyster sauce did not pass the Health Ministry’s test and would be taken off the shelves.
“Samples of the oyster sauce showed it was below the approved standard under the Food Regulations Act.
“We have instructed the Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperative Ministry to act on it,” he said.
He said other products including the creamer, Ceylon tea, blackcurrant cordial and condensed milk were safe for consumption.
“We are looking at all the allegations made by Pua,” said Liow, adding that all public complaints concerning food safety would be investigated immediately.
Pua had recently claimed that the milk powder did not contain at least 15 of the legally required essential fatty acids, vitamins and mineral, while its vitamin A content was 802% above the permissible level.
Sabah and Sarawak to have more doctors
BorneoPost: SIBU: The Ministry of Health will take measures to increase the number of doctors in Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Health Minister Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai said there was a huge disparity between the number of doctors in West Malaysia and in Sarawak.
“For big cities in Peninsular Malaysia, the doctor to population ratio is 1:400 but in Sarawak, it is 1:2,000,” he said.
To upgrade the health service in Sarawak, the ministry would send specialists to the state, he said.
For the short term, the ministry would get contract doctors from overseas and for the long term, internees.
Liow said there were doctors resigning from government service to go into private practice every year.
“We have never stopped them because private clinics are also part of the health service in our country,” he said.
It was reported in Tuesday’s paper that Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told the Dewan Rakyat that 452 doctors resigned in 2008; 338 in 2009 and 386 in 2010 while 265 have resigned up to August this year.
According to him, the ministry had trained many doctors to increase the quality of health service in the country.
“Back in 2005, we could train only 1,000 doctors a year at the most, but today we can train 3,500 to 4,000 a year,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Health Minister Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai said there was a huge disparity between the number of doctors in West Malaysia and in Sarawak.
“For big cities in Peninsular Malaysia, the doctor to population ratio is 1:400 but in Sarawak, it is 1:2,000,” he said.
To upgrade the health service in Sarawak, the ministry would send specialists to the state, he said.
For the short term, the ministry would get contract doctors from overseas and for the long term, internees.
Liow said there were doctors resigning from government service to go into private practice every year.
“We have never stopped them because private clinics are also part of the health service in our country,” he said.
It was reported in Tuesday’s paper that Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told the Dewan Rakyat that 452 doctors resigned in 2008; 338 in 2009 and 386 in 2010 while 265 have resigned up to August this year.
According to him, the ministry had trained many doctors to increase the quality of health service in the country.
“Back in 2005, we could train only 1,000 doctors a year at the most, but today we can train 3,500 to 4,000 a year,” he said.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Non-Communicable Diseases, Obesity Main Health Scourge Affecting Malaysians - Liow
SIBU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The government is concerned that non-communicable diseases and obesity are now the main health scourge affecting the people.
As a matter of fact, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said, the diseases were preventable if the people had the committment and discipline to lead a healthy lifestyle.
"Non-communicable diseases are diabetes, hypertension, heart problem and high chlorestrol.
"About 60 per cent of patients in our hospitals nationwide died of heart attack or diabetes, beside cancer," he said, adding that more than half of the country's population, aged over 18, suffered from hypertension.
He said this at a media conference after declaring open the Rajang Park 1Malaysia clinic here Tuesday.
According to statistics from the World Health Organisation, about 36 million people worldwide died of these diseases annually, and the figure was expected to increase by 17 per cent in the next decade.
On obesity, Liow said Malaysia had the highest obesity rate among its population in South East Asia and ranked sixth in Asia.
He said the ministry was currently launching a nationwide campaign to alert the people of the dangers of the diseases and how to prevent them.
"We have also called for a meeting with food producers on how to cut down on sugar and fat contents in their products."
On another issue, Liow said it was a cause for concern for the government that between 2008 and August this year, 1,441 doctors had left the government service, mainly to take up private practice.
Nevertheless, he noted, what was important was that the country was currently able to train between 3,500 to 4,000 doctor annually, as compared to only 1,000 in 2005.
As a matter of fact, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said, the diseases were preventable if the people had the committment and discipline to lead a healthy lifestyle.
"Non-communicable diseases are diabetes, hypertension, heart problem and high chlorestrol.
"About 60 per cent of patients in our hospitals nationwide died of heart attack or diabetes, beside cancer," he said, adding that more than half of the country's population, aged over 18, suffered from hypertension.
He said this at a media conference after declaring open the Rajang Park 1Malaysia clinic here Tuesday.
According to statistics from the World Health Organisation, about 36 million people worldwide died of these diseases annually, and the figure was expected to increase by 17 per cent in the next decade.
On obesity, Liow said Malaysia had the highest obesity rate among its population in South East Asia and ranked sixth in Asia.
He said the ministry was currently launching a nationwide campaign to alert the people of the dangers of the diseases and how to prevent them.
"We have also called for a meeting with food producers on how to cut down on sugar and fat contents in their products."
On another issue, Liow said it was a cause for concern for the government that between 2008 and August this year, 1,441 doctors had left the government service, mainly to take up private practice.
Nevertheless, he noted, what was important was that the country was currently able to train between 3,500 to 4,000 doctor annually, as compared to only 1,000 in 2005.
Six-month rural stint for doctors
Star: SARIKEI: The Government had approved in a recent Cabinet meeting to shorten the minimum period for doctors posting to rural areas from one year to six months.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was to encourage more doctors, especially specialists to serve in rural areas particularly in Sarawak and Sabah.
“We acknowledge there is still a shortage of doctors in Sarawak and Sabah. This decision to shorten the previous require- ment of doctors to serve at least a full year when they are posted to rural areas is one way to overcome the shortage problem,” Liow said at a press conference after launching a health carnival at the Sarikei Hospital.
The 12-day health carnival themed “Closer to You” was the first to be held in the state. During the event, a team of 10 specialist doctors from Peninsular Malaysia will conduct 285 elective surgeries, which are non-emergency surgical procedures to clear backlogged cases.
Other activities included a health aware- ness campaign, health screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, eye checks, blood and organ donation campaign, health talks, seminars and a mass circumcision for boys.
Liow said the hospital had been elevated to a “Minor Specialist Hospital” status with the posting of two resident specialists – Dr Lim Wooi Kok (Paediatrics) and Dr Tan Tze Ling (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) from Peninsular Malaysia.
“One more surgeon who is now undergoing training in Kuching will be posted to Sarikei next year,” Liow said.
He added that every year the Government sent specialist doctors to Sarawak and in 2011, more than 20 had been posted to serve in various hospitals in the state.
Rural hospitals such as Kapit Hospital and Limbang Hospital would also have specialist doctors, he said.
He said the country now produced between 3,500 and 4,000 doctors yearly and this year alone, 800 doctors were given scholarship to undergo specialist training within the country and also abroad.
He said Sarawak was still lagging far behind in term of doctor-population ratio.
“In major cities in Peninsular Malaysia, the ratio is 1-600 people while in Sarawak it is 1-2,000 people,” Liow disclosed, stressing that the Government was com- mitted to reducing the large disparity gra- dually.
Liow also proposed to the state government to convert the old hospital in Sarikei into a clinic.
“The existing clinic has limited space. I hope the state government would agree to my proposal so that more people would benefit from it,” Liow said.
He reiterated that the BN government was serious in upgrading the living standard, economic and social well-being of the people through the transformation of the government, the economy and politics.
“This is not just empty talk. We are fully committed to make it happen,” Liow stressed.
He urged all hospital and health ministry staff to focus on their work as a team so that they could serve the people more effectively.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was to encourage more doctors, especially specialists to serve in rural areas particularly in Sarawak and Sabah.
“We acknowledge there is still a shortage of doctors in Sarawak and Sabah. This decision to shorten the previous require- ment of doctors to serve at least a full year when they are posted to rural areas is one way to overcome the shortage problem,” Liow said at a press conference after launching a health carnival at the Sarikei Hospital.
The 12-day health carnival themed “Closer to You” was the first to be held in the state. During the event, a team of 10 specialist doctors from Peninsular Malaysia will conduct 285 elective surgeries, which are non-emergency surgical procedures to clear backlogged cases.
Other activities included a health aware- ness campaign, health screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, eye checks, blood and organ donation campaign, health talks, seminars and a mass circumcision for boys.
Liow said the hospital had been elevated to a “Minor Specialist Hospital” status with the posting of two resident specialists – Dr Lim Wooi Kok (Paediatrics) and Dr Tan Tze Ling (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) from Peninsular Malaysia.
“One more surgeon who is now undergoing training in Kuching will be posted to Sarikei next year,” Liow said.
He added that every year the Government sent specialist doctors to Sarawak and in 2011, more than 20 had been posted to serve in various hospitals in the state.
Rural hospitals such as Kapit Hospital and Limbang Hospital would also have specialist doctors, he said.
He said the country now produced between 3,500 and 4,000 doctors yearly and this year alone, 800 doctors were given scholarship to undergo specialist training within the country and also abroad.
He said Sarawak was still lagging far behind in term of doctor-population ratio.
“In major cities in Peninsular Malaysia, the ratio is 1-600 people while in Sarawak it is 1-2,000 people,” Liow disclosed, stressing that the Government was com- mitted to reducing the large disparity gra- dually.
Liow also proposed to the state government to convert the old hospital in Sarikei into a clinic.
“The existing clinic has limited space. I hope the state government would agree to my proposal so that more people would benefit from it,” Liow said.
He reiterated that the BN government was serious in upgrading the living standard, economic and social well-being of the people through the transformation of the government, the economy and politics.
“This is not just empty talk. We are fully committed to make it happen,” Liow stressed.
He urged all hospital and health ministry staff to focus on their work as a team so that they could serve the people more effectively.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thumbs up for new beauty procedure guidelines
SunDaily: PETALING JAYA (Nov 20, 2011): The guidelines to regulate the booming beauty industry announced by the Ministry of Health are a much needed step towards safer aesthetic procedures, says the Society for Anti-Aging, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine Malaysia.
Its president Prof Dr Selvaraj Subramaniam told theSun recently that proper medical knowledge was needed as all medical procedures come with risks, and patients have no recourse if they are treated by unqualified people.
"The patient's safety and medical ethics play an important role in the decision to go ahead with the procedure or not, and risks and adverse effects need to be explained to patients.
"Sterility issues and whether the products used are expired or contaminated can lead to infection and deformity when things go wrong, and can even be fatal," he said.
The new guidelines, which are to be ready next month, will allow authorities to clamp down on beauty salons offering medical procedures that only trained practitioners are allowed to perform.
All procedures that require medical and dental practitioners to be present will be listed out and unregistered practitioners will be prohibited from performing any injective or laser procedures.
"With the new guidelines, it will be clearer for local governments and the authorities to know which kind of procedures beauty salons are not allowed to perform," Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
Under the new guidelines, action will be taken against beauty salons offering unauthorised procedures and the Health Ministry will also carry out random checks.
Selvaraj said patient education was the key to solving the problem of beauty quacks and ensuring those who seek treatment are provided proper services.
"Educating the patients together with the legislation set in place is the key to eliminating abuses that may arise from unqualified and untrained persons.
"Someone untrained performing an aesthetic procedure can be likened to one who reads about and watches an appendix surgery, and then does it.
"Only by training and experience do doctors become competent, otherwise, it's like playing with fire," he said.
Its president Prof Dr Selvaraj Subramaniam told theSun recently that proper medical knowledge was needed as all medical procedures come with risks, and patients have no recourse if they are treated by unqualified people.
"The patient's safety and medical ethics play an important role in the decision to go ahead with the procedure or not, and risks and adverse effects need to be explained to patients.
"Sterility issues and whether the products used are expired or contaminated can lead to infection and deformity when things go wrong, and can even be fatal," he said.
The new guidelines, which are to be ready next month, will allow authorities to clamp down on beauty salons offering medical procedures that only trained practitioners are allowed to perform.
All procedures that require medical and dental practitioners to be present will be listed out and unregistered practitioners will be prohibited from performing any injective or laser procedures.
"With the new guidelines, it will be clearer for local governments and the authorities to know which kind of procedures beauty salons are not allowed to perform," Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
Under the new guidelines, action will be taken against beauty salons offering unauthorised procedures and the Health Ministry will also carry out random checks.
Selvaraj said patient education was the key to solving the problem of beauty quacks and ensuring those who seek treatment are provided proper services.
"Educating the patients together with the legislation set in place is the key to eliminating abuses that may arise from unqualified and untrained persons.
"Someone untrained performing an aesthetic procedure can be likened to one who reads about and watches an appendix surgery, and then does it.
"Only by training and experience do doctors become competent, otherwise, it's like playing with fire," he said.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Health Ministry freezing staff leave ahead of floods
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will be freezing the leave applications for staff in certain states ahead of expected floods.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Saturday that public health personnel from flood prone states in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Johor would be barred from taking holidays in December and January.
“We have received reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department that there may be 40% more rainfall this year-end as compared to the same period last year.
“We have prepared our early mapping on which areas will see more rain and which areas are flood prone.
“We also have to move our clinics early so that there won't be too much damage when the floods hit,” he told reporters after the convocation ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman College here.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Saturday that public health personnel from flood prone states in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Johor would be barred from taking holidays in December and January.
“We have received reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department that there may be 40% more rainfall this year-end as compared to the same period last year.
“We have prepared our early mapping on which areas will see more rain and which areas are flood prone.
“We also have to move our clinics early so that there won't be too much damage when the floods hit,” he told reporters after the convocation ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman College here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)