MI KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — DAP MP Tony Pua today accused the Health Ministry of being insincere in its promise to explain “1 Care” to Malaysians, pointing to the four-day notice given for the first of its nationwide roadshow this Saturday.
The Petaling Jaya Utara MP claimed that notices on the 10.30am event was just distributed to healthcare professionals today and offered little time to concerned stakeholders to arrange to be there.
If the notice was to be published in the newspapers tomorrow, the public would only have three days’ notice.
“I feel this is an insincere act by the ministry, because if they truly want to collect feedback from Malaysians and industry players, they need to give a longer notice,” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.
Pua said there would be “limited seating” for the event, to be held at the Healthcare Management Institution in Bangsar.
“From what I know, there are no more than 100 seats available there,” he said.
According to the notice, those interested to attend would have to register through email at daftarforum@moh.gov.my.
“I hope all concerned parties will attend this forum and record their opposition to 1 Care,” he said.
The ministry earlier this month said it would tour the country to explain and engage on healthcare plans after the opposition demanded it reveal details and the status of the 1 Care scheme.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail charged that the roadshow was an “afterthought”, mooted only after strong public opposition.
She said it was surprising Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had waited until after the issue hit the headlines before engaging the public. She questioned Liow’s sincerity.
“Like other BN pronouncements such as the SBPA (Public Service Remuneration Scheme), it seems consultation is only an afterthought,” Dr Wan Azizah said.
“We have received complaints from doctors involved in previous consultations on 1 Care that there was no true engagement or dialogue involved. The government is set to continue with 1 Care.”
Dr Wan Azizah, who served as a government doctor for 14 years before entering politics, urged Liow to end his silence on the opposition’s suggestion on what should be done to improve the healthcare system.
1 Care has come under fire from healthcare practitioners and the public, who claim that individuals and businesses will be forced to hand over 10 per cent of their earnings each month to the government-run insurance fund.
The scheme is expected to replace the current two-tier healthcare system with one that integrates private and government hospitals in the hope of ensuring more equitable healthcare for Malaysians of all classes.
Under the present system, patients can choose to be treated at private clinics or hospitals and pay out of their own pockets, or opt for government clinics or hospitals, paying a nominal fee for basic, federally subsidised healthcare.
The ministry has assured critics that the 1 Care scheme will not burden the public with undue costs. Talks are continuing on the financial arrangements and their impact on the government and taxpayers.
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
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Malaysia signs health MOU with Singapore
The Star SINGAPORE: Malaysia has signed its first health sector Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ministry of health in Singapore related to pharmaceutical regulatory matters.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that the MOU was a new milestone of cooperation between the health ministries as both Malaysia and Singapore face similar challenges in relation to the pharmaceutical field.
"With this collaboration, we will be able to achieve a win-win situation as we can combine resources eventually save cost and time," he said after witnessing the MOU signing ceremony at the Fullerton Hotel here on March 28.
The MOU was signed between the Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Services Division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Singapore chief executive officer Associate Professor John Lim.
It was also witnessed by Singapore's Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Liow said that the MOU will enable both countries to share information on pharmaceutical regulatory matters and would include information related to safety issues.
"The sharing of information by both countries is vital to the public as this will include information on product recalls and other developments in the pharmaceutical sector.
"This will enable both countries to take appropriate and immediate action towards protecting and ensuring the safety of the people," he said adding that the MOU would also allow for joint evaluation and audits which would reduce time lines for pharmaceutical product registration for both countries.
"Other than that, we will also be able to cooperate by conducting mutual exchange of courses, seminars, attachment trainings, study visits and other related activities," he said.
Liow said that the MOU would also help strengthen enforcement especially related to illicit drugs and contraband products in both countries.
"Through the cooperation with Singapore we will be able to share information, track down and trace illicit drugs to ensure that the people from both countries will not receive such material," he said.
Liow added that Malaysia was looking forward to signing more such MOUs with Singapore and this could include areas related to public health and disease control in the near future.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that the MOU was a new milestone of cooperation between the health ministries as both Malaysia and Singapore face similar challenges in relation to the pharmaceutical field.
"With this collaboration, we will be able to achieve a win-win situation as we can combine resources eventually save cost and time," he said after witnessing the MOU signing ceremony at the Fullerton Hotel here on March 28.
The MOU was signed between the Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Services Division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Singapore chief executive officer Associate Professor John Lim.
It was also witnessed by Singapore's Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Liow said that the MOU will enable both countries to share information on pharmaceutical regulatory matters and would include information related to safety issues.
"The sharing of information by both countries is vital to the public as this will include information on product recalls and other developments in the pharmaceutical sector.
"This will enable both countries to take appropriate and immediate action towards protecting and ensuring the safety of the people," he said adding that the MOU would also allow for joint evaluation and audits which would reduce time lines for pharmaceutical product registration for both countries.
"Other than that, we will also be able to cooperate by conducting mutual exchange of courses, seminars, attachment trainings, study visits and other related activities," he said.
Liow said that the MOU would also help strengthen enforcement especially related to illicit drugs and contraband products in both countries.
"Through the cooperation with Singapore we will be able to share information, track down and trace illicit drugs to ensure that the people from both countries will not receive such material," he said.
Liow added that Malaysia was looking forward to signing more such MOUs with Singapore and this could include areas related to public health and disease control in the near future.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Malacca govt, Manipal Medical College build RM100mil hospital
The Star
MALACCA: The Malacca state government and the Malacca Manipal Medical College (MMMC) will be jointly building a RM100mil Manipal Hospital here.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the 120-bed hospital would be built on a 6.5-hectare site in front of the MMMC in Batu Hampar, Bukit Baru in six months.
He said the construction of the hospital, expected to be completed in two years was in line with the state government's objective to develop the 12 subsectors of tourism including health tourism.
"The hospital will provide medical specialist services such cardiology, cancer and others apart from regular medical treatment with modern medical equipment," he told reporters after a visit to MMMC here today which was attended by college chancellor Datuk Ramdas M. Pai.
Mohd Ali said the state government was also proposing that MMMC conducts post-graduate courses in medicine and dentistry for its 1,500 students.
This is because the facilities at the college are among the best at medium cost to enable medical students to continue their studies. - Bernama
MALACCA: The Malacca state government and the Malacca Manipal Medical College (MMMC) will be jointly building a RM100mil Manipal Hospital here.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the 120-bed hospital would be built on a 6.5-hectare site in front of the MMMC in Batu Hampar, Bukit Baru in six months.
He said the construction of the hospital, expected to be completed in two years was in line with the state government's objective to develop the 12 subsectors of tourism including health tourism.
"The hospital will provide medical specialist services such cardiology, cancer and others apart from regular medical treatment with modern medical equipment," he told reporters after a visit to MMMC here today which was attended by college chancellor Datuk Ramdas M. Pai.
Mohd Ali said the state government was also proposing that MMMC conducts post-graduate courses in medicine and dentistry for its 1,500 students.
This is because the facilities at the college are among the best at medium cost to enable medical students to continue their studies. - Bernama
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Health Ministry wants private GPs to implement ‘DOT’ way to treat TB patients
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is planning to expand the "Directly Observed Treatment" (DOT) method for treating Tuberculosis (TB) patients to private clinics soon.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Saturday the ministry was now in talks with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to get private general practitioners (GPs) to act as DOT supervisors to their TB patients.
DOT is a practice that requires a care-giver to observe directly TB patients taking their medication committedly for six to nine months in order to ensure that they are completely cured.
"We need our patients to comply with the treatment. If patients do not comply with the treatment plan, they will prolong the illness as well as raise the risk of communicating the disease," he told reporters after attending the World TB Day 2012, here Saturday.
Patients compliance in treatment was crucial to curing the disease, currently the number one cause of death amongst all reported infectious diseases in the country, he said.
He added that if left untreated, a TB patient could infect 10 to 15 people in a single year.
Liow said in the fight against TB, more health facilities were also being made available for diagnostic and treatment purposes, so that patients with tuberculosis can be detected and treated early.
He said cooperation with NGOs was also being intensified to increase public awareness on TB, which the government targets to eliminate by year 2050.
Apart from that, he said the government also allowed TB patients who did not have caregivers to be treated as in-patients at government hospitals, while patients who refused to comply with the treatment programme could be quarantined.
He said currently the success rate of patients cured from TB was 80 percent and that the ministry hoped to increase it to 85 percent.
TB cases in Malaysia saw an increase of seven percent last year with a total of 20,666 cases reported compared to 19,337 cases in 2010.
Liow said this was due to the wider screening and detection mechanisms implemented, which also allowed for early treatment of TB patients.
He said the higher number was also due to increased cases of HIV infection and diabetes cases while foreigners made up 10 per cent of the total TB cases reported. Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is planning to expand the "Directly Observed Treatment" (DOT) method for treating Tuberculosis (TB) patients to private clinics soon.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Saturday the ministry was now in talks with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to get private general practitioners (GPs) to act as DOT supervisors to their TB patients.
DOT is a practice that requires a care-giver to observe directly TB patients taking their medication committedly for six to nine months in order to ensure that they are completely cured.
"We need our patients to comply with the treatment. If patients do not comply with the treatment plan, they will prolong the illness as well as raise the risk of communicating the disease," he told reporters after attending the World TB Day 2012, here Saturday.
Patients compliance in treatment was crucial to curing the disease, currently the number one cause of death amongst all reported infectious diseases in the country, he said.
He added that if left untreated, a TB patient could infect 10 to 15 people in a single year.
Liow said in the fight against TB, more health facilities were also being made available for diagnostic and treatment purposes, so that patients with tuberculosis can be detected and treated early.
He said cooperation with NGOs was also being intensified to increase public awareness on TB, which the government targets to eliminate by year 2050.
Apart from that, he said the government also allowed TB patients who did not have caregivers to be treated as in-patients at government hospitals, while patients who refused to comply with the treatment programme could be quarantined.
He said currently the success rate of patients cured from TB was 80 percent and that the ministry hoped to increase it to 85 percent.
TB cases in Malaysia saw an increase of seven percent last year with a total of 20,666 cases reported compared to 19,337 cases in 2010.
Liow said this was due to the wider screening and detection mechanisms implemented, which also allowed for early treatment of TB patients.
He said the higher number was also due to increased cases of HIV infection and diabetes cases while foreigners made up 10 per cent of the total TB cases reported. Bernama
Friday, March 23, 2012
Main - Malaysia - 1 Care roadshow an ‘afterthought’, says PKR president @ Fri Mar 23 2012
TMI
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has charged that the 1 Care roadshow is an “afterthought” as it was mooted only after strong public opposition.
The PKR president said it was surprising Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had waited till now after the issue had hit the headlines to engage the public, questioning the health minister’s sincerity.
“Like other BN pronouncements such as the SBPA (Public Service Remuneration Scheme), it seems consultation is only an afterthought,” Dr Wan Azizah (picture) said in a statement today.
“We have received complaints from doctors involved in previous consultations on 1 Care that there was no true engagement or dialogue involved. The government is set to continue with 1 Care.”
Dr Wan Azizah, who served as a government doctor for 14 years before entering politics, urged Liow to end his silence on the opposition’s suggestion on what should be done to improve the healthcare system.
She reiterated that government should increase its healthcare expenditure to between five and six per cent of GDP, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from 2.2 per cent in 2008.
Putrajaya should also first plug leakages in the system — which according to WHO causes 20 to 40 per cent wastage in the healthcare budget — as the introduction of 1 Care will “increase the opportunity for corruption” if existing inefficiencies were not addressed first, she stressed.
“This is similar to the privatisation of various sectors of the country’s healthcare system over the past two decades which were supposed to increase efficiency yet only resulted in more leakages,” she said.
“This includes the privatisation of the government medical store, university hospitals, the cardiology department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital and the hospital support services which have substantially increased healthcare costs... without improving efficiency.”
1 Care has come under heavy fire from healthcare practitioners and the public, who claim individuals and businesses will be forced to hand over 10 per cent of their earnings each month to a federal insurance fund.
The scheme is expected to replace the current two-tier healthcare system with one that integrates both private and government hospitals in the hope of ensuring more equitable healthcare for Malaysians of all classes.
Under the present system, patients can choose to seek treatment at either private clinics or hospitals and pay out of their own pockets or opt for government clinics or hospitals instead, where they will pay a nominal fee for basic, federally subsidised healthcare.
The ministry has assured critics that the 1 Care scheme will not burden the public with undue costs, saying that talks on the financial arrangements that will be made available and their impact on the government and taxpayers were ongoing.
Liow said last Thursday that the blueprint for 1 Care will only be done in two years, and urged all parties to not to jump to any conclusions as discussions with stakeholders were still at an early stage.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has charged that the 1 Care roadshow is an “afterthought” as it was mooted only after strong public opposition.
The PKR president said it was surprising Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had waited till now after the issue had hit the headlines to engage the public, questioning the health minister’s sincerity.
“Like other BN pronouncements such as the SBPA (Public Service Remuneration Scheme), it seems consultation is only an afterthought,” Dr Wan Azizah (picture) said in a statement today.
“We have received complaints from doctors involved in previous consultations on 1 Care that there was no true engagement or dialogue involved. The government is set to continue with 1 Care.”
Dr Wan Azizah, who served as a government doctor for 14 years before entering politics, urged Liow to end his silence on the opposition’s suggestion on what should be done to improve the healthcare system.
She reiterated that government should increase its healthcare expenditure to between five and six per cent of GDP, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from 2.2 per cent in 2008.
Putrajaya should also first plug leakages in the system — which according to WHO causes 20 to 40 per cent wastage in the healthcare budget — as the introduction of 1 Care will “increase the opportunity for corruption” if existing inefficiencies were not addressed first, she stressed.
“This is similar to the privatisation of various sectors of the country’s healthcare system over the past two decades which were supposed to increase efficiency yet only resulted in more leakages,” she said.
“This includes the privatisation of the government medical store, university hospitals, the cardiology department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital and the hospital support services which have substantially increased healthcare costs... without improving efficiency.”
1 Care has come under heavy fire from healthcare practitioners and the public, who claim individuals and businesses will be forced to hand over 10 per cent of their earnings each month to a federal insurance fund.
The scheme is expected to replace the current two-tier healthcare system with one that integrates both private and government hospitals in the hope of ensuring more equitable healthcare for Malaysians of all classes.
Under the present system, patients can choose to seek treatment at either private clinics or hospitals and pay out of their own pockets or opt for government clinics or hospitals instead, where they will pay a nominal fee for basic, federally subsidised healthcare.
The ministry has assured critics that the 1 Care scheme will not burden the public with undue costs, saying that talks on the financial arrangements that will be made available and their impact on the government and taxpayers were ongoing.
Liow said last Thursday that the blueprint for 1 Care will only be done in two years, and urged all parties to not to jump to any conclusions as discussions with stakeholders were still at an early stage.
Driving home the message for public's organ donation
New Straits Times
WITH support from Volkswagen (VW) Beetles Club Malaysia, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) sent its LifeCheck Mobile Health Screening bus, Direct Debit Donor Programme truck and Secretariat cars to selected locations in Johor Baru, Malacca, Seremban and the Klang Valley to promote organ donation, the theme for this year's World Kidney Day (WKD) 2012 celebrations.
In Johor Baru, a total of 342 people attended the free health screening at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), a joint effort by hospital staff and NKF.
The programme was officiated by Johor's state health director, Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub, along with HSA's consultant nephrologist, Dr Hooi Lai Seong and NKF chief executive officer, Chua Hong Wee. Owners of VW Beetles went to Plaza Angsana in a convoy in the afternoon to reach out to local shoppers.
Moving to Malacca the next day, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh (PHAK) senior operations manager Tan Yew Aik welcomed the NKF and VW convoy to the hospital as he encouraged the public to attend regular health screenings in his opening speech.
The hospital staff and nephrologists cheered the convoy which was flagged-off from the hospital to Dataran Pahlawan in a shower of bright confetti and WKD mini flags. Locals and tourists participated in the organ donation campaign at the shopping mall.
The day after, 16 vintage VW Beetles joined the NKF convoy to Seremban town.
Health screening counters, health and organ donation exhibitions, a games session and colouring contests for children were organised by Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban (HTJS), NKF and the National Transplant Resource Centre at Seremban Parkson Parade.
Back in the Klang Valley a day later, the NKF convoy invited VW Beetles Club members to join the final flag-off to Tropicana City Mall and 1Utama Shopping Complex.
Shoppers at both malls were given freebies and goodies bags upon signing up as an organ pledger. or upon completion of quiz and puzzles related to the campaign's theme.
The convoy aimed to get the public to come forward and pledge to be organ donors.
It was also aimed at raising awareness on the positive outcomes of kidney transplantation to patients with end-stage kidney failure.
This year's WKD theme is Donate Kidneys for Life Receive.
Speaking about the programme, Chua Hong Wee, chief executive officer of NKF, said: "This is one of the ways we reached out to the community to come forward and support our cause.
"Currently, there are over 15,000 patients in the national waiting list for kidney transplants, and we hope our programme can give hope to these patients suffering from end-stage kidney failure so that their lives can be saved."
WITH support from Volkswagen (VW) Beetles Club Malaysia, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) sent its LifeCheck Mobile Health Screening bus, Direct Debit Donor Programme truck and Secretariat cars to selected locations in Johor Baru, Malacca, Seremban and the Klang Valley to promote organ donation, the theme for this year's World Kidney Day (WKD) 2012 celebrations.
In Johor Baru, a total of 342 people attended the free health screening at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), a joint effort by hospital staff and NKF.
The programme was officiated by Johor's state health director, Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub, along with HSA's consultant nephrologist, Dr Hooi Lai Seong and NKF chief executive officer, Chua Hong Wee. Owners of VW Beetles went to Plaza Angsana in a convoy in the afternoon to reach out to local shoppers.
Moving to Malacca the next day, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh (PHAK) senior operations manager Tan Yew Aik welcomed the NKF and VW convoy to the hospital as he encouraged the public to attend regular health screenings in his opening speech.
The hospital staff and nephrologists cheered the convoy which was flagged-off from the hospital to Dataran Pahlawan in a shower of bright confetti and WKD mini flags. Locals and tourists participated in the organ donation campaign at the shopping mall.
The day after, 16 vintage VW Beetles joined the NKF convoy to Seremban town.
Health screening counters, health and organ donation exhibitions, a games session and colouring contests for children were organised by Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban (HTJS), NKF and the National Transplant Resource Centre at Seremban Parkson Parade.
Back in the Klang Valley a day later, the NKF convoy invited VW Beetles Club members to join the final flag-off to Tropicana City Mall and 1Utama Shopping Complex.
Shoppers at both malls were given freebies and goodies bags upon signing up as an organ pledger. or upon completion of quiz and puzzles related to the campaign's theme.
The convoy aimed to get the public to come forward and pledge to be organ donors.
It was also aimed at raising awareness on the positive outcomes of kidney transplantation to patients with end-stage kidney failure.
This year's WKD theme is Donate Kidneys for Life Receive.
Speaking about the programme, Chua Hong Wee, chief executive officer of NKF, said: "This is one of the ways we reached out to the community to come forward and support our cause.
"Currently, there are over 15,000 patients in the national waiting list for kidney transplants, and we hope our programme can give hope to these patients suffering from end-stage kidney failure so that their lives can be saved."
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Ban Ki-Moon Impressed With Malaysia's Commitment In Tackling TB
Bernama KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 -- United Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon said he is impressed with the country's commitment in addressing tuberculosis (TB), the second top infectious killer of adults in the world.
During his visit to the Institute of Respiratory Medicine in Jalan Pahang here today, Ban commended the Health Ministry which had provided free clinical management to all tuberculosis patients.
"I commend the government of Malaysia for helping tuberculosis patients here and many others. The government provides free services and treatment to those involved. This is remarkable," he told reporters at the end of the visit.
Ban, who was accompanied by his wife Ban Soon-taek, is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office on Jan 1, 2007. He and his entourage comprising UN officials and staff arrived here yesterday.
Ban and his wife interacted with two TB patients undergoing treatment at the institute. They were joined by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
In his speech, the UN top diplomat called for intensified global solidarity to ensure that all people were free from tuberclosis and its devastating effects.
"Millions of children have lost their parents, children who are exposed to sick family members are at a high risk of contracting the disease," he noted.
"Far too many go untreated since TB is difficult to diagnose and treat in children. That's why this year we should aim to expand awareness on how children are affected by this disease," he added.
According to Ban, 46 million people had been cured and seven million lives saved since 1995, thanks to the efforts of the UN, governments, doctors, civil society groups and other members of society.
In 2011, 8.4 million people were infected with TB, while 1.4 million died from it.
Twenty-two countries carry 80 per cent of the burden of TB, four of which are in the Western Pacific Region, namely Cambodia, China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Liow told reporters later that there had been a slight increase in TB cases in Malaysia -- 64 per 100,000 population in the last decade compared with 72 per 100,000 currently.
He noted that foreign workers made up 10 per cent of the 20,666 TB cases in the country.
Ban's visit to the institute was part of the commemoration of the World TB Day, celebrated on March 24 annually.
It marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus.
The theme of this year's celebration is 'Stop TB in Our Lifetime'.
The Institute of Respiratory Medicine in the Malaysian capital is a renowned referral centre for the management of tuberclosis since 1958.
Initially known as Clinic Jalan Pahang, the facility later saw the construction of new structures for the country's national tuberculosis programme and Tuberculosis Hospital.
During his visit to the Institute of Respiratory Medicine in Jalan Pahang here today, Ban commended the Health Ministry which had provided free clinical management to all tuberculosis patients.
"I commend the government of Malaysia for helping tuberculosis patients here and many others. The government provides free services and treatment to those involved. This is remarkable," he told reporters at the end of the visit.
Ban, who was accompanied by his wife Ban Soon-taek, is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office on Jan 1, 2007. He and his entourage comprising UN officials and staff arrived here yesterday.
Ban and his wife interacted with two TB patients undergoing treatment at the institute. They were joined by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
In his speech, the UN top diplomat called for intensified global solidarity to ensure that all people were free from tuberclosis and its devastating effects.
"Millions of children have lost their parents, children who are exposed to sick family members are at a high risk of contracting the disease," he noted.
"Far too many go untreated since TB is difficult to diagnose and treat in children. That's why this year we should aim to expand awareness on how children are affected by this disease," he added.
According to Ban, 46 million people had been cured and seven million lives saved since 1995, thanks to the efforts of the UN, governments, doctors, civil society groups and other members of society.
In 2011, 8.4 million people were infected with TB, while 1.4 million died from it.
Twenty-two countries carry 80 per cent of the burden of TB, four of which are in the Western Pacific Region, namely Cambodia, China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Liow told reporters later that there had been a slight increase in TB cases in Malaysia -- 64 per 100,000 population in the last decade compared with 72 per 100,000 currently.
He noted that foreign workers made up 10 per cent of the 20,666 TB cases in the country.
Ban's visit to the institute was part of the commemoration of the World TB Day, celebrated on March 24 annually.
It marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus.
The theme of this year's celebration is 'Stop TB in Our Lifetime'.
The Institute of Respiratory Medicine in the Malaysian capital is a renowned referral centre for the management of tuberclosis since 1958.
Initially known as Clinic Jalan Pahang, the facility later saw the construction of new structures for the country's national tuberculosis programme and Tuberculosis Hospital.
More control against adulterated food and traditional medicine
Star: PETALING JAYA: The new Pharmacy Bill will give drug control authorities more flexibility to protect consumers from food or traditional medicine that is adulterated with prescription drugs.
Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services Division enforcement director Mohd Hatta Ahmad said under the proposed new legislation, it would be able to issue directives to stop the sale and distribution of such products according to market trends.
“For instance, if we find that adulterated slimming products are being sold in night markets, we can issue a directive to ban their sale in night markets,” said Mohd Hatta.
He added that the division could also bar offending manufacturers or industry players from the pharmaceutical industry.
Mohd Hatta said existing laws, including the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, did not have provisions for the division to do that.
He said the division conducted active market surveillance and tested samples of suspect products for prescription drugs before taking the culprits to court if a food product or traditional medicine was found to be adulterated with drugs like sex stimulants or appetite suppressants.
However, the individual penalty was only a maximum fine of RM25,000 or a jail sentence of not more than three years or both for the first offence.
While companies that were found guilty could be fined up to RM50,000 and RM100,000 for the first and subsequent offences respectively, Mohd Hatta said this was not a deterrent.
He said the new pharmacy laws would also provide for stiffer fines in the range of millions of ringgit.
On Tuesday, The Star had highlighted that appetite suppressant drugs sibutramine (banned) and phentermine (controlled) were still being added to traditional medicine and health supplements by unscrupulous manufacturers.
Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services Division enforcement director Mohd Hatta Ahmad said under the proposed new legislation, it would be able to issue directives to stop the sale and distribution of such products according to market trends.
“For instance, if we find that adulterated slimming products are being sold in night markets, we can issue a directive to ban their sale in night markets,” said Mohd Hatta.
He added that the division could also bar offending manufacturers or industry players from the pharmaceutical industry.
Mohd Hatta said existing laws, including the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, did not have provisions for the division to do that.
He said the division conducted active market surveillance and tested samples of suspect products for prescription drugs before taking the culprits to court if a food product or traditional medicine was found to be adulterated with drugs like sex stimulants or appetite suppressants.
However, the individual penalty was only a maximum fine of RM25,000 or a jail sentence of not more than three years or both for the first offence.
While companies that were found guilty could be fined up to RM50,000 and RM100,000 for the first and subsequent offences respectively, Mohd Hatta said this was not a deterrent.
He said the new pharmacy laws would also provide for stiffer fines in the range of millions of ringgit.
On Tuesday, The Star had highlighted that appetite suppressant drugs sibutramine (banned) and phentermine (controlled) were still being added to traditional medicine and health supplements by unscrupulous manufacturers.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sime Darby opens new RM240m medical centre
Malaysian Reserve Sime Darby Medical Centre (SDMC) has opened a new medical centre in Ara Damansara, Selangor, which is said to be the first standalone facility to focus on heart, brain, spine and joint medical cases.
The centre, built at a cost of RM240 million, was launched yesterday by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj. According to the chairman of Sime Darby Healthcare Group, Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, the setup of the medical centre is aimed to set a new benchmark in the provision of healthcare services in the region.
"Over the last two decades, the Sime Darby Healthcare Group (SDHG) has scored numerous achievements and mi lestones in Malaysia's medical history and our flagship medical centre, the SDMC in Subang Jaya, is today a multiple award winning private hospital that complies with globally-recognised standards.
"In line with Sime Darby Healthcare's vision of becoming a gold standard healthcare provider in the region, it is only natural that we leverage on our experience and expertise to set a new benchmark for the healthcare industry, which is reflected in our new medical centre in Ara Damansara," Dr Wan Mohd Zahid said.
According to Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, there is currently a need for greater capacity to treat heart, brain, spine and joint-related cases in Malaysia and the region.
"SDMC Ara Damansara is specially tailored to meet those needs with our three centres of excellence, for instance, our paediatric and adult heart centres are led by specialists whose reputation has been built upon decades of cutting edge practices and innovation.
"In addition, we have state-of-the-art equipment such as an EP (electrophysiology) unit with a 3D mapping system and in essence, this helps us detect and treat more types of heart diseases in less time," he explained.
SDMC Ara Damansara will feature 220 beds, 30 clinic suites, five operating theatres and two cardiovascular laboratories and will also have a fully-equipped, rehabilitation facility which includes neurospinal rehabilitation (stroke and spinal injuries), paediatric therapy, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and speech therapy.
In addition, the facility features a comprehensive multisensory room for sensory stimulation for children with autism, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder and hyper-active disorder.
SDMC is a unit under SDHG and a division within the public-listed Sime Darby Bhd. SDHG currently comprises of Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Sime Darby Specialist Centre Megah and Sime Darby Nursing & Health Sciences College.
Also present at the launching ceremony were the Mentri Besar of Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Sime Darby's president and group chief executive Datuk Mohd Bakke Salleh
The centre, built at a cost of RM240 million, was launched yesterday by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj. According to the chairman of Sime Darby Healthcare Group, Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, the setup of the medical centre is aimed to set a new benchmark in the provision of healthcare services in the region.
"Over the last two decades, the Sime Darby Healthcare Group (SDHG) has scored numerous achievements and mi lestones in Malaysia's medical history and our flagship medical centre, the SDMC in Subang Jaya, is today a multiple award winning private hospital that complies with globally-recognised standards.
"In line with Sime Darby Healthcare's vision of becoming a gold standard healthcare provider in the region, it is only natural that we leverage on our experience and expertise to set a new benchmark for the healthcare industry, which is reflected in our new medical centre in Ara Damansara," Dr Wan Mohd Zahid said.
According to Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, there is currently a need for greater capacity to treat heart, brain, spine and joint-related cases in Malaysia and the region.
"SDMC Ara Damansara is specially tailored to meet those needs with our three centres of excellence, for instance, our paediatric and adult heart centres are led by specialists whose reputation has been built upon decades of cutting edge practices and innovation.
"In addition, we have state-of-the-art equipment such as an EP (electrophysiology) unit with a 3D mapping system and in essence, this helps us detect and treat more types of heart diseases in less time," he explained.
SDMC Ara Damansara will feature 220 beds, 30 clinic suites, five operating theatres and two cardiovascular laboratories and will also have a fully-equipped, rehabilitation facility which includes neurospinal rehabilitation (stroke and spinal injuries), paediatric therapy, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and speech therapy.
In addition, the facility features a comprehensive multisensory room for sensory stimulation for children with autism, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder and hyper-active disorder.
SDMC is a unit under SDHG and a division within the public-listed Sime Darby Bhd. SDHG currently comprises of Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Sime Darby Specialist Centre Megah and Sime Darby Nursing & Health Sciences College.
Also present at the launching ceremony were the Mentri Besar of Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Sime Darby's president and group chief executive Datuk Mohd Bakke Salleh
Malaysia to be ageing nation by 2035
AsiaOne KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is expected to attain Ageing Nation Status by 2035 with an increase in life expectancy due to better healthcare and improved standards of living.
It is, therefore, important to teach children about healthy ageing because health in old age is determined by healthy living when young, said Permata Negara Early Childhood Education and Care Programme policy executive committee chairman Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
She said children were "our most invaluable assets and our investment in them was our investment in the future of the nation.
"The youth are now heavily involved in activities such as risky road races, excessive drinking and use of drugs, which not only harms society but also their own health in the long run".
Rosmah said it was the task of parents, family members and leaders to influence the people closest to them to observe a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
"Children who receive unconditional love and adequate attention will grow up to be balanced individuals physically, emotionally and spiritually," she said when opening the First World Congress on Healthy Ageing 2012 here yesterday.
An ageing nation is one where 15 per cent or more of the country's population are aged 60 and above.
Globally, the United Nations has projected the number of persons older than 60 to reach two billion by 2050 from 606 million today, which is a three fold increase, and people over 80 to increase five-fold.
Rosmah said growth in global ageing had forced countries to develop correct policies and practices and this was a new phenomenon.
"We are forecasting more middle-aged adults in our population in the next 20 years," she said, adding that ageing shouldn't be seen negatively.
"We need to move away from the notion of ill health, wrinkles and loneliness when we talk about ageng."
Rosmah said the Permata centres were designed to provide opportunities for children from rural areas below the age of 5 and disadvantaged children in semi-urban areas. In five years, the number of Permata centres has grown to 600. The programme has been validated in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Rosmah said Permata centres had always emphasised that every child in the centre should have a health card with health screening twice a year for early detection of illness.
The four-day congress will see 187 speakers discussing world health issues and there will be more than 120 hours of lectures, workshops, forums and seminars.
The congress themed, Evolution: Holistic Ageing in an Age of Change will be attended by 977 participants from 39 countries.
Some of the major issues to be discussed are promoting healthy ageing, stress management, fitness and ageing, elderly care, financial management in elderly care and the psychology of ageing.
The congress will also discuss preventive measures in relation to healthy ageing.
It is, therefore, important to teach children about healthy ageing because health in old age is determined by healthy living when young, said Permata Negara Early Childhood Education and Care Programme policy executive committee chairman Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
She said children were "our most invaluable assets and our investment in them was our investment in the future of the nation.
"The youth are now heavily involved in activities such as risky road races, excessive drinking and use of drugs, which not only harms society but also their own health in the long run".
Rosmah said it was the task of parents, family members and leaders to influence the people closest to them to observe a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
"Children who receive unconditional love and adequate attention will grow up to be balanced individuals physically, emotionally and spiritually," she said when opening the First World Congress on Healthy Ageing 2012 here yesterday.
An ageing nation is one where 15 per cent or more of the country's population are aged 60 and above.
Globally, the United Nations has projected the number of persons older than 60 to reach two billion by 2050 from 606 million today, which is a three fold increase, and people over 80 to increase five-fold.
Rosmah said growth in global ageing had forced countries to develop correct policies and practices and this was a new phenomenon.
"We are forecasting more middle-aged adults in our population in the next 20 years," she said, adding that ageing shouldn't be seen negatively.
"We need to move away from the notion of ill health, wrinkles and loneliness when we talk about ageng."
Rosmah said the Permata centres were designed to provide opportunities for children from rural areas below the age of 5 and disadvantaged children in semi-urban areas. In five years, the number of Permata centres has grown to 600. The programme has been validated in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Rosmah said Permata centres had always emphasised that every child in the centre should have a health card with health screening twice a year for early detection of illness.
The four-day congress will see 187 speakers discussing world health issues and there will be more than 120 hours of lectures, workshops, forums and seminars.
The congress themed, Evolution: Holistic Ageing in an Age of Change will be attended by 977 participants from 39 countries.
Some of the major issues to be discussed are promoting healthy ageing, stress management, fitness and ageing, elderly care, financial management in elderly care and the psychology of ageing.
The congress will also discuss preventive measures in relation to healthy ageing.
Johns Hopkins & Perdana University to build 1000 bed teaching hospital
Medical Tourism MagIn collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Perdana University has completed the strategic programming and planning phase of a new healthcare system in Malaysia, led by a team comprised of Jones Lang LaSalle and Ayers Saint Gross.
The strategic planning process is, according to the planning team, the delivery model recipe which will create the final design for the 1,000-bed teaching hospital, medical university and research campus. The goal is to deliver the completed and fully-operational facility in late 2014 or early 2015.
Phase One will be comprised of a 600-bed all-private room teaching hospital (a first in Asia), 750,000 gross square feet of teaching space and 100,000 gross square feet of research space.
Ultimately, the new campus will consist of a three-million-square-foot complex containing a teaching hospital, medical education facilities, research facilities, administrative offices, and student support amenities.
The architectural design phase will commence with the selection of an architecture firm pending the finalization of an international design firm competition.
The new facility will be known as Perdana University Hospital and Graduate School of Medicine (PUGSOM) in Malaysia.
When completed, the ways in which medical care, teaching and research will be delivered in Southeast Asia will take quantum leaps forward.
The new development, being led by Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHMI) in collaboration with a Malaysian public-private partnership, will create the first fully-integrated private four-year graduate medical school and teaching hospital on the continent. It is also the first health system application in the world to incorporate Johns Hopkins' new interdisciplinary ‘Genes to Society' curriculum that melds science and teaching into a hospital.
The project is being developed 20 minutes south of downtown Kuala Lumpur in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia by Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd.
"We envision a medical school and campus that focuses on investigative science to drive innovation and fuel clinical care delivery," said Sanford Wu, Assistant Director, Global Strategy, Johns Hopkins Medicine International. "We're implementing a new curriculum, in real time, for Perdana University in Malaysia."
Scot Latimer, Managing Director of the Healthcare Solutions group at Jones Lang LaSalle, led the planning effort. The Perdana University/Johns Hopkins Medicine International team is drawing from the experience of Latimer and the Ayers Saint Gross team.
Latimer has personally advised nine of the US News 2010 ‘Honor Roll' hospitals and five of the top 10 children's hospitals, and led planning of 30 million square feet of acute healthcare space within the last decade. Ayers Saint Gross has completed more than 125 campus master plans for colleges and universities.
"Perdana University will embrace breakthrough ways to teach, conduct research and deliver healthcare - not just in Malaysia, but across the globe," said Adam Gross, FAIA, principal at Ayers Saint Gross. "The physical plan for the new campus will be reciprocal with the mission of Johns Hopkins Medicine which is to balance and interweave the components of clinical care, teaching and research."
The strategic planning process is, according to the planning team, the delivery model recipe which will create the final design for the 1,000-bed teaching hospital, medical university and research campus. The goal is to deliver the completed and fully-operational facility in late 2014 or early 2015.
Phase One will be comprised of a 600-bed all-private room teaching hospital (a first in Asia), 750,000 gross square feet of teaching space and 100,000 gross square feet of research space.
Ultimately, the new campus will consist of a three-million-square-foot complex containing a teaching hospital, medical education facilities, research facilities, administrative offices, and student support amenities.
The architectural design phase will commence with the selection of an architecture firm pending the finalization of an international design firm competition.
The new facility will be known as Perdana University Hospital and Graduate School of Medicine (PUGSOM) in Malaysia.
When completed, the ways in which medical care, teaching and research will be delivered in Southeast Asia will take quantum leaps forward.
The new development, being led by Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHMI) in collaboration with a Malaysian public-private partnership, will create the first fully-integrated private four-year graduate medical school and teaching hospital on the continent. It is also the first health system application in the world to incorporate Johns Hopkins' new interdisciplinary ‘Genes to Society' curriculum that melds science and teaching into a hospital.
The project is being developed 20 minutes south of downtown Kuala Lumpur in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia by Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd.
"We envision a medical school and campus that focuses on investigative science to drive innovation and fuel clinical care delivery," said Sanford Wu, Assistant Director, Global Strategy, Johns Hopkins Medicine International. "We're implementing a new curriculum, in real time, for Perdana University in Malaysia."
Scot Latimer, Managing Director of the Healthcare Solutions group at Jones Lang LaSalle, led the planning effort. The Perdana University/Johns Hopkins Medicine International team is drawing from the experience of Latimer and the Ayers Saint Gross team.
Latimer has personally advised nine of the US News 2010 ‘Honor Roll' hospitals and five of the top 10 children's hospitals, and led planning of 30 million square feet of acute healthcare space within the last decade. Ayers Saint Gross has completed more than 125 campus master plans for colleges and universities.
"Perdana University will embrace breakthrough ways to teach, conduct research and deliver healthcare - not just in Malaysia, but across the globe," said Adam Gross, FAIA, principal at Ayers Saint Gross. "The physical plan for the new campus will be reciprocal with the mission of Johns Hopkins Medicine which is to balance and interweave the components of clinical care, teaching and research."
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
At least 17 new private hospitals by 2015
Business TimesKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could see at least 17 new private hospitals by 2015, with licence to operate some 4,500 beds, involving investments to the tune of RM4.5 billion.
At least three other hospitals have applied to expand its facility and will add another 770 beds.
Industry sources say that based on various reports, this would bring the total number of new beds close to 5,300.
An industry expert contacted by Business Times, said that the average cost of new hospitals (based on number of beds) is around RM1 million, while for extension it is about RM500 million.
Total investment in private hospitals by 2015 would translate roughly to as much as RM4.8 billion, including extending the hospital facility.
Previous reports indicate that Gleneagles has a goal of operating 2,000 beds by 2020 from 380 beds at its two hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Apart from the Pantai Parkway group, which operates the Pantai and Gleneagles hospital, and KPJ which operates the largest hospital chain in Malaysia, Sime Darby Healthcare is one of the hospital groups that is expanding.
Several private teaching schools are expected to be established. UCSI University Hospital, is poised to be the first private teaching hospital with 1,000 beds scheduled to open in 2015.
It was also reported that Sunway Medical Centre plans to open a teaching hospital with 1,000 beds, but no confirmed date yet for its opening.
Another private player, John Hopkins University is expected to open a 600-bed teaching hospital but still unclear of its opening.
Meanwhile, the state of Johor alone is expected to have some five hospitals with a 1,140 beds.
The Performance Management and Delivery Unit has projected that by 2020, the hospital bed requirement - between 5,000 and 6,000 beds - set to meet both domestic and overseas demand. Of this, 1,900 beds are for foreign patients.
In a recent interview, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council chief executive officer Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin said the bed occupancy rates in Johor and the Klang Valley are at 70 per cent.
And once hospitals reach 80 per cent or 90 per cent, it is considered maximum capacity as a certain percentage is usually kept for emergency cases.
She also added that the whole of Malaysia, particularly Sabah, needs more private hospitals.
At least three other hospitals have applied to expand its facility and will add another 770 beds.
Industry sources say that based on various reports, this would bring the total number of new beds close to 5,300.
An industry expert contacted by Business Times, said that the average cost of new hospitals (based on number of beds) is around RM1 million, while for extension it is about RM500 million.
Total investment in private hospitals by 2015 would translate roughly to as much as RM4.8 billion, including extending the hospital facility.
Previous reports indicate that Gleneagles has a goal of operating 2,000 beds by 2020 from 380 beds at its two hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Apart from the Pantai Parkway group, which operates the Pantai and Gleneagles hospital, and KPJ which operates the largest hospital chain in Malaysia, Sime Darby Healthcare is one of the hospital groups that is expanding.
Several private teaching schools are expected to be established. UCSI University Hospital, is poised to be the first private teaching hospital with 1,000 beds scheduled to open in 2015.
It was also reported that Sunway Medical Centre plans to open a teaching hospital with 1,000 beds, but no confirmed date yet for its opening.
Another private player, John Hopkins University is expected to open a 600-bed teaching hospital but still unclear of its opening.
Meanwhile, the state of Johor alone is expected to have some five hospitals with a 1,140 beds.
The Performance Management and Delivery Unit has projected that by 2020, the hospital bed requirement - between 5,000 and 6,000 beds - set to meet both domestic and overseas demand. Of this, 1,900 beds are for foreign patients.
In a recent interview, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council chief executive officer Dr Mary Wong Lai Lin said the bed occupancy rates in Johor and the Klang Valley are at 70 per cent.
And once hospitals reach 80 per cent or 90 per cent, it is considered maximum capacity as a certain percentage is usually kept for emergency cases.
She also added that the whole of Malaysia, particularly Sabah, needs more private hospitals.
Drugs still added to health supplements despite being banned
Star: PETALING JAYA: One was banned and another controlled, but appetite suppressant drugs sibutramine and phentermine are still added to traditional medicines and health supplements by unscrupulous manufacturers.
This has put millions of Malaysians at risk as the drugs can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision, especially for people with underlying conditions, such as heart disease.
“Sibutramine was banned in Malaysia in 2010 after it was observed to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with a history of heart disease,” said Health Ministry pharmaceutical services division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman.
“While phentermine is still allowed to be prescribed by qualified doctors, it is generally not recommended for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
“It is also only approved for short-term use (less than three months),” Eisah said.
Last year, about 20 types of slimming products, valued at RM610,581, were seized in the 225 recorded cases, said director of pharmacy enforcement Mohd Hatta Ahmad.
“This is about three times the value of products seized in 2010, which amounted to RM195,365,” he said, adding that most of them were laced with sibutramine or phentermine.
Mohd Hatta said adulteration was more common in food products and health supplements as manufacturers and distributors were not required to register them with the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau or the Drug Control Authority.
As for traditional medicine products, there have been cases where the drugs are added to them after they have been registered.
According to the bureau, about five registered traditional products were tested positive for sibutramine between 2009 and last year.
As heart disease is a condition that is common among Malaysians due to the high incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, the availability of products adulterated with the drugs is worrying, said Prof Dr Nor Azmi Kamaruddin, head of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Medical Centre Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit.
Besides sibutramine and phentermine, laxatives, diuretics (which increases the rate of urination) and other drugs which increase a person's metabolic rate can be dangerous as well.
“When people have underlying health conditions, the side effects of the drugs may be multiplied,” Dr Nor Azmi said.
Some of the warning signs consumers can look out for include drastic weight loss (1kg a day, for example), palpitations, insomnia, breathlessness and constipation, he added.
Sellers of such products usually try to convince their clients that the symptoms are normal but Dr Nor Azmi said consumers were putting their health at risk if they continued consuming the products.
He advised consumers to seek medical advice if they wanted to start taking a weight-loss product or if they experienced any of the above symptoms after consuming it.
This has put millions of Malaysians at risk as the drugs can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision, especially for people with underlying conditions, such as heart disease.
“Sibutramine was banned in Malaysia in 2010 after it was observed to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with a history of heart disease,” said Health Ministry pharmaceutical services division senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman.
“While phentermine is still allowed to be prescribed by qualified doctors, it is generally not recommended for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
“It is also only approved for short-term use (less than three months),” Eisah said.
Last year, about 20 types of slimming products, valued at RM610,581, were seized in the 225 recorded cases, said director of pharmacy enforcement Mohd Hatta Ahmad.
“This is about three times the value of products seized in 2010, which amounted to RM195,365,” he said, adding that most of them were laced with sibutramine or phentermine.
Mohd Hatta said adulteration was more common in food products and health supplements as manufacturers and distributors were not required to register them with the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau or the Drug Control Authority.
As for traditional medicine products, there have been cases where the drugs are added to them after they have been registered.
According to the bureau, about five registered traditional products were tested positive for sibutramine between 2009 and last year.
As heart disease is a condition that is common among Malaysians due to the high incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, the availability of products adulterated with the drugs is worrying, said Prof Dr Nor Azmi Kamaruddin, head of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Medical Centre Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit.
Besides sibutramine and phentermine, laxatives, diuretics (which increases the rate of urination) and other drugs which increase a person's metabolic rate can be dangerous as well.
“When people have underlying health conditions, the side effects of the drugs may be multiplied,” Dr Nor Azmi said.
Some of the warning signs consumers can look out for include drastic weight loss (1kg a day, for example), palpitations, insomnia, breathlessness and constipation, he added.
Sellers of such products usually try to convince their clients that the symptoms are normal but Dr Nor Azmi said consumers were putting their health at risk if they continued consuming the products.
He advised consumers to seek medical advice if they wanted to start taking a weight-loss product or if they experienced any of the above symptoms after consuming it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
All parties urged to take measures to control HFMD outbreak
Borneo post KUCHING: Parents, nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools in the state are urged to take all precautionary measures to put a brake on the outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), failing which the number of cases could soar when schools reopen today.
Last week (March 11-17), the total reported cases stood at 460, way above the epidemic level of 327 cases, but much lower than the week before (March 4-10) with 757 cases.
The Ministry of Health has, since 1997 during the first outbreak of HFMD in Malaysia, collected data on cases nation-wide.
Based on the data, it determines that a state is at the alert level if it registers 217 cases or more, and declares that the disease is at an epidemic level if the cases exceed 327.
As of press time yesterday, no fatality has been reported. Of the accumulative 6,678 cases reported in the country, Sarawak had 3,144 cases – the highest of all states.
“Although there is no fatality and most are mild cases, we shall not take the disease lightly,” director general of Health Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman told journalists after attending a briefing at the Pesona Conference Room of Sarawak General Hospital here yesterday.
He said the ministry aimed at putting a stop to the transmission of HFMD — a very contagious disease among children aged 10 and below — and feared that schooling, which resumed today, might dampen the effort.
“In Sarawak, most cases involved children below five years old – most probably due to close contact, and by touching things and lack of personal hygiene.”
Dr Hasan said the drastic drop in number of cases recorded in the 11th week (from March 11 to 17) compared to the week earlier could be because of the school holiday.
Despite the decrease, he called on parents to keep their guard and learning institutions to comply with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
“I know some parents have to work but it is your child we are talking about. If your child is unwell and have red spots on their hands, feet and mouth, do not send them to nurseries, kindergartens or schools.
“If you send your sick child who shows those symptoms to institutions, it is very unfair to other children and the institution concerned might face temporary closure.”
He pointed out that Malaysia had the experience in curbing the outbreak of HFMD since 1997, disclosing that during the first epidemic outbreak which was over a period of three months, 29 lives were lost.
Citing the latest outbreak, he said most cases reported in Sarawak started at homes, particularly where cleanliness and personal hygiene were neglected.
“The majority of cases happened in households which are crowded or due to poor hygiene. In addition, children are very dependent and parents have to take good care of them.”
Dr Hasan stressed that parents must pay close attention to the health of their children, and they must send them to clinics or hospitals if they show symptoms of HFMD.
As stipulated under the regulations, he said all clinics had to report HFMD patients to the authorities to help keep the outbreak at bay.
“Hence, we demand that doctors notify us. Given our experience all these years, we can keep it under control and we want to stop the transmission. Only when we bring down the number of cases could we ensure zero fatality.”
He assured that all hospitals including their intensive care units (ICU) had been put on the alert to treat children infected with the disease.
He also asked for strong co-operation from every individual to curb transmission of the disease.
Meanwhile, as of today, all pupils and students will be screened for HFMD at their school gates to prevent the disease from spiralling out of control.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Liow: Don’t brush off insomnia as stress
The Star KUALA LUMPUR: If you are having problems sleeping more than three nights a week for more than a month and it comes with chest pain and shortness of breath, it is best to consult a doctor.
In issuing this advice, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said people who had sleep problems or disorders should get diagnosed and their problems addressed for better health and quality of life.
He said there were 20 sleep laboratories in government hospitals and a few in the private sector throughout the country that helped diagnose the problem.
“If you have sleep problems that are prolonged, get checked by a doctor to rule out serious diseases before you brush it off as due to stress,” he said at a press conference after the 2012 World Sleep Day opening ceremony yesterday where the longest single spring mattress, measuring 28.83m, was displayed.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with World Sleep Day which fell on Friday this year.
At a press conference later, Liow said a sleep laboratory was meant to diagnose people with sleep problems and they would be required to spend a night in the hospital to be monitored.
Liow said 14% of adults suffered from insomnia.
Some “not-so-serious” causes of sleeplessness were old age, jet lag, poor sleeping environment, anxiety while serious causes include depression, alcoholism, hyperthyroidism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Liow said the ministry was also looking into the possibility of getting commercial vehicle drivers to go for sleep tests so that they could be helped if they have any sleep disorders and not pose a danger on the road.
“We will discuss this with the Transport Ministry and assess the need for it,” he said.
In issuing this advice, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said people who had sleep problems or disorders should get diagnosed and their problems addressed for better health and quality of life.
He said there were 20 sleep laboratories in government hospitals and a few in the private sector throughout the country that helped diagnose the problem.
“If you have sleep problems that are prolonged, get checked by a doctor to rule out serious diseases before you brush it off as due to stress,” he said at a press conference after the 2012 World Sleep Day opening ceremony yesterday where the longest single spring mattress, measuring 28.83m, was displayed.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with World Sleep Day which fell on Friday this year.
At a press conference later, Liow said a sleep laboratory was meant to diagnose people with sleep problems and they would be required to spend a night in the hospital to be monitored.
Liow said 14% of adults suffered from insomnia.
Some “not-so-serious” causes of sleeplessness were old age, jet lag, poor sleeping environment, anxiety while serious causes include depression, alcoholism, hyperthyroidism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Liow said the ministry was also looking into the possibility of getting commercial vehicle drivers to go for sleep tests so that they could be helped if they have any sleep disorders and not pose a danger on the road.
“We will discuss this with the Transport Ministry and assess the need for it,” he said.
Dengue cases continue to rise
The Sun Daily PETALING JAYA (March 15, 2012): More than 500 new cases of dengue were reported in the period between March 4 to 10, bringing the total number of reported cases to 5,184 cases nationwide since Jan 1.
However, there were no new deaths reported and the number of new cases have decreased by 63 cases to 504 cases, compared to 567 cases between Feb 26 to March 3.
The outbreak has so far claimed 16 lives, compared to 8 deaths in the same period last year.
Health Director General Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman in a statement today said the number of hotspots have increased to 115 localities in 20 districts, compared to 18 districts the week before.
Hasan said, the current rainy season puts everyone at risk of the dengue threat.
"Continuous rainfall will increase the number of possible aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
"The dengue outbreak is still on an upward trend. I urge the people to ensure that their premises are free from pools or containers of stagnant water and work together to eradicate the dengue threat," said Hasan.
However, there were no new deaths reported and the number of new cases have decreased by 63 cases to 504 cases, compared to 567 cases between Feb 26 to March 3.
The outbreak has so far claimed 16 lives, compared to 8 deaths in the same period last year.
Health Director General Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman in a statement today said the number of hotspots have increased to 115 localities in 20 districts, compared to 18 districts the week before.
Hasan said, the current rainy season puts everyone at risk of the dengue threat.
"Continuous rainfall will increase the number of possible aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
"The dengue outbreak is still on an upward trend. I urge the people to ensure that their premises are free from pools or containers of stagnant water and work together to eradicate the dengue threat," said Hasan.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Liow: Allegations against 1Care baseless
FMT KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health has rebutted claims that the proposed national 1Care health plan will burden Malaysians.
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai told the Dewan Rakyat today that many of the accusations aimed at the 1Care plan were untrue.
He said this was because the government had not yet finalised the plan, much less reach a decision on it.
“What has been raised by (certain) irresponsible groups that are engaged in roadshows right now… there has been no decision made by any parties that are involved with the betterment of the health system right now. We have not come to a decision,” the Bentong MP said.
Liow also denied claims that the proposed system would be launched in March this year, as well as allegations that people would need to pay 10% of their salary to fund 1Care and that it would be privatised.
The minister was responding to a query by Kota Melaka (DAP) Sim Tong Him, who asked how much the government would spend on 1Care every year.
Sim also asked how many people would be expected to benefit from the programme, how it would be able to generate funds and if it was indeed a joint-venture with the private sector.
According to Liow, an explanation for this would be difficult as the government had not yet come up with a blueprint on the proposed plan.
He added that the ministry was in the process of getting feedback from the public through hearings and dialogues.
Stakeholders will be consulted
During a press conference later, Liow said that the government hoped to come out with a blueprint for the 1Care plan within the next two years.
“Blueprint will be ready after the (public) feedback. When the blueprint is ready, then we’ll go back to the rakyat again…Then we will see how the response is from the public,” he said.
Liow also stressed that the approach to the plan would not be “piecemeal”.
He added that it would be “very detailed”, and would involve expert views from all stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Public feedback sessions, the minister added, would take place from the end of March until the end of the year.
He also said that the claim of people having to give up 10% of their salary was based off a study on how much people spent on healthcare.
“I want to reiterate that the 10% is actually based on a study carried out on how much you spend a year on health per household. That is the average that you spend out of your salary.
“I don’t know how they took it out (of context), and say that you’d have to pay 10% of your salary. It’s a totally different thing,” he said.
PKR wants more transparency
Meanwhile, in another press conference, PKR leaders urged Liow to be more transparent in the implementation of the 1Care programme.
Gopeng MP Lee Boon Chye questioned the success of the plan when public faith in the government health care services was low.
“According to figures in last year’s budget, 48 million people went to private clinics and only 27 million opted for government clinics,” he said.
He also asked on how the government health services could be improved when the ministry’s allocations have been declining over the past three years.
“According to last year’s budget, development allocation for the ministry was reduced through the years. It was RM3.7 billion in 2010, RM2.2 billion in 2011 and RM1.8 billion in 2012,” he said.
PKR vice president and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh also urged more transparency from the health minister.
“The minister is claiming that the opposition is trying to sabotage the government’s intention but why can’t they just be more transparent? Just consult the stakeholders even before having a blueprint,” she said.
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai told the Dewan Rakyat today that many of the accusations aimed at the 1Care plan were untrue.
He said this was because the government had not yet finalised the plan, much less reach a decision on it.
“What has been raised by (certain) irresponsible groups that are engaged in roadshows right now… there has been no decision made by any parties that are involved with the betterment of the health system right now. We have not come to a decision,” the Bentong MP said.
Liow also denied claims that the proposed system would be launched in March this year, as well as allegations that people would need to pay 10% of their salary to fund 1Care and that it would be privatised.
The minister was responding to a query by Kota Melaka (DAP) Sim Tong Him, who asked how much the government would spend on 1Care every year.
Sim also asked how many people would be expected to benefit from the programme, how it would be able to generate funds and if it was indeed a joint-venture with the private sector.
According to Liow, an explanation for this would be difficult as the government had not yet come up with a blueprint on the proposed plan.
He added that the ministry was in the process of getting feedback from the public through hearings and dialogues.
Stakeholders will be consulted
During a press conference later, Liow said that the government hoped to come out with a blueprint for the 1Care plan within the next two years.
“Blueprint will be ready after the (public) feedback. When the blueprint is ready, then we’ll go back to the rakyat again…Then we will see how the response is from the public,” he said.
Liow also stressed that the approach to the plan would not be “piecemeal”.
He added that it would be “very detailed”, and would involve expert views from all stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Public feedback sessions, the minister added, would take place from the end of March until the end of the year.
He also said that the claim of people having to give up 10% of their salary was based off a study on how much people spent on healthcare.
“I want to reiterate that the 10% is actually based on a study carried out on how much you spend a year on health per household. That is the average that you spend out of your salary.
“I don’t know how they took it out (of context), and say that you’d have to pay 10% of your salary. It’s a totally different thing,” he said.
PKR wants more transparency
Meanwhile, in another press conference, PKR leaders urged Liow to be more transparent in the implementation of the 1Care programme.
Gopeng MP Lee Boon Chye questioned the success of the plan when public faith in the government health care services was low.
“According to figures in last year’s budget, 48 million people went to private clinics and only 27 million opted for government clinics,” he said.
He also asked on how the government health services could be improved when the ministry’s allocations have been declining over the past three years.
“According to last year’s budget, development allocation for the ministry was reduced through the years. It was RM3.7 billion in 2010, RM2.2 billion in 2011 and RM1.8 billion in 2012,” he said.
PKR vice president and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh also urged more transparency from the health minister.
“The minister is claiming that the opposition is trying to sabotage the government’s intention but why can’t they just be more transparent? Just consult the stakeholders even before having a blueprint,” she said.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
1 Care blueprint ready in two years, says Liow
MI KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — The blueprint for the controversial 1 Care healthcare system will only be done in two years, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.
The health minister said the government had yet to decide which model to use and that it was too early for critics to jump to any conclusions.
“We haven’t even decided what model to use yet. We haven’t finalised it. The blueprint will be ready in two years,” he said in Parliament.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him.
The health minister said the government had yet to decide which model to use and that it was too early for critics to jump to any conclusions.
“We haven’t even decided what model to use yet. We haven’t finalised it. The blueprint will be ready in two years,” he said in Parliament.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him.
RM100m allocated to expand Cosway Pharmacy
BT BERJAYA'S direct selling unit, Cosway Corp Ltd, will spend an estimated RM100 million to open its Cosway Pharmacy retail concept to as far as South America.
Cosway Pharmacy, a three-in-one store, will offer Cosway products which range from household products to personal care, pharmaceutical products and its Country Farm Organics range.
Chief executive officer of Cosway Al Chuah said that the investment includes existing markets as well as new ones like Mexico, Colombia and Russia, which it will venture into in the first quarter this year.
The company hopes to open 50 stores within the first 12 months in these new markets.
Here in Malaysia, Cosway (M) Sdn Bhd's target is to have 200 Cosway Pharmacy outlets this year with an ultimate goal of strengthening its network to 1,000 stores within five years.
Al Chuah, who launched the first Cosway Pharmacy in Berjaya Times Square yesterday, said within the next one-and-a-half years, Cosway could emerge as the largest retail pharmacy chain in Malaysia, overtaking Guardian.
This is because expansion will involve both the incorporation of pharmacies within an existing Cosway store or vice versa, as well as the opening of completely new Cosway Pharmacy outlets.
There are a total of 800 Cosway stores and 2,000 retail pharmacies in Malaysia. To date, Cosway has obtained the commitment of about 10 pharmacists to set up the concept.
Malaysia currently has a shortage of pharmacists, which is expected to be resolved within the next two to three years.
As such, the Cosway package has to be attractive enough for get a pharmacist to join now.
The store, referred to as a free store, will see Cosway bear the burden of renovations, rental and utilities. It will also supply the products on consignment.
To lure the pharmacists, Cosway plans to match the take-home salary of a pharmacist, but it is expected to more than double immediately after adopting this model.
Cosway Pharmacy, a three-in-one store, will offer Cosway products which range from household products to personal care, pharmaceutical products and its Country Farm Organics range.
Chief executive officer of Cosway Al Chuah said that the investment includes existing markets as well as new ones like Mexico, Colombia and Russia, which it will venture into in the first quarter this year.
The company hopes to open 50 stores within the first 12 months in these new markets.
Here in Malaysia, Cosway (M) Sdn Bhd's target is to have 200 Cosway Pharmacy outlets this year with an ultimate goal of strengthening its network to 1,000 stores within five years.
Al Chuah, who launched the first Cosway Pharmacy in Berjaya Times Square yesterday, said within the next one-and-a-half years, Cosway could emerge as the largest retail pharmacy chain in Malaysia, overtaking Guardian.
This is because expansion will involve both the incorporation of pharmacies within an existing Cosway store or vice versa, as well as the opening of completely new Cosway Pharmacy outlets.
There are a total of 800 Cosway stores and 2,000 retail pharmacies in Malaysia. To date, Cosway has obtained the commitment of about 10 pharmacists to set up the concept.
Malaysia currently has a shortage of pharmacists, which is expected to be resolved within the next two to three years.
As such, the Cosway package has to be attractive enough for get a pharmacist to join now.
The store, referred to as a free store, will see Cosway bear the burden of renovations, rental and utilities. It will also supply the products on consignment.
To lure the pharmacists, Cosway plans to match the take-home salary of a pharmacist, but it is expected to more than double immediately after adopting this model.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Malaysia to tackle unpaid medical bills
AsiaOne KOTA KINABALU - The government will act over unpaid bills at public hospitals in Sabah which amounted to RM25.834 million (S$10.7 million) from 2009 to last year, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
As the biggest outstanding sum was owed by foreign workers at RM21.54 million, she said the Health Ministry planned to introduce compulsory medical insurance for foreign workers with the help of the Human Resources Ministry.
She said employers would be compelled to provide insurance coverage for their foreign workers.
On the other hand, local residents owed public hospitals in Sabah only RM4.24 million, she said in a statement yesterday.
She was commenting on a claim by Sabah DAP assistant secretary Junz Wong that patients owed public hospitals in the state RM100 million in unpaid bills.
Rosnah said the ministry also planned to impose a requirement that patients settle half of the estimated hospital bills before being treated or warded.
She said Likas Hospital recorded the highest unpaid bills at RM8.171 million, followed by Tawau Hospital (RM6.120 million), Lahad Datu Hospital (RM3.307 million), Dutchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan (RM2.4 million) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu (RM2.162 million).
As the biggest outstanding sum was owed by foreign workers at RM21.54 million, she said the Health Ministry planned to introduce compulsory medical insurance for foreign workers with the help of the Human Resources Ministry.
She said employers would be compelled to provide insurance coverage for their foreign workers.
On the other hand, local residents owed public hospitals in Sabah only RM4.24 million, she said in a statement yesterday.
She was commenting on a claim by Sabah DAP assistant secretary Junz Wong that patients owed public hospitals in the state RM100 million in unpaid bills.
Rosnah said the ministry also planned to impose a requirement that patients settle half of the estimated hospital bills before being treated or warded.
She said Likas Hospital recorded the highest unpaid bills at RM8.171 million, followed by Tawau Hospital (RM6.120 million), Lahad Datu Hospital (RM3.307 million), Dutchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan (RM2.4 million) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu (RM2.162 million).
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