The Star BUTTERWORTH: More than two million Malaysians are unaware that they are diabetic, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
This is because they have not had regular medical check-ups.
“A study has revealed that more than two million people who have high glucose levels in their blood are unaware that they have a problem.
“What is shocking is that these people have not gone for their regular medical check-ups to know of their latest health status,” she said at the opening of the Diabetes Awareness Campaign at SK Kuala Perai in Bagan Dalam near here yesterday.
She said diabetes was a “silent disease” and patients would usually only come to know of their condition seven to 10 years later.
The event was jointly organised by the Diabetes Council of Malaysia and drinking water manufacturer ECPI.
More than 30 senior citizens in Bagan Dalam received spectacles while students with excellent results in the UPSR, PMR and SPM examinations received cash rewards and bicycles at the function.
Rosnah said that in 2006, 1.5 million people were diagnosed as diabetic but in 2011, the figure had increased to three million people.
“The number will continue to rise if the people fail to change their eating habits and lifestyles,” she added.
She advised Malaysians to reduce their sugar consumption and to exercise regularly to stay healthy.
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
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Liow: 1:600 doctor/patient ratio by 2015
Star KLUANG: Malaysia is expected to achieve the 1:600 doctor patient ratio as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) by 2015, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said at present the ratio was at 1:800.
"We expect that with the 3,500 doctors that we are producing annually, the 1:600 ratio can be attained by 2015 and 1:400 by 2020, which will exceed what WHO wants," he told reporters after making visiting the new Kluang Hospital here.
According to Liow, although 3,500 doctors were being produced annually, there were still hospitals in the country like the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru that were facing a shortage of doctors and other support staff.
He said staffing needs of hospitals differed, depending on their location in densely or less densely populated areas.
He added that his ministry had approved 25 additional doctors for the Kluang Hospital bringing the total number of doctors at it to 45 and would also be holding discussions with the Public Service Department to allocate more support staff for the hospital.
He was accompanied by Kluang MP Dr Hou Kok Chung during the visit. - Bernama
He said at present the ratio was at 1:800.
"We expect that with the 3,500 doctors that we are producing annually, the 1:600 ratio can be attained by 2015 and 1:400 by 2020, which will exceed what WHO wants," he told reporters after making visiting the new Kluang Hospital here.
According to Liow, although 3,500 doctors were being produced annually, there were still hospitals in the country like the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru that were facing a shortage of doctors and other support staff.
He said staffing needs of hospitals differed, depending on their location in densely or less densely populated areas.
He added that his ministry had approved 25 additional doctors for the Kluang Hospital bringing the total number of doctors at it to 45 and would also be holding discussions with the Public Service Department to allocate more support staff for the hospital.
He was accompanied by Kluang MP Dr Hou Kok Chung during the visit. - Bernama
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
MMC, ministry misleading public?
FMT PETALING JAYA: An irate parent of a medical student has lashed out at the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and Deputy Health Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin for allegedly misleading the public over discrepancies in enrolling Malaysian medical students in Ukranian universities.
The parent, who did not want to be identified, told FMT that while MMC and Rosnah insisted that the medical degree offered by the Lincoln University College (LUC) was a “stand alone” programme and not connected to universities in Ukraine, new evidence had surfaced that LUC inked an agreement of cooperation with the Ternopil State Medical University (TMSU), which was derecognised by the government.
TSMU’s official website showed an agreement of cooperation between the university and LUC signed on Dec 16, 2010 and according to the agreement, LUC would admit Malaysian students and send them for further education to Ternopil.
Upon graduation, students would be awarded dual degrees both from TSMU and LUC.
This, the parent claimed, was “clearly in contradiction” with the stand of Rosnah and MMC head Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman, who said that LUC’s offshore programme was a “stand alone” course, whereby LUC only used the universities’ facilities while the course was based on its own syllabus.
“This raises a question… why are Malaysian students awarded degrees by the Ukrainian university when it is a ‘stand alone’ programme?” the parent asked.
LUC is the first and only college to obtain the green light from the MMC to run such a “stand alone” programme.
Coincidence or something fishy?
TSMU is one of the three universities in Ukraine identified by the LUC to run the offshore medical programme.
The other two universities are Danylo Halytsky Lviv Nasional Medical University and Ivano Frankivsk Nasional Medical University.
The TSMU website also revealed that the cooperation agreement was signed by LUC’s directors Dr Amiya Bhaumik and Dr Abdul Ghani six days after the Malaysian government imposed a moratorium on medical programmes in Ukraine.
“Is this a coincidence or something fishy happened in MMC on that day?” asked the parent.
The MMC had been under scrutiny over the last two months since news broke out that LUC had approved three unrecognised universities in Ukraine to run its offshore medical programme.
A group of students had accused MMC of giving a free hand to LUC to rake in millions of ringgit through the offshore medical course.
They claimed that the actual cost of completing a medical degree in Ukraine was between RM120,000 and RM130,000. But with LUC acting as the intermediary, the price had escalated to about RM200,000.
They had also accused LUC of acting as an agent for the universities. This charge had been vehemently denied by the MMC and the Health Ministry, saying that LUC was conducting a stand alone medical programme.
The students also sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, asking the government to recognise medical universities in Ukraine so that students could enrol in the universities directly.
The parent, who did not want to be identified, told FMT that while MMC and Rosnah insisted that the medical degree offered by the Lincoln University College (LUC) was a “stand alone” programme and not connected to universities in Ukraine, new evidence had surfaced that LUC inked an agreement of cooperation with the Ternopil State Medical University (TMSU), which was derecognised by the government.
TSMU’s official website showed an agreement of cooperation between the university and LUC signed on Dec 16, 2010 and according to the agreement, LUC would admit Malaysian students and send them for further education to Ternopil.
Upon graduation, students would be awarded dual degrees both from TSMU and LUC.
This, the parent claimed, was “clearly in contradiction” with the stand of Rosnah and MMC head Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman, who said that LUC’s offshore programme was a “stand alone” course, whereby LUC only used the universities’ facilities while the course was based on its own syllabus.
“This raises a question… why are Malaysian students awarded degrees by the Ukrainian university when it is a ‘stand alone’ programme?” the parent asked.
LUC is the first and only college to obtain the green light from the MMC to run such a “stand alone” programme.
Coincidence or something fishy?
TSMU is one of the three universities in Ukraine identified by the LUC to run the offshore medical programme.
The other two universities are Danylo Halytsky Lviv Nasional Medical University and Ivano Frankivsk Nasional Medical University.
The TSMU website also revealed that the cooperation agreement was signed by LUC’s directors Dr Amiya Bhaumik and Dr Abdul Ghani six days after the Malaysian government imposed a moratorium on medical programmes in Ukraine.
“Is this a coincidence or something fishy happened in MMC on that day?” asked the parent.
The MMC had been under scrutiny over the last two months since news broke out that LUC had approved three unrecognised universities in Ukraine to run its offshore medical programme.
A group of students had accused MMC of giving a free hand to LUC to rake in millions of ringgit through the offshore medical course.
They claimed that the actual cost of completing a medical degree in Ukraine was between RM120,000 and RM130,000. But with LUC acting as the intermediary, the price had escalated to about RM200,000.
They had also accused LUC of acting as an agent for the universities. This charge had been vehemently denied by the MMC and the Health Ministry, saying that LUC was conducting a stand alone medical programme.
The students also sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, asking the government to recognise medical universities in Ukraine so that students could enrol in the universities directly.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Najib Opens 1Malaysia Low Risk Maternity Centre
Bernama PUTRAJAYA, April 19 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today opened the 1Malaysia Low Risk Maternity Centre offering first class service with fees as low as RM3.
He said with such low payment, the people could enjoy service on par with first class ward facilities and help reduce their burden.
"Mothers are charged only RM3 for delivery including for treatment, room, medicine and food. This rate is probably the world's best.
"The facilities are of very good quality, with clean and comfortable rooms and for civil servants no fees are charged. I hope many more such centres are established," he told reporters after opening the maternity centre here Thursday.
It is another good healthcare service provided by the government in the interest of the people and to provide proper treatment with minimal fee.
In his speech earlier, Najib hopes that the centre equipped with phototherapy treatment facilities and clinics for antenatal and gynaecology services will provide give the best service.
The centre will also have obstetricians, gynaecologists and paediatricians daily to ensure that patients receive quality, professional and effective treatment.
"It will provide comfort and a conducive environment to mothers as husbands are allowed to accompany spouses in accordance with the concept of "husband-friendly hospital," he added.
The maternity centre which started operation on Jan 30 in Precinct 8 only caters to low risk maternity cases and not limited to residents of Putrajaya.
He said with such low payment, the people could enjoy service on par with first class ward facilities and help reduce their burden.
"Mothers are charged only RM3 for delivery including for treatment, room, medicine and food. This rate is probably the world's best.
"The facilities are of very good quality, with clean and comfortable rooms and for civil servants no fees are charged. I hope many more such centres are established," he told reporters after opening the maternity centre here Thursday.
It is another good healthcare service provided by the government in the interest of the people and to provide proper treatment with minimal fee.
In his speech earlier, Najib hopes that the centre equipped with phototherapy treatment facilities and clinics for antenatal and gynaecology services will provide give the best service.
The centre will also have obstetricians, gynaecologists and paediatricians daily to ensure that patients receive quality, professional and effective treatment.
"It will provide comfort and a conducive environment to mothers as husbands are allowed to accompany spouses in accordance with the concept of "husband-friendly hospital," he added.
The maternity centre which started operation on Jan 30 in Precinct 8 only caters to low risk maternity cases and not limited to residents of Putrajaya.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
New points system for doctors
MI KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — Doctors will have to keep abreast with the latest medical developments before they can be allowed to renew their annual practising licences under a new Health Ministry points system.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said under the system, doctors must attend lectures, courses and seminars to collect points set by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
“It is self improvement via continuous profession development. The new rule is one of amendments to the Medical Act 1971 tabled for first reading in Parliament recently,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama in Subang Jaya today.
He also said the ministry would bar doctors who failed to renew their medical licences with the MMC for six consecutive years.
“They will be barred from practising and are required to sit for a special eligibility test if they want to continue in the profession,” he was quoted as saying.
The country has about 35,000 trained doctors and 5,000 medical specialists.
He said another amendment to the Act was incorporating MMC to give it more authority and functions.
“Incorporation will make MMC an autonomous body that can act faster,” he was quoted as saying.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said under the system, doctors must attend lectures, courses and seminars to collect points set by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
“It is self improvement via continuous profession development. The new rule is one of amendments to the Medical Act 1971 tabled for first reading in Parliament recently,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama in Subang Jaya today.
He also said the ministry would bar doctors who failed to renew their medical licences with the MMC for six consecutive years.
“They will be barred from practising and are required to sit for a special eligibility test if they want to continue in the profession,” he was quoted as saying.
The country has about 35,000 trained doctors and 5,000 medical specialists.
He said another amendment to the Act was incorporating MMC to give it more authority and functions.
“Incorporation will make MMC an autonomous body that can act faster,” he was quoted as saying.
Medical Bill tabled
The Star A BILL, which aims to strengthen the Malaysian Medical Council and enhance the regulation of the medical profession, has been tabled.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin tabled the Medical (Amendment) Bill 2012 for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
The proposed amendment introduces the establishment of a Medical Qualifying Committee to look into the accreditation of qualifications of both local and international training institutions.
It also seeks to establish the council as a corporate body, comprising a director-general, who acts as president and nine fully registered medical practitioners from recognised local universities and university colleges.
The functions of the council include registering medical practitioners and regulating the practice of medicine, entering into contracts to acquire or lease property.
It will allow for new requirements to be stipulated by the council as well as insurance indemnity as a pre-requisite to renew the annual practising certificate.
The amendments also require a practitioner to notify the change of his address of residence and failure to do so would also be deemed an offence.
It also seeks to provide immunity to any healthcare facility and services managed by the Government from any liability of injury, loss or damage of a civil nature.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin tabled the Medical (Amendment) Bill 2012 for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
The proposed amendment introduces the establishment of a Medical Qualifying Committee to look into the accreditation of qualifications of both local and international training institutions.
It also seeks to establish the council as a corporate body, comprising a director-general, who acts as president and nine fully registered medical practitioners from recognised local universities and university colleges.
The functions of the council include registering medical practitioners and regulating the practice of medicine, entering into contracts to acquire or lease property.
It will allow for new requirements to be stipulated by the council as well as insurance indemnity as a pre-requisite to renew the annual practising certificate.
The amendments also require a practitioner to notify the change of his address of residence and failure to do so would also be deemed an offence.
It also seeks to provide immunity to any healthcare facility and services managed by the Government from any liability of injury, loss or damage of a civil nature.
Move to register specialist doctors with MMC
The Star SUBANG: It will soon be complusory for some 5,000 specialist doctors to register with the Malaysian Medical Council under amendments to the Medical Act 1971, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.He said the amendments would be tabled and passed in the next sitting of Parliament.He said the registry would allow patients to identify the specialists according to their respective fields and expertise.He added that the registry, to be made accessible via the internet, would also allow the authorities to monitor foreign doctors practising in Malaysia.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Same promise, same hospital
Free Malaysia Today KUCHING: The much-hyped announcement that the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency will be getting a hospital in three years’ time has fallen flat with the 100,000 voters in the constituency simply because they heard the same pledge five years ago, said local opposition PKR.
“Nevetherless, it is good to hear news of the proposed construction… better now than never,” Sarawak PKR women chief Nurhanim Mokhsen said.
Nurhanim, who was responding to reports that Petra Jaya would have a hospital in three years’ time, was however “puzzled” by the fact that the Barisan Nasional government was calling for tenders when it had already appointed a contractor.
“We are puzzled by the announcement on the need to go through another round of tedious tendering process.
“According to our records, Bursa Malaysia said that Zecon Bhd had received the letter of intent on June 3, 2011 to build the hospital by way of direct negotiations on a ‘design and build basis’.
“Our concern is why the need for the BN government to re-tender as we fear that further delays will creep in.
“Also, it is very disappointing that the proposed hospital is to cater for only 300 beds,” she said, adding that the 300 beds were “ridiculously low” for the high density population area.
Nurhanim feared that overcrowding will occur just like the Sarawak General Hospital.
“If the BN government is responsible, it should look into this more seriously and speed up the project as it is needed by the masses, ” she said.
‘Calling for tender’
She also warned the BN government “not to play” with the sentiment of Petra Jaya populace by promising to build the hospital before every election.
The government had pledged to build the hospital five years ago.
“We urge the finance and health ministries to have the foresight to build the hospital. We propose that the hospital should have at least 500 beds.
“Extra funds should be forthcoming so that the population in Petra Jaya can enjoy better facilities while waiting or accompanying their love ones,” Nurhanim said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s deputy director of health services, Dr Chin Zin Hing, said that the long delayed Petra Jaya hospital is in its design stage and will be up for tender once the design has been finalised.
“We are waiting for the hospital design and have already appointed a consultant on the matter.
“The hospital, which is expected to be completed within three years, will be developed on a 40-acre site next to the Sarawak health department in Petra Jaya.
“The hospital can accommodate 300 beds with all the basic specialists’ services to cater to patients in Petra Jaya,” Chin said.
“Nevetherless, it is good to hear news of the proposed construction… better now than never,” Sarawak PKR women chief Nurhanim Mokhsen said.
Nurhanim, who was responding to reports that Petra Jaya would have a hospital in three years’ time, was however “puzzled” by the fact that the Barisan Nasional government was calling for tenders when it had already appointed a contractor.
“We are puzzled by the announcement on the need to go through another round of tedious tendering process.
“According to our records, Bursa Malaysia said that Zecon Bhd had received the letter of intent on June 3, 2011 to build the hospital by way of direct negotiations on a ‘design and build basis’.
“Our concern is why the need for the BN government to re-tender as we fear that further delays will creep in.
“Also, it is very disappointing that the proposed hospital is to cater for only 300 beds,” she said, adding that the 300 beds were “ridiculously low” for the high density population area.
Nurhanim feared that overcrowding will occur just like the Sarawak General Hospital.
“If the BN government is responsible, it should look into this more seriously and speed up the project as it is needed by the masses, ” she said.
‘Calling for tender’
She also warned the BN government “not to play” with the sentiment of Petra Jaya populace by promising to build the hospital before every election.
The government had pledged to build the hospital five years ago.
“We urge the finance and health ministries to have the foresight to build the hospital. We propose that the hospital should have at least 500 beds.
“Extra funds should be forthcoming so that the population in Petra Jaya can enjoy better facilities while waiting or accompanying their love ones,” Nurhanim said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s deputy director of health services, Dr Chin Zin Hing, said that the long delayed Petra Jaya hospital is in its design stage and will be up for tender once the design has been finalised.
“We are waiting for the hospital design and have already appointed a consultant on the matter.
“The hospital, which is expected to be completed within three years, will be developed on a 40-acre site next to the Sarawak health department in Petra Jaya.
“The hospital can accommodate 300 beds with all the basic specialists’ services to cater to patients in Petra Jaya,” Chin said.
Bill to strengthen Malaysian Medical Council tabled in Parliament
The Star KUALA LUMPUR: A Bill, which aims to strengthen the Malaysian Medical Council and enhance the regulation of the medical profession, was tabled for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin tabled the Medical (Amendment) Bill 2012.
The proposed amendment introduces the establishment of a Medical Qualifying Committee to look into the accreditation of qualifications of both local and international training institutions.
The Bill also seeks to establish the council as a corporate body.
The council may enter into contracts and acquire or lease property, as it deems fit.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin tabled the Medical (Amendment) Bill 2012.
The proposed amendment introduces the establishment of a Medical Qualifying Committee to look into the accreditation of qualifications of both local and international training institutions.
The Bill also seeks to establish the council as a corporate body.
The council may enter into contracts and acquire or lease property, as it deems fit.
Health Ministry to check safety of fake banana leaves
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will look into claims that the “fake banana leaves” used by some Indian restaurants are harmful to health.
“We will verify what these fake leaves are made of,” said its director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman when contacted yesterday.
He was responding to claims by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that the “leaves” had been dyed green and may also contain harmful leftover ink.
In a press conference yesterday, CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the “fake banana leaves” used by restaurants could be harmful to health as they were made of recycled newspapers.
He said the additives used could emit chemicals when hot food is placed on the leaves.
“I urge the authorities to take action under the Trade Description Act against restaurant operators who serve meals on these fake banana leaves,” he said.
“Research has shown that the surface of the banana leaf also has antibacterial properties.
“It is biodegradable unlike the paper leaves which are not environmentally friendly,” said Mohamed Idris
He claimed restaurant operators were trying to cut costs as the paper banana leaves only cost RM5.50 per stack of 100 compared to the real leaves which cost up to 30sen each.
Meanwhile, an operator of a popular Indian banana leaf restaurant here said the paper leaves had been certified by Sirim.
“We sent the sample for testing earlier this year and were told that it complied with the requirements of the Malaysian Food Act,” said Kanna Curry House restaurant manager Muthu Kumar.
The restaurant said the change was for the sake of hygiene and due to the shortage of banana leaves in the country.
“We will verify what these fake leaves are made of,” said its director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman when contacted yesterday.
He was responding to claims by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that the “leaves” had been dyed green and may also contain harmful leftover ink.
In a press conference yesterday, CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the “fake banana leaves” used by restaurants could be harmful to health as they were made of recycled newspapers.
He said the additives used could emit chemicals when hot food is placed on the leaves.
“I urge the authorities to take action under the Trade Description Act against restaurant operators who serve meals on these fake banana leaves,” he said.
“Research has shown that the surface of the banana leaf also has antibacterial properties.
“It is biodegradable unlike the paper leaves which are not environmentally friendly,” said Mohamed Idris
He claimed restaurant operators were trying to cut costs as the paper banana leaves only cost RM5.50 per stack of 100 compared to the real leaves which cost up to 30sen each.
Meanwhile, an operator of a popular Indian banana leaf restaurant here said the paper leaves had been certified by Sirim.
“We sent the sample for testing earlier this year and were told that it complied with the requirements of the Malaysian Food Act,” said Kanna Curry House restaurant manager Muthu Kumar.
The restaurant said the change was for the sake of hygiene and due to the shortage of banana leaves in the country.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Varsity lecturers to help out at 22 hospitals
Star: TAPAH: The Health Ministry has identified 22 public and private universities which will provide specialist medical services in 22 district hospitals nationwide.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the universities were among 33 public and private universities in the country that offer medical courses.
He described it as a smart partnership as the hospitals would provide all the necessary facilities while the universities would send their lecturers who are also medical experts with various specialisations.
He said the collaboration would result in more patients receiving specialist treatment with a shorter waiting period.
“It is a win-win solution for the ministry, universities and the public,” he said after witnessing the signing of the smart partnership between the ministry and nine universities at the Tapah Hospital yesterday.
The ministry was represented by its secretary-general Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa while the nine universities were represented by their vice-chancellors or top officials.
The nine universities that inked the partnership agreement were Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman that would provide specialist medical service at the Tapah Hospital, Management and Science University (Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital), Perdana University (Bentong Hospital), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Serian Hospital), UCSI University (Dungun Hospital), Lincoln University College (Lahad Datu Hospital), Allianze University College of Medical Sciences (Kepala Batas Hospital), Melaka Manipal Medical College (Jasin Hospital) and Mahsa University College (Tanjung Karang Hospital).
Liow said the signing ceremony with the remaining 13 universities would be held later.
“The partnership will help ease congestion at main hospitals and increase the bed occupancy rate at district hospitals,” he said, adding that priority areas include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopedic and anaesthesiology.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the universities were among 33 public and private universities in the country that offer medical courses.
He described it as a smart partnership as the hospitals would provide all the necessary facilities while the universities would send their lecturers who are also medical experts with various specialisations.
He said the collaboration would result in more patients receiving specialist treatment with a shorter waiting period.
“It is a win-win solution for the ministry, universities and the public,” he said after witnessing the signing of the smart partnership between the ministry and nine universities at the Tapah Hospital yesterday.
The ministry was represented by its secretary-general Datuk Kamarul Zaman Md Isa while the nine universities were represented by their vice-chancellors or top officials.
The nine universities that inked the partnership agreement were Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman that would provide specialist medical service at the Tapah Hospital, Management and Science University (Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital), Perdana University (Bentong Hospital), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Serian Hospital), UCSI University (Dungun Hospital), Lincoln University College (Lahad Datu Hospital), Allianze University College of Medical Sciences (Kepala Batas Hospital), Melaka Manipal Medical College (Jasin Hospital) and Mahsa University College (Tanjung Karang Hospital).
Liow said the signing ceremony with the remaining 13 universities would be held later.
“The partnership will help ease congestion at main hospitals and increase the bed occupancy rate at district hospitals,” he said, adding that priority areas include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopedic and anaesthesiology.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Khazanah plans US$1.5 bln healthcare IPO | Free Malaysia Today
Free Malaysia Today KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s state investor Khazanah Nasional Bhd is expected to list its healthcare assets in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in the second half, a deal that could fetch $1.5 billion, two sources with direct knowledge of the deal told Reuters.
The dual listing could be the fourth-biggest initial public offering in the city state’s history and Malaysia’s second-largest this year after the planned listing of Malaysian plantation group Felda Global Venture Holdings.
“It is coming out in the second half,” a source with knowledge of the deal told Reuters on Monday. “Some preliminary discussions are being held with cornerstones and Khazanah’s representatives.”
The IPO will be one of the first after elections in Malaysia that are widely expected to be held in June. Analysts and investment bankers have said Malaysia’s IPO pipeline has slowed ahead of the poll because of concerns of market volatility.
A second source said the listing was set for June or July, with pre-marketing to start in May.
Khazanah officials were not immediately available for comment.
Acquisition trial
The first source, who declined to be identified as the details of the listing have not yet been made public, said Khazanah was still making acquisitions “to bulk up the initial public offering (IPO)”.
Khazanah’s healthcare assets are currently parked under Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH), in which Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd owns a 30 percent stake.
Aside from IHH’s recent purchase of Turkish hospital group Acibadem AS, the unit to be listed would have assets of Singapore’s Parkway Holdings, Malaysia-based Pantai Hospitals and International Medical University.
Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank AG and CIMB are joint global coordinators and book runners for the deal. Goldman Sachs, DBS and Credit Suisse are joint bookrunners, a source told Reuters in December.
-Reuters
The dual listing could be the fourth-biggest initial public offering in the city state’s history and Malaysia’s second-largest this year after the planned listing of Malaysian plantation group Felda Global Venture Holdings.
“It is coming out in the second half,” a source with knowledge of the deal told Reuters on Monday. “Some preliminary discussions are being held with cornerstones and Khazanah’s representatives.”
The IPO will be one of the first after elections in Malaysia that are widely expected to be held in June. Analysts and investment bankers have said Malaysia’s IPO pipeline has slowed ahead of the poll because of concerns of market volatility.
A second source said the listing was set for June or July, with pre-marketing to start in May.
Khazanah officials were not immediately available for comment.
Acquisition trial
The first source, who declined to be identified as the details of the listing have not yet been made public, said Khazanah was still making acquisitions “to bulk up the initial public offering (IPO)”.
Khazanah’s healthcare assets are currently parked under Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH), in which Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd owns a 30 percent stake.
Aside from IHH’s recent purchase of Turkish hospital group Acibadem AS, the unit to be listed would have assets of Singapore’s Parkway Holdings, Malaysia-based Pantai Hospitals and International Medical University.
Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank AG and CIMB are joint global coordinators and book runners for the deal. Goldman Sachs, DBS and Credit Suisse are joint bookrunners, a source told Reuters in December.
-Reuters
Ministry to discuss high cost of private hospital treatment for policy holders
Sinchew KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry will hold a meeting with the relevant authorities to discuss the escalating cost of medical treatment at private hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the meeting to be held between the ministry, Managed-care Organisation (MCO) and private hospitals would look into ways to overcome the problem of high charges for insurance policy holders at private hospitals compared with cash payment.
"The meeting is to discuss the problem of private hospitals imposing high charges for insurance policy referrals when compared with cash payment. There cannot be two variations in payment for treatment.
"If this trend continues, patients will not be able to receive the optimum benefit from their insurance policies," he told reporters after attending a Private Hospital Visitors Board meeting here today.
Liow said since the government has a fixed rate for professional treatment offered by doctors or specialists, nobody can hike the charges to their whims and fancies.
He said every private hospital must set up a grievance mechanism to handle complaints from patients who are unhappy with charges for treatment.
Among the mechanism is to display charges for medical treatment in the website of the respective hospitals, or explain the charges for treatment so that patients would be able to understand before making a decision.
Liow said the Ministry would also make amendments to the regulation of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to enable hospitals and private clinics to operate without too much restriction.
"Our enforcement officers (Ministry) are very strict when inspecting clinics...so we have relaxed the restriction and will inform them of the changes because it does not involve the ethics of doctors," he said.
Meanwhile, Liow said the Private Hospital Visitors Board members selected by the ministry play an important role as facilitators to provide correct information on the services provided by a hospital, to the members of the public.
"They can become an important channel to accept complaints or suggestions from the public to improve the quality of service in their respective hospitals," he said.
Each hospital with a capacity of between 50 to 300 beds will have 10 to 25 board members.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the meeting to be held between the ministry, Managed-care Organisation (MCO) and private hospitals would look into ways to overcome the problem of high charges for insurance policy holders at private hospitals compared with cash payment.
"The meeting is to discuss the problem of private hospitals imposing high charges for insurance policy referrals when compared with cash payment. There cannot be two variations in payment for treatment.
"If this trend continues, patients will not be able to receive the optimum benefit from their insurance policies," he told reporters after attending a Private Hospital Visitors Board meeting here today.
Liow said since the government has a fixed rate for professional treatment offered by doctors or specialists, nobody can hike the charges to their whims and fancies.
He said every private hospital must set up a grievance mechanism to handle complaints from patients who are unhappy with charges for treatment.
Among the mechanism is to display charges for medical treatment in the website of the respective hospitals, or explain the charges for treatment so that patients would be able to understand before making a decision.
Liow said the Ministry would also make amendments to the regulation of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to enable hospitals and private clinics to operate without too much restriction.
"Our enforcement officers (Ministry) are very strict when inspecting clinics...so we have relaxed the restriction and will inform them of the changes because it does not involve the ethics of doctors," he said.
Meanwhile, Liow said the Private Hospital Visitors Board members selected by the ministry play an important role as facilitators to provide correct information on the services provided by a hospital, to the members of the public.
"They can become an important channel to accept complaints or suggestions from the public to improve the quality of service in their respective hospitals," he said.
Each hospital with a capacity of between 50 to 300 beds will have 10 to 25 board members.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Second healthcare forum in Johor Baru on April 28
AsiaOne By Lim Wey Wen The Star/Asia News Network Sunday, Apr 15, 2012
PETALING JAYA - The second healthcare transformation forum, planned by the Health Ministry to collect public feedback with a view to reform, will be held in Johor Baru.
The forum is part of a series of roadshows held nationwide.
In an announcement posted on its website, the ministry invited the public to take part in the "Making Healthcare Equitable and Accessible for All" forum at Johor Allied Health Sciences College in Johor Baru on April 28.
The forum will be at 2pm-5pm. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register with the ministry at daftarforum@moh.gov.my.
The first forum was at the Institute for Health Management in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, on March 31.
More than 100 healthcare professionals and the public, including top ministry officials, have attended the roadshow. There was criticism that the public was given too short a notice as the forum was only announced less than a week before the event.
The forum, moderated by Universiti Sains Malaysia pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, featured three panellists International Movement for a Just World president Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Primary Care Doctors' Organisation Malaysia representative Dr Mahendran Markandoo and Health deputy director-general (medical) Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said the ideas and opinions expressed during the roadshows would be compiled for the ministry's consideration, while discussions with technical working groups on the country's healthcare reform would continue.
He had also said the ministry would look into better ways to inform the public about upcoming forums, including posting details on the ministry's website.
PETALING JAYA - The second healthcare transformation forum, planned by the Health Ministry to collect public feedback with a view to reform, will be held in Johor Baru.
The forum is part of a series of roadshows held nationwide.
In an announcement posted on its website, the ministry invited the public to take part in the "Making Healthcare Equitable and Accessible for All" forum at Johor Allied Health Sciences College in Johor Baru on April 28.
The forum will be at 2pm-5pm. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register with the ministry at daftarforum@moh.gov.my.
The first forum was at the Institute for Health Management in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, on March 31.
More than 100 healthcare professionals and the public, including top ministry officials, have attended the roadshow. There was criticism that the public was given too short a notice as the forum was only announced less than a week before the event.
The forum, moderated by Universiti Sains Malaysia pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, featured three panellists International Movement for a Just World president Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Primary Care Doctors' Organisation Malaysia representative Dr Mahendran Markandoo and Health deputy director-general (medical) Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said the ideas and opinions expressed during the roadshows would be compiled for the ministry's consideration, while discussions with technical working groups on the country's healthcare reform would continue.
He had also said the ministry would look into better ways to inform the public about upcoming forums, including posting details on the ministry's website.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Housemen still being overworked and bullied, sending some into depression
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will conduct checks on the shift system for housemen in hospitals in the wake of reports that trainee doctors are still being overworked, bullied by seniors as well as suffering from depression.
Under the Graduate Medical Officer Flexi Timetable system, introduced last September, housemen can only work up to 60 hours a week with two days off. But implementation has been reportedly poor at some hospitals.
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the ministry would seek explanations from hospitals found overworking their housemen, adding that the ministry was willing to help them implement the system effectively if they were facing a shortage of housemen.
However, he said he had checked timetables in Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ampang Hospital, Serdang Hospital, Klang Hospital, Selayang Hospital and Sungai Buloh Hospital but had not seen any houseman made to work for more than five days a week or to do double shifts.
Earlier, Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Mary Cardosa urged the ministry to review the shift system and conduct a study on the mental health of junior doctors.
On the death of Dr Lee Chang Tat, 29, who was found dead in a restroom of the paediatrics ward at Kajang Hospital with a used syringe beside him, she said there was no data to show the number of housemen who suffered from depression due to their long working hours and stress.
“There should be some kind of mechanism to assist troubled doctors, whether they have personal or work-related problems or can't handle the stress.”
The Malaysian Medical Council, meanwhile, reviews an average of five cases of doctors with mental health issues each month. It is learnt that there were 20 cases last October.
“Most of them are housemen, but we have also heard cases on medical officers,” said former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
“The types of issues range from psychiatric problems to anxiety and coping problems,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail, who is also former MMC chairman, said the working hours for housemen may not be as demanding as before the shift system was implemented, but they were exposed to other sources of stress in their work including demands from patients, their superiors and other colleagues,” he added.
Under the Graduate Medical Officer Flexi Timetable system, introduced last September, housemen can only work up to 60 hours a week with two days off. But implementation has been reportedly poor at some hospitals.
Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the ministry would seek explanations from hospitals found overworking their housemen, adding that the ministry was willing to help them implement the system effectively if they were facing a shortage of housemen.
However, he said he had checked timetables in Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ampang Hospital, Serdang Hospital, Klang Hospital, Selayang Hospital and Sungai Buloh Hospital but had not seen any houseman made to work for more than five days a week or to do double shifts.
Earlier, Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Mary Cardosa urged the ministry to review the shift system and conduct a study on the mental health of junior doctors.
On the death of Dr Lee Chang Tat, 29, who was found dead in a restroom of the paediatrics ward at Kajang Hospital with a used syringe beside him, she said there was no data to show the number of housemen who suffered from depression due to their long working hours and stress.
“There should be some kind of mechanism to assist troubled doctors, whether they have personal or work-related problems or can't handle the stress.”
The Malaysian Medical Council, meanwhile, reviews an average of five cases of doctors with mental health issues each month. It is learnt that there were 20 cases last October.
“Most of them are housemen, but we have also heard cases on medical officers,” said former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
“The types of issues range from psychiatric problems to anxiety and coping problems,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail, who is also former MMC chairman, said the working hours for housemen may not be as demanding as before the shift system was implemented, but they were exposed to other sources of stress in their work including demands from patients, their superiors and other colleagues,” he added.
System that’s a burden to many housemen
Star: PETALING JAYA: A 27-year-old houseman lamented that although the shift system was good, it was poorly implemented at his hospital.
He claimed that it was up to each department to implement the system.
The houseman alleged that when he first joined the hospital, he had to work 92 hours a week and on 24-hour shifts for up to one and a half months.
But things improved after someone brought up the issue to the management.
However, for departments that lacked housemen, they had to work long hours and without on-call allowance.
This was because allowances were not provided for in the shift system and housemen were not expected to work more than 72 hours a week, he added.
The houseman said they were paid a fixed RM600 a month but without the RM100 to RM200 allowance for each on-call duty.
He also claimed that eight housemen suffered depression and were under psychiatric observation as they could not take the bullying from senior doctors, whom he said constantly shouted and belittled them.
They were also burdened with a training duration that was extended from four to six or seven months for each department.
“One houseman went into depression after he failed his assessment twice,” he said, adding that some housemen got themselves transferred to another hospital or just resigned.
Another houseman Dr G.M. Pillai, 28, said Ipoh Hospital was trying its best to adhere to the rules set by the Health Ministry.
“We work 60 to 65 hours a week and sometimes up to 70 hours. But if we have to work up to 70 hours, we are given less hours the following week,” he said.
Before the shift system was introduced, he had worked up to 36 hours.
But, after it was implemented, the hours were capped at a maximum of 20 and they get a whole day off the next day, he said.
He claimed that it was up to each department to implement the system.
The houseman alleged that when he first joined the hospital, he had to work 92 hours a week and on 24-hour shifts for up to one and a half months.
But things improved after someone brought up the issue to the management.
However, for departments that lacked housemen, they had to work long hours and without on-call allowance.
This was because allowances were not provided for in the shift system and housemen were not expected to work more than 72 hours a week, he added.
The houseman said they were paid a fixed RM600 a month but without the RM100 to RM200 allowance for each on-call duty.
He also claimed that eight housemen suffered depression and were under psychiatric observation as they could not take the bullying from senior doctors, whom he said constantly shouted and belittled them.
They were also burdened with a training duration that was extended from four to six or seven months for each department.
“One houseman went into depression after he failed his assessment twice,” he said, adding that some housemen got themselves transferred to another hospital or just resigned.
Another houseman Dr G.M. Pillai, 28, said Ipoh Hospital was trying its best to adhere to the rules set by the Health Ministry.
“We work 60 to 65 hours a week and sometimes up to 70 hours. But if we have to work up to 70 hours, we are given less hours the following week,” he said.
Before the shift system was introduced, he had worked up to 36 hours.
But, after it was implemented, the hours were capped at a maximum of 20 and they get a whole day off the next day, he said.
Implementation of Pathology Lab Bill long overdue
The Star THE Pathology Laboratory Bill was passed in Parliament in August 2007 and was to be effective only after the regulations had been finalised.
It is already four-and-a-half years since the Laboratory Act 2007 was passed, but there is still no news on the date of commencement.
I am aware that there had been a few meetings on the preparation of the regulations but progress is at snail pace.
Without this Act, any person can operate a private medical laboratory. The Pathology Laboratory Bill 2007, which has 13 parts and 87 sections, clearly stipulates only a registered medical practitioner or a pathologist registered as such under the Medical Act 1971 will be given a licence to operate a lab.
This act covers all aspects of safety, proper record keeping, qualified laboratory technicians, good quality control, etc.
Regular inspection of these labs will be done by staff of the Health Ministry.
The Health Minister may make regulations prescribing a fees schedule for the labs.
This Act restricts what medical lab tests a registered medical or dental practitioner can do. The Department of Standards Malaysia, Science and Technology Ministry, has a high powered committee to oversee this.
Once the Lab Act is implemented, walk-ins to any lab are allowed to do only three tests without a doctor’s signature on the lab form. They are blood glucose estimation, urine test for glucose and urine pregnancy test. Currently, a person can do any lab tests he wants.
The Traditional Complementary Medicine Act was passed by Parliament in 2009 and its regulations have been under preparation for the last three years. No one knows how long the Ministry will take to make it effective to prevent quacks from practising as medical practitioners.
Ten years ago, we were informed that there would be a revision of the Medical Act 1971.
Several meetings were held between the Health Ministry and related organisations, but again I am in the dark when the revisions would be passed by Parliament.
This Act, as I understand, will make it compulsory for all medical specialists to be registered, and also stipulates what general practitioners can and cannot do.
Currently, the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) is composed of elected and appointed representatives and the Director-General of Health is the president.
The appointed doctors are mainly from the five long-standing medical universities in this country, but this has to change as we now have 11 government and 19 medical colleges, and most of these private colleges have university status.
In Indonesia and Brunei, the main medical association has two representatives in their medical councils.
I hope the MMA will have a permanent representative in the MMC.
DATUK Dr N. ATHIMULAM,
Past President of MMA.
It is already four-and-a-half years since the Laboratory Act 2007 was passed, but there is still no news on the date of commencement.
I am aware that there had been a few meetings on the preparation of the regulations but progress is at snail pace.
Without this Act, any person can operate a private medical laboratory. The Pathology Laboratory Bill 2007, which has 13 parts and 87 sections, clearly stipulates only a registered medical practitioner or a pathologist registered as such under the Medical Act 1971 will be given a licence to operate a lab.
This act covers all aspects of safety, proper record keeping, qualified laboratory technicians, good quality control, etc.
Regular inspection of these labs will be done by staff of the Health Ministry.
The Health Minister may make regulations prescribing a fees schedule for the labs.
This Act restricts what medical lab tests a registered medical or dental practitioner can do. The Department of Standards Malaysia, Science and Technology Ministry, has a high powered committee to oversee this.
Once the Lab Act is implemented, walk-ins to any lab are allowed to do only three tests without a doctor’s signature on the lab form. They are blood glucose estimation, urine test for glucose and urine pregnancy test. Currently, a person can do any lab tests he wants.
The Traditional Complementary Medicine Act was passed by Parliament in 2009 and its regulations have been under preparation for the last three years. No one knows how long the Ministry will take to make it effective to prevent quacks from practising as medical practitioners.
Ten years ago, we were informed that there would be a revision of the Medical Act 1971.
Several meetings were held between the Health Ministry and related organisations, but again I am in the dark when the revisions would be passed by Parliament.
This Act, as I understand, will make it compulsory for all medical specialists to be registered, and also stipulates what general practitioners can and cannot do.
Currently, the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) is composed of elected and appointed representatives and the Director-General of Health is the president.
The appointed doctors are mainly from the five long-standing medical universities in this country, but this has to change as we now have 11 government and 19 medical colleges, and most of these private colleges have university status.
In Indonesia and Brunei, the main medical association has two representatives in their medical councils.
I hope the MMA will have a permanent representative in the MMC.
DATUK Dr N. ATHIMULAM,
Past President of MMA.
Hospital supplies: Did MCA engineer ‘limited tender’ exercise? | Free Malaysia Today
Free Malaysia Today KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been urged to investigate six medical equipment suppliers appointed by the Health Ministry for links to Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.
Sabah DAP secretary Dr Edwin Bosi claimed the party had evidence that government funds for procurement of medical equipment for state hospitals were channelled to these suppliers, via a “limited tender” exercise, engineered by MCA.
“We would like to know the basis for appointing the six companies. We ask if this is not against the standard Treasury instruction for the procurement of equipment, ” Bosi said.
Local medical suppliers claim that in August last year, the ministry approved about RM18 million for procurement of equipment for Queen Elizabeth II.
The equipment approved ranged from hand brush costing RM20 and artery forceps costing RM25 to monitors costing RM900. The procurement comes under three categories – direct purchase for items below RM50,000, quotation for those below RM500,000 and a tender for items above RM500,000.
Hospital authorities called for quotations in early August from local suppliers for items below RM50,000, which were submitted to the State Health Department. The authorities also prepared specifications for quotations and tender at the same time.
However, Bosi claimed that the ministry did not release the funds and the Sabah Health Department was not informed when the fund would be made available.
In early 2012, the department was informed by the ministry that six companies had been appointed to participate in a “limited tender” exercise in the procurement of the equipment.
Only one Sabah supplier
Five out of the six companies are from Peninsular Malaysia and the only one is from Sabah.
Bosi said the ministry must explain the rationale for the “limited tender” procedure and the exclusion of the local medical equipment suppliers from this exercise.
“We would like to know if the limited tender exercise will lead to cheaper prices, greater efficiency and better delivery, thus benefitting the end-users. Sabah DAP wants to know who are benefiting from this limited tender.
“This is a serious matter because funds are not forthcoming while procurement procedure is changed at the expense of the people who are in dire need of treatment and medical services in QEH.
“We urge the relevant authorities such as the MACC to investigate this matter urgently,” he said.
“Sabah DAP wants to know why medical equipment suppliers registered in Sabah are left out in this process,” he added.
Sabah DAP secretary Dr Edwin Bosi claimed the party had evidence that government funds for procurement of medical equipment for state hospitals were channelled to these suppliers, via a “limited tender” exercise, engineered by MCA.
“We would like to know the basis for appointing the six companies. We ask if this is not against the standard Treasury instruction for the procurement of equipment, ” Bosi said.
Local medical suppliers claim that in August last year, the ministry approved about RM18 million for procurement of equipment for Queen Elizabeth II.
The equipment approved ranged from hand brush costing RM20 and artery forceps costing RM25 to monitors costing RM900. The procurement comes under three categories – direct purchase for items below RM50,000, quotation for those below RM500,000 and a tender for items above RM500,000.
Hospital authorities called for quotations in early August from local suppliers for items below RM50,000, which were submitted to the State Health Department. The authorities also prepared specifications for quotations and tender at the same time.
However, Bosi claimed that the ministry did not release the funds and the Sabah Health Department was not informed when the fund would be made available.
In early 2012, the department was informed by the ministry that six companies had been appointed to participate in a “limited tender” exercise in the procurement of the equipment.
Only one Sabah supplier
Five out of the six companies are from Peninsular Malaysia and the only one is from Sabah.
Bosi said the ministry must explain the rationale for the “limited tender” procedure and the exclusion of the local medical equipment suppliers from this exercise.
“We would like to know if the limited tender exercise will lead to cheaper prices, greater efficiency and better delivery, thus benefitting the end-users. Sabah DAP wants to know who are benefiting from this limited tender.
“This is a serious matter because funds are not forthcoming while procurement procedure is changed at the expense of the people who are in dire need of treatment and medical services in QEH.
“We urge the relevant authorities such as the MACC to investigate this matter urgently,” he said.
“Sabah DAP wants to know why medical equipment suppliers registered in Sabah are left out in this process,” he added.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Liow: Medical council not biased
Free Malaysia Today KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai denied that the Malaysia Medical Council (MMC) was practising double standard in sending local medical students to overseas.
“That’s not true. MMC is a professional body and we cannot have this problem,” said Liow when met at the Parliament today.
Last month, a former medical student from Ukraine alleged that students doing medical courses in Baltic countries were compelled to do a foundation course while those going to Egypt and Jordan were exempted.
“If a student plans to do a medical programme in Ukraine for example, he has to score at least five Bs in SPM each in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and another optional subject.”
“A student would be required to sit for a foundation course or other pre-university examinations like STPM, Matriculation and A Levels. This is set by MMC,” said the student.
But those going to universities in Jordan and Egypt, the student alleged, were seemed to be given a “special privilege” as they are not required to undergo the foundation course.
Liow promised to probe the matter. “I’ll double check on the matter and we will be transparent,” said Liow.
“That’s not true. MMC is a professional body and we cannot have this problem,” said Liow when met at the Parliament today.
Last month, a former medical student from Ukraine alleged that students doing medical courses in Baltic countries were compelled to do a foundation course while those going to Egypt and Jordan were exempted.
“If a student plans to do a medical programme in Ukraine for example, he has to score at least five Bs in SPM each in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and another optional subject.”
“A student would be required to sit for a foundation course or other pre-university examinations like STPM, Matriculation and A Levels. This is set by MMC,” said the student.
But those going to universities in Jordan and Egypt, the student alleged, were seemed to be given a “special privilege” as they are not required to undergo the foundation course.
Liow promised to probe the matter. “I’ll double check on the matter and we will be transparent,” said Liow.
KPJ to embark on expansion campaign, market capitalisation
BorneoPost Online KUCHING: KPJ Healthcare Bhd (KPJ), Malaysia’s largest private healthcare provider, is moving towards an aggressive expansion campaign by increasing its bed capacity and capitalising on the booming health tourism market.
According to AmResearch Sdn Bhd (AmResearch) in a research reprot, the increase in bed capacity via a pipeline of seven new hospitals would accelerate earnings momentum to achieve the firm’s conservative three year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent.
The group’s current occupancy rate of 70 to 75 per cent was a tad below overcrowded thresholds of 85 per cent to 90 per cent, noted AmResearch.
Part of KPJ’s hospital expansion plan would see three additional hospitals strategically located within the state neighbouring Singapore.
All in all, it was expected to more than double KPJ’s total capacities to a total of 935 beds upon completion. This would help boost the group’s revenue contribution from health tourism from circa 10 per cent currently to 25 per cent by 2020.
AmResearch also added that with a sizeable 22 per cent market share, the company was well placed to capitalise on the booming and lucrative health tourism, with the doubling of the strategic existing hospital chain in Johor, a focal area slated to become the primary destination for medical tourists.
The increased demand as spurred by recent regulatory changes on cross border medical reimbursement between Malaysia and Singapore was expected to power the segment’s contribution from 10 per cent currently to 25 per cent of group revenue as forecasted by AmResearch.
Given that KPJ also operates KPJ International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences (KPJUIC) with an annual revenue between RM40 million to RM50 million, the education arm complemented its hospital operations, serving to mitigate staffing risks of qualified nurses and medical staff.
The company had earmarked RM120 million capital expenditure for the Nilai branch expansion and commissioning of a new campus at Bukit Mertajam. It aimed to quadruple student intakes to 10,000 in five years’ time.
The firm pegged a discounted cash flow fair value of RM6.15 per share with expected potential returns of 20 per cent.
The company’s fully diluted price earnings ratio of 17 times and 20 times were 10 per cent and 13 per cent discount to its closest peer Thailand based Bumrungrad Hospital, and a wider 23 per cent 33 per cent discount to regional peers’ average.
According to AmResearch Sdn Bhd (AmResearch) in a research reprot, the increase in bed capacity via a pipeline of seven new hospitals would accelerate earnings momentum to achieve the firm’s conservative three year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent.
The group’s current occupancy rate of 70 to 75 per cent was a tad below overcrowded thresholds of 85 per cent to 90 per cent, noted AmResearch.
Part of KPJ’s hospital expansion plan would see three additional hospitals strategically located within the state neighbouring Singapore.
All in all, it was expected to more than double KPJ’s total capacities to a total of 935 beds upon completion. This would help boost the group’s revenue contribution from health tourism from circa 10 per cent currently to 25 per cent by 2020.
AmResearch also added that with a sizeable 22 per cent market share, the company was well placed to capitalise on the booming and lucrative health tourism, with the doubling of the strategic existing hospital chain in Johor, a focal area slated to become the primary destination for medical tourists.
The increased demand as spurred by recent regulatory changes on cross border medical reimbursement between Malaysia and Singapore was expected to power the segment’s contribution from 10 per cent currently to 25 per cent of group revenue as forecasted by AmResearch.
Given that KPJ also operates KPJ International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences (KPJUIC) with an annual revenue between RM40 million to RM50 million, the education arm complemented its hospital operations, serving to mitigate staffing risks of qualified nurses and medical staff.
The company had earmarked RM120 million capital expenditure for the Nilai branch expansion and commissioning of a new campus at Bukit Mertajam. It aimed to quadruple student intakes to 10,000 in five years’ time.
The firm pegged a discounted cash flow fair value of RM6.15 per share with expected potential returns of 20 per cent.
The company’s fully diluted price earnings ratio of 17 times and 20 times were 10 per cent and 13 per cent discount to its closest peer Thailand based Bumrungrad Hospital, and a wider 23 per cent 33 per cent discount to regional peers’ average.
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