Stung
Another tragic report from The Star:
BANTING: A 10-year-old girl, who was preparing noodles at her house in Tanjung Sepat, near here, died 15 minutes after being stung by an insect.
Kuek Yi Ting, a top Year Four student of SRK (C) Tanjung Sepat, was in the kitchen alone while her 15-year-old brother Kuek Chui Feng was in the living room when the incident occurred on Saturday. At about 5.30pm, Chui Feng, who heard his sister’s screams, went to check on her and was shocked to see her leg bloated and her face turning white.
After being told by Yi Ting that an insect, believed to be a bee, had stung her on the right leg, he immediately informed his father See Wan, who was at a neighbour’s house about 20m away.
The father and son rushed the girl to a nearby clinic.
However, the doctor, sensing the seriousness of the girl's condition, advised them to send her to Banting Hospital, 22km away, where she was later pronounced dead.
Adrenaline is one drug which is vitally important in serious cases of anaphylaxis. Dr. M Yadav talks a bit more about such serious allergic reactions in this report from The Star.
Does your local clinic stock adrenaline and other emergency drugs & equipment? It would be useful to check with your regular GP so that you need not waste time going there for emergencies if your local GP is not prepared to take on such cases.
Malaysian Medical Resources
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Site update
Added Dr. Tim Ong's website to the Doctors' Personal pages listing of the MMR.
Its a nice page with lots of interesting articles - well worth checking out.
Added Dr. Tim Ong's website to the Doctors' Personal pages listing of the MMR.
Its a nice page with lots of interesting articles - well worth checking out.
More reason for a National Health Insurance Scheme
Too many con jobs out there.
From the Malay Mail:
PENANG: Fifty-eight people are worried that they may have been cheated by agents of Koperasi Serbaguna Pekerja-Pekerja (M) Bhd who sold them Kop MediCare medical cards.
Businessman Gopal Krishnan Samy, 48, from Taman Bersatu, Sungai Petani, said there are 38 people in his neighbourhood who bought the cards.
"Another 20 are new clients of the agent. All complained of the same problem," he said.
Gopal said two agents made door-to-door visits in his neighbourhood in November last year.
"They were selling Kop MediCare cards which offered hospitalisation benefits at selected specialist centres.
Gopal said he had paid RM2,120 in cash for his card and was told he would receive his card within 30 days.
"But until today, I have not seen it," he said, adding that queries to the agent had been futile.
Have you been given the run around by your Medical Insurance firm? I would be interested to know.
Too many con jobs out there.
From the Malay Mail:
PENANG: Fifty-eight people are worried that they may have been cheated by agents of Koperasi Serbaguna Pekerja-Pekerja (M) Bhd who sold them Kop MediCare medical cards.
Businessman Gopal Krishnan Samy, 48, from Taman Bersatu, Sungai Petani, said there are 38 people in his neighbourhood who bought the cards.
"Another 20 are new clients of the agent. All complained of the same problem," he said.
Gopal said two agents made door-to-door visits in his neighbourhood in November last year.
"They were selling Kop MediCare cards which offered hospitalisation benefits at selected specialist centres.
Gopal said he had paid RM2,120 in cash for his card and was told he would receive his card within 30 days.
"But until today, I have not seen it," he said, adding that queries to the agent had been futile.
Have you been given the run around by your Medical Insurance firm? I would be interested to know.
Dengue alert
Doctors in Singapore have already been put on alert to look out for dengue
"especially patients returning recently from Indonesia, where 175 people have died from what is believed to be a new strain of the dengue virus."
I recall denials from the authorities not that long ago that there was an "epidemic" of dengue (technically correct, it's not an epidemic, since dengue is already endemic in this country, and instead of an "epidemic" situation, we have a "hyperendemic" situation). This turned into a political battle between the DAP and the YB Health Minister - you can read more in the DAP article "Worst dengue epidemic"
If the current outbreak in Indonesia turns out to be a new virulent strain then I hope the authorities here can maintain due vigilance. You can read more about dengue from the MMA
Doctors in Singapore have already been put on alert to look out for dengue
"especially patients returning recently from Indonesia, where 175 people have died from what is believed to be a new strain of the dengue virus."
I recall denials from the authorities not that long ago that there was an "epidemic" of dengue (technically correct, it's not an epidemic, since dengue is already endemic in this country, and instead of an "epidemic" situation, we have a "hyperendemic" situation). This turned into a political battle between the DAP and the YB Health Minister - you can read more in the DAP article "Worst dengue epidemic"
If the current outbreak in Indonesia turns out to be a new virulent strain then I hope the authorities here can maintain due vigilance. You can read more about dengue from the MMA
Friday, February 27, 2004
Locum available
Permanent GP Locum position now available in Klang.
For details see the Locums Available service of the MMR.
Permanent GP Locum position now available in Klang.
For details see the Locums Available service of the MMR.
Site update
Added the Malaysian Health Informatics Association website to the Professional Associations and Societies listing in the MMR as per request of Dr HM Goh.
The MHIA will be holding ehealth Asia 2004 6th-8th April 2004 at Kuala Lumpur. The theme is "Improving Health Outcomes through Information Technology" and the programme sounds interesting. If you are into Health Informatics, you should attend (besides, I'll be also speaking :D )
Added the Malaysian Health Informatics Association website to the Professional Associations and Societies listing in the MMR as per request of Dr HM Goh.
The MHIA will be holding ehealth Asia 2004 6th-8th April 2004 at Kuala Lumpur. The theme is "Improving Health Outcomes through Information Technology" and the programme sounds interesting. If you are into Health Informatics, you should attend (besides, I'll be also speaking :D )
The Health Minister in the News again
In this report from The Star:
UTUSAN Malaysia and Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng have been engaged in a battle of words in the past few days over the distribution of financial aid to chronic patients.
It began with the paper carrying Chua’s statement denying that bureaucracy was causing problems in the distribution of aid from the RM5.4mil National Health Welfare Fund and the RM100mil Special Chronic Diseases Fund.
The paper then carried a report the following day disputing Chua’s statement, quoting parents of patients with liver diseases who had encountered many problems in applying for the aid.
It said Abdul Halim Othman, 37, whose 15-month-old son Aliff Hambali suffers from the disease, had to make follow-up calls almost daily for nearly a month to the ministry to check the status of his application.
Abdul Halim had said that the secretariat would always tell him that his application was incomplete before finally telling him that he was not eligible for the fund since he was a civil servant.
This just goes to show the sorry state of affairs the Malaysian Healthcare financing system is in today. I don't believe any good long term solution will come out of limited "special funds". Even civil servants in need of urgent expensive health care may (ironically) face bureaucratic delays by various Government departments in the process of seeking approval for the expensive treatment. The YB Health Minister or anyone else can deny this blue in the face but it does happen.
We sorely need a proper non-profit impartial National Health Insurance System - when will this take place? You may be interested to visit the Citizens' Health Initiative which is a group lobbying for this. Their website seems to be outdated so has this Initiative gone into hibernation?
Their idealistic stand:
"CHI re-iterates its stand, in concert with the Malaysian Medical Association, the Malayan Nurses' Union and other healthcare professionals, that a far better alternative to ensure equitable, universal and cost-efficient coverage of all Malaysian residents, is a National Health (Insurance) Fund - a payroll-based scheme (employer/employee contributions) with supplementary contributions from progressive taxation to extend its benefits to ALL citizens and residents. It would be operated as a non-profit statutory institution with effective and credible citizen participation."
In this report from The Star:
UTUSAN Malaysia and Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng have been engaged in a battle of words in the past few days over the distribution of financial aid to chronic patients.
It began with the paper carrying Chua’s statement denying that bureaucracy was causing problems in the distribution of aid from the RM5.4mil National Health Welfare Fund and the RM100mil Special Chronic Diseases Fund.
The paper then carried a report the following day disputing Chua’s statement, quoting parents of patients with liver diseases who had encountered many problems in applying for the aid.
It said Abdul Halim Othman, 37, whose 15-month-old son Aliff Hambali suffers from the disease, had to make follow-up calls almost daily for nearly a month to the ministry to check the status of his application.
Abdul Halim had said that the secretariat would always tell him that his application was incomplete before finally telling him that he was not eligible for the fund since he was a civil servant.
This just goes to show the sorry state of affairs the Malaysian Healthcare financing system is in today. I don't believe any good long term solution will come out of limited "special funds". Even civil servants in need of urgent expensive health care may (ironically) face bureaucratic delays by various Government departments in the process of seeking approval for the expensive treatment. The YB Health Minister or anyone else can deny this blue in the face but it does happen.
We sorely need a proper non-profit impartial National Health Insurance System - when will this take place? You may be interested to visit the Citizens' Health Initiative which is a group lobbying for this. Their website seems to be outdated so has this Initiative gone into hibernation?
Their idealistic stand:
"CHI re-iterates its stand, in concert with the Malaysian Medical Association, the Malayan Nurses' Union and other healthcare professionals, that a far better alternative to ensure equitable, universal and cost-efficient coverage of all Malaysian residents, is a National Health (Insurance) Fund - a payroll-based scheme (employer/employee contributions) with supplementary contributions from progressive taxation to extend its benefits to ALL citizens and residents. It would be operated as a non-profit statutory institution with effective and credible citizen participation."
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Feedback
Musa Ma wrote:
I am Chinese muslim bio-tech researcher. We have some business relationships with malaysian currently. Could you please help me that if there are some professional websites of Lab Equipments information in malaysia? such as the variety,model,type, and including price. If you have any informaiton,please email to musa@amin.com.cn Thanks very much!
Well I have not included any medical lab equipment websites in the Labs & Pharam listing of the MMR - the labs in the latter being those which provide lab testing services.
You could Google for these but if anyone can help Musa here, please email him
Musa Ma wrote:
I am Chinese muslim bio-tech researcher. We have some business relationships with malaysian currently. Could you please help me that if there are some professional websites of Lab Equipments information in malaysia? such as the variety,model,type, and including price. If you have any informaiton,please email to musa@amin.com.cn Thanks very much!
Well I have not included any medical lab equipment websites in the Labs & Pharam listing of the MMR - the labs in the latter being those which provide lab testing services.
You could Google for these but if anyone can help Musa here, please email him
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Blogroll update
Spotted a couple of new Medical student blogs in YP's MedPeepz© list. Added Stylussimo and Cmingo to the blogroll. Welcome people. And please tell me of more "secret" medical student/doctor blogs that you know of but not in the list ;)
Also added Dr. Cheah's page to the blogroll now that he has changed his homepage to a Blogger powered page...
Spotted a couple of new Medical student blogs in YP's MedPeepz© list. Added Stylussimo and Cmingo to the blogroll. Welcome people. And please tell me of more "secret" medical student/doctor blogs that you know of but not in the list ;)
Also added Dr. Cheah's page to the blogroll now that he has changed his homepage to a Blogger powered page...
Site update
Added the Wellness Lab to the Labs and Pharma listing of the MMR.
I just have to comment on the "screening" tests which private labs (I am not specifically commenting on any one lab) offer in Malaysia. The screening practice of some of these labs goes beyond that of recommended good practice and even ethics.
The trouble is these "general screening" packages are performed without proper counselling and more importantly the public are led to believe that these tests can substitute a proper history, physical examination and other important wellness screening procedures. I mean things like breast examination/mammography, Pap smears, Blood pressure measurements etc cannot be substituted with "blood tests". A commonly abused battery of tests are "tumour markers" which in their current state cannot be used to diagnose or exclude cancers with certainty. Such tests if performed to diagnose cancer may lead to a false sense of security and are indeed very misleading.
Cancernet gives this important tip on tumour markers:
Measurements of tumor marker levels alone are not sufficient to diagnose cancer for the following reasons:
-Tumor marker levels can be elevated in people with benign conditions.
- Tumor marker levels are not elevated in every person with cancer—especially in the early stages of the disease.
- Many tumor markers are not specific to a particular type of cancer; the level of a tumor marker can be raised by more than one type of cancer.
The bottom line is blood tests are only an adjunct to a proper clinical assessment by your doctor. Never never take the test without a doctor to guide you. Otherwise you'll be wasting your money doing unnecessary tests, or lose sleep over some "abnormal test results" which will leave you wondering on the clinical significance, or worse still be misled by false negative results.
Added the Wellness Lab to the Labs and Pharma listing of the MMR.
I just have to comment on the "screening" tests which private labs (I am not specifically commenting on any one lab) offer in Malaysia. The screening practice of some of these labs goes beyond that of recommended good practice and even ethics.
The trouble is these "general screening" packages are performed without proper counselling and more importantly the public are led to believe that these tests can substitute a proper history, physical examination and other important wellness screening procedures. I mean things like breast examination/mammography, Pap smears, Blood pressure measurements etc cannot be substituted with "blood tests". A commonly abused battery of tests are "tumour markers" which in their current state cannot be used to diagnose or exclude cancers with certainty. Such tests if performed to diagnose cancer may lead to a false sense of security and are indeed very misleading.
Cancernet gives this important tip on tumour markers:
Measurements of tumor marker levels alone are not sufficient to diagnose cancer for the following reasons:
-Tumor marker levels can be elevated in people with benign conditions.
- Tumor marker levels are not elevated in every person with cancer—especially in the early stages of the disease.
- Many tumor markers are not specific to a particular type of cancer; the level of a tumor marker can be raised by more than one type of cancer.
The bottom line is blood tests are only an adjunct to a proper clinical assessment by your doctor. Never never take the test without a doctor to guide you. Otherwise you'll be wasting your money doing unnecessary tests, or lose sleep over some "abnormal test results" which will leave you wondering on the clinical significance, or worse still be misled by false negative results.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
A new Dean for IMU
Congratuations Prof Victor Lim. Professor Victor KE Lim, a graduate of the University of Malaya Medical School has been recently appointed Dean of the International Medical University.
"Prior to this appointment, Prof Lim was director of the Infectious Diseases Research Centre at the Institute for Medical Research, having been seconded to the Health Ministry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
His impressive career in the field of medicine began in 1974 when he obtained his MBBS from Universiti Malaya, before getting an MSc in Medical Microbiology (with distinction) at the University of London in 1978. Three years later he was admitted to the Royal College of Pathologists in 1981.
Joining UKM’s Faculty of Medicine in 1976, Prof Lim was made an associate professor in 1982 and a full professor in 1989. During his tenure with the medical faculty, he was head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and deputy dean for academic affairs. "
The IMU's website is listed together with other Medical Schools in the MMR.
It's really amazing how many medical schools have sprung up in Malaysia. It is a very interesting exercise indeed to visit the webpages and see the staff listing of some of the medical schools. I really worry about standards when there are medical schools with staff listings which can fit in a small webpage. With the "explosion" of medical schools in the country I see little public concern with the important issue of standards. If the government thinks the solution to the shortage of doctors in government service is to simply churn out more doctors, then I sincerely hope the powers-that-be rethink this strategy. How about improving working conditions, training and promotion opportunities? I suspect the latest promotion system (taking three weeks of busy clinicians' times to sit for "government courses" and "exams") shows that they civil service has not learnt to differentiate the medical profession from the paper pushing civil service workers and will possibly end up as a disaster (for the medical service) with a flurry of middle ranking resignations. In the long run, we may end up like China where there are doctors working as medical sales reps and other professions.
Congratuations Prof Victor Lim. Professor Victor KE Lim, a graduate of the University of Malaya Medical School has been recently appointed Dean of the International Medical University.
"Prior to this appointment, Prof Lim was director of the Infectious Diseases Research Centre at the Institute for Medical Research, having been seconded to the Health Ministry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
His impressive career in the field of medicine began in 1974 when he obtained his MBBS from Universiti Malaya, before getting an MSc in Medical Microbiology (with distinction) at the University of London in 1978. Three years later he was admitted to the Royal College of Pathologists in 1981.
Joining UKM’s Faculty of Medicine in 1976, Prof Lim was made an associate professor in 1982 and a full professor in 1989. During his tenure with the medical faculty, he was head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and deputy dean for academic affairs. "
The IMU's website is listed together with other Medical Schools in the MMR.
It's really amazing how many medical schools have sprung up in Malaysia. It is a very interesting exercise indeed to visit the webpages and see the staff listing of some of the medical schools. I really worry about standards when there are medical schools with staff listings which can fit in a small webpage. With the "explosion" of medical schools in the country I see little public concern with the important issue of standards. If the government thinks the solution to the shortage of doctors in government service is to simply churn out more doctors, then I sincerely hope the powers-that-be rethink this strategy. How about improving working conditions, training and promotion opportunities? I suspect the latest promotion system (taking three weeks of busy clinicians' times to sit for "government courses" and "exams") shows that they civil service has not learnt to differentiate the medical profession from the paper pushing civil service workers and will possibly end up as a disaster (for the medical service) with a flurry of middle ranking resignations. In the long run, we may end up like China where there are doctors working as medical sales reps and other professions.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
SMS for blood
If I recall correctly, last year alone, billions of ringgit worth of SMS's were sent by Malaysians.
Here's a novel use of SMS - appeal for blood donation. Amazingly successful, the parents of the 9 year old child managed to secure enough AB+ donors lined up for the coming bone marrow transplant.
Not quite dramatic as bringing down a President, but certainly heart warming to hear of constructive use of SMS technology to do good as opposed to doing silly things like transmitting frivolous jokes (are you guilty of this? :P ).
Speaking of blood transfusions, the Haemophilia Society of Malaysia which is based in the National Blood Transfusion Centre in KL, has a new website. I have accordingly updated the Public Societies and Associations page of the MMR. It's a nicely designed and informative bi-lingual website ( English currently , Bahasa Malaysia section "under construction").
If I recall correctly, last year alone, billions of ringgit worth of SMS's were sent by Malaysians. Here's a novel use of SMS - appeal for blood donation. Amazingly successful, the parents of the 9 year old child managed to secure enough AB+ donors lined up for the coming bone marrow transplant.
Not quite dramatic as bringing down a President, but certainly heart warming to hear of constructive use of SMS technology to do good as opposed to doing silly things like transmitting frivolous jokes (are you guilty of this? :P ).
Speaking of blood transfusions, the Haemophilia Society of Malaysia which is based in the National Blood Transfusion Centre in KL, has a new website. I have accordingly updated the Public Societies and Associations page of the MMR. It's a nicely designed and informative bi-lingual website ( English currently , Bahasa Malaysia section "under construction").
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Holy Smoke
Apparently the "Tak Nak" anti-smoking campaign directed at youngsters so far has not been very successful.
From this news report:
Though the campaign - launched Februay 2004 - has rallied anti-smokers with a “Tak Nak” (Say No) slogan, there are fears that all the efforts may fall into deaf ears.
“The campaign is aimed at a large spectrum of the population, including teenagers who are attracted to smoking at an early age, however, there are no certainty of the results of this campaign,” a member of the campaign told Islamonline.net Tuesday, February 17.
“We do not want this campaign to fizzle out and the government has stepped in to ensure that it gains enough publicity. Smoking can be stopped if people are pressed to do so,” said Azizuddin while distributing anti-smoking literature at a shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur.
However, it was obvious that those supporting the campaign were mainly people who do not smoke and to reach them is the easiest thing, according to a shop owner who sells cigarettes.
He told IOL that his main business was cigarettes which were selling well despite the price hike registered during last year’s budget presented by Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Then the Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohd Idris was also quoted as saying :
"The medical fraternity, especially doctors, should take the lead, by giving up smoking, to bring about a healthy society"
Hopefully the CAP president will have more constructive things to say in the press than this. My impression is that the minority of doctors smoke compared to the population in general.
The MMA has is actively against smoking, having an ASH (Action against Smoking for Heath) committee.
I checked up the MMR and was reminded of one link from Ipoh Hospital - the Quit Clinic established by them is exemplary. Their website has some useful links related to quitting cigarrette smoking. Some of the links do not work, for e.g. the Modules so I hope the webmasters will wake up and rectify that. Otherwise a fine effort by Ipoh hospital to establish the quit smoking clnic.
So do you smoke?
Apparently the "Tak Nak" anti-smoking campaign directed at youngsters so far has not been very successful.
From this news report:
Though the campaign - launched Februay 2004 - has rallied anti-smokers with a “Tak Nak” (Say No) slogan, there are fears that all the efforts may fall into deaf ears.
“The campaign is aimed at a large spectrum of the population, including teenagers who are attracted to smoking at an early age, however, there are no certainty of the results of this campaign,” a member of the campaign told Islamonline.net Tuesday, February 17.
“We do not want this campaign to fizzle out and the government has stepped in to ensure that it gains enough publicity. Smoking can be stopped if people are pressed to do so,” said Azizuddin while distributing anti-smoking literature at a shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur.
However, it was obvious that those supporting the campaign were mainly people who do not smoke and to reach them is the easiest thing, according to a shop owner who sells cigarettes.
He told IOL that his main business was cigarettes which were selling well despite the price hike registered during last year’s budget presented by Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Then the Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohd Idris was also quoted as saying :
"The medical fraternity, especially doctors, should take the lead, by giving up smoking, to bring about a healthy society"
Hopefully the CAP president will have more constructive things to say in the press than this. My impression is that the minority of doctors smoke compared to the population in general.
The MMA has is actively against smoking, having an ASH (Action against Smoking for Heath) committee.
I checked up the MMR and was reminded of one link from Ipoh Hospital - the Quit Clinic established by them is exemplary. Their website has some useful links related to quitting cigarrette smoking. Some of the links do not work, for e.g. the Modules so I hope the webmasters will wake up and rectify that. Otherwise a fine effort by Ipoh hospital to establish the quit smoking clnic.
So do you smoke?
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Site update
Subang Jaya Medical Centre's website URL has changed and I have updated accordingly the listing of Private medical centres' webpages in the MMR.
I notice little else has changed in SJMC's website other than the URL and perhaps the "accomplishments" section. I would like to see more efficient use of Web technology e.g. to allow visitors to make appointments via email or submitting webforms. In order to help referring doctors and patients make appointments, SJMC should also display specific details about the specialists and their clinic times (rather than a vague "services available" listing). There's not even an email address as a contact or any feedback form - just a listing of phone numbers. The latter is a major shortcoming as one would expect Internet users to be familiar with email.
Pusat Rawatan Islam's website is working now and I have taken off the cobwebsite sign in the MMR Private medical centre listing. The website is in Bahasa Malaysia only and the English version is still "under construction".
How many hospitals in Malaysia are making use of their web pages in order to interact with the public? I mean really interact and not just create static pages of information (which may or may not be useful). I think this will be an important issue as the Internet penetration in Malaysian society increases.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre's website URL has changed and I have updated accordingly the listing of Private medical centres' webpages in the MMR.
I notice little else has changed in SJMC's website other than the URL and perhaps the "accomplishments" section. I would like to see more efficient use of Web technology e.g. to allow visitors to make appointments via email or submitting webforms. In order to help referring doctors and patients make appointments, SJMC should also display specific details about the specialists and their clinic times (rather than a vague "services available" listing). There's not even an email address as a contact or any feedback form - just a listing of phone numbers. The latter is a major shortcoming as one would expect Internet users to be familiar with email.
Pusat Rawatan Islam's website is working now and I have taken off the cobwebsite sign in the MMR Private medical centre listing. The website is in Bahasa Malaysia only and the English version is still "under construction".
How many hospitals in Malaysia are making use of their web pages in order to interact with the public? I mean really interact and not just create static pages of information (which may or may not be useful). I think this will be an important issue as the Internet penetration in Malaysian society increases.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Blogroll update
Included Raj's Moblog, yet another IMU student's blog. Got the lead from YP's Med Peepz© . I gather from the latter, there are still some closet med student bloggers waiting to be exposed :p
Included Raj's Moblog, yet another IMU student's blog. Got the lead from YP's Med Peepz© . I gather from the latter, there are still some closet med student bloggers waiting to be exposed :p
Childhood cancer
Frightening isn't it, this piece of news:
"Childhood cancer cases in Peninsular Malaysia have more than doubled over the past 10 years, Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said. He said figures from a report conducted between 1993 and 1995 recorded 475 cases of childhood cancers, compared to 1,163 new cases in 2002 as shown by the National Cancer Registry. "
What the YB Health Minister failed to mention is that the numbers could have apparently increased so dramatically simply because of a better reporting mechanism put in place in recent times.
What has been exceptionally instrumental is the MOH's Clinical Research Centre. The CRC is run by a group of talented and dedicated professionals. Amongst other things, the CRC maintains seven National registries, including the National Cancer Registry. The NCR was established only in 2002 and I think these guys a doing a great job!
The CRC is listed together with other Government Medical Departments in the MMR.
Speaking of kids with cancer, you never know what's going on in their minds. They're pretty brave patients. Even when facing adversity they have the heart to do things like this.
Frightening isn't it, this piece of news:
"Childhood cancer cases in Peninsular Malaysia have more than doubled over the past 10 years, Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said. He said figures from a report conducted between 1993 and 1995 recorded 475 cases of childhood cancers, compared to 1,163 new cases in 2002 as shown by the National Cancer Registry. "
What the YB Health Minister failed to mention is that the numbers could have apparently increased so dramatically simply because of a better reporting mechanism put in place in recent times.
What has been exceptionally instrumental is the MOH's Clinical Research Centre. The CRC is run by a group of talented and dedicated professionals. Amongst other things, the CRC maintains seven National registries, including the National Cancer Registry. The NCR was established only in 2002 and I think these guys a doing a great job!
The CRC is listed together with other Government Medical Departments in the MMR.
Speaking of kids with cancer, you never know what's going on in their minds. They're pretty brave patients. Even when facing adversity they have the heart to do things like this.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Feedback
YP babbled:
Just a little suggestion, how about moving the tagboard somewhere where it's more obvious? Currently it's pretty much invisible if you don't scroll all the way down, so if someone does not look for it, he will not know it's exists. :) I'm not sure if I make sense but it's just my 2 cents' worth.
I tried replying directly to your email but it bounced. I guess the "timechute" is not working? :P
Thanks for the suggestion. I thought I'd make the Tagboard a little less prominent since I would prefer people to use the Feedback form. I put up the Tagboard for folks to make brief general remarks and comments which aren't specifically directed to any postings on the MMR. For the latter I hope folks can use the Haloscan commenting system. 3 ways to contact me. I am soooavailable contactable :D
YP babbled:
Just a little suggestion, how about moving the tagboard somewhere where it's more obvious? Currently it's pretty much invisible if you don't scroll all the way down, so if someone does not look for it, he will not know it's exists. :) I'm not sure if I make sense but it's just my 2 cents' worth.
I tried replying directly to your email but it bounced. I guess the "timechute" is not working? :P
Thanks for the suggestion. I thought I'd make the Tagboard a little less prominent since I would prefer people to use the Feedback form. I put up the Tagboard for folks to make brief general remarks and comments which aren't specifically directed to any postings on the MMR. For the latter I hope folks can use the Haloscan commenting system. 3 ways to contact me. I am sooo
Site update
Added the Arthritis Foundation of Malaysia website to the MMR's list of Public Societies and Associations. Almost missed this one. Then I spotted Dr SK Chow's mugshot in the papers and I easily found the website using my favorite search engine. Google's marvellous ain't it? ;)
I think the newspaper item was about the launch of a free educational book (pharma sponsored) for the Arthritis Foundation. Why didn't they put up the whole book on the website?!? That would ensure greater distribution and save a few trees.
Added the Arthritis Foundation of Malaysia website to the MMR's list of Public Societies and Associations. Almost missed this one. Then I spotted Dr SK Chow's mugshot in the papers and I easily found the website using my favorite search engine. Google's marvellous ain't it? ;)
I think the newspaper item was about the launch of a free educational book (pharma sponsored) for the Arthritis Foundation. Why didn't they put up the whole book on the website?!? That would ensure greater distribution and save a few trees.
Feedback
syl sent in this "emergency email":
i am a college student from Johor. Now, my aunty is being tortured by her heart problem and need operation immediately. However, my family and aunty's family can not afford such expensive operation fee. I am very sad and panic about this matter. I don't know what can i do now. Please guide me. Hope you all can help us.
I presume your Aunty was first seen in a Private Hospital? I presume she is not insured and not a civil servant? It is indeed sad to hear that once again this country's Healthcare financing system has failed the public. When if ever will a compulsory National Healthcare Insurance scheme be put in place?
Fortunately, the public hospitals are still fairly well equipped and as for heart surgery, the Government has setup Heart surgery units outside KL - including in JB and Penang. If you look at this web page describing the Medical Services, the Hospital Sultan Aminah JB's Cardiothoracic Unit was setup in 1997. I suggest you get your Aunty's physician or cardiologist to refer her to Hospital Sultan Aminah JB where the cost of care will be much subsidized by the Government. HSAJB's contact is:
Hospital Sultanah Aminah, 80100 Johor Bharu Tel: 07-2822344 Faks: 07-2841590. Their webpage unfortunately, like many Public hospitals' websites has become a cobwebsite (
).
I checked the Public Associations links of the MMR and there are some other resources you can lookup:
the National Heart Foundation (Yayasan Jantung Negara) may provide some information and support and you might also consider the National Heart Instititute (IJN) which takes referrals.
Good luck and God bless.
syl sent in this "emergency email":
i am a college student from Johor. Now, my aunty is being tortured by her heart problem and need operation immediately. However, my family and aunty's family can not afford such expensive operation fee. I am very sad and panic about this matter. I don't know what can i do now. Please guide me. Hope you all can help us.
I presume your Aunty was first seen in a Private Hospital? I presume she is not insured and not a civil servant? It is indeed sad to hear that once again this country's Healthcare financing system has failed the public. When if ever will a compulsory National Healthcare Insurance scheme be put in place?
Fortunately, the public hospitals are still fairly well equipped and as for heart surgery, the Government has setup Heart surgery units outside KL - including in JB and Penang. If you look at this web page describing the Medical Services, the Hospital Sultan Aminah JB's Cardiothoracic Unit was setup in 1997. I suggest you get your Aunty's physician or cardiologist to refer her to Hospital Sultan Aminah JB where the cost of care will be much subsidized by the Government. HSAJB's contact is:
Hospital Sultanah Aminah, 80100 Johor Bharu Tel: 07-2822344 Faks: 07-2841590. Their webpage unfortunately, like many Public hospitals' websites has become a cobwebsite (
). I checked the Public Associations links of the MMR and there are some other resources you can lookup:
the National Heart Foundation (Yayasan Jantung Negara) may provide some information and support and you might also consider the National Heart Instititute (IJN) which takes referrals.
Good luck and God bless.
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day
Here's an e-rose for all the ladies visiting the MMR ;)
Decided to put up a Tagboard, finally. I think it adds flexibility to those wishing to make general comments and not just specific ones related to inidividual posts in the MMR.
I've been maintaining the MMR for the past 8 years now and I must say, changing it to a Blogstyle frontpage is alot of fun.....
Here's an e-rose for all the ladies visiting the MMR ;)
Decided to put up a Tagboard, finally. I think it adds flexibility to those wishing to make general comments and not just specific ones related to inidividual posts in the MMR.
I've been maintaining the MMR for the past 8 years now and I must say, changing it to a Blogstyle frontpage is alot of fun.....
Blogroll update
Added Lena's Journal to the Medical Blogroll. Thanks to YeePei for the info. I knew there were more blogs out there! Keep 'em coming......
Addendum: Gerrard also has pointed me to two Medical Students from Kucing, Soof & Joonting who are now in Canada. Thanks mate - have blogrolled them.
Added Lena's Journal to the Medical Blogroll. Thanks to YeePei for the info. I knew there were more blogs out there! Keep 'em coming......
Addendum: Gerrard also has pointed me to two Medical Students from Kucing, Soof & Joonting who are now in Canada. Thanks mate - have blogrolled them.
Looking for Events
Is there a local medical website which lists upcoming Medical Meetings & Conferences? There are at least two which are freely available and can be accessed without registration.
The Malaysian Medical Association has it's MMA Events listing which is a simplistic listing month by month for 2004. There is no Search function.
The Academy of Medicine has what I think is a better designed Events Calendar - it straight away lists the Upcoming events at the top of the page and there is also a Search form where you can specify Title, Year, State, Organizer etc.
As for the content I think the AM beats the MMA but neither are comprehensive so the best thing is to check both. It's not easy to maintain an uptodate Calendar of Events, but kudos to both the MMA and AM for making an effort to use modern Internet technology to disseminate the information. Do you think you'd find it useful? I do.
The MMR has a comprehensive listing of Malaysian Medical Professional Associations and Societies websites.
Is there a local medical website which lists upcoming Medical Meetings & Conferences? There are at least two which are freely available and can be accessed without registration.
The Malaysian Medical Association has it's MMA Events listing which is a simplistic listing month by month for 2004. There is no Search function.
The Academy of Medicine has what I think is a better designed Events Calendar - it straight away lists the Upcoming events at the top of the page and there is also a Search form where you can specify Title, Year, State, Organizer etc.
As for the content I think the AM beats the MMA but neither are comprehensive so the best thing is to check both. It's not easy to maintain an uptodate Calendar of Events, but kudos to both the MMA and AM for making an effort to use modern Internet technology to disseminate the information. Do you think you'd find it useful? I do.
The MMR has a comprehensive listing of Malaysian Medical Professional Associations and Societies websites.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Blogroll update
I suspect there are plenty of medical students out there secretly blogging away. I think it is a way to "destress" themselves from the hectic high-pressured medical school environment. Thanks to Dr. Liew, I have managed to uncover another blog, YP's rantings, the secret blogs of an IMU student.
Speaking of medical schools, the MMR has a page dedicated to Medical Schools in Malaysia. These are links to the websites maintained by the various public and private medical schools in Malaysia. At the bottom of this page, I have some links for Medical students studying overseas and doctors intending to work in Malaysia - particularly some information on how to apply for MMC registration (a pre-requisite to working as a doctor in Malaysia)
I suspect there are plenty of medical students out there secretly blogging away. I think it is a way to "destress" themselves from the hectic high-pressured medical school environment. Thanks to Dr. Liew, I have managed to uncover another blog, YP's rantings, the secret blogs of an IMU student.
Speaking of medical schools, the MMR has a page dedicated to Medical Schools in Malaysia. These are links to the websites maintained by the various public and private medical schools in Malaysia. At the bottom of this page, I have some links for Medical students studying overseas and doctors intending to work in Malaysia - particularly some information on how to apply for MMC registration (a pre-requisite to working as a doctor in Malaysia)
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Nipah virus revisited
Back in 1999 , there was an unusual viral outbreak originating from pig farms, something the YB Health Minister kept calling "JE". In fact it was a new virus, now called the Nipah virus (the rightful discoverer being Dr Chua Kaw Bing) . Vad's corner has nicely summarised the Nipah Outbreak when it started and in another article regarding the containment exercises undertaken. Dobbs also had an interesting thread which showed what went through the doctors' minds during these troubling times.
What's new? Well it has just been reported that a French team working with Malaysian scientists have come up with a Nipah virus vaccine. This is good news and shows the way forward via good science.
Back in 1999 , there was an unusual viral outbreak originating from pig farms, something the YB Health Minister kept calling "JE". In fact it was a new virus, now called the Nipah virus (the rightful discoverer being Dr Chua Kaw Bing) . Vad's corner has nicely summarised the Nipah Outbreak when it started and in another article regarding the containment exercises undertaken. Dobbs also had an interesting thread which showed what went through the doctors' minds during these troubling times.
What's new? Well it has just been reported that a French team working with Malaysian scientists have come up with a Nipah virus vaccine. This is good news and shows the way forward via good science.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Site update
Added DiabetesMalaysia, an informative site about Diabetes Mellitus in Bahasa Malaysia to the General Info links of the MMR. According to the webmasters, a Chinese language version is coming.
Sadly, I have had to add a cobweb to Infomedics Malaysia, a medical news site maintained by Dr HH Lee, which has now become defunct. If there is a new URL, can somebody please let me know. In the meantime if you want your daily dose of compiled Malaysian Medical news, you can surf over to Materia Medica Malaysiana.
DarahTinggi.com is no longer in a hypotensive state and has been resuscitated back to health.
Added DiabetesMalaysia, an informative site about Diabetes Mellitus in Bahasa Malaysia to the General Info links of the MMR. According to the webmasters, a Chinese language version is coming.
Sadly, I have had to add a cobweb to Infomedics Malaysia, a medical news site maintained by Dr HH Lee, which has now become defunct. If there is a new URL, can somebody please let me know. In the meantime if you want your daily dose of compiled Malaysian Medical news, you can surf over to Materia Medica Malaysiana.
DarahTinggi.com is no longer in a hypotensive state and has been resuscitated back to health.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Gastric cancer campaign
Did you know there's a nationwide gastric cancer awareness campaign?
There's an unfortunate quote in that news item (not suprisingly from the laboratory which does testing for H. pylori)
"One of the major causes of stomach cancer is the infection of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
"Sixty per cent of stomach cancer cases have been associated with H. pylori infection. The bacteria has been classified as a class one carcinogen."
Stretching the truth? No one is disputing that H. pylori is an important cause of peptic ulcers. Finding H. pylori in 60% cases of stomach cancer is not the same as saying that 60% of stomach cancers are caused by H. pylori. So the term "associated with" is used very loosely here and may be misleading.
A very reliable source of cancer information is Cancernet
I quote from Cancernet:
The most common type of gastric cancer (“intestinal” or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma) is preceded by a well-characterized precancerous process involving several steps, namely chronic gastritis, glandular atrophy, complete intestinal metaplasia, incomplete intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia.[2] These endpoints are being utilized in ongoing chemoprevention trials.[1] A chemoprevention trial in China reported a statistically significant reduction of gastric cancer mortality after supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium.[3] There is insufficient evidence that eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection prevents either gastric cancer or precancerous lesions.
Moral of the story:
Don't believe everything you read in our local newspapers.
For more information on H. pylori, you can visit the Malaysian H. Pylori website, on General Info links in the MMR
Did you know there's a nationwide gastric cancer awareness campaign?
There's an unfortunate quote in that news item (not suprisingly from the laboratory which does testing for H. pylori)
"One of the major causes of stomach cancer is the infection of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
"Sixty per cent of stomach cancer cases have been associated with H. pylori infection. The bacteria has been classified as a class one carcinogen."
Stretching the truth? No one is disputing that H. pylori is an important cause of peptic ulcers. Finding H. pylori in 60% cases of stomach cancer is not the same as saying that 60% of stomach cancers are caused by H. pylori. So the term "associated with" is used very loosely here and may be misleading.
A very reliable source of cancer information is Cancernet
I quote from Cancernet:
The most common type of gastric cancer (“intestinal” or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma) is preceded by a well-characterized precancerous process involving several steps, namely chronic gastritis, glandular atrophy, complete intestinal metaplasia, incomplete intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia.[2] These endpoints are being utilized in ongoing chemoprevention trials.[1] A chemoprevention trial in China reported a statistically significant reduction of gastric cancer mortality after supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium.[3] There is insufficient evidence that eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection prevents either gastric cancer or precancerous lesions.
Moral of the story:
Don't believe everything you read in our local newspapers.
For more information on H. pylori, you can visit the Malaysian H. Pylori website, on General Info links in the MMR
Blogrolled II
Added Dr AR Jamal's Techblog and EpidBlog. Dr Jamal is an Epidemiology & Biostatistic Medical Lecturer with the International Islamic University of Malaysia and he maintains his personal web page which is listed together with other Malaysian doctors' personal webpages in the MMR.
Added Dr AR Jamal's Techblog and EpidBlog. Dr Jamal is an Epidemiology & Biostatistic Medical Lecturer with the International Islamic University of Malaysia and he maintains his personal web page which is listed together with other Malaysian doctors' personal webpages in the MMR.
Blogrolled
Thanks to leads from Gerrard and Natasha, I have managed to Blogroll a couple more Malaysian Medical Blogs. Pondok Tok Janggut is a blog by DocTeeJay (single parent, diver, Zire71 owner ?) and d.y.t.i.a is one by "a 22 year old female medical student trying to survive this hell called medical school" , but somehow finds the time to blog - heh! ;)
Thanks to leads from Gerrard and Natasha, I have managed to Blogroll a couple more Malaysian Medical Blogs. Pondok Tok Janggut is a blog by DocTeeJay (single parent, diver, Zire71 owner ?) and d.y.t.i.a is one by "a 22 year old female medical student trying to survive this hell called medical school" , but somehow finds the time to blog - heh! ;)
Monday, February 09, 2004
Feedback
eyaz asks:
where can i get information on malaysian diabetes association?
Well, the MMR has in its Public Societies & Associations page, the Persatuan Diabetis Malaysia but unfortunately the website is down. I have contacted Prof. Ikram Shah who maintains (or used to maintain) the site but I have not yet received a reply from him. The society is based in University of Malaya Medical Centre and the contact number is +60 (3) 79502385
I'm wondering what happend - perhaps someone forgot to renew the domain name registration? Nothing to be ashamed about - it happens even to the big guys like the Washington Post!!
eyaz asks:
where can i get information on malaysian diabetes association?
Well, the MMR has in its Public Societies & Associations page, the Persatuan Diabetis Malaysia but unfortunately the website is down. I have contacted Prof. Ikram Shah who maintains (or used to maintain) the site but I have not yet received a reply from him. The society is based in University of Malaya Medical Centre and the contact number is +60 (3) 79502385
I'm wondering what happend - perhaps someone forgot to renew the domain name registration? Nothing to be ashamed about - it happens even to the big guys like the Washington Post!!
Another doctor's homepage
Added DrCheah.com to the Doctors' personal webpages links of the MMR. This is Dr Ben Cheah's personal website created as a hobby and also for his kaki at the Cari forums.
I would be interested to hear from you if you know of any other doctors with personal homepages.....
Added DrCheah.com to the Doctors' personal webpages links of the MMR. This is Dr Ben Cheah's personal website created as a hobby and also for his kaki at the Cari forums.
I would be interested to hear from you if you know of any other doctors with personal homepages.....
Site update
Added the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology to the MMR's Professional Societies and Associations listing. I like this site. It's well designed - neat layout and quite informative. There aren't many Rheumatologists in the country - certainly not enough, and this site will go some way to promoting the specialty.
Maybe the YB Health Minister might want to take note that it is not uncommon to see harm done to patients by "traditional" or "herbal" medicine for arthritic disorders - for instance when the "traditional" or "herbal" medicines are in fact laced with potent steroids. I have also personally seen a case of bilateral pneumothoraces (punctured lungs) from "acupuncture" applied to the area above the clavicles (collar bones) for arthritis of the knee!
Added the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology to the MMR's Professional Societies and Associations listing. I like this site. It's well designed - neat layout and quite informative. There aren't many Rheumatologists in the country - certainly not enough, and this site will go some way to promoting the specialty.
Maybe the YB Health Minister might want to take note that it is not uncommon to see harm done to patients by "traditional" or "herbal" medicine for arthritic disorders - for instance when the "traditional" or "herbal" medicines are in fact laced with potent steroids. I have also personally seen a case of bilateral pneumothoraces (punctured lungs) from "acupuncture" applied to the area above the clavicles (collar bones) for arthritis of the knee!
Sunday, February 08, 2004
In search of...more medical blogs
Yes, I am looking for more Malaysian Medical Blogs. Be it by doctors, medical students, pharmacists, nurses or whoever. Added another blog by "two medical students who got "tricked" into their course" in my Blogroll (see the sidebar on the right). Not many in the list I know, but if you come across any others, do drop me a line. My vote for the best and the funniest still goes to Dr. Liew's blog
Yes, I am looking for more Malaysian Medical Blogs. Be it by doctors, medical students, pharmacists, nurses or whoever. Added another blog by "two medical students who got "tricked" into their course" in my Blogroll (see the sidebar on the right). Not many in the list I know, but if you come across any others, do drop me a line. My vote for the best and the funniest still goes to Dr. Liew's blog
Saturday, February 07, 2004
An open mind
Once again the Hon. Health Minister implores doctors to keep an open mind about traditional medicines.
"It is the policy of this ministry to promote traditional and complementary medicine, which may or may not be included in health supplements. "
I think it should read, "It is the policy..... to promote proven medicine, clinical trials and evidence based practice". We all keep an open mind to different forms of treatment but we should not keep our minds so open that our brains fall out. We should maintain a critical mind and not accept wild unsubstantiated claims, YB Health Minister.
In a Review of randomised controlled trials of traditional medicine (BMJ 1999 Jul 17; 319:160-161 ) by Tang J-L et al , it was found that "Only 15 percent of the trials used blinding, and most did not adequately describe randomization procedures. Only a few trials included 300 or more subjects. Other methodological problems included the use of other unproven remedies as controls, reliance on short-term or intermediate outcomes, lack of data on compliance or completeness of follow-up, little quantification of effectiveness, and no references to intention-to-treat analyses"
Once again the Hon. Health Minister implores doctors to keep an open mind about traditional medicines.
"It is the policy of this ministry to promote traditional and complementary medicine, which may or may not be included in health supplements. "
I think it should read, "It is the policy..... to promote proven medicine, clinical trials and evidence based practice". We all keep an open mind to different forms of treatment but we should not keep our minds so open that our brains fall out. We should maintain a critical mind and not accept wild unsubstantiated claims, YB Health Minister.
In a Review of randomised controlled trials of traditional medicine (BMJ 1999 Jul 17; 319:160-161 ) by Tang J-L et al , it was found that "Only 15 percent of the trials used blinding, and most did not adequately describe randomization procedures. Only a few trials included 300 or more subjects. Other methodological problems included the use of other unproven remedies as controls, reliance on short-term or intermediate outcomes, lack of data on compliance or completeness of follow-up, little quantification of effectiveness, and no references to intention-to-treat analyses"
Friday, February 06, 2004
Site update
Added the Malaysian Thoracic Society to the Professional Societies & Associations page of the MMR.
Societies love to have webpages - trendy I guess. It's fun at the beginning but the real test is - do they make use of the website? I mean, a website is an electronic means to inform and possibly educate members of the organisation/society, and to publicise their activities. Here, I think the MTS just about makes the grade as there appear to be updates up to December 2003.
And yes, this is another Pfizer sponsored website...
Added the Malaysian Thoracic Society to the Professional Societies & Associations page of the MMR.
Societies love to have webpages - trendy I guess. It's fun at the beginning but the real test is - do they make use of the website? I mean, a website is an electronic means to inform and possibly educate members of the organisation/society, and to publicise their activities. Here, I think the MTS just about makes the grade as there appear to be updates up to December 2003.
And yes, this is another Pfizer sponsored website...
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Supplements controversy
News item: "The Malaysian Dietary Supplements Association (Madsa) today expressed
surprise over the ban by the Malaysian Medical Association on doctors selling health supplements"
I checked the MMA website for their Press Statement and sadly the MMA website's listing of MMA press statement is out of date, listing only up to 2003 press statements (MMA webmaster, wake up!!)
Anyway, do you really need to take supplements? The Mayo clinic has some answers.....
News item: "The Malaysian Dietary Supplements Association (Madsa) today expressed
surprise over the ban by the Malaysian Medical Association on doctors selling health supplements"
I checked the MMA website for their Press Statement and sadly the MMA website's listing of MMA press statement is out of date, listing only up to 2003 press statements (MMA webmaster, wake up!!)
Anyway, do you really need to take supplements? The Mayo clinic has some answers.....
Resident Medical Officer position available
Dr Lee Joon Lung has advertised for an MO position in Sarawak.
Dr Lee Joon Lung has advertised for an MO position in Sarawak.
Feedback
ML sent me this feedback:
"Most of the topic about medicine described majorly on the doctor. Would it hurt to describe the "patient's" opinion and complaints to further enhance the quality of medication.
From what I've learned in reality, most doctors and insurance wants only to gain or profit from their profession and business.
They don't take into consideration the feeling or thought of their client or patient. Does the doctors and medical insurance really have a "heart"?.
I think it's fair to say that the majority of doctors do have their patients' best interests in mind and at heart. As for the financial aspect, many a time we worry for the patient who is self-funding or has insurance limits. This is the unfortunate state of health care financing in Malaysia today where we still do not have a comprehensive National Insurance or Health care plan (akan datang?). Public hospitals which are cheaper are unfortunately over-crowded and waiting lists are long. The MMR has a Public Societies and Associations section - these are good examples of organisations which can help patients. There needs to be more patient advocacy and Malaysian patients - health care consumers so to speak - need to be more vocal rather than be passive.
ML sent me this feedback:
"Most of the topic about medicine described majorly on the doctor. Would it hurt to describe the "patient's" opinion and complaints to further enhance the quality of medication.
From what I've learned in reality, most doctors and insurance wants only to gain or profit from their profession and business.
They don't take into consideration the feeling or thought of their client or patient. Does the doctors and medical insurance really have a "heart"?.
I think it's fair to say that the majority of doctors do have their patients' best interests in mind and at heart. As for the financial aspect, many a time we worry for the patient who is self-funding or has insurance limits. This is the unfortunate state of health care financing in Malaysia today where we still do not have a comprehensive National Insurance or Health care plan (akan datang?). Public hospitals which are cheaper are unfortunately over-crowded and waiting lists are long. The MMR has a Public Societies and Associations section - these are good examples of organisations which can help patients. There needs to be more patient advocacy and Malaysian patients - health care consumers so to speak - need to be more vocal rather than be passive.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
GP Locum available
Dr. Teh Chen Sun has posted a vacancy for a regular Saturday GP locum position in Johor. Check out the MMR Locum Jobs available page.
What are the locum rates nowadays? In the 80's I recall GP locum rates used to be about RM25/hour in Kuala Lumpur.
Dr. Teh Chen Sun has posted a vacancy for a regular Saturday GP locum position in Johor. Check out the MMR Locum Jobs available page.
What are the locum rates nowadays? In the 80's I recall GP locum rates used to be about RM25/hour in Kuala Lumpur.
Perinatal Update
Added the Perinatal Society of Malaysia website to the the Professional Society & Associations listing in the MMR. I must say that Pfizer Malaysia seems to be sponsoring lots of Malaysian Medical Websites. The MMR is not Pharma sponsored but if you would like to help, please visit one of the Google Ad links ;)
Added the Perinatal Society of Malaysia website to the the Professional Society & Associations listing in the MMR. I must say that Pfizer Malaysia seems to be sponsoring lots of Malaysian Medical Websites. The MMR is not Pharma sponsored but if you would like to help, please visit one of the Google Ad links ;)
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Directory Update
I have updated the MMR Directory to include the Ministry of Health Public and Private Hospital listings, the MMA Medical Centre Search engine and Doctor Search engines.
I have dropped the old Pico search facility for searching the MMR pages and instead now put up a Freefind search form in the Home page and Directory page of the MMR for your convenience:I prefer FreeFind over Picosearch as the former does automatic reindexing at scheduled intervals. Let me know if you encounter any problems or issue with the Search function.
I have updated the MMR Directory to include the Ministry of Health Public and Private Hospital listings, the MMA Medical Centre Search engine and Doctor Search engines.
I have dropped the old Pico search facility for searching the MMR pages and instead now put up a Freefind search form in the Home page and Directory page of the MMR for your convenience:I prefer FreeFind over Picosearch as the former does automatic reindexing at scheduled intervals. Let me know if you encounter any problems or issue with the Search function.
Monday, February 02, 2004
The MMA and You
Are you a Malaysian doctor but not a member of the Malaysian Medical Association? You may be suprised to know that MMA membership is not compulsory and many Malaysian doctors don't bother to join the MMA. Therein lies the sad divided state of doctors in Malaysia today. Unfortunately it's perhaps out of ignorance that doctors fail to join the MMA.
Dr Lee Yan San, ex- president of the MMA has kindly reproduced his article "What Has MMA Done For Doctors? in Dobbs, the Malaysian Doctors Only Bulletin Board (sign up with Dobbs for free!)
“It is not fair to accuse MMA of not doing anything for doctors in the past. Such news usually receives very dramatic response from MMA. The writer should also does his part to contribute by informing MMA of such an incident rather than simply believing what some doctors said of MMA. Some people are just impossible to please. Even if you work your heart out for them, they will still think you are just having fun and not doing anything! Unless MMA hears about it, MMA cannot respond properly”.
Are you a Malaysian doctor but not a member of the Malaysian Medical Association? You may be suprised to know that MMA membership is not compulsory and many Malaysian doctors don't bother to join the MMA. Therein lies the sad divided state of doctors in Malaysia today. Unfortunately it's perhaps out of ignorance that doctors fail to join the MMA.
Dr Lee Yan San, ex- president of the MMA has kindly reproduced his article "What Has MMA Done For Doctors? in Dobbs, the Malaysian Doctors Only Bulletin Board (sign up with Dobbs for free!)
“It is not fair to accuse MMA of not doing anything for doctors in the past. Such news usually receives very dramatic response from MMA. The writer should also does his part to contribute by informing MMA of such an incident rather than simply believing what some doctors said of MMA. Some people are just impossible to please. Even if you work your heart out for them, they will still think you are just having fun and not doing anything! Unless MMA hears about it, MMA cannot respond properly”.
Online Locum Agency Revived
I have reactivated the Malaysian Medical Resources' Online Locum Agency. Submissions are no longer automatic and will be reviewed before listing in either the Jobs Wanted or Jobs Available listing.
The service is absolutely free.
I have reactivated the Malaysian Medical Resources' Online Locum Agency. Submissions are no longer automatic and will be reviewed before listing in either the Jobs Wanted or Jobs Available listing.
The service is absolutely free.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Human-human transmission of bird flu?
Breaking News - Bird Flu May Have Passed Between Humans is a most worrying trend. I guess this was coming given the fact that the virus would mutate eventually to one which may have human-human transmission capability. How far will the H5N1 flu spread now? Malaysia has been spared thus far. Stay tuned for the latest news from the MMR and Materia Medica Malaysiana
Breaking News - Bird Flu May Have Passed Between Humans is a most worrying trend. I guess this was coming given the fact that the virus would mutate eventually to one which may have human-human transmission capability. How far will the H5N1 flu spread now? Malaysia has been spared thus far. Stay tuned for the latest news from the MMR and Materia Medica Malaysiana
More on SARS and Avian Flu
SARS is not over. There is concern over a resurgence of cases reported in China. The Ministry of Health reportedly intends to establish a nationwide database on patients with SARS and Avian Flu symptoms. Surveillance in these troubling times is an excellent idea. However, the quality of the data coming out of this database is only as good as the quality of the data reported. GIGO as they say. I'm glad the MOH is on the ball.
SARS is not over. There is concern over a resurgence of cases reported in China. The Ministry of Health reportedly intends to establish a nationwide database on patients with SARS and Avian Flu symptoms. Surveillance in these troubling times is an excellent idea. However, the quality of the data coming out of this database is only as good as the quality of the data reported. GIGO as they say. I'm glad the MOH is on the ball.
To TCM or not to TCM
I have been toying with the idea of adding links to Malaysian Traditional and Complementary Medicine websites. Should I or should I not?
One of the problems about TCM in Malaysia is that it is poorly regulated and whatever regulations there are, are often flouted. Advertisements in the media abound, many making fantastic claims of being able to "cure" many ailments. The Malaysian Medical Association in fact has made a Press Statement on this sorry state of affairs.
When my patients ask me what I think of TCM, I usually tell them I don't believe in dividing treatment into allopathic vs alternative or TCM medicine. To me, it's either "proven or unproven" medicine. Unfortunately, much of TCM remains unproven and unscientific. One useful website to check up before taking the TCM plunge is Quackwatch - highly recomended site where you can read up about the truth on Spirulina and other "supplements", Chelation therapy, Chiropractic therapy etc.
In the meantime, I'm still wrestling with the idea of adding Malaysian TCM website links to the MMR. If there is enough positive feedback I just might. Let me know......
I have been toying with the idea of adding links to Malaysian Traditional and Complementary Medicine websites. Should I or should I not?
One of the problems about TCM in Malaysia is that it is poorly regulated and whatever regulations there are, are often flouted. Advertisements in the media abound, many making fantastic claims of being able to "cure" many ailments. The Malaysian Medical Association in fact has made a Press Statement on this sorry state of affairs.
When my patients ask me what I think of TCM, I usually tell them I don't believe in dividing treatment into allopathic vs alternative or TCM medicine. To me, it's either "proven or unproven" medicine. Unfortunately, much of TCM remains unproven and unscientific. One useful website to check up before taking the TCM plunge is Quackwatch - highly recomended site where you can read up about the truth on Spirulina and other "supplements", Chelation therapy, Chiropractic therapy etc.
In the meantime, I'm still wrestling with the idea of adding Malaysian TCM website links to the MMR. If there is enough positive feedback I just might. Let me know......
This is an Old site which is no longer updated. Please visit the NEW MMR http://medicine.com.my/wp
Links
Previous Posts
- Final Post on this Blog
- Update: Taking the plunge
- Update plans: change to Wordpress?
- Hospitals Design Flaws : Health Hazard?
- Financial aid
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