Better salaries needed to stop health workers leaving for Singapore
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon highlighted the need for competitive remuneration to retain talent in Malaysia's public healthcare sector.
Ling noted that Singaporean hospitals have been actively recruiting Malaysian healthcare workers with significantly higher salaries, some exceeding RM300,000 annually.
He stressed that this issue is not new but requires urgent attention to prevent further brain drain.
'We must discuss with MOH to increase trainee intake and improve pay structures so that our healthcare workers feel valued,' Ling said during a press conference after the Johor State-level Nurses Day 2025 celebration.
He added that better incentives would strengthen their commitment to serving locally.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who was also present, announced an allocation of RM400,000 for the welfare of nurses in the state.
The event saw around 1,000 nurses in attendance, underscoring the importance of recognising their contributions.
The viral social media post about Singapore's high-paying offers has intensified discussions on Malaysia's need to match regional salary standards.
Ling emphasised that addressing this gap is crucial for sustaining the country's healthcare workforce. – Bernama
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The Star
4 minutes ago
- The Star
When you have to juggle multiple medications
The Malaysian population is rapidly ageing, with over 11% currently aged 60 and above. This figure is projected to rise to 17.3% by 2040. The demographic shift has led to increasing healthcare demands, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. These conditions require long-term medicine use. Alarmingly, studies indicate that nearly half of older Malaysians experience polypharmacy. Many are also prescribed potentially inappropriate medications or fail to adhere to their treatment regimens. This issue calls for coordinated care, increased awareness and targeted interventions. Understanding polypharmacy Polypharmacy is generally defined as the use of five or more medicines at the same time. However, the number of medicines alone does not determine the impact. The necessity and appropriateness of these medicines are equally important. Polypharmacy can be both beneficial and harmful. Appropriate polypharmacy occurs when multiple medicines are clinically necessary, carefully monitored and effectively managed. For example, a person with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease may require several medicines to maintain stable health. Problematic polypharmacy occurs when medicines are prescribed to treat the side effects of other medicines (a situation known as a prescribing cascade), or when the medicines themselves are potentially harmful. Polypharmacy is common among older adults for several reasons. Understanding these contributing factors is essential in order to design effective strategies to minimise medicines-related harm and improve overall patient care. Some of the factors that can be attributed to the high frequency of polypharmacy among older adults are: The presence of multiple chronic medical conditions, for which the long-term use of medicines is necessary, Prescription of medicines on multiple different occasions by different healthcare practitioners, which increases the risk of duplication or drug interaction. Prescribing cascades, where medicines are prescribed to treat the side effects caused by other medicines. The absence of regular medicine reviews, which may allow unnecessary or outdated prescriptions to continue without reassessment. Poor communication between patients and healthcare providers, which can result in confusion or misuse of medicines. Widespread and accessible pharmaceutical promotions, which encourage patients to use traditional or over-the-counter medicines alongside prescribed medicines without medical advice. Potential dangers Polypharmacy carries genuine and significant risks, especially for older adults. Community pharmacists are one resource patients can easily access to ensure that their medicine regime is up-to-date and not causing any unnecessary side effects. — Filepic Due to slower metabolisms and potentially impaired kidney function, the elderly are more vulnerable to the negative effects of multiple medicines. Some of the most concerning consequences include emergency hospitalisations due to medicine-related complications, drug interactions that lead to undesirable side effects or reduced effectiveness, and adverse side effects such as dizziness, confusion or gastrointestinal issues. In addition, when medicines impair alertness or physical coordination, they may contribute to falls, fractures and cognitive decline. Several studies conducted in Malaysia also show that the majority of older adults do not take their medicines as prescribed. Polypharmacy has a direct impact on medication adherence, which refers to how well patients follow their prescribed treatment plans. As the number of prescribed medicines increases, the elderly often struggle with complex dosing schedules, leading to missed or incorrect doses. This not only compromises treatment outcomes, but also increases the risk of hospitalisations and complications. To address these, it is essential to provide patient education, simplify medicine regimens, and offer support through technology and caregiver involvement. Reducing the risks Healthcare systems around the world are adopting more proactive strategies to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines, especially in light of growing concerns about polypharmacy. One important strategy is regular medicine reviews. Patients are encouraged to inform their doctors and pharmacists about all the medicines they are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products and supplements. This open communication allows more regular medicine reviews, which helps healthcare providers identify medicines that may no longer be necessary or could be potentially harmful. Another key practice is deprescribing, which involves gradually reducing or stopping medicines that are no longer beneficial. Medicine reconciliation is also essential. This process ensures that any changes to a patient's medicine list, such as during hospital admission, discharge or transfer to a nursing home, are accurate and appropriate. Technology also plays a helpful role. Electronic health records can alert healthcare providers to potential interactions or duplicate medicines. Most importantly, a patient-centred approach is needed. When patients are involved in decisions about their treatment, it builds trust, improves adherence to medicines and leads to better health outcomes. The most effective strategies to manage polypharmacy involve active participation from both patients and their caregivers. Several steps are encouraged to support safe medication use: Maintain an updated medicines list, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies. Bring this list to every medical appointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the purpose, benefits and possible side effects of each medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist when you experience side effects, especially if they are suspected to be caused by a medicine. Get help from pharmacists for medicine reviews, especially after hospital stays or when there is a change in the medicine regimen. Use adherence devices or tools to help take medicines correctly, such as pill boxes, mobile apps or mobile alarms. The role of pharmacists As the number of elderly individuals taking multiple medications daily continues to rise, the role of pharmacists has become increasingly vital. While doctors are responsible for diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatments, pharmacists ensure that medications are used safely, correctly and effectively. With specialised knowledge in pharmacology and drug interactions, pharmacists are often able to detect issues that may be overlooked by others. These include overlapping therapies, potentially harmful drug combinations, and unnecessary or duplicate prescriptions. Community pharmacists, in particular, are in a unique position to support patients directly. As the most accessible healthcare professionals, they can offer personalised counselling, conduct routine medication reviews and help patients understand the purpose and proper use of each medicine. They can also identify early signs of adverse effects or non-adherence, and refer patients for further medical attention when necessary. Addressing polypharmacy requires a coordinated approach that centres on the patient. As the population grows older, providing safe, effective and individualised treatment is crucial. Balancing illness management with quality of life is key to delivering better and safer care to older adults. For any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays. Payal Choudhury is a pharmacist at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Najihah in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan. This article is courtesy of the Health Ministry's Pharmacy Practice and Development Division. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Digital devices impacting M'sian children's eyesight
KUALA LUMPUR: Vision problems are becoming increasingly common among Malaysian children, yet many remain undiagnosed until they begin to affect behaviour, school performance, or overall development. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon Dr Fiona Chew Lee Min said most of these cases stem from refractive errors, a condition where light is not focused properly on the eye due to the shape of the eyeball, resulting in blurry vision. She said Myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (a common condition that causes distortion of vision) are the most common refractive errors among Malaysian children, and both are becoming increasingly prevalent. "Nearly one in two Malaysian children is affected by refractive errors, with a local study reporting a prevalence of 47.8 per cent. Myopia affects 30.2 per cent and occurs when light focuses in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. "Astigmatism, which affects 16.3 per cent, is caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea, resulting in blurred vision at all distances. While hyperopia, or long-sightedness, is less common at 1.2 per cent and occurs when light focuses behind the retina, making near objects appear blurry," she said in a statement. With August marking Children's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, Dr Fiona reminded parents to prioritise regular vision checks, even when there are no obvious symptoms. The surgeon said that while the conditions are common, they are often overlooked by parents because children rarely complain of vision problems and tend to adapt to their limitations, leading parents to believe nothing is wrong. "Symptoms may be subtle, such as squinting to see distant objects, frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes, or even holding books and devices unusually close to the face. Dr Fiona also added that while behaviours like sitting too close to the television are often mistaken for bad habits, they could indicate that a child is struggling to see clearly and may have myopia. "If left untreated, refractive errors can lead to more serious vision problems, including lazy eye which causes permanent poor vision, eye alignment issues, headaches from eye strain, problems with depth perception and even difficulties in concentration," she explained. These risks are further compounded by modern lifestyle habits such as prolonged screen use, especially as reliance on digital devices has increased significantly over the years post-COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, more than half of Malaysian students experience headaches linked to extended periods in front of screens. Regarding the recommended screen time for children, Dr Fiona said it should be introduced as late as possible, preferably from the age of seven, adding that children over the age of three should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while those under three should avoid screens entirely. Dr Fiona said spending more time outdoors can help protect children's vision by giving their eyes a break from digital devices, allowing them to focus on varying distances and exposing them to natural sunlight, which reduces the risk of developing myopia. With that, Dr Fiona encouraged the adoption of the 20-20-20 rule, which is beneficial for people of all ages, noting that it is a simple yet effective habit she practises herself - taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of near-distance work to focus on something 20 feet away. Alongside preventive habits, she said appropriate corrective measures, including prescription glasses, are key to protecting a child's vision, as they remain the most effective way to correct refractive errors in children, and those who require them should wear their glasses consistently to prevent eye strain and help stabilise the refractive error. She also noted on the concerns about glasses will weaken a child's eyesight and said such thing is unfounded, as the correct prescription actually helps the eye focus properly. For older children from the age of 10 to 12, contact lenses may be introduced as an alternative, but strict hygiene must be practised to avoid eye infections. Dr Fiona said routine eye screening also plays an important role in maintaining children's eye health, starting as early as at birth, followed by a formal eye assessment at the age of three. Should there be any signs of vision problems in between, parents are encouraged to take proactive steps and have their children's eyes assessed earlier. Meanwhile, a registered dietitian at SMCV, Chow Yu Fei, said nutrition is a critical yet often overlooked factor in protecting children's vision, as a balanced diet during early childhood supports optimal visual development, eye muscle coordination and overall eye function. She said key nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in maintaining clear vision and protecting the retina from harmful light exposure, adding that deficiencies during this stage may not only affect children's vision now but also increase the risk of potential eye conditions in the future. "These nutrients can be found through everyday foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, spinach, broccoli, corn, salmon, mackerel, local favourites such as ikan tenggiri, ikan kembung, ikan patin, walnuts and chia seeds. Vitamin A deficiency can significantly impair a child's ability to see in low-light conditions and, in severe cases, may cause permanent damage to the cornea. "Insufficient lutein and zeaxanthin intake reduces the retina's natural defence against harmful blue light, increasing its vulnerability to long-term damage. While lack of omega-3 fatty acids can hinder the development and function of the retina, affecting the clarity and efficiency of visual processing," she said.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
From Playgrounds To Tablets: How Digital Life Is Impacting Children's Eyes
Registered dietitian at SMCV Chow Yu Fei said key nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in maintaining clear vision and protecting the retina from harmful light exposure. Children very rarely voice out their vision problems. Watch out for signs like squinting, frequent eye rubbing, and reading or watching screens too closely, as these may indicate refractive errors that need attention. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon Dr Fiona Chew Lee Min shared that most of these cases stem from refractive errors, a condition where light is not focused properly on the eye due to the shape of the eyeball, resulting in blurry vision. KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Vision problems are becoming increasingly common among Malaysian children, yet many remain undiagnosed until they begin to affect behaviour, school performance, or overall development. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon Dr Fiona Chew Lee Min said most of these cases stem from refractive errors, a condition where light is not focused properly on the eye due to the shape of the eyeball, resulting in blurry vision. She said Myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (a common condition that causes distortion of vision) are the most common refractive errors among Malaysian children, and both are becoming increasingly prevalent. 'Nearly one in two Malaysian children is affected by refractive errors, with a local study reporting a prevalence of 47.8 per cent. Myopia affects 30.2 per cent and occurs when light focuses in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. 'Astigmatism, which affects 16.3 per cent, is caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea, resulting in blurred vision at all distances. While hyperopia, or long-sightedness, is less common at 1.2 per cent and occurs when light focuses behind the retina, making near objects appear blurry,' she said in a statement. With August marking Children's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, Dr Fiona reminded parents to prioritise regular vision checks, even when there are no obvious symptoms. The surgeon said that while the conditions are common, they are often overlooked by parents because children rarely complain of vision problems and tend to adapt to their limitations, leading parents to believe nothing is wrong. 'Symptoms may be subtle, such as squinting to see distant objects, frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes, or even holding books and devices unusually close to the face. Dr Fiona also added that while behaviours like sitting too close to the television are often mistaken for bad habits, they could indicate that a child is struggling to see clearly and may have myopia. 'If left untreated, refractive errors can lead to more serious vision problems, including lazy eye which causes permanent poor vision, eye alignment issues, headaches from eye strain, problems with depth perception and even difficulties in concentration,' she explained.
