Childcare centres and kindies urged to do HFMD screenings
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said cooperation from childcare centre and kindergarten operators in conducting screenings, including monitoring for signs of infection on children's hands, feet and mouth, is crucial to preventing further spread of the disease.
'We advise the public not to panic, as preventative measures are actively being implemented and we already have comprehensive guidelines in place.
'What we need now is community cooperation, especially from childcare centre and kindergarten operators who are at higher risk of HFMD exposure, to at least carry out basic screenings,' he told reporters after launching the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Management of Erectile Dysfunction here yesterday.
Lukanisman also stressed that parents must practise preventative measures and closely monitor their children to ensure they are not infected with HFMD.
'Early screening can help prevent the infection from spreading to other children,' he said, Bernama reported.
On May 12, Health Ministry reported that as of April 26, a total of 99,601 HFMD cases were recorded nationwide, marking a 266% increase from 27,236 cases during the same period last year.
It said 10,421 cases, or 10%, were linked to outbreaks, while the remaining 89,180 cases occurred sporadically.
The ministry also said that five states recorded the highest number of cases: Selangor (27.2%), followed by Johor (9.9%), Perak (9.4%), Kelantan (7.2%), and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (6.9%).
Regarding the claim of a potential increase of up to 30% in treatment charges at private hospitals and clinics, Lukanisman said the ministry would investigate the matter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
42 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Cuepacs rejects proposal to hire Indonesian nurses for public hospitals
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has objected to allowing Indonesian nurses to work in government hospitals. Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the proposal was unsuitable as many local nursing graduates had yet to receive permanent or contract appointments. "Many nursing graduates who have completed their studies are still waiting for placement, with some having waited up to eight months without any offers," he said in a statement today. Adnan said local nurses are trained under strict standards set by the Health Ministry, and hiring foreign nurses who may not have undergone comparable training could compromise the quality of public healthcare services. He said priority should be given to local nurses who graduated under the promotion-by-appointment programme and are still awaiting permanent positions. "They should be prioritised to fill vacancies in government hospitals," he said. Adnan said the country's policy also stipulates that priority for public sector employment must be given to Malaysians, in line with national interest. He said local nurses are better attuned to the cultural, religious and social sensitivities of the population, which is crucial for communication and treatment based on local values. As such, Cuepacs urged the ministry to focus on expediting the recruitment of local nurses and to develop long-term strategies to address healthcare staffing shortages. "Solutions such as increasing the intake of nurse trainees at the ministry's training institutes, expanding promotion-by-appointment opportunities, and improving incentives and benefits for local nurses would be more accurate and sustainable," he said. He also said Cuepacs is open to discussions with the ministry to find the most effective way to resolve the nursing shortage without affecting job prospects and the welfare of local healthcare workers. On Aug 5, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Johor Baru proposed a strategic collaboration with hospitals in Malaysia to enable nurses from Indonesia to work here. Its Consul General Sigit S. Widiyanto said this would be a win-win situation as about 70 per cent of international patients in Malaysia are from Indonesia.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Cuepacs against hiring of foreign nurses for govt hospitals
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has voiced opposition to the proposal to recruit nurses from Indonesia for placement in government hospitals. Its president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, said the proposal was inappropriate, as many local nursing graduates, including those promoted through the Promotion by Appointment (PSL) scheme, are still waiting for permanent or contract placements, with some having waited as long as eight months. "Job opportunities in the public service sector should be prioritised for locals before considering the hiring of foreign workers, in line with the government's policy of putting citizens first,' he said in a statement, on Friday (Aug 8). He said local nurses have undergone rigorous training, based on standards set by the Health Ministry and hiring foreign nurses who may not meet these standards could compromise the quality of public healthcare services. Adnan added that local nurses are more attuned to the country's culture, religion and social sensitivities, which helps minimise communication barriers, supports treatment practices aligned with local values, and fosters better relationships with patients and their families. He said Cuepacs hopes that the Health Ministry will focus on expediting the appointment process for local nurses, and implement long-term measures, such as increasing nurse trainee intake at Health Ministry training institutions, expanding PSL opportunities, and enhancing incentives and facilities for local nurses. He said Cuepacs is also prepared to engage with the Health Ministry to find the best solution to address the current nurse shortage, without compromising employment opportunities and the welfare of local nurses. On Tuesday (Aug 5), the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Johor Bahru proposed strategic cooperation with hospitals in Malaysia to allow Indonesian nurses to serve in the country, noting that nearly 70% of international patients in Johor, Melaka, Penang and Kuala Lumpur are from Indonesia. — Bernama
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Melaka high-tech plant boosts clinical waste management in South zone
MELAKA: The high-tech Clinical Waste Disposal Plant operated by Medivest Sdn Bhd in Bukit Rambai is set to address rising clinical waste volumes in the southern region. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh highlighted the facility's role in managing a projected 40 per cent waste increase by 2030. He attributed the surge to expanding healthcare infrastructure across Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor. 'Medical advancements have significantly raised clinical waste volumes, demanding more efficient disposal solutions,' he said during the plant's inauguration. Medivest CEO Abdullah Hashim joined the event, underscoring the plant's operational success since 2022. The facility has safely processed 15,389 metric tonnes of waste, with 3.3 metric tonnes handled up to July 31 this year. This marks an increase from 3 metric tonnes disposed of during the same period in 2024. 'The rising figures confirm the necessity for large-scale, modern waste management systems,' Ab Rauf added. The plant serves 23 hospitals in the southern region with a daily capacity of 20 metric tonnes. Its annual disposal potential of 6,200 tonnes positions Melaka as a regional hub for clinical waste management. Ab Rauf noted this development would enhance investor and medical tourist confidence in the state. - Bernama
