Diabetes, high cholesterol more prevalent in Kelantan
KOTA BARU: The prevalence of diabetes and cholesterol in Kelantan is higher than the national average.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealed that 16.3 per cent of people in Kelantan have diabetes, compared to 15.6 per cent at the national level.
He added that 34.9 per cent of the population in the state has high cholesterol, compared to the national average of 33.3 per cent.
"However, the prevalence rates for high blood pressure and being overweight in Kelantan stand at 27.9 and 51.6 per cent, respectively, which are lower than the national averages.
"The findings from the NHMS 2023 are, I believe, very concerning, even though Kelantan has recorded better performance in several indicators compared to the national level.
"To address this challenge, the ministry has introduced the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda as a way to drive the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
"This initiative is very much in line with the national health system reform agenda, shifting from treatment-focused services to a system that emphasises prevention and well-being," he said at the opening ceremony of the Kelantan Wellness Hub Open Day here.
Dr Dzulkefly said the Kelantan Wellness Hub began operations in 2021 with just a small cabin.
However, he noted that with the completion of a two-storey building in 2024, its capacity has increased from 15 to 80 participants per session.
"From 2021 to 2024, the Kelantan Wellness Hub has received over 92,000 clients, both physically and virtually, demonstrating the public's confidence in the services offered.
"Various services are offered free of charge, including health screenings and healthy lifestyle counselling."
He added that ensuring better health outcomes requires cooperation from all parties and voiced confidence that the Kelantan Wellness Hub would continue to serve as a catalyst for the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
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