Don't wait until it's too late
SEREMBAN: The relatively low level of health literacy among some Malaysians is one of the key reasons they avoid regular health screenings, including for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer and mental health, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said most people only seek treatment once a disease has been identified or has progressed to a more serious stage, rather than going for early check-ups.
That is why, he said, it is important for the public to take care of their health and that of their family members by undergoing health screenings, followed by appropriate interventions and treatment.
'This is why the Health Ministry, under the National Health Screening Initiative, emphasises screenings not only for NCDs but also for cancer and mental health,' he told reporters after opening the Paroi constituency's Healthy Mind, Prosperous Community Carnival here yesterday.
Also present was Negri Sembilan Health Department director Dr Zuraida Mohamed.
Citing the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey, Dzulkefly said that one in three adult Malaysians suffers from high blood pressure, one in three has high cholesterol and one in six has diabetes, with 50% facing obesity.
'That is why I want to see greater awareness of the importance of health screenings. I hope these efforts are well received by the people.
'We have initiatives like Peka B40, Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara and services at district health offices,' he said, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said that Covid-19 cases in the country remain under control and below the national alert level, with an average of 600 cases per week.
The Health Ministry, he added, will continue to monitor the situation.
When asked about the need for Malaysians to get an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine following a rise in cases in a neighbouring country, he said there is no need to make it mandatory at this time, but advised the public to continue observing preventive measures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Barnama
Zakat Recipients Urged To Inform MAIWP If No Longer Eligible - Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has urged zakat recipients under the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to inform the body if they are no longer eligible to receive the assistance. 'MAIWP will continue to assist, but the philosophy at MAIWP is to help the asnaf group to overcome poverty, become entrepreneurs, earn a substantial income, and eventually pay zakat to help others,' he told reporters at the sixth edition of the Visit Asnaf programme in Seputeh today. On today's programme, Mohd Na'im said MAIWP's top management witnessed first-hand the realities of asnaf individuals, while also strengthening the bond between zakat payers and recipients. He also shared his experience of meeting an asnaf who had just started a family and was struggling with kidney disease, requiring ongoing dialysis treatment. 'The cost of his monthly dialysis is RM4,000, totalling RM50,000 annually. With a salary of only RM2,500, it is nearly impossible for him to afford this treatment. Therefore, MAIWP will assist him in getting the treatment,' he said, adding that such support allows patients to continue treatment without compromising other necessities such as housing and daily expenses. Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Elham Faiz Wan Mat, 36, expressed his gratitude for MAIWP's support, which eased the burden of undergoing haemodialysis three times a week at RM280 per session. 'Part of the cost is covered by the Social Security Organisation, which provides RM150 per session, while MAIWP's zakat fund pays for the balance. I am truly grateful for this support,' said the Air Selangor employee, who was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2013. Earlier, Mohd Na'im officiated at the opening of the Seputeh Zakat Distribution Centre (PAZA), the ninth branch under MAIWP's administration in Kuala Lumpur, established to facilitate transactions for the asnaf community in the Seputeh area, many of whom face transportation difficulties in reaching the main distribution centre. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia studies placing child specialists at rehab centres for early intervention
KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is evaluating different approaches to station specialists at Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres either full-time or on rotation to strengthen early intervention programmes for children with disabilities. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad revealed the ministry is examining a hybrid model that would involve collaborations with universities to facilitate specialist placements. 'Strategic partnerships with higher education institutions could include training programmes, NGO and corporate engagements, and improved cross-ministry cooperation, though this depends on shared resources,' she said in Parliament. Noraini noted that PDK committees could temporarily address the issue by arranging voluntary specialist visits while long-term staffing solutions undergo review. She clarified that establishing permanent specialist roles remains under discussion due to budgetary and workforce planning implications. The deputy minister was responding to Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff's query about emulating Singapore's practice of assigning permanent speech therapists to such centres. – Bernama
Barnama
12 hours ago
- Barnama
KPWKM Studying Need To Place Permanent Child Specialists At Community Rehab Centres
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) is exploring various models to place specialists, either permanently or periodically, at Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK), to improve early intervention services for children with disabilities at the community level. Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said KPWKM is also considering a hybrid mechanism to encourage the placement of specialists through strategic partnerships with institutions of higher learning. "For instance, they can provide training, partner with NGOs and corporations, and enhance inter-ministerial initiatives, but this approach relies on resource sharing among ministries and the community.
