Latest news with #MalaysianMedicalAssociation
Malaysiakini
6 days ago
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Stop stalling, push Health White Paper in Parliament: MMA
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged lawmakers to discuss key reforms outlined in the Health White Paper (HWP) to improve the national healthcare system. While acknowledging the necessity of stakeholder engagements, MMA president-elect Dr Thiryunavakarasu Rajoo highlighted that the HWP already outlines the frameworks needed to better the healthcare sector.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
MMA calls for clear legal framework on medicine pricing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to act swiftly on issues affecting private general practitioners (GPs), stressing the need for clear legal frameworks and fair consultation fees to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia's primary healthcare system. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the association looks forward to the government's firm decisions following its joint memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier this month. He said among the top concerns were the appropriate regulation of medicine price display policies and the long-overdue revision of GP consultation fees. He welcomed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad commitment to place the medicine price display policy under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, a move the MMA has long advocated, rather than the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, which was never designed to regulate professional healthcare services. "To avoid disputes and legal ambiguities that may arise from overlapping legislation, the government must immediately de-gazette clinics from the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) once the decision is made to place the medicine price display policy under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586). "Keeping clinics under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act after the policy shift would only create unnecessary legal ambiguity," he said in a statement. He said the government must act swiftly to ensure regulatory clarity and prevent jurisdictional overlap by formally de-gazetting clinics from Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 once the other Act comes into effect. "While doctors fully support price transparency, we strongly maintain that all healthcare-related policies must be implemented and enforced under the purview of the Health Ministry (MOH). "While we respect the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's role in regulating the retail sector, it is important to recognise that healthcare is not retail." He said clinics provide essential, expert-driven services built on trust and ethical duty, not commercial transactions. Applying retail-based policies to medical practice risks compromising the quality and integrity of care Malaysians deserve, he said. Dr Kalwinder also called on the government to address the longstanding issue of stagnant consultation fees for private GPs. He said fees under the 7th Schedule of Act 586 have remained unchanged for over 33 years, despite significant increases in operating costs. "GP clinics are the front line of Malaysia's primary healthcare system. "For them to remain viable and continue delivering quality care, consultation fees must be reviewed and adjusted to reflect current realities," he said. He said the MMA has submitted a detailed proposal justifying the fee revision and hopes for a fair outcome that supports the long-term sustainability of private clinics. "These issues must not be delayed.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Experts warn of JN.1 Covid risks amid regional surge
PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 cases surge in neighbouring countries, Malaysian health experts are highlighting the potential risks posed by the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron. Should another outbreak emerge, they warn that Malaysia remains vulnerable due to a combination of factors, including waning population immunity and reduced public vigilance. Infectious disease specialist at UKM Medical Centre, Assoc Prof Dr Petrick @ Ramesh K. Periyasamy said the JN.1 strain carries unique mutations that make it significantly more transmissible than previous subvariants. 'JN.1 features additional mutations in the spike protein, which may contribute to its ability to evade immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations. 'While there is no indication it causes more severe illness, its heightened transmissibility can lead to surges that strains healthcare systems.' Petrick said Malaysia, like many other countries, is currently facing conditions that could allow Covid-19 to resurface, such as declining booster uptake, relaxed public health protocols, increased indoor gatherings and fading public concern. Despite Malaysia's improved readiness compared with the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, he cautioned that public awareness of JN.1 remains low, and 'Covid fatigue' has made many individuals complacent. 'Covid fatigue is a real challenge. Many high-risk individuals, particularly the elderly, have yet to receive updated boosters and public awareness of newer variants like JN.1 remains low.' He identified several areas of concern such as systemic weaknesses, including limited genomic surveillance, reduced testing capacity and overall healthcare system fatigue. To mitigate potential risks, Petrick recommended reviving public awareness campaigns, reinstating accessible testing and preparing contingency resources such as personal protective equipment and oxygen reserves to ensure healthcare systems are prepared. He also urged the government to maximise the use of digital tools such as MySejahtera to issue alerts and track booster appointments. 'Digital platforms can play a key role in keeping the public informed and encouraging protective measures,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira echoed concerns about the nation's healthcare manpower capacity, warning that staffing shortages could compromise response efforts during a potential surge. 'One area we need to give particular attention to is manpower, as shortages can have an impact on the delivery of care,' he said. However, Kalwinder noted that Malaysia is better prepared than it was during early waves of the pandemic. He said pandemic preparedness has become a core topic within the medical fraternity, with the Health Ministry actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive strategies. 'Covid-19 still poses a serious risk, especially among the vulnerable. We must stay vigilant. We are confident that the ministry and its agencies are taking appropriate steps to respond swiftly if cases rise again.'
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Negri govt to decide on vape ban soon
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government will soon decide if a statewide ban should be imposed on the sale of vaping and e-cigarette products to safeguard public health. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said this followed the Malaysian Medical Association's (MMA) statement that cases of lung injury linked to vape and e-cigarette use have been reported in Malaysia, with treatment costs for each patient reaching six figures. "The suggestion (by the MMA) is good. I will take this to the state exco for a decision soon," he told reporters Wednesday (May 21) after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri here. Last week, the MMA urged the Federal Government to implement a nationwide ban on the sale of vaping and e-cigarette products. ALSO READ: 'Put health before profit' It said public health must take precedence over profit, and that the use of such products can jeopardise the well-being of future generations. The MMA also cited figures from the Health Ministry, which reported that a total of 41 e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) cases have been reported from 2019 until last year, costing the government RM150,000 to treat each case. The National Poison Centre, it said, also recorded 111 cases of incidents related to exposure to e-cigarettes or vape liquids from 2015 to 2023. Asked if the state government would freeze the issuance of new licences for the sale of the products for the time being, Aminuddin said none were issued specifically for the sale of such products. "The local councils issue licences for the general sale of electrical appliances, equipment, or gadgets. "I will also ask the State Secretary to liaise with the local councils and see what can be done," he said. ALSO READ: Unregulated e-cigarettes pose severe health risks – even death Aminuddin said he was also against the sale of such products as these were hazardous to health. He added that if the authorities were to ban the sale of such products, they should also ensure that they are not available online. "It will defeat the entire process of closing shops that sell these products when courier companies can send them to your homes directly," he said. In 2016, the state government banned the use of vapes among Muslims in adherence with the decision of the National Fatwa Council. However, it allowed the sale of e-cigarettes or vape products, taking into account the interests of non-Muslim consumers.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
MMA calls for nationwide ban on vaping, e-cigarettes
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette products to safeguard public health. 'We strongly urge the federal government to implement a nationwide ban on the sale of vaping and e-cigarette products. 'Public health must take precedence over profit, and we cannot allow these harmful products to jeopardise the well-being of future generations,' said MMA in a statement on Friday (May 16). MMA said that while a federal ban on vaping products may require legislative amendments, state governments could still go ahead and implement state-level bans. MMA also noted that cases of lung injury linked to vape and e-cigarette use have already been reported in Malaysia, with treatment costs for each patient reaching six figures. It cited figures from the Health Ministry, which reported that a total of 41 e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) cases have been reported from 2019 until 2024, costing the government RM150,000 to treat each case. 'In addition to this, the National Poison Centre recorded 111 cases of incidents related to exposure to e-cigarettes or vape liquids from 2015 to 2023. 'These figures will further increase or potentially skyrocket if vaping continues to be permitted,' said MMA. MMA urges the government to take decisive action by implementing a nationwide ban on vaping and e-cigarette products. 'We must put the health of our people, especially our youth, above all else. 'Now is the time to act with courage and responsibility, for the sake of current and future generations,' added MMA. Presently, Johor and Kelantan have completely banned the sale of vape products, while Kedah will stop issuing new licenses for vape shops. Terengganu and Perlis will ban the sale of vape products on Aug 1.
