Latest news with #MoH
Arab Times
17 hours ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Protecting trafficking victims a national and moral responsibility: MoH
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MoH) reaffirmed on Wednesday its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, protecting its victims, and providing them with comprehensive health care services, as part of the State's broader national efforts. The Ministry's spokesperson, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, made the statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on July 30. Dr. Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry's role in addressing this issue stems from 'an integrated humanitarian and professional system that encompasses prevention, monitoring, and rehabilitation.' He added, 'Protecting the victim begins from the moment they enter a health facility and continues until they are able to live again in safety and dignity.' The Ministry provides free, comprehensive health services to all victims without discrimination. These include emergency care, ambulance services, full treatment for medically and legally significant cases, and various preventive vaccinations. All services are delivered with strict professional confidentiality and respect for the victims' privacy. Emergency and accident departments at government hospitals are equipped with immediate reporting protocols, ensuring prompt coordination with the relevant authorities in cases of suspected violence or exploitation involving children, adults, or the elderly. Security checkpoints and specialized investigators are stationed in hospitals around the clock to ensure rapid and professional intervention. In such cases, the Ministry also provides legally compliant medical documentation to aid investigations. Highlighting the importance of psychological and social support, Al-Sanad noted that the Ministry deploys specialized teams of psychologists and social workers to shelters to assist victims in overcoming trauma and regaining emotional and social stability, preparing them for reintegration into society. The Ministry has also taken steps to train and qualify healthcare professionals across hospitals and primary care centers to identify and respond to cases of human trafficking. These professionals receive targeted training on the legal and ethical procedures required to handle such cases with sensitivity and responsibility. Al-Sanad stressed that the Ministry views its role in combating human trafficking not only as a medical duty but also as a national and moral obligation. He underscored the importance of community awareness, stating that the Ministry organizes workshops, public awareness campaigns, and commemorates the World Day annually to promote a culture of protection, prevention, and vigilance. He further emphasized that 'the State of Kuwait, under its wise leadership and with the cooperation of its institutions, places human dignity and protection at the core of its priorities,' adding that the Ministry is fully mobilized to safeguard lives, restore victims' confidence, and enable them to live safely. In 2018, Kuwait established the National Committee for the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, aiming to create a society free from trafficking and smuggling, and committed to raising public awareness of the dangers of these crimes. The United Nations General Assembly has designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, to raise awareness of human trafficking, highlight the plight of victims, and advocate for the protection of their rights.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Price labelling rule stays: MoH prioritises education over penalties
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry (MoH) will continue focusing on education and awareness in enforcing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Medicine Price Labelling) Order 2025, despite a pending judicial review application challenging the regulation. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry respected the legal process but was committed to ensuring smooth implementation of the order through educational enforcement. "We will continue with this approach to avoid enforcement gaps while the court process is ongoing," he told reporters after officiating the 2025 National Health Technology Assessment Conference and the 30th anniversary of the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) here today. The regulation, which came into force on May 1, mandates all private clinics and community pharmacies to display medicine prices on shelves, in catalogues or on written price lists, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Medicine Price Labelling) Order 2025. Dzulkefly was responding to reports that the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and seven other organisations have applied for leave to initiate a judicial review of the order. Among the applicants are the Sabah Private Practitioners Association (APPS), the Malaysian Association for the Advancement of Functional and Interdisciplinary Medicine (MAAFIM), the Malaysian Muslim Doctors Association (PERDIM), and the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM). On May 4, Dzulkefly had clarified that no fines or compounds would be issued during the first three months of enforcement, as the ministry's priority was on stakeholder education. As of now, neither MoH nor the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has announced an extension to the grace period, which ends tomorrow (July 31). – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
MoH open to reclassifying etomidate under Dangerous Drugs Act
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry (MoH) is open to reviewing the proposal to list 'etomidate' under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 following reports of its frequent abuse, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said. He said that based on current clinical practices, the MoH was always ready to carry out evaluations or studies based on evidence presented by any party. Etomidate is currently listed under the Poisons Act 1952. "Any proposal can be considered, but at the end of the day, I look at the evidence base when evaluating something," he told a press conference after officiating the 2025 National Health Technology Assessment Conference and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) here today. Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii had before this urged the government to list etomidate under both the Poisons Act 1952 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, citing reports of its fatal effects in Singapore. He said etomidate was an intravenous anaesthetic that had been misused as a recreational substance through vape products, often marketed as 'Kpods'. Kpods is a street term that usually refers to vape pods laced or contaminated with harmful chemicals or synthetic drugs, rather than just regular vape liquids like nicotine or flavouring. In a related development, Dzulkefly said the government is currently reviewing a proposal to ban e-cigarettes or vapes in the country. "I'm taking note, but I don't want to act hastily. We are taking this very seriously, and it needs to go through a thorough evaluation and consideration of legal and public health impacts," he said. – BERNAMA
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
MoH Open To Reclassifying Etomidate Under Dangerous Drugs Act
PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MoH) is open to reviewing the proposal to list 'etomidate' under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 following reports of its frequent abuse, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said. He said that based on current clinical practices, the MoH is always ready to carry out evaluations or studies based on evidence presented by any party. Etomidate is currently listed under the Poisons Act 1952. 'Any proposal can be considered, but at the end of the day, I look at the evidence base when evaluating something,' he told a press conference after officiating the 2025 National Health Technology Assessment Conference and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) here today. Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii had before this urged the government to list etomidate under both the Poisons Act 1952 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, citing reports of its fatal effects in Singapore. He said etomidate is an intravenous anaesthetic that has been misused as a recreational substance through vape products, often marketed as 'Kpods'. Kpods is a street term that usually refers to vape pods laced or contaminated with harmful chemicals or synthetic drugs, rather than just regular vape liquids like nicotine or flavoring. In a related development, Dzulkefly said the government is currently reviewing a proposal to ban e-cigarettes or vapes in the country. 'I'm taking note, but I don't want to act hastily. We are taking this very seriously, and it needs to go through a thorough evaluation and consideration of legal and public health impacts,' he said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Medical association urges MoH to halt Poisons Act amendment
According to Dr Kalwinder, the current language in the Bill is 'overly broad-based'. KUCHING (July 27): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the Ministry of Health (MoH) and MPs to halt further readings of the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 until a thorough consultation process has been undertaken. MMA president Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the association acknowledged the government's intention of strengthening the enforcement, possibly in response to serious cross-border threats such as drug-smuggling, maritime trafficking or other reasons, which had not been made known. 'However, he argued that if this was the objective, then the reasons must be made clear and the scope of the amendment must be clearly and appropriately defined in the legislation. 'The fact that no consultation was held with medical stakeholders, is a major procedural oversight. 'These are not peripheral changes – they affect the daily operations of thousands of practitioners nationwide,' he said in a statement. According to Dr Kalwinder, the current language in the Bill is 'overly broad-based'. 'Clause 2's inclusion of all police officers as authorised officers and the new Section 31A, which allows the minister to appoint 'any person' without clear qualifications, raises serious concerns about unchecked enforcement power and the potential for disruption to licensed private healthcare facilities including GP (general practitioner's) clinics, mobile services and charity-based health initiatives.' Dr Kalwinder said the MMA was particularly troubled by the expanded definition of 'premises', which could subject legitimate medical facilities to be clumped together with those deemed criminal or non-healthcare related, and thus, subject to similar inspections or enforcement actions. He further pointed out that this would risk not only operational disruptions, but also violations of patients' confidentiality and trust. 'The Act must clearly delineate between enforcement aimed at criminal activity, and regulation of clinical practice. 'Private healthcare facilities are already under the ambit of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) and enforcement by MoH. 'This should remain as it is,' stressed Dr Kalwinder. Nonetheless, he said MMA remained ready to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that public safety and professional integrity would both be protected. amendment lead Malaysian Medical Association Poisons Act
