Latest news with #NCD-related
The Star
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
More younger workers falling ill
PERKESO flags rise in NCD-related health claims among those in their 30s PETALING JAYA: A growing number of younger workers have sought social security support as their livelihoods are significantly impacted by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), says Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed ( pic ). 'The average age of workers affected by NCDs is getting younger. 'The number of workers in their 30s requesting benefits has surged over the past decade – from 260 individuals in 2014 to 537 in 2024 – marking a 107% increase. 'A similar pattern is also seen in debilitating NCDs such as stroke, diabetes and heart diseases,' he told Sunday Star. He warned that the percentage of employees with NCDs will continue to rise if significant lifestyle changes do not occur among younger workers. 'Each year, around 230,000 employees become eligible for PERKESO's Health Screening Programme (HSP) as they turn 40. Of these, about 18% take the opportunity to get their health screened. 'The findings are alarming: A large percentage – 60% – were found to be overweight or obese during the health check-ups; 60% had hypercholesterolaemia; 19% were diabetic; and another 19% were hypertensive. 'A smaller but significant percentage – 3% – were found to have chronic kidney disease, a sequela of NCDs,' he said. He also noted that of the more than 40,000 new invalidity applications PERKESO receives every year – from workers claiming to be totally incapacitated – nearly half are due to NCD complications. 'Sadly, the proportion of applicants under the age of 50 is also increasing. Much can be said from the health morbidity data about older adults who are now suffering from the effects of lifestyle diseases,' he added. Dr Mohammed Azman said the poor health status of workers should serve as a warning that immediate action must be taken to promote healthier lifestyles among the population. He called on the government, private sector and civil society to play a role in promoting a way of life that supports health, safety and well-being. Higher education institutions should also foster healthy lifestyles that can be adopted by students, who will make up the future workforce, he said. Dr Mohammed Azman revealed that plans are in motion to offer a broader health screening programme to enable the detection of more conditions. 'The new screening programme, which will be part of PERKESO's primary care approach, will be introduced in batches later this year,' he said. He said PERKESO has included younger workers aged 18 and above in general screenings conducted during its field campaigns. 'The HSP is not static as it was when first introduced a decade ago. 'PERKESO recently enhanced the HSP as part of the Belanjawan Madani initiatives, adding more tests, including cancer screenings. This led to a nearly five-fold increase in uptake within the year. 'Presently, the HSP includes a specific test to detect diabetes and has expanded to incorporate niche screenings such as for the human papillomavirus (HPV),' he said. Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said a future-ready workforce should be skilled, as well as physically, mentally and socially resilient. 'Poor health among graduates will eventually translate into lower productivity, higher medical costs and increased absenteeism. 'Health promotion should be integrated into national employability and workforce development strategies,' he said.
Muscat Daily
16-02-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
NCDs cause 80% of deaths in Oman, cost RO1bn annually
Muscat – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 80% of deaths in Oman and impose an economic burden of approximately RO1bn annually, according to H E Dr Ahmed bin Salem al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation in Ministry of Health. Speaking at the release of the first phase of the National Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases on Sunday, H E Dr Mandhari highlighted the urgent need for data-driven public health strategies to address the growing impact of NCDs. 'Oman records more than 6,500 new cases of diabetes each year, over 2,000 new cancer cases, and one in three individuals suffers from hypertension,' he said. He added that 66% of the population is classified as overweight or obese, emphasising the need for stronger prevention, early detection and treatment measures. H E Dr Ahmed bin Salem al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation in Ministry of Health Oman Vision 2040 identifies healthcare as a key pillar of sustainable development. In line with this, the government has intensified efforts to combat NCDs through initiatives such as early screening for diabetes, hypertension and kidney diseases, as well as tobacco control policies and campaigns promoting physical activity and healthy eating. 'The national survey is a critical step in gathering accurate data to help policymakers and healthcare professionals design targeted interventions,' Dr Mandhari said. Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, described the rising burden of NCDs as a major challenge to the healthcare system and national development. 'The WHO STEPS survey methodology will be used to assess key risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, high blood pressure and obesity,' he said. Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman Findings from Oman's 2017 STEPS survey showed that obesity rates had increased from 54% in 2008 to 67% in 2017. Additionally, 39% of the population was physically inactive. These trends, Dr Jabbour noted, underline the need for urgent action to encourage healthier lifestyles. The first phase of the national survey, launched on December 29, 2024, focused on updating household lists for random sample selection. The second phase, starting in April and lasting three months, will collect data through health questionnaires and clinical measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure, and blood tests for sugar and cholesterol levels. By providing accurate, up-to-date information, the survey will support evidence-based policies to reduce NCD-related deaths and illnesses, consolidating Oman's efforts to strengthen public health and improve the well-being of its population.
