Latest news with #Nanthakumar
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Hand hygiene is daily defence, not just campaign, says Sibu Hospital director
(From left) Molly, Dr Vivek, Dr Nanthakumar, Lau, and Dr Nizam pose for a photo-call, while showing their palms in a symbolic gesture to mark World Hand Hygiene Day. SIBU (May 15): In conjunction with World Hand Hygiene Day, Sibu Hospital launched a comprehensive campaign to emphasise the importance of hand hygiene, not just as an annual initiative but as a daily practice to prevent infectious diseases. Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu stressed that proper hand hygiene should become a regular habit, particularly at home, alongside healthcare settings. 'True hand hygiene goes beyond campaigns. Making it a daily routine can significantly reduce illnesses, especially among children and parents,' he said. During the launching of the event yesterday, various awareness activities were held, including a hand hygiene video competition involving over 900 hospital staff, from doctors and nurses to support personnel. These efforts, according to Dr Nanthakumar, are crucial in improving compliance scores, which he noted could rise from 80 per cent to 90 per cent through sustained education and engagement. He also highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of hand-washing and mask-wearing in reducing the spread of diseases such as influenza and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). 'Simple actions like washing hands and wearing masks can curb the spread of infections,' he said. Dr Nanthakumar further warned of growing risks within hospitals due to the presence of drug-resistant organisms Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO). 'In such times, surveillance and response must be heightened. Hand hygiene is a basic, yet powerful defence,' he added. He also advocated for a holistic approach to health, encouraging good hygiene, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits to prevent disease and reduce reliance on strong antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to rising resistance. Present at the event were Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker and Lanang MP Alice Lau, alongside key officials from the State Health Department (JKNS), including senior principal assistant director Dr Vivek Vijayan, Sibu Hospital deputy director Dr Nizam Ishak, and JKNS infection control coordinator Matron Molly Hafsah Jemat. The World Hand Hygiene Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation, promotes the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare and everyday life under this year's campaign themed 'It Might Be Gloves, But It's Always Hand Hygiene'. Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu lead Sibu Hospital World Hand Hygiene Day
The Star
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sibu dad hopes daughter's gift of sight inspires others
(From left) Kim Hock, Chieng and Dr Nanthakumar at the event highlighting organ donation in Sibu. WHILE coping with his daughter's death, a father has found solace in her final act of generosity – the donation of her corneas. Prior to her death in 2022 due to a stroke, Kho Sze Yii, 30, had pledged to donate her corneas to give someone else the gift of sight, her father Kho Kim Hock, 70, said. 'Through her gift, her eyes live on and continue to see the beauty of this world,' Kim Hock said through tears as he was consoled by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng at an event highlighting organ donation. During the Hospital Sibu Organ Donation 5km Fun Run in Permai Lake Garden, hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu presented Kim Hock with a medal to recognise the selfless act. Kim Hock shared that Sze Yii's cornea donation had enabled his family to find peace. 'It brings us comfort to know that the recipient is able to see loved ones, to see the sunrise and beauty of nature,' said the Johor-born Kim Hock, who operates a coffeeshop in Sibu, Sarawak. He is calling on Malaysians to consider becoming organ donors. 'We hope more people can follow my daughter's example. 'Talk to your family. Sign up,' he said. 'You never know which part of you might change someone's world,' he added. Kim Hock also advised people to take care of their health and go for regular checkups. Dr Nanthakumar said the transplant of Sze Yii's donated corneas was successfully carried out in the same year as her passing. He expressed hope that Kim Hock's story would inspire others. 'Stories like this help break the stigma around organ donation,' Dr Nanthakumar added. — By ANDY CHUA
