Latest news with #OHS
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Occupational health and safety charges laid after employee's death
27-year-old Liam Johnston died in 2023 when a trench collapsed during sewer repairs. The 11 OHS charges include failing to ensure worker safety.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Guidelines can restore trust, professionalism in digital health
PETALING JAYA: The new guidelines outlining standard of practices for private online healthcare service providers, including virtual clinics, mark a critical move towards restoring trust and professionalism in digital health. Digital health platform DoctorOnCall chief executive officer Maran Virumandi, who welcomed the Health Ministry's recent release of the Guidelines for Online Healthcare Services (OHS), said it is a much needed step in the right direction. 'For far too long, the online healthcare landscape has been marred by unregistered apps and websites operating without proper oversight – leading to concerns over unsafe medical protocols, lack of professional accountability, poor patient data protection and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 'There's been many unregistered websites and online shops doing illegal services selling psychotropics and unregistered drugs which endanger uneducated patients as they think that it's a real doctor or pharmacist. 'Hence, this move will protect the patients while ensuring that the genuine doctors or pharmacists can practise in a safe online space,' he told The Star. In a circular dated May 5, the ministry state that the guidelines will serve as an interim measure and possibly signify a legal precedent to regulate OHS. It also stated that OHS can only attend to non-emergency cases; follow-ups, referrals, support services like supply of medication, laboratory and imaging services as well as group counselling sessions for psychology, nutrition or rehabilitation. Under the guidelines, OHS are also strictly prohibited from attending to emergency cases involving injury or acute illnesses posing immediate risk or in person sessions for long-term health or psychiatric cases. Maran said they are committed to aligning with the new standards, which can lay the groundwork for a safer, more trustworthy and globally competitive digital healthcare ecosystem in Malaysia. He pointed out that they are encouraged by the emphasis on mandatory registration of platforms and professionals, prohibition of high-risk, complex or emergency cases in virtual care, clear governance on e-prescriptions and pharmacy regulations and stringent protocol for consent and data privacy. Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Prof Amrahi Buang also said they are in support of the long-awaited national guidelines for OHS. 'Consumers will benefit from these OHS in terms of a regulatory framework with ease and have legal protection. 'They can also get e-pharmacy services through online platforms, medicine delivery and tele-pharmacy services. 'For operators, they can now operate legally with this Director-General of Health circular pending future enactment of the Online Healthcare Services Act,' he said. 'As such, with this national guideline, every aspect is covered, especially in terms of personal data protection and data security.' Additionally, he said MPS had taken steps to support this endeavour by providing verification for online platforms in Shopee and Lazada in 2021. He said members must be registered pharmacists under the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951 and possess Poison Type A licence. Amrahi also mentioned that pharmacists have been providing e-pharmacy services since 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when consumers resorted to online mode for services. For e-prescription, he said community pharmacist can dispense prescription drugs by doctors through e-prescription through secured online platforms meeting the requirements under the Poisons Act 1952.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
New rules for online healthcare
Better regulations: Online healthcare service providers will now have to adhere to several new guidelines set by the Health Ministry. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Private online healthcare service providers, such as virtual clinics, are now required by the Health Ministry to comply with a set of guidelines that detail the standards and practices for their operations in the digital space. Under the guidelines, these providers are prohibited from attending to emergency cases involving injury or acute illnesses. The Health Ministry said in a circular dated May 5 that these guidelines would be an interim measure and could be a precursor to a future law to regulate the Online Healthcare Services (OHS) space. 'It is becoming apparent that healthcare policies and regulations created in an analogue age may be inadequate to cater for the often-disruptive healthcare service models in the digital age,' the guidelines said. 'Ambiguities and lacunas in the law create uncertainty for healthcare professionals, platform providers and patients alike. 'It is crucial for there to be clear standards and requirements to guide those involved in the online healthcare services industry,' the guidelines added. According to the guidelines that came into effect on May 5, OHS can only attend to non-emergency cases; follow-up management for stable cases; group session counselling services for areas such as psychology, nutrition or rehabilitation; referral or secondary care programme by specialist or consultant; or support services such as the supply of medication, laboratory and imaging services. They are barred from attending to emergency cases which involve injury or illness that are acute and pose an immediate risk to a person's life or long-term health or psychiatric cases requiring in-person sessions. Aside from that, cases which require the supply through post of any psychotropic drugs or drugs falling within the ambit of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and its related regulations; as well as cases which require intermediate or complex medical treatment are also prohibited. The company that runs the platform must be incorporated and registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and those with e-pharmacy services must employ a licensed pharmacist. At least one senior member of the board must be a medical practitioner registered in Malaysia with a valid practising certificate. The platform must be based in Malaysia and have a physical office. The platform must also have in place processes and procedures to enable the registration of Healthcare Professionals and Patients; conduct proper and necessary screenings and checks; obtain all required supporting documents from healthcare professionals and patients; and extend their best efforts to verify their veracity before approving any registration. Patients' written information for the collection, use, processing and retention of confidential data and written information as well as the provision of OHS are obtained and recorded during the registration process in line with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, the relevant Code of Professional Conduct and the Malaysian Medical Council Guideline. 'Such consent must be reproducible as and when required,' it said. A proper patient grievance mechanism and process to enable them to provide feedback on OHS, Healthcare Professionals and the platform must be in place. 'The Platform Provider shall ensure that any issue raised using such Grievance Mechanism is promptly addressed and managed,' it stated. 'The Platform is merely a technology platform to provide patients with access to Healthcare Professionals and facilitate the delivery of Online Healthcare Services, and there is no doctor-patient relationship between the Platform Provider and the Patient,' the guidelines said. It should also ensure the e-prescription issued must be controlled, given to the patient for single use only and can only be dispensed up to three times per prescription. Medications that are categorised under Group B under the Poisons Act 1952, whereby it cannot be purchased over the counter and can only be prescribed by a registered doctor or pharmacist, cannot be given on these platforms. 'Platform provider shall ensure any collection, use, processing, disclosure, transfer, retention and disposal of confidential data complies with all applicable laws including data protection laws,' it said. The healthcare professional employed by these platforms must be registered with a professional regulatory body in Malaysia; and possess valid practising certificate. 'A healthcare professional should have appropriate liability protection and coverage to provide protection from any malpractice incidences,' it said.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Auckland Co-op Taxis Has Been Proudly Moving People Since 1947
Press Release – Your Ride Co-op Taxis has been proudly moving people since 1947, building a reputation for unwavering reliability and community commitment in Auckland's streets. Whether you're commuting to work, working late, or coordinating transport for hundreds of conference guests, Coop Taxis delivers with precision and care. Unrivalled Fleet & Coverage 700 white, late-model vehicles —including sedans, vans, and wheelchair-accessible options—ensure you always find the right vehicle for your trip. 90% environmentally-friendly vehicles reduce emissions citywide, helping Auckland breathe easier.. 24/7 Availability Co-op Taxis ' round-the-clock Call Centre and driver network mean no request is ever off-limits—day or night. Experience consistent service, whether it's 3 AM or during the busiest rush hour. Comprehensive Service Portfolio Airport Transfers: Seamless pickups and drop-offs at Auckland Airport, every time. Corporate Accounts & Reporting: Centralised invoicing, detailed travel reports and expense tracking for businesses of all sizes. Total Mobility: Tailored transport solutions for passengers with special requirements. Event Marshalling: Professional taxi management at stadiums, conferences, and large-scale events. Smart Booking, Real-Time Tracking Booking has never been easier: Call 09 300 3000 for traditional reservations. Download the YourRide App to book and track your taxi in real time from your smartphone. Find a Rank: Use strategically located ranks across Auckland for on-the-spot pickups. YourRide App Coop Taxis proudly endorses YourRide as its preferred booking platform. With instant confirmations, live GPS tracking, in-app driver ratings, and seamless payment options, YourRide connects you to Auckland's co-operative taxi network in just a few taps—whether you're planning ahead or booking on the go. Download the YourRide App. Available on iOS and Android Select Destination Get a fare estimate Book on demand or in advance. Track Your Trip. Know exactly when your driver will arrive Rate Your Experience. Your feedback keeps us at the top of our game. Safety & Professionalism Auckland Coop Taxis is prequalified for OHS/WHS Capability under CM3 and prioritises safety through a stringent driver vetting process, mandatory fatigue management and log keeping, English language and local area knowledge requirements, invehicle security cameras, clear vehicle and driver identification, and comprehensive insurance coverage—ensuring every trip is trusted and secure. Sustainability & Community As Auckland's largest taxi company, Co-op Taxis reinvests in local initiatives, supports driver owners, and champions green transport solutions. Riding with us means backing a brand that cares about our city's future. Book Your Next Trip Trust Auckland's original taxi co-operative to get you there—safely, on time, and in comfort. Whether for personal, corporate, or event transport needs, Co-op Taxis stands ready with the fleet, technology, and expertise to exceed expectations.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Co-op Taxis Has Been Proudly Moving People Since 1947
Co-op Taxis has been proudly moving people since 1947, building a reputation for unwavering reliability and community commitment in Auckland's streets. Whether you're commuting to work, working late, or coordinating transport for hundreds of conference guests, Coop Taxis delivers with precision and care. Unrivalled Fleet & Coverage 700 white, late-model vehicles —including sedans, vans, and wheelchair-accessible options—ensure you always find the right vehicle for your trip. 90% environmentally-friendly vehicles reduce emissions citywide, helping Auckland breathe easier.. 24/7 Availability Co-op Taxis' round-the-clock Call Centre and driver network mean no request is ever off-limits—day or night. Experience consistent service, whether it's 3 AM or during the busiest rush hour. Comprehensive Service Portfolio Airport Transfers: Seamless pickups and drop-offs at Auckland Airport, every time. Corporate Accounts & Reporting: Centralised invoicing, detailed travel reports and expense tracking for businesses of all sizes. Total Mobility: Tailored transport solutions for passengers with special requirements. Event Marshalling: Professional taxi management at stadiums, conferences, and large-scale events. Smart Booking, Real-Time Tracking Booking has never been easier: Call 09 300 3000 for traditional reservations. Download the YourRide App to book and track your taxi in real time from your smartphone. Find a Rank: Use strategically located ranks across Auckland for on-the-spot pickups. YourRide App Coop Taxis proudly endorses YourRide as its preferred booking platform. With instant confirmations, live GPS tracking, in-app driver ratings, and seamless payment options, YourRide connects you to Auckland's co-operative taxi network in just a few taps—whether you're planning ahead or booking on the go. Download the YourRide App. Available on iOS and Android Select Destination Get a fare estimate Book on demand or in advance. Track Your Trip. Know exactly when your driver will arrive Rate Your Experience. Your feedback keeps us at the top of our game. Safety & Professionalism Auckland Coop Taxis is prequalified for OHS/WHS Capability under CM3 and prioritises safety through a stringent driver vetting process, mandatory fatigue management and log keeping, English language and local area knowledge requirements, invehicle security cameras, clear vehicle and driver identification, and comprehensive insurance coverage—ensuring every trip is trusted and secure. Sustainability & Community As Auckland's largest taxi company, Co-op Taxis reinvests in local initiatives, supports driver owners, and champions green transport solutions. Riding with us means backing a brand that cares about our city's future. Book Your Next Trip Trust Auckland's original taxi co-operative to get you there—safely, on time, and in comfort. Whether for personal, corporate, or event transport needs, Co-op Taxis stands ready with the fleet, technology, and expertise to exceed expectations.
