Latest news with #SunwayMedicalCentre
BusinessToday
03-06-2025
- Health
- BusinessToday
Facts Prevention Tips For Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease
Amid the excitement of school holidays, parents and caregivers should remain extra cautious as the recent surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases reported nationwide underscores the importance of remaining vigilant of the warning signs associated with the illness. Though it is common during this time of the year, Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant Dr Ch'ng Tong Wei said the current scale of transmission is alarming, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures. 'As a paediatric infectious disease specialist, I have observed a rise in hospital referrals, concerned parental inquiries, and requests for guidance from preschools and kindergartens on outbreak management,' she said. Understanding HFMD HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection predominantly affecting children under five. The illness typically presents with fever, sore throat, reduced appetite, painful oral ulcers and rash on the hands, feet and occasionally buttocks. Most cases are mild, with recovery within seven to 10 days. However, a small number of cases, usually linked to EV71 virus strain, may lead to complications such as viral meningitis, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and cardiopulmonary complications. The good news is that these complications remain very rare, she said. Current Outbreak Situation According to the Health Ministry, HFMD cases throughout sees a 266% increase in infections compared to the same period last year. The number of HFMD cases in Malaysia has risen to 99,601 as of the 17th epidemiological week this year compared to 27,236 cases during the same period last year. No fatalities were reported linked to the disease. The ministry said 10,421 cases this year or 10% were outbreak-related, while 90% or 89,180 cases occurred sporadically. Prevention Tips for Parents and Schools 'Since there is no specific treatment for HFMD, prevention and comfort care are essential,' she said. The measures to be taken into consideration are: Keep sick children at home: Children with HFMD should remain at home until all blisters have dried and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. This is the most effective way to stop the virus from spreading. Handwashing is critical. Children with HFMD should remain at home until all blisters have dried and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. This is the most effective way to stop the virus from spreading. Handwashing is critical. Practice good hygiene: Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Disinfect toys and surfaces regularly with chlorine-based or antiviral disinfectants. Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Disinfect toys and surfaces regularly with chlorine-based or antiviral disinfectants. Avoid high-risk areas during outbreaks: Temporarily limit visits to playgrounds, childcare centres or crowded spaces during outbreaks where transmissions are more likely. Avoid sharing utensils, towels or personal items. Temporarily limit visits to playgrounds, childcare centres or crowded spaces during outbreaks where transmissions are more likely. Avoid sharing utensils, towels or personal items. Provide comfort care for infected children: Offer soft foods, cool drinks and administer paracetamol if needed for fever or pain. Seeking Medical Attention She said most children recover without complications, but consulting a doctor is paramount if the child exhibits symptoms such as refusal to eat or drink (risk of dehydration), high fever (above 39°C) lasting more than 2 days and lethargy, irritability or altered consciousness. Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous hydration, antipyretics and close neurological monitoring, she added. Curbing HFMD Outbreak is a Shared Responsibility The recent rise in cases across Selangor, Johor, Perak and other states is a reminder that we must remain vigilant, not just in hospitals, but as a community. We are monitoring the situation closely with its paediatric teams, nurses and infection control unit are working hand-in-hand to support parents and manage cases safely and efficiently. By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, Dr Ch'ng believes we can collectively reduce transmission and safeguard our children's health. 'Together, we can protect our children and reduce transmission by adhering to the guidelines. For further inquiries or medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.' Related
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Gout: A growing health concern in Malaysia
It can cause serious complications including kidney disease, infections and loss of mobility if left untreated. 25 May 2025 06:02pm In Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, 4.35 million people suffer from gout, with cases rising 21 per cent from 1990 to 2020. Photo: Canva MALAYSIA is facing an increase in cases of gout, which has become a public health crisis due to the country being among those with the highest obesity rates in Asia. In Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, 4.35 million people suffer from gout, with cases rising 21 per cent from 1990 to 2020. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) consultant physician and rheumatologist Dr Lydia Pok Say Lee said gout can cause serious complications including kidney disease, infections and loss of mobility if left untreated. "With a rise in cases, widespread awareness and early action are urgently needed. The main signs of a gout attack include sudden joint pain and swelling without injury especially in the big toe and may also affect the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers," she said in a statement issued by SMC recently. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in joints, triggering pain often at night or early morning. Dr Pok associates gout, historically known as the "disease of kings" due to its connection with lavish diets, with modern eating habits as it is now experienced by all socioeconomic groups. "The increase in the intake of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood and alcoholic beverages raises uric acid levels, thereby causing inflammation," she said. According to her, obesity is one of the main causes, with Malaysia having one of the highest obesity rates in Asia, where nearly 50 per cent of the population suffers from being overweight, which damages kidney functions and makes it more difficult to eliminate uric acid. She said other contributing factors include metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, in addition to genetics, which also play a role. She advises those who experience recurrent gout attacks to seek medical treatment because merely treating the pain is not sufficient; long-term treatment to lower uric acid levels is essential to prevent complications. She added that with early diagnosis, proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, Malaysians can prevent the silent epidemic from worsening. - BERNAMA
The Star
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Seven govt hospitals make it into top 50 of Malaysia's best hospitals
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven government hospitals here made it into the top 50 hospitals in Malaysia on the World's Best Hospitals list this year. The government hospitals are Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Sarawak Hospital, Putrajaya Hospital, Penang Hospital, Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Sabah and Bintulu Hospital in Sarawak. Kuala Lumpur Hospital can take pride in being ranked the 4th out of the 50 best hospitals in Malaysia while the top three are Sunway Medical Centre, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Subang Jaya Medical Centre, in that order. The list is rated by Germany-based data gathering house Statista and Newsweek, a weekly periodical in the United States that has been in publication since 1933. The rankings were derived from an evaluation process that included an online survey of thousands of medical experts, patient experience data, hospital quality metrics and a survey on patient-reported outcome measures. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday (May 16) to express his pride at the government hospitals that made the list. "It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the country's top healthcare leadership and frontliners — from doctors and nurses to support staff — who tirelessly strive each day to provide high-quality care, grounded in compassion and centered on the well-being of the people," he said. Over 2,400 hospitals were ranked this year and the list highlights the top 250 on a global scale, which includes two Malaysian private hospitals — Sunway Medical Centre at 193rd and Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 204th.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sunway Medical Centre, Gleneagles Hospital named among world's best 250 hospitals in 2025; HKL only public hospital in Malaysia Top 10
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: Sunway Medical Centre was ranked 193rd in Newsweek's best 250 global hospitals ranking. — Picture by Miera Zulyana PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysian private hospitals have been named in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2025 list, earning praise for their commitment to excellence in healthcare. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad shared the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), congratulating public and private institutions that were ranked in the list. Advertisement In the list, Sunway Medical Centre was ranked 193rd, and Gleneagles Hospital was ranked 204th. Dzulkefly lauded the hospitals' frontliners and management teams for delivering people-centred, high-quality, and compassionate care. 'Guided and strengthened by the values of Malaysia Madani, may this recognition inspire further healthy competition and continuous improvement across our health ecosystem — towards a more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready system for all,' he said. The list also included a ranking for each country, where Subang Jaya Medical Centre was placed third in Malaysia followed by Kuala Lumpur Hospital. It was the only public hospital in the top 10 of the Malaysian list. The top 10 for hospitals in Malaysia is as follows: Sunway Medical Centre Gleneagles Hospital KL Subang Jaya Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur Hospital Prince Court Medical Centre Pantai Hospital KL Island Hospital Pantai Hospital Ampang KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital Ara Damansara Medical Centre Newsweek said the World's Best Hospitals 2025 ranking evaluated 2,445 hospitals across 30 countries using four weighted data sources: expert recommendations, patient satisfaction, hospital quality metrics, and PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) implementation. Scores were calculated within each country — making them non-comparable across borders — and the methodology was refined with input from medical experts and organisations like International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement to promote value-based healthcare. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Sunway Medical Centre, Gleneagles Hospital named among world's best 250 hospitals in 2025
PETALING JAYA, May 15 — Two Malaysian private hospitals have been named in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2025 list, earning praise for their commitment to excellence in healthcare. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad shared the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), congratulating public and private institutions that were ranked in the list. In the list, Sunway Medical Centre ranked 193rd, and Gleneagles Hospital was ranked 204th. Dzulkefly lauded the hospitals' frontliners and management teams for delivering people-centred, high-quality, and compassionate care. 'Guided and strengthened by the values of Malaysia Madani, may this recognition inspire further healthy competition and continuous improvement across our health ecosystem — towards a more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready system for all,' he said. The list also included a ranking for each country, where Subang Jaya Medical Centre was placed third in Malaysia followed by Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
