Health Ministry to meet nurses’ unions to discuss increase in working hours

SHAH ALAM: The Health Ministry will hold a meeting with nurses' unions to gather input and address concerns regarding the increase in working hours for the profession from 42 hours to 45 hours per week effective Dec 1. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the meeting would involve five nurses' unions that have expressed...

Superbug infections could kill over 80,000 M’sians by 2030, says Dzulkefly

PUTRAJAYA: Over 80,000 Malaysians are expected to die of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or so-called "superbug" infections by 2030, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said this forecast was made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and steps need to be taken to address this threat. ALSO READ: Study: Superbugs expected to kill 39 million by...

Health Ministry views seriously claims by pharmaceutical association on potential harm of generic medicines

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry views the baseless and irresponsible statements seriously and will not hesitate to take action against certain parties claiming that generic medicines could harm patients. In a statement on Friday (Nov 8), the ministry said such statements raise concerns among patients-whether in the ministry’s facilities or private healthcare-encouraging them to reject treatment regimens. “The...

Independent task force set up to probe death of Dr Tay

PETALING JAYA: An independent Special Task Force has been set up to investigate the incident of the death of a pathology specialist in Lahad Datu, announces Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said the task force, which takes effect from Oct 10, would be chaired by former Public Services Department director-general Tan Sri Borhan...

Immediate action to be taken against toy-like smoking products from Oct 1, says Health Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The first phase of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 will include immediate action against smoking products that look like toys, says the Health Ministry. In a statement Monday (Sept 30), the ministry said the Act comes into effect simultaneously with the Regulations and Orders from Tuesday (Oct 1). ALSO READ: Enforcing...

Expedite probe of doctor’s death in Lahad Datu, MMA tells health authorities

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry and Sabah Health Department have been urged to expedite their investigation of a specialist doctor's death in Lahad Datu. Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the tragic loss underscores serious concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of doctors in the public healthcare system. ALSO READ: Dzulkefly wants...

Senior docs’ arrest: Health Ministry assures MACC of full cooperation

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will give its full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the investigation of three senior doctors detained in Penang recently. The ministry said in a statement Wednesday (Sept 4) it had taken note of the arrests, allegedly linked to a cartel involved in falsifying Social Security Organisation (Socso) disability claims. ALSO...

Health Ministry sets up thermal scanners at KLIA as a precaution against mpox

SEPANG: Thermal scanners have been activated at the country’s international entry points such as airports as the Health Ministry enhances precautions against mpox (monkeypox). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said static and mobile thermal scanners have been activated to screen passengers arriving in Malaysia. At the KLIA Terminal 1, there are four static thermal scanners. "On...

Medical fraternity lauds ‘historic’ amendments to Medical Act

KUALA LUMPUR: Calling it a “historic” day, the medical fraternity has come together to laud the amendments to the Medical Act (Act 50) that was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (July 17). “A historic day - the Dewan Rakyat has passed the Medical Act amendments without any changes,” said former Health director-general Tan Sri...

QuickCheck: Is the Health Ministry building three new hospitals as claimed?

Recently, a viral message claimed that the Health Ministry had "chosen" a company to construct three new hospitals. The claims were even brought up in Parliament, with an MP asking about the "construction" of the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar. Is there any truth to the claims? VERDICT: FALSE Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad debunked these viral...