Global Digital Store – Ebooks and Softwares

Tag: Medical

WHO satisfied with Malaysia’s preparedness in dealing with Covid-19

PUTRAJAYA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is pleased with Malaysia’s level of preparedness in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix) said the matter was learned at a recent meeting between the WHO and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

“What Malaysia is doing is the first method, the MCO (Movement Control Order),“ he told reporters at a media conference at MOH, here today.

Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia’s second method of controlling Covid-19 transmission was by conducting active case detection or identifying positive case patients – searching, testing, isolating and treating.

In addition, Malaysia also identified the Covid-19 target groups – those who attended the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque, illegal immigrants and the Rohingya community, he said.

He said the MoH had also consulted with the local authorities to carry out cleanup exercises of public areas which is expected to be implemented within the next two days.

Asked about the number of doctors in Malaysia at the moment, he said so far there were enough doctors, and the ministry is in the process of recalling 3,000 retired nurses and health workers.

“However, the MoH did not wait for all 3,000 retired medical personnel to come forward to register for employment. For example those who have skills in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ward have been employed. More than 1,000 retired personnel are already placed in Sungai Buloh Hospital,” he said.

Asked about the teleconference between MOH officials and doctors from China in the afternoon, Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia wanted to know about the new method used by China in treating Covid-19.

“For example the use of Avigan (medicine). The side effects need to be studied first. Even though it is not registered in Malaysia it can get the approval of the director-general of health,” he said.

He added among the new methods shared by China is to use the blood of patients who have healed, as plasma to thicken the antibody.

“But MoH is unsure whether this approach is effective or not,“ he added. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/who-satisfied-with-malaysia-s-preparedness-in-dealing-with-covid-19-GL2184967

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
Country’s clinical waste increases by 17% since Covid-19

PUTRAJAYA: Clinical waste at various medical facilities has increased by 17% since early February, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, said Environment Minister Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pix).

He said the Department of Environment (DOE) had a comprehensive clinical waste management system (SW404 scheduled waste) in which all clinical waste is separated first at hospitals and clinics, before being collected and transported by special vehicles for disposal in 12 incinerators nationwide.

At the moment, Tuan Ibrahim said, seven companies were licensed by the DOE to manage clinical waste from medical facilities (hospitals, clinics and medical institutions) – this comprises the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of such waste.

“Clinical waste management is controlled to ensure the waste is properly managed and does not cause harm to public health,” he said in a statement, here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said all treatment and disposal facilities of the seven companies were licensed under section 18 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and were subject to strict conditions stipulated in the DOE licence compliance schedule.

The companies are Radicare Sdn Bhd, Edgenta Mediserve Sdn Bhd, Medivest Sdn Bhd, Sedafiat Sdn Bhd and One Medicare Sdn Bhd, which are concessionaires appointed by the government through the Health Ministry to manage clinical waste from public medical facilities, while Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd and Future NRG Sdn Bhd manage all clinical waste from private hospitals and clinics.

“Treatment and disposal facilities are essential services that are allowed to operate during the imposition of the Movement Control Order,” he explained, adding that the illegal management and disposal of scheduled waste including clinical waste without a licence, was an offence under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act, which carries a penalty of a maximum of five years in jail and a fine of not more than RM500,000. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/country-s-clinical-waste-increases-by-17-since-covid-19-JL2184913

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
Two Persons Allegedly Die Of Coronavirus After Attending 80th Birthday Party Of Nigeria’s Ambassador To United Kingdom, Okoya, Osoba Among Top Guests At Lavish Ceremony

Two yet-to-be identified persons are alleged to have died of Coronavirus after attending the lavish and star-studded 80th birthday party of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, George Adetola Oguntade.

The colourful ceremony, which took place on March 10, 2020, was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, a posh area of UK’s most popular city – London.

Apart from the two guests alleged to have died of the virus after attending the event, one other attendee is said to be on ventilator at a hospital in London.

One of the two persons that died is said to be related to Dorlapoh Crystals, a popular UK-based business owner whose company customises fashion items.

The development has since raised fears that scores of other attendees at the ceremony could have contracted the deadly virus.

Among prominent Nigerians, who attended the party are billionaire Rasak Okoya and his wife Sade, a former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), Oba Saheed Elegushi, music icon – Ebenezer Obey, and Dele Momodu.

Many of these high-profile guests have since returned to Nigeria, further raising concerns that some of them may have imported the dreaded virus into the country without knowing.

Coronavirus was first detected in the United Kingdom on January 31 and since that period, there has been 8,077 confirmed infections and 422 deaths.

Therefore, as at the time Oguntade’s birthday was staged in London on March 10, the virus had fully taken up strategic positions across most parts of the UK.

In a recent interview, Momodu, a veteran journalist and Publisher of Ovation International, confirmed attending the party in London but said that he had no symptoms of the pandemic.

Senior airport sources however, told SaharaReporters that many top Nigerians, who arrived in the country from UK and other parts of the world before the ban on international flights into Nigeria was announced, refused to submit themselves for medical screening for the virus.

Already, a number of prominent Nigerians have been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Video of Full Video: Justice George Oguntade’s 80th Birthday Celebration

Full Video: Justice George Oguntade’s 80th Birthday Celebration

Full Video: Justice George Oguntade’s 80th Birthday Celebration

Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, and Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, have all tested positive to the virus while dozens others including state governors, who came in contact with them in recent days have now gone into self-isolation in order to ward off the pandemic.

Nigeria has 46 confirmed cases of Coronavirus so far and one recorded death.

Though government at the federal and state levels have adopted series of measures to curtail the pandemic, there are fears of the virus spreading further in the coming days.

PUBLIC HEALTH

News

Reports

AddThis

:

Featured Image

:

Original Author

:

SaharaReporters, New York

Disable advertisements

:

Read More
http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/25/two-persons-allegedly-die-coronavirus-after-attending-80th-birthday-party-nigeria%E2%80%99s

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
Coronavirus: Panic In Delta As Persons With Suspected Symptoms Flood FMC Emergency Ward

The Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, is currently witnessing large influx of visitors with suspected symptoms of Coronavirus.

A staff of the medical facility, who spoke with SaharaReporters, disclosed that many of the visitors were apprehensive that they might have contracted the virus after feeling unwell.

“There is serious fear since Monday night, so many persons with suspected symptoms of Coronavirus have been coming into our emergency ward and the number is increasing even though no formal tests had been carried out on such persons.

“We have been told not to disclose a confirmed case so as to avoid panic in the state.

“Some of our colleagues working in government hospitals across the state told us that there was nothing on ground to show preparedness for the pandemic.

“A Lassa fever case was recorded at the facility and the patient, a pregnant woman, was subsequently transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State,” the source said.

When contacted, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Victor Osiatuma, said that there were no Coronavirus patients at the health facility.

He said, “Apart from the Lassa fever case of a pregnant woman recorded in our facility, there is no other case or cases of an outbreak of any dreaded disease here.”

PUBLIC HEALTH

News

AddThis

:

Original Author

:

SaharaReporters, New York

Disable advertisements

:

Read More
http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/25/coronavirus-panic-delta-persons-suspected-symptoms-flood-fmc-emergency-ward

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
Coronavirus: Medical Supply Donated By Chinese Billionaire, Jack Ma, Moved To Abuja From Lagos

The Nigerian Government has moved medical supplies donated by Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma, to combat Coronavirus in the country from Lagos to Abuja.

However, the decision to move the supplies to Abuja has caused a storm on social media with citizens raising the alarm that the materials were about to be distributed to wealthy government officials in the nation’s capital.

Bashir Ahmed, Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, made the announcement on Wednesday.

In a post on Twitter, he said, “Medical materials donated by @JackMa to fight #Coronavirus in Africa have arrived Abuja, airlifted from Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, by the Nigerian Air Force.”

FLASH: Medical materials donated by @JackMa to fight #coronavirus in Africa have arrived Abuja, airlifted from Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja by the Nigerian Air Force. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/RbIQ2tf5YE

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) March 25, 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH

News

AddThis

:

Original Author

:

SaharaReporters, New York

Disable advertisements

:

Read More
http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/25/coronavirus-medical-supply-donated-chinese-billionaire-jack-ma-moved-abuja-lagos

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
CBN Introduces N50bn Credit Facility For Households, Small Businesses Affected By Coronavirus

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that it would give a N50bn Targeted Credit Facility to households and small businesses affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Those eligible according to the apex bank must prove that they, their livelihood and business operations have been adversely affected by the spread of the virus.

Businesses eligible for the scheme are agricultural value chain activities, hospitality, health (pharmaceuticals and medical supplies), airline service providers, manufacturing and value addition, and trading.

The maximum amount to be received depending on proof of cash flow of investment size is N25m while households can access N3m with an interest rate of 5 per cent per annum for a maximum period of one year.

The facility will be administered by the NISRAL Microfinance Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

PUBLIC HEALTH

News

AddThis

:

Original Author

:

SaharaReporters, New York

Disable advertisements

:

Read More
http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/25/cbn-introduces-n50bn-credit-facility-households-small-businesses-affected-coronavirus

Views: 0

March 26, 2020
Sultan Nazrin consents to setting up of Special Zakat Distribution Fund

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah (pix) has consented to the Special Zakat Distribution Fund, involving RM11.95 million, to ease the burden of the people affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and assist efforts by various quarters in addressing the crisis.

Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) chief executive oficer Shahrul Azam Shaari said the special fund was set up by the council, with the cooperation of several of its strategic partners.

This special fund, involved RM11.11 million from the zakat allocation, RM30,000 from SP Setia Foundation chairman and RM800,000 in tithe from the corporate sector,“ he said in a statement here today.

He said Sultan Nazrin consented to the setting up of the fund so that it could be used to help those who are affected by the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended until April 14.

“Sultan Nazrin is concerned and aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has a direct impact on the lives of the people, especially among those with unstable income and those in the low-income group,“ he added.

Shahrul said the special fund would cover the cost of the Food Box Aid, involving RM240,000, which would be channeled through the Covid-19 Operations Room under the respective District and Land Offices tin the state.

He said RM5.8 million would be for the Emergency Survival Assistance, which is targeted for households earning RM2,000 and below whose income were affected due to either termination of employment, unpaid leave or other reasons.

A total of RM2 million is allocated for Special Capital Assistance to assist MAIPk traders, hawkers and entrepreneurs whose business were affected by the MCO; RM100,000 for management and welfare assistance to Perak students studying abroad and RM100, 000 to provide food supply to students at public and private institutions of higher learning in Perak who are still at their respective colleges, he added.

Shahrul said a special contribution of RM500,000 would be made to the Perak Health Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces and other agencies for the welfare of their Covid-19 frontline personnel.

RM1 million is for health and medical equipment to be donated to hospitals in Perak, RM1.5 million for purchase of medical equipment to combat Covid-19, like face masks, gloves and disinfectant to be distributed to mosques, suraus and the general public, and RM710,000 for contingency plan, he added. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/sultan-nazrin-consents-to-setting-up-of-special-zakat-distribution-fund-BH2180355

Views: 0

March 25, 2020
Health Ministry mulls over use of ‘Favipiravir’ to treat patients

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is considering the use of antiviral drug ‘Favipiravir’ to treat Covid-19 positive patients, according to its director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix).

He said the drug, which is also known as ‘Avigan’ and ‘Fuhaikang’, was not yet registered in the country.

“We (MOH) can approve it. However, we need to test the drug as it has certain side effects. So we need to be careful when using it,” he said during the daily press conference on Covid-19 here today, explaining that the drug was known as Avigan in Japan, and Fuhaikang in China.

In the event that the drug is approved, patients will need to be closely monitored to ensure its effectiveness, he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said 800 ventilators were required in government hospitals, out of which 500 would be designated for the specific use of Covid-19 cases.

The ministry had purchased 229 units of ventilators, with 54 units already received. The remaining 175 units are expected to arrive by early April, he said.

The private sector had also agreed to lend 64 ventilators for use in government hospitals, he added.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently announced an allocation of RM500 million for the purchase of medical equipment such as ventilators and Intensive Care Unit equipment, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for public medical personnel, and for laboratory requirements for Covid-19 tests. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/health-ministry-mulls-over-use-of-favipiravir-to-treat-patients-LH2180159

Views: 0

March 25, 2020
Private hospitals urged to provide more assistance to govt hospitals

PETALING JAYA: Private hospitals are asked to put profits aside for now and in the name of service, support the Health Ministry in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) CEO Datuk Dr Paul Selvaraj said in this time of crisis, private hospitals, especially those run by government-linked companies, should give their utmost to assist the government given that public hospitals are called to treat the rising number of Covid-19 patients.

“Put service as priority and put aside profits for now,“ he told theSun today.

Suaram adviser Kua Kia Soong suggested that private hospitals step forward to take some of the burden off the public sector by providing some sort of subsidised charges or no cost at all. They should also help with cases which are not related to the viral pandemic, fill the need for special wards, offer intensive care unit space and equipment such as ventilators and oxygen supply.

“In the best of times, private hospitals reap the benefits of the much touted Malaysian product known as ‘medical tourism’ and attract the best medical talents from the public sector.

“Now that we are in the worst of times, private hospitals don’t seem to be doing too badly either.

“According to the Affin Hwang Capital Research, the coronavirus pandemic is likely to have only a muted impact on private hospital operators as they are required to report such cases to public hospitals and the national infection centre,“ Kua said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, in response to the many questions broached of late, president of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said they (private hospitals) have made available 51 ventilators to the Health Ministry.

“We will be accepting non Covid-19 cases from the Health Ministry hospitals too. Discussions on taking on cases are in the final stages,“ he said in a statement on Tuesday.

He also said the APHM and its member hospitals see this as an opportunity for the private hospitals to work with the Health Ministry and the government in facing this national crisis.

“We have the support of all private hospitals in cancelling electives and reducing non urgent consultation while some private hospitals have even started Covid-19 screening for walk-ins and drive-ins,“ he added.

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/private-hospitals-urged-to-provide-more-assistance-to-govt-hospitals-GN2179989

Views: 0

March 25, 2020
Edo Government Restricts Gatherings To 20 Persons

In a bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus in Edo State, the state government has reduced the number of persons allowed in any public gathering from 50 to 20.

Other measures taken by the state government in the face of continuous spread of the virus in the country include the closure of markets with only sellers of food items, medicines and other vital commodities allowed to operate.

Governor Godwin Obaseki disclosed the new measures during the inauguration of the Edo State COVID-19 Response Committee at Government House, Benin City, the state capital.

He said, “We are reducing the number of persons allowed to gather in public places from 50 to 20 persons.

“Also, only markets where essential commodities like foodstuffs are sold should remain open for now.

“The state government is working with the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for mass production of hand sanitisers in drums that would be distributed to local government areas, palaces, markets and other government agencies for use in public places.”

He directed transport unions to intensify sensitisation among members on the need to implement social distancing by reducing the number of passengers on their vehicles.

The governor while tasking security agencies in the state on the enforcement of the new measures, disclosed that the state government would partner with Nigeria Medical Association to intensify public health services.

PUBLIC HEALTH

News

AddThis

:

Original Author

:

SaharaReporters, New York

Disable advertisements

:

Read More
http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/24/edo-government-restricts-gatherings-20-persons

Views: 0

March 25, 2020