Latest news with #Parmjit
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Vaccine demand in Malaysia rises amid regional surge in Covid-19 cases
The revived interest is given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. PHOTO: REUTERS GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia - Medical practitioners are seeing a renewed interest in vaccination and booster shots, particularly among vulnerable populations, amid a concerning surge in Covid-19 cases in neighbouring countries. General practitioner Dr Parmjit Singh said the revived interest is in response to locals being highly vigilant given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. 'It is essential for eligible individuals to be up to date with their vaccinations to maintain strong protection, especially against emerging variants,' he said here on June 11. He also said that while the Covid-19 situation in the country may appear stable, it has not been eradicated. 'Malaysians are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. 'Continued public awareness and responsible behaviour are key to preventing another surge in cases. 'New variants may spread across borders through travel and community interactions,' he said. Dr Parmjit also said that there is no definitive evidence that dry weather can cause a spike in Covid-19 cases. 'Weather changes can influence human behaviour. People may spend more time indoors in air-conditioned spaces during hot, dry seasons, which could increase the risk of virus transmission. 'The spread of the virus is dependent on factors such as population density, vaccination coverage, public health measures and individual behaviour,' he said. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said Penang experienced notable spikes during major holidays or festive periods due to increased travel, relaxed precautions and social gatherings. 'While there is no evidence that dry weather increases Covid-19 transmission, in Malaysia, hot and dry conditions may lead to more indoor gatherings. This could facilitate virus spread,' he said. It was reported that neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore are facing an emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, leading to a surge in cases. Mr Gooi said while cases have dropped in Penang, it is important to remain vigilant as records from Jan 1 to May 31 last year showed 2,714 cases, while 1,594 cases were recorded during the same period this year. 'No deaths have been recorded so far this year, and the state Health Department continues to monitor respiratory-related clusters in Penang. 'High-risk groups (the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses) are advised to avoid crowded indoor areas. 'The vulnerable groups (elderly, comorbidities) are still encouraged to get updated boosters as they can help protect them in case of exposure to those with Covid-19,' he said. Retired teacher B. Premala, 68, who has been vaccinated and took one booster jab in 2021 as well, said she was not keen on taking a fourth jab. 'I am careful and mask up when I go to crowded places. 'I am aware that because of my age, I am susceptible to viruses, but I am cautious,' she said. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Vaccine demand rises amid regional surge in Covid-19 cases
GEORGE TOWN: Medical practitioners here are seeing a renewed interest in vaccination and booster shots, particularly among vulnerable populations, amid a concerning surge in Covid-19 cases in neighbouring countries. General practitioner Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh said the revived interest is in response to locals being highly vigilant given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. 'It is essential for eligible individuals to be up to date with their vaccinations to maintain strong protection, especially against emerging variants,' he said here yesterday. He also said that while the Covid-19 situation in the country may appear stable, it has not been eradicated. 'Malaysians are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. 'Continued public awareness and responsible behaviour are key to preventing another surge in cases. 'New variants may spread across borders through travel and community interactions,' he said. Dr Parmjit also said that there is no definitive evidence that dry weather can cause a spike in Covid-19 cases. 'Weather changes can influence human behaviour. People may spend more time indoors in air-conditioned spaces during hot, dry seasons, which could increase the risk of virus transmission. 'The spread of the virus is dependent on factors such as population density, vaccination coverage, public health measures and individual behaviour,' he said. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said Penang experienced notable spikes during major holidays or festive periods due to increased travel, relaxed precautions and social gatherings. 'While there is no evidence that dry weather increases Covid-19 transmission, in Malaysia, hot and dry conditions may lead to more indoor gatherings. This could facilitate virus spread,' he said. It was reported that neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore are facing an emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, leading to a surge in cases. Gooi said while cases have dropped in Penang, it is important to remain vigilant as records from Jan 1 to May 31 last year showed 2,714 cases, while 1,594 cases were recorded during the same period this year. 'No deaths have been recorded so far this year, and the state Health Department continues to monitor respiratory-related clusters in Penang. 'High-risk groups (the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses) are advised to avoid crowded indoor areas. 'The vulnerable groups (elderly, comorbidities) are still encouraged to get updated boosters as they can help protect them in case of exposure to those with Covid-19,' he said. Retired teacher B. Premala, 68, who has been vaccinated and took one booster jab in 2021 as well, said she was not keen on taking a fourth jab. 'I am careful and mask up when I go to crowded places. 'I am aware that because of my age, I am susceptible to viruses, but I am cautious,' she said.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Doctors not against mandatory price display, object to use under Act 723
PETALING JAYA: Doctors are not against price transparency for medicines but object to the enforcement of the recent mandatory price labelling move under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said in a statement today. Ahead of the planned march from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday, titled 'Doctors Betrayed: The Long Walk to Putrajaya, MMA's Private Practitioners Section (PPS) chairman Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh Kuldip Singh said the symbolic walk aims to express the medical fraternity's deep disappointment over the application of Act 723 — a law not originally intended for the medical profession. The march would highlight concerns about the various unanswered questions on the medicine price display and the unresolved issue of stagnant private general practitioner consultation fees, a longstanding issue since 1992. 'We wish to reiterate that doctors are not against price transparency but strongly oppose Act 723 being used in the medical profession,' he said in a statement. Dr Parmjit said the march would go ahead as planned if there are no objections, as MMA have submitted all necessary documents to inform the relevant authorities about the gathering. He said a memorandum will be handed over to the PMO through a joint effort between the association and other doctors' associations during the march. Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the mandatory price labelling would take effect on May 1. In a joint statement, they said the move aims to ensure the public can make informed choices by knowing, comparing, and selecting the best prices when managing their medication expenses. 'This initiative is being introduced in line with the Madani Government's commitment to promoting price transparency through the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism (MKHU). 'It will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Medicines) Order 2025, pursuant to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723),' they said. The price labelling requirement applies to all medicines for human use, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, traditional remedies, health supplements, and extemporaneous preparations. It covers all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586] that sell, supply, or administer medicines. Following this, MMA called for the suspension of the policy's rollout to ensure that the association's concerns were adequately discussed and resolved.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Doctors not against mandatory price display
PETALING JAYA: Doctors are not against price transparency for medicines but object to the enforcement of the recent mandatory price labelling move under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said in a statement today. Ahead of the planned march from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday, titled 'Doctors Betrayed: The Long Walk to Putrajaya, MMA's Private Practitioners Section (PPS) chairman Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh Kuldip Singh said the symbolic walk aims to express the medical fraternity's deep disappointment over the application of Act 723 — a law not originally intended for the medical profession. The march would highlight concerns about the various unanswered questions on the medicine price display and the unresolved issue of stagnant private general practitioner consultation fees, a longstanding issue since 1992. 'We wish to reiterate that doctors are not against price transparency but strongly oppose Act 723 being used in the medical profession,' he said in a statement. Dr Parmjit said the march would go ahead as planned if there are no objections, as MMA have submitted all necessary documents to inform the relevant authorities about the gathering. He said a memorandum will be handed over to the PMO through a joint effort between the association and other doctors' associations during the march. Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the mandatory price labelling would take effect on May 1. In a joint statement, they said the move aims to ensure the public can make informed choices by knowing, comparing, and selecting the best prices when managing their medication expenses. 'This initiative is being introduced in line with the Madani Government's commitment to promoting price transparency through the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism (MKHU). 'It will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Medicines) Order 2025, pursuant to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723),' they said. The price labelling requirement applies to all medicines for human use, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, traditional remedies, health supplements, and extemporaneous preparations. It covers all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586] that sell, supply, or administer medicines. Following this, MMA called for the suspension of the policy's rollout to ensure that the association's concerns were adequately discussed and resolved.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MMA objects to mandatory medicine price labelling, plans march to PMO
PETALING JAYA: Doctors are not against price transparency for medicines but object to the enforcement of the recent mandatory price labelling move under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said in a statement today. Ahead of the planned march from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday, titled 'Doctors Betrayed: The Long Walk to Putrajaya, MMA's Private Practitioners Section (PPS) chairman Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh Kuldip Singh said the symbolic walk aims to express the medical fraternity's deep disappointment over the application of Act 723 — a law not originally intended for the medical profession. The march would highlight concerns about the various unanswered questions on the medicine price display and the unresolved issue of stagnant private general practitioner consultation fees, a longstanding issue since 1992. 'We wish to reiterate that doctors are not against price transparency but strongly oppose Act 723 being used in the medical profession,' he said in a statement. Dr Parmjit said the march would go ahead as planned if there are no objections, as MMA have submitted all necessary documents to inform the relevant authorities about the gathering. He said a memorandum will be handed over to the PMO through a joint effort between the association and other doctors' associations during the march. Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the mandatory price labelling would take effect on May 1. In a joint statement, they said the move aims to ensure the public can make informed choices by knowing, comparing, and selecting the best prices when managing their medication expenses. 'This initiative is being introduced in line with the Madani Government's commitment to promoting price transparency through the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism (MKHU). 'It will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Medicines) Order 2025, pursuant to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723),' they said. The price labelling requirement applies to all medicines for human use, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, traditional remedies, health supplements, and extemporaneous preparations. It covers all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586] that sell, supply, or administer medicines. Following this, MMA called for the suspension of the policy's rollout to ensure that the association's concerns were adequately discussed and resolved.
