GEORGE TOWN: The government has allocated RM90 million to fight non-infectious diseases, one of the main causes of death among Malaysians.
NEW KIT: Liow checking the new X-Ray machine after opening a health clinic in Bandar Baru Air Itam. It is the first clinic in the country to be fully equipped with X-Ray machine. — Bernama photo
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the allocation under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) would be utilised starting next year until 2014.
“Various programmes and activities will be held to raise public awareness of non-infectious diseases like hypertension, coronary, diabetis and cancer,” he told reporters after opening a health clinic in Bandar Baru Air Itam here yesterday.
Statistics showed that 37 per cent of deaths in government hospitals were due to non-infectious chronic diseases and that 70 per cent involved out-patients.
“The government can’t allow this trend to continue as the cases keep rising every year.”
Liow said the rise in chronic diseases was due to an unhealth lifestyle like improper diet and lack of exercise.
“We want to make 2011 as the year for health awareness to promote a healthy lifestyle to create healthier and happier Malaysians.”
He said 12 ministries in the Cabinet committee on non-infectious diseases would be meeting soon to formulate more effective policies.
The Cabinet committee on non-infectious diseases is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Decision to form the committee was made at the Cabinet meeting on Friday chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after more Malaysians were found to be suffering from chronic diseases. — Bernama