KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will carry out various health awareness programmes for the public this year to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and obesity.
PAYING ATTENTION: Liow (right) briefed by Raymond Kok, manager of De HomeBiz, on the kitchen equipment at the De HomeBiz Gallery . — Bernama photo
Its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the campaign against NCDs must be implemented through an integrated strategy and cooperation among various sectors, including the relevant ministries and local communities following the sharp increase in NCD cases of late.
“The NCD treatment cost is a huge burden and pressure for the public and government, which spent RM1.3 billion last year on medicines which were mainly for treating NCDs.
“We also want to make 2011 a health awareness year, to make the public realise the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle in order to create a healthy, fit and happy Malaysian society,” he said after opening the De Homebiz Gallery at the Great Eastern Mall, here, yesterday.
He disclosed that 12 ministries which sat on the Cabinet Committee on NCDs would meet for the first time soon to draw up a more effective policy on NCDs.
“With the policy, programmes and activities at the grassroot level to fight the diseases will be drawn up by the 12 ministries involved,” he said.
On the 1Care National Healthcare Scheme, Liow said his ministry was in the process of preparing the working paper which would be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak by next month, the latest.
He said through the 1Care scheme, the people could seek treatment at the government or private hospital of their choice regardless of their social status and financial standing, besides each individual must select and appoint a clinic of their choice as the family physician. — Bernama