Chronic illness prevention campaign to be launched

2010/02/09

BENTONG: The Health Ministry will launch a Chronic Illness Prevention Campaign soon in a public awareness effort.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the campaign was needed as there had been a 10 per cent jump in chronically ill patients among both adults and children since 1996.

"This is very worrisome and we are taking steps to prevent chronic illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, hyper-tension, heart disease and cancer. These can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle.

"Now people spend a lot of time in offices and seldom walk while school children seldom exercise," Liow told reporters after visiting the Bentong Hospital here today.

Liow also witnessed the handing over by Radicare (M) Sdn Bhd of three hemodialysis machines for the hospital and a cheque for RM7,000 to distributed as Chinese New Year ''ang pows'' to patients.

Liow said his ministry needed the cooperation of non-governmental organisations and the private sector to carry out the campaign.

"We have an allocation of RM5 million for the campaign but that is not enough so we need the participation of the NGOs and the private sector to prevent chronic illnesses," he said.

Besides using the media and through advertisements, Liow said the ministry will have forums with NGOs to reach people in villages. -- BERNAMA