Tag: featured
11% decline in influenza cases in 2024
The number of influenza cases in Malaysia declined by 11% in 2024, with 30,403 cases recorded compared to 34,173 in 2023. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said influenza-related deaths also saw a significant 68% decline from 54 in 2023 to 17 […]
The Burden of Time Poverty on Women’s Health in Asia
Accessing healthcare should be a basic right, yet for millions of women in Asia, it remains an uphill battle due to economic, social, and cultural barriers. From time poverty to economic insecurity, geographical isolation to cultural stigma, these obstacles make […]
MMC: Fewer new doctors registered
Provisional registrations of graduate medical practitioners across the country have declined by almost 40% since 2017, a Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) report revealed. The MMC annual report for 2022 showed that the registrations decreased from 6,147 in 2017 to 5,218 […]
Scientific proof mandatory for medical cannabis approval
Any party with sufficient scientific evidence supporting the medical use of cannabis-based products is welcome to submit a registration application to the Drug Control Authority for approval. In a written parliamentary reply, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said […]
Philippine DOH reports dengue cases slowing but urges continued vigilance
The Department of Health (DOH) has observed a slight decline in dengue cases nationwide over the past four weeks, following intensified public awareness and mosquito control efforts. Cases fell from 15,904 (January 5–18) to 15,134 (January 19–February 15), a 5% […]
Audit sought for Philippines public health funds; health dept seeks more budget
The Philippines’ Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) have requested the Commission on Audit to conduct a special audit of previously released funds for Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA). The review aims […]
Cambodia cracks down on unregistered sexual enhancement products
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has taken action against two Phnom Penh-based businesses for advertising and selling unregistered sexual enhancement products online. The ministry warned that these substances pose serious heart health risks and could be life-threatening. In a February […]
Queensland pill testing detects dangerous synthetic drugs
CheQpoint, an Australian pill testing service, has identified multiple cases of dangerous synthetic opioids and novel benzodiazepines disguised as pharmaceutical medicines. Experts warn these findings may indicate a broader issue, as financial pressures drive more people to seek unregulated drugs […]
Taiwan’s Health Ministry outlines emergency response to hospital congestion
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has introduced three short-term response strategies to ease hospital congestion: optimizing bed allocation, enhancing regional hospital coordination, and improving hierarchical medical information. Additionally, the ministry is reviewing adjustments to health insurance benefits and reinforcing […]
Health ministry urged to maintain 42-hour workweek for healthcare workers
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Service Department (PSD) have been recommended to maintain the 42-hour workweek for healthcare staff. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health, Suhaizan Kaiat, stated that the decision followed engagement […]
