Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Doctor suspended over love affair
PUTRAJAYA: Love is fine but he was a doctor and his lover was his patient.
He forgot his professional code of ethics in the heat of the moment earlier this year and will pay dearly for it.
The 44-year-old will not be able to practise for the next two years for breach of ethics.
The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) found him guilty of the offence after an enquiry where he admitted the liaison.
In doing so, he also admitted abusing professional privilege and acting in a manner derogatory to the profession.
The MMC found that the doctor’s behaviour had resulted in disruption in the lives of the patient’s family besides distress to them.
The doctor has appealed to the High Court.
He is one of 18 registered medical practitioners suspended since 2003 after being found guilty of ethical offences.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, who is also MMC president, told the New Straits Times that 15 doctors had received reprimands.
Between January 2004 and August this year, the five Preliminary Investigation Committees (PIC) in MMC investigated 344 cases, with 181 yet to be resolved.
At council level, 45 cases had been acted upon while 18 cases were pending.
Other instances of a breach of ethics included:
• A 47-year-old doctor at a clinic in Johor being suspended for two years after being convicted for offences under the Poisons Act and fined varying amounts or imprisonment in default.
• A 34-year-old doctor running a private clinic in Taman Sri Manja, Petaling Jaya, who was suspended for six months after being found guilty of circulating leaflets entitled Kempen Percuma announcing free services at her clinic.
• A 58-year-old doctor with a maternity home in Johor being reprimanded for forging the signature of another person on a loan document.
He was charged in Sibu, Sarawak, and on appeal was sentenced to a day’s jail and fined RM10,000 in default four months jail.
The MMC also decided in its meeting yesterday that it would publish the names of errant doctors even if they had appealed to the High Court.
Previously, it did so only if an appeal had not been lodged or if an appeal had been overturned.
Of the 15,797 practising medical practitioners, less than one per cent are engaged in unethical practices.
Dr Ismail said the council could not take action on occasions against doctors as some complainants did not want to appear before an enquiry, information given was inadequate or the complainant could not be contacted.
He forgot his professional code of ethics in the heat of the moment earlier this year and will pay dearly for it.
The 44-year-old will not be able to practise for the next two years for breach of ethics.
The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) found him guilty of the offence after an enquiry where he admitted the liaison.
In doing so, he also admitted abusing professional privilege and acting in a manner derogatory to the profession.
The MMC found that the doctor’s behaviour had resulted in disruption in the lives of the patient’s family besides distress to them.
The doctor has appealed to the High Court.
He is one of 18 registered medical practitioners suspended since 2003 after being found guilty of ethical offences.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, who is also MMC president, told the New Straits Times that 15 doctors had received reprimands.
Between January 2004 and August this year, the five Preliminary Investigation Committees (PIC) in MMC investigated 344 cases, with 181 yet to be resolved.
At council level, 45 cases had been acted upon while 18 cases were pending.
Other instances of a breach of ethics included:
• A 47-year-old doctor at a clinic in Johor being suspended for two years after being convicted for offences under the Poisons Act and fined varying amounts or imprisonment in default.
• A 34-year-old doctor running a private clinic in Taman Sri Manja, Petaling Jaya, who was suspended for six months after being found guilty of circulating leaflets entitled Kempen Percuma announcing free services at her clinic.
• A 58-year-old doctor with a maternity home in Johor being reprimanded for forging the signature of another person on a loan document.
He was charged in Sibu, Sarawak, and on appeal was sentenced to a day’s jail and fined RM10,000 in default four months jail.
The MMC also decided in its meeting yesterday that it would publish the names of errant doctors even if they had appealed to the High Court.
Previously, it did so only if an appeal had not been lodged or if an appeal had been overturned.
Of the 15,797 practising medical practitioners, less than one per cent are engaged in unethical practices.
Dr Ismail said the council could not take action on occasions against doctors as some complainants did not want to appear before an enquiry, information given was inadequate or the complainant could not be contacted.
Monday, October 09, 2006
No reason to lift the ban
THE Consumers Association of Penang is shocked that the ban on the highly toxic weedkiller, paraquat, would be lifted.
This is in spite of calls from various concerned parties urging the government to not only maintain the existing prohibitions on paraquat, but to issue a final outright ban.
The reason for the decision is nothing short of ridiculous. Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus said: "We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, on its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the date is set for its total ban in November next year."
Studies done both globally and locally have already demonstrated the serious adverse effects of paraquat.
It is one of the most toxic herbicides to be marketed in the past few decades. There is no known antidote treatment for paraquat poisoning.
Health problems such as severe dermatitis, second degree burns, kidney failure and respiratory failure have been linked to this chemical.
It has also been known to damage the lungs, heart, kidney, adrenal glands, central nervous system, liver muscles and spleen, causing multi-organ failure.
In addition, paraquat has been associated with developmental and reproductive adverse effects, as well as links to skin cancer.
The Pesticide Board carried out consultations with the relevant government departments, the academia, the industry and researchers before it made a decision to ban paraquat in 2002.
There is no justification now to expose the whole country to this toxic chemical for the sake of conducting studies.
The government’s decision, and especially the Pesticide Board’s recommendation for the ban was a courageous move that was noted worldwide. The authorities should not waver in their decision.
CAP calls on the government to immediately overturn the plan to temporarily lift the ban this Nov 1. The arrangement for the ban should be followed through.
The public should join in by urging the government to not go back on its earlier decision to phase out paraquat.
There is no justification for jeopardising the health of the public by allowing the registration of paraquat for all crops to facilitate studies.
This is in spite of calls from various concerned parties urging the government to not only maintain the existing prohibitions on paraquat, but to issue a final outright ban.
The reason for the decision is nothing short of ridiculous. Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus said: "We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, on its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the date is set for its total ban in November next year."
Studies done both globally and locally have already demonstrated the serious adverse effects of paraquat.
It is one of the most toxic herbicides to be marketed in the past few decades. There is no known antidote treatment for paraquat poisoning.
Health problems such as severe dermatitis, second degree burns, kidney failure and respiratory failure have been linked to this chemical.
It has also been known to damage the lungs, heart, kidney, adrenal glands, central nervous system, liver muscles and spleen, causing multi-organ failure.
In addition, paraquat has been associated with developmental and reproductive adverse effects, as well as links to skin cancer.
The Pesticide Board carried out consultations with the relevant government departments, the academia, the industry and researchers before it made a decision to ban paraquat in 2002.
There is no justification now to expose the whole country to this toxic chemical for the sake of conducting studies.
The government’s decision, and especially the Pesticide Board’s recommendation for the ban was a courageous move that was noted worldwide. The authorities should not waver in their decision.
CAP calls on the government to immediately overturn the plan to temporarily lift the ban this Nov 1. The arrangement for the ban should be followed through.
The public should join in by urging the government to not go back on its earlier decision to phase out paraquat.
There is no justification for jeopardising the health of the public by allowing the registration of paraquat for all crops to facilitate studies.
Set up wards for the old
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM (The Star, 4th Oct 2006)
The government has been urged to set up special wards in hospitals for elderly people.
Asean NGO coalition of ageing president Lawrence Cheah Seong Paik said ideally, every hospital should have a geriatric ward.
“We need geriatric specialists to treat elderly patients in view of their special needs.
“With the rising ageing population, the government needs to look into this seriously,” he told newsmen during the Se-nior Citizen health awareness campaign at Caring Society Complex recently.
Lioness Club of Penang and Penang Senior Citizen Associa-tion organised the day-long event that was opened by Health Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
The health programme att-racted some 200 senior citizens.
Cheah, who is also the Penang Senior Citizen Association pre-sident, said for now senior citizens had no choice but to seek treatment from general practitioners.
“Many of the elderly are complaining that they have to see so many different doctors be-fore they are diagnosed,” he ad-ded.
“Better and faster treatment could be accorded to the elderly patients if they are treated by geriatric specialists,” he ad-ded.
Lee said Universiti Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban Hospital had set up special units to treat senior citizens.
“But they have yet to set up special wards for the senior citizens,” he said, adding that about 5% of the 26 million population are senior citizens.
Lee also said that there was shortage of urologists in the country.
“Now we only have 60 urologists in the country, we need an additional 300 to cater to the population,” he said.
Lee said the three most popular fields for specialists are cardiology, obstetric and gy-naecology, and paediatrics.
The government has been urged to set up special wards in hospitals for elderly people.
Asean NGO coalition of ageing president Lawrence Cheah Seong Paik said ideally, every hospital should have a geriatric ward.
“We need geriatric specialists to treat elderly patients in view of their special needs.
“With the rising ageing population, the government needs to look into this seriously,” he told newsmen during the Se-nior Citizen health awareness campaign at Caring Society Complex recently.
Lioness Club of Penang and Penang Senior Citizen Associa-tion organised the day-long event that was opened by Health Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon.
The health programme att-racted some 200 senior citizens.
Cheah, who is also the Penang Senior Citizen Association pre-sident, said for now senior citizens had no choice but to seek treatment from general practitioners.
“Many of the elderly are complaining that they have to see so many different doctors be-fore they are diagnosed,” he ad-ded.
“Better and faster treatment could be accorded to the elderly patients if they are treated by geriatric specialists,” he ad-ded.
Lee said Universiti Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban Hospital had set up special units to treat senior citizens.
“But they have yet to set up special wards for the senior citizens,” he said, adding that about 5% of the 26 million population are senior citizens.
Lee also said that there was shortage of urologists in the country.
“Now we only have 60 urologists in the country, we need an additional 300 to cater to the population,” he said.
Lee said the three most popular fields for specialists are cardiology, obstetric and gy-naecology, and paediatrics.
Ban on paraquat lifted for study
By M. KRISHNAMOORTHY (The Star, 3rd Oct 2006)
KUALA LUMPUR: The ban on the herbicide paraquat will be temporarily lifted from Nov 1, to allow a comprehensive study on its many uses.
The Pesticide Control Division under the then Agriculture Ministry banned the weedkiller for its hazardous effect on health in August 2002.
The decision to temporarily lift the ban by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry now was made following appeals from farmers and manufacturers to look at the greater uses of the herbicide.
“We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the set date for its total ban in November next year,” Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus told The Star.
Although the ban was imposed in August 2002, paraquat products such as Syngenta's Gramoxone, which were previously registered for use, were being phased out in stages by November 2007.
“If it is proven that paraquat’s usefulness outweighs its negative impact, we may have to review its usage.
“The Agriculture Department wants to review paraquat’s effectiveness on various plants and cash crops,” she added.
To facilitate the study, the Pesticides Board is now allowing registration of paraquat for all crops.
Federation of Malaysian Conumers Association consultant for health and environment Josie Fernandez said: “It is surprising that the Government is reconsidering the ban on the one of the most hazardous poisons in the world – and it has no antidote.
“Paraquat causes a litany of problems to plantation workers and farmers including severe illness and death.
“The Government should not compromise on the safety and health of poor workers.”
Fernandez said some corporations in Europe had declared that they would not import palm oil from nations that use paraquat in plantations as the palm oil might carry traces of the poison.
A study by the National Poison Centre in 2002 showed that women using paraquat suffered nosebleeds, tearing of the eyes, contact dermatitis, skin irritation and sores, nail discolouration, dropping of the nails and abdominal ulcerations.
Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific executive director Sarojeni V. Rengam said: “It is lamentable that the Government has taken a step back on this dangerous chemical.
“It has come to our attention that the industry has been putting pressure on the authorities to repeal the ban.”
“The total ban should have taken effect in 2005, but a phase out period has been extended till 2007 after appeals by the industry,” she said.
KUALA LUMPUR: The ban on the herbicide paraquat will be temporarily lifted from Nov 1, to allow a comprehensive study on its many uses.
The Pesticide Control Division under the then Agriculture Ministry banned the weedkiller for its hazardous effect on health in August 2002.
The decision to temporarily lift the ban by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry now was made following appeals from farmers and manufacturers to look at the greater uses of the herbicide.
“We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the set date for its total ban in November next year,” Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus told The Star.
Although the ban was imposed in August 2002, paraquat products such as Syngenta's Gramoxone, which were previously registered for use, were being phased out in stages by November 2007.
“If it is proven that paraquat’s usefulness outweighs its negative impact, we may have to review its usage.
“The Agriculture Department wants to review paraquat’s effectiveness on various plants and cash crops,” she added.
To facilitate the study, the Pesticides Board is now allowing registration of paraquat for all crops.
Federation of Malaysian Conumers Association consultant for health and environment Josie Fernandez said: “It is surprising that the Government is reconsidering the ban on the one of the most hazardous poisons in the world – and it has no antidote.
“Paraquat causes a litany of problems to plantation workers and farmers including severe illness and death.
“The Government should not compromise on the safety and health of poor workers.”
Fernandez said some corporations in Europe had declared that they would not import palm oil from nations that use paraquat in plantations as the palm oil might carry traces of the poison.
A study by the National Poison Centre in 2002 showed that women using paraquat suffered nosebleeds, tearing of the eyes, contact dermatitis, skin irritation and sores, nail discolouration, dropping of the nails and abdominal ulcerations.
Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific executive director Sarojeni V. Rengam said: “It is lamentable that the Government has taken a step back on this dangerous chemical.
“It has come to our attention that the industry has been putting pressure on the authorities to repeal the ban.”
“The total ban should have taken effect in 2005, but a phase out period has been extended till 2007 after appeals by the industry,” she said.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The PHFS Act (1998) and Regulations (2006) – an update
The PHFS Act (1998) and Regulations (2006) – an update
IT has now been about four months since the Private Healthcare Facilities And Services (PHFS) Act 1998 And Regulations (2006) has come into force. The various open dialogues between the Health Ministry, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) and other relevant stakeholders have culminated in a relatively easy registration process for private medical practitioners (see table).
For existing clinics (before May 1, 2006), registration can be made using Form A or online at http://medpcs.moh.gov.my. Duplicate copies of duly certified documents required include:
i) Annual Practising Certificate,
ii) Professional & or Specialist qualifications
iii) Assessment rate receipt
iv) A sketch plan that includes dimensions of physical structures
v) Contracts with any Managed Care Organisation if available
To facilitate the registration process, the various state private practitioners’ associations have been holding workshops with the co-operation of the relevant state health departments. The PMPASKL will be holding such a session on Sept 24 at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Bukit Kiara, from 2-6pm. Doctors in the Klang Valley are encouraged to attend and at the same time hand in their registration forms to the State Health Officers who will be there to register them.
It is thus time to move on to facilitating compliance as seamlessly as possible with the specifications of the Regulations without causing undue interference to the delivery of patient care in the private sector. Implementation will have to be done gradually and without causing undue inconvenience and distress to the sick patient, the public and the doctor.
The Clinic Manual and Standard Operating Procedure (CMSOP)
One of the first important milestones in the process of compliance, which takes effect the moment a clinic is registered, is administrative compliance. The PHFS Act (1998) and Regulations (2006) requires that all private clinics shall have specific written policies and standard operating procedures to ensure that quality of care is maintained.
As part of our service to members in the private sector and to bridge the needs of the regulators, doctors and patients for better healthcare, the FPMPAM, in conjunction with the Health Ministry, has produced the Clinic Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (CMSOP), which was officially launched by the Health Minister on Sept 11 at the Marriot Hotel, PutraJaya.
The CMSOP will help private clinics streamline its administration almost immediately and to enable it to deliver better service to the patient while complying with the Act.
It is hoped that the CMSOP will set the bar for responsible and ethical clinic governance, and enable doctors to continue their good work in healing those in need while meeting the new provisions of PHFSA.
Among the many items in the CMSOP is a set format for Patient Grievance Mechanism and also a format for provision of Emergency Medical Care as required by law. The CMSOP can also be adapted for private dental clinics as well.
Four thousand copies will initially be distributed at cost to doctors via the individual state private practitioners associations that are members of the FPMPAM, with additional copies to be printed for distribution to all doctors.
Each book is priced at RM25, which covers the cost of its printing and production.
Safeguarding standards in private medical care
As the national medical body, the FPMPAM represents the interests of private medical practitioners in providing accessible, quality and compassionate patient care.
It is the stated objective of the FPMPAM to safeguard the foundations of ethical and responsible medicine while building on the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship. Our motto, “Duty before Self”, is a testimony to this objective.
The FPMPAM is supportive of reforms to the nation’s healthcare system when they are aimed at improving the delivery and efficiency of healthcare services, upgrading facilities and treatment options available to patients, and enhancing the integrity of the medical profession.
As members of the medical profession and uncompromising advocates of our patients’ welfare, we acknowledge that there are inherent strengths and weaknesses in our current healthcare system, and that it has a large role to play in improving healthcare in Malaysia.
When the Private Healthcare Facilities Act and Regulations (PHFSA) was announced in May this year, the reaction of doctors all over the country ranged from anxiety to strong disapproval.
The profession is fortunate that the Ministry is sympathetic to the concerns of doctors and has the discretion to distinguish between healthcare policies that will likely succeed and policies that will likely do more harm than good.
Rather than a purist approach, the Health Ministry has welcomed input from parties affected by the new law, and has adopted a flexible and responsive approach in the implementation of the PHFSA.
While the FPMPAM has made significant strides in building consensus with the Ministry on the implementation of the Act, we are aware that there are outstanding issues that are of concern to doctors and patients in the country.
Important points to note for concerned parties are several proposals that are still under consideration by the Health Ministry, which aims to address the implications of emergency care, and the specific physical requirements for complying with the Act.
We look forward to a quick agreement with these proposals so as to provide a truly conducive social and clinical environment for doctors and their patients.
The Good Samaritan Clause
The PHCFS Act and its Regulations require that clinics provide emergency medical services to the occasional patient that is brought to the clinic. It is the position of the FPMPAM that patients in dire straits should not be turned away by the clinics.
However, it must be noted that this provision in its current form in the Regulations has too many grey areas which potentially will open the door to increased medico-legal litigation, an increase in medical indemnity insurance and eventually encourage defensive medicine. At the end of the day, it is the patient and the public that will have to carry this extra burden.
The FPMPAM has proposed a “Good Samaritan Clause”, which essentially states that, short of gross negligence or professional incompetence, doctors providing free and voluntary emergency care for such patients that are brought to the clinics should be protected from liability. This is only fair as the law is needed to protect those who need help, but also those who provide help.
General Provision (Regulations Part IX)
The Regulations also require many clinics to renovate extensively to comply with the general provisions of the Regulations.
Some of these provisions, like providing doors and passages to be 1.2m, is not possible in many clinics in view of the existing physical limitations of these buildings. Clinics that are located on the first floor of shop houses, including many dental clinics, will find this a major undertaking.
Furthermore, to renovate, many clinics will have to close for periods of time ranging from two to more than six weeks depending on the type of renovation that needs to be done. There will be considerable inconvenience to the patients and the public.
From the survey of clinics by the FPMPAM in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Penang, the estimated cost of renovation to the private sector will be in excess of RM250 million, not to mention a whole host of other intangible costs.
The FPMPAM is happy to note that the Health Minister, in his speech during the launching of the CSMOP, had mentioned that the Ministry will consider appeals on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
The medical profession is as old as age itself. Medicine, with its noble legacy of healing, is rich and momentous beyond comparison. The doctor’s duty is always first and foremost to his patients and the advancement of the patient’s health and welfare.
As a regulator, the Government can build safeguards, incentives and disincentives into our health care system, but the good and honest professional never needs to fear the regulator.
 |
Note: Dr Chang Keng Wee is honorary secretary of the Federation Of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association Of Malaysia (FPMPAM).
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Spotlight: Kidneys always on his mind
15 Sep 2006 (NST)
ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ
ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ
After 30 years of dedicated service at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, consultant nephrologist Datuk Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher is clocking out for the last time today, but don’t expect kidney diseases to be far from his mind, writes ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ.
WHILE many people can’t wait to get out of a hospital, consultant nephrologist Datuk Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher is reluctant to leave.
Not after 30 years of calling the Kuala Lumpur Hospital his second home.
When we caught up with him a few days before his retirement, Dr Zaki’s office was in a mess as he packed his medical tomes, and stacked medical CDs into boxes.
It is not that he dreads the prospect of clocking out for the last time today, but his sadness stems from the fact that he can no longer serve his patients with the same dedication he had shown all these years.
Celebrating his 56th birthday on Monday, Dr Zaki has come a long way from the day he reported for duty. Then, he was one of only two specialists in the nephrology department. The other was (Tan Sri) Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, who later became the director-general of Health.
Recalling the challenges of those early days, Dr Zaki, who has the distinction of being KLH’s longest-serving doctor, said: "It was a depressing period as there were only two of us, six dialysis machines and a handful of beds.
"Hundreds of kidney patients were referred to us from all over the country every year, and many had to go home disappointed because there were no available beds and not enough dialysis machines."
The dialysis machines, he said, were dinosaurs which required patients to sit for eight hours, unlike today’s machines which only need four hours to do the job.
"By the time the patients finished their sessions, they could hardly walk."
What a contrast to his current surroundings where there is now an entire institute dedicated to urology and nephrology, with state-of-the-art facilities, the latest diagnostic machines and a kidney transplant team.
There are now five consultant nephrologists, six specialists, seven medical officers and a team of well-trained allied healthcare staff.
"All major hospitals in the country are now well equipped to handle kidney patients, with many providing dialysis treatment," he said, adding that this was also available in remote parts of the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.
Despite the hardship of his early days at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Dr Zaki was never tempted to join his peers in private practice.
"More kidney patients come to government hospitals for treatment compared with private hospitals. I felt I could serve them better if I stayed on here ."
Born on Sept 18, 1950, Dr Zaki’s aptitude for learning was evident from his school days in Langkawi, where he completed his education at a younger age due to double promotions.
He was offered many scholarships, including one for engineering overseas, but he opted to further his studies in Malaysia.
He obtained his MBBS from Universiti Malaya in 1975.
Dr Zaki started his career at KLH in 1976. He did a brief stint at the Kangar Hospital, in Perlis, before returning to KLH, where he served in the nephrology unit with Dr Abu Bakar before joining the department of medicine for two years.
He was handpicked by Dr Abu Bakar to be a nephrologist, and sent for a two-year training stint in Britain.
Upon his return, at the age of 33, he was promoted to consultant nephrologist.
Three years later, in 1987, he was appointed the head of the department of nephrology.
During his tenure, Dr Zaki introduced special areas in nephrology, and developed critical care nephrology, interventional nephrology, glomerular disease and chronic kidney disease prevention — and widened the scope of transplants and dialysis.
He also spearheaded the initiative to improve the quality in dialysis by introducing haemodialysis standards.
Dr Zaki, who headed the Clinical Research Centre in the Health Ministry from 1999, has produced a number of publications in collaboration with other researchers.
Asked about his vision, he said: "I want the government to take a proactive role in reducing kidney cases in the country by working together with primary care providers, as it’s very expensive to treat kidney patients. There is a need for a national programme."
While he may no longer be actively involved in the treatment of patients at KLH, Dr Zaki has no intention of taking things easy.
He intends to take up an offer to lecture at the International Medical University.
Dr Zaki is currently the president-elect of the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology, a member of the Education and Curriculum Advisory Committee, International Society of Nephrology (ISN), and chairman of the sub-committee for the Southeast Asia Commission for the Global Advancement of Nephrology of the ISN.
He is also the vice-chairman of the National Kidney Foundation.
More:
Star
WHILE many people can’t wait to get out of a hospital, consultant nephrologist Datuk Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher is reluctant to leave.
Not after 30 years of calling the Kuala Lumpur Hospital his second home.When we caught up with him a few days before his retirement, Dr Zaki’s office was in a mess as he packed his medical tomes, and stacked medical CDs into boxes.
It is not that he dreads the prospect of clocking out for the last time today, but his sadness stems from the fact that he can no longer serve his patients with the same dedication he had shown all these years.
Celebrating his 56th birthday on Monday, Dr Zaki has come a long way from the day he reported for duty. Then, he was one of only two specialists in the nephrology department. The other was (Tan Sri) Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, who later became the director-general of Health.
Recalling the challenges of those early days, Dr Zaki, who has the distinction of being KLH’s longest-serving doctor, said: "It was a depressing period as there were only two of us, six dialysis machines and a handful of beds.
"Hundreds of kidney patients were referred to us from all over the country every year, and many had to go home disappointed because there were no available beds and not enough dialysis machines."
The dialysis machines, he said, were dinosaurs which required patients to sit for eight hours, unlike today’s machines which only need four hours to do the job.
"By the time the patients finished their sessions, they could hardly walk."
What a contrast to his current surroundings where there is now an entire institute dedicated to urology and nephrology, with state-of-the-art facilities, the latest diagnostic machines and a kidney transplant team.
There are now five consultant nephrologists, six specialists, seven medical officers and a team of well-trained allied healthcare staff.
"All major hospitals in the country are now well equipped to handle kidney patients, with many providing dialysis treatment," he said, adding that this was also available in remote parts of the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.
Despite the hardship of his early days at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Dr Zaki was never tempted to join his peers in private practice.
"More kidney patients come to government hospitals for treatment compared with private hospitals. I felt I could serve them better if I stayed on here ."
Born on Sept 18, 1950, Dr Zaki’s aptitude for learning was evident from his school days in Langkawi, where he completed his education at a younger age due to double promotions.
He was offered many scholarships, including one for engineering overseas, but he opted to further his studies in Malaysia.
He obtained his MBBS from Universiti Malaya in 1975.
Dr Zaki started his career at KLH in 1976. He did a brief stint at the Kangar Hospital, in Perlis, before returning to KLH, where he served in the nephrology unit with Dr Abu Bakar before joining the department of medicine for two years.
He was handpicked by Dr Abu Bakar to be a nephrologist, and sent for a two-year training stint in Britain.
Upon his return, at the age of 33, he was promoted to consultant nephrologist.
Three years later, in 1987, he was appointed the head of the department of nephrology.
During his tenure, Dr Zaki introduced special areas in nephrology, and developed critical care nephrology, interventional nephrology, glomerular disease and chronic kidney disease prevention — and widened the scope of transplants and dialysis.
He also spearheaded the initiative to improve the quality in dialysis by introducing haemodialysis standards.
Dr Zaki, who headed the Clinical Research Centre in the Health Ministry from 1999, has produced a number of publications in collaboration with other researchers.
Asked about his vision, he said: "I want the government to take a proactive role in reducing kidney cases in the country by working together with primary care providers, as it’s very expensive to treat kidney patients. There is a need for a national programme."
While he may no longer be actively involved in the treatment of patients at KLH, Dr Zaki has no intention of taking things easy.
He intends to take up an offer to lecture at the International Medical University.
Dr Zaki is currently the president-elect of the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology, a member of the Education and Curriculum Advisory Committee, International Society of Nephrology (ISN), and chairman of the sub-committee for the Southeast Asia Commission for the Global Advancement of Nephrology of the ISN.
He is also the vice-chairman of the National Kidney Foundation.
More:
Star
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Anytime You Need a Friend
If you're lonely
And need a friend
And troubles seem like
They never end
Just remember to keep the faith
And love will be there to light the way
Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
So don't you ever be lonely
Love will make it alright
When the shadows are closing in
And your spirit diminishing
Just remember you're not alone
And love will be there
To guide you home
Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
So don't you ever be lonely
Love will make it alright
If you just believe in me
I will love you endlessly
Take my hand
Take me into your heart
I'll be there forever baby
I won't let go
I'll never let go
Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
So don't you ever be lonely
It's alright
It's alright
Mariah Carey
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