<\/p>\n
As lifestyle changes from At present, the For Sarawak, in 2003, Kuching, the Capital One way which people
\nslow to fast in Malaysia due to rapid developments, urbanization and
\nindustrialization, poor health is a growing threat to the country\u2019s
\nworkforce. <\/span>Lifestyle related illnesses
\nsuch as diabetes, hypertension, heart and liver problems, and cancer are on an
\nincreasing trend. <\/span>SOCSO pays RM158.37
\nmillion per year to those found medically unfit to work and RM222.86 million in
\nsurvivor pensions to their families.
\n<\/span>The Ministry of Health spends RM2.4 billion per year in subsidies for
\ntreatments and surgeries in hospitals, amounting to 40% of the allocation of
\nRM6 billion to the Ministry.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nMinistry of Health has only spent RM25 million on health promotion. <\/span>There is a critical need to increase
\npeople\u2019s awareness of the various illnesses and diseases arising from changes
\nin lifestyle and diet. <\/span>\u201cMore health
\ncampaigns would benefit the country in the long run as it would create a
\nhealthier society, thus reducing health care costs,\u201d stated Datuk Dr. Abdul
\nLatiff Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Health.
\nadmissions to government hospitals and special medical institutions came to
\n156,229; while outpatient attendances in hospitals, special medical
\ninstitutions and public health facilities (including satellite clinic, mobile
\nhealth team and flying doctor service) came up to a huge figure of 3.75
\nmillion. <\/span>With a population of 2.21
\nmillion (2000) in the state of which 1.37 million are between the age group of
\n15-64 years, the above numbers are daunting.
\n<\/span>
\nof Sarawak, recorded the highest admissions at 43,052 and outpatient
\nattendances at 205,944; followed by Sibu at 27,364 admissions and 116,128
\noutpatients; and Miri at 18,241 admissions and 94,356 outpatients. <\/span>Simunjan has the lowest admissions at 947
\nwhile Betong has the lowest outpatient attendances at 2,296. <\/span>
\ncould ease the financial burdens of the government with regards to increasing
\nhealth care costs is to get medically insured.
\n<\/span>According to Datuk Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad, less than 30% of Malaysians
\nhave health insurance policies. <\/span>This is
\nlow as compared to 98% of Taiwanese who are insured, allowing their government
\nto concentrate on health campaigns and research instead. <\/span>Due to lifestyle changes and its related
\nillnesses, insurance coverage is no longer a luxury but a necessity today.