| Azaraimy HH |
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) does not encourage people to take over-the-counter slimming products to ‘cure’ obesity.
This was stated by YB Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Minister of Health during the Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday in response to a query raised by YB Datin Paduka Hajah Zasia binti Sirin concerning the need to monitor the sale of over-the-counter medicines or supplements (health products).
The minister said the ministry prefers to put more importance on prevention rather than prescription.
“However, when a person has reached a level of obesity that requires medical steps, the MoH does not encourage them to take unproven alternatives,” the minister added.
“What is more worrisome is that these products or methods may bring further problems to the patients such as problems to the liver or kidney.”
YB Datin Paduka Hajah Zasia binti Sirin speaking at the Legislative Council session yesterday. – BAHY-IAH BAKIR
He noted that such medicines or slimming pills are monitored by the Department of Pharmaceutical Services. “Any medicines that are to be sold must acquire permit (approval); where whatever ingredients and claims made by the manufacturer will be examined,” he said.
In addition, the minister said the Department of Pharmaceutical Services through its respective units is also conducting post-marketing surveillance that utilises the risk-based assessment methodology.
He emphasised that the public should contact the MoH through relevant departments such as the Department of Pharmaceutical Services on any inquiry on health products.
He further encouraged grass-root organisations such as the Village Consultative Council to organise engaging healthy lifestyle activities for communities.
They can ask the MoH for support in terms of health screening, whereby the ministry will be ready to send over manpower from relevant units such the Health Promotion Centre.
The post Beware of unapproved medical prescription: Minister appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.
