Note: A hyperlink is attached in each headlines for further reading of the original news.
Table of Contents:
1. United Kingdom News
2. Malaysia News
1. United Kingdom News
Headline: Coronavirus and cancer – July updates
Date: 7th July 2020
Source: Cancer Research UK
Monthly Visitors: 691,410
Summary:
Cancer Research UK reported on events occurred during the following dates below.
7th July - UK scientists urge PM to prevent catastrophic drop in charity research funding.
6th July - Most children shielding will no longer need to, from 31st July.
1st July - UK Government sets out 'roadmap' to cement UK as a science superpower.
Click the link in the title above to read the full article.
Date: 7th July 2020
Source: Health Europa
Monthly Visitors: 222,570
Summary:
CLEAR Cannabis Law Reform speaks to Medical Cannabis Network about lobbying, policy and flaws of CBD Novel Foods regulation.
CLEAR Cannabis Law Reform is UK's largest membership-based cannabis policy group, campaigning for legislative reforms on cannabis.
CLEAR answers the following questions in the article: - What is the history of CLEAR and its aims? - How far has medical cannabis come in the UK since CLEAR was set up? - What barriers remain for patients in the UK? - Do cannabis taxes and regulations still apply in the UK in 2020? - What is CLEAR's view on CBD as a novel food in Europe? - Do you agree that plant extract should not be regulated as a novel food? - Is better regulation for CBD still required in the UK?
Date: 7th July 2020
Source: PharmaTimes
Monthly Visitors: 84,210
Summary:
UK medical research charities call for urgent financial support.
There has been a decline of research income due to the pandemic.
Above 60 of the UK's top cardiovascular disease and cancer research scientists signed a letter to the PM urging for "swift action".
This is regarding the investment in a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership Fund to protect contribution charity-funded biomedical research.
Cancer Research UK warns it would be forced to cut £150 million per year.
This will causes a delay in discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases (heart attack, stroke & vascular dementia).
A proposal is made to the government to address this issue.
The proposal is a co-investment scheme for future funding for the next 3 - 5 years (supported by the Association of Medical Research Charities).
Date: 6th July 2020
Source: PHG Foundation (University of Cambridge)
Monthly Visitors: 61,680
Summary:
Technological advancements helps make a person's genome more understandable and informative than it was in previous years.
Effective regulation on this matter is of high importance.
Sharing genetic and genomic data is vital for medical research and care - it helps to underpin medical diagnosis and treatment.
But ineffective regulation would reduce public trust and breach of privacy.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 currently forms part of UK law.
The GDPR governs the processing of EU citizen's personal data.
The introduction of the GDPR raises the question: "how does 'personal data' apply to genomics, and what does the regulation mean for research and healthcare?'
A new report, The GDPR and Genomic Data, was created to evaluate when, where and how the GDPR applies.
The report also identifies key actions for the genomic community and policy makers regarding data protection.
2. Malaysia News
Headline: Need to invest more in healthcare
Date: 7th July 2020
Source: The Star
Monthly Visitors: 2,966,910
Summary:
In 2018, the National Audit Department revealed Malaysian hospitals are understaffed, overcrowded and underfunded.
Malaysian hospitals do not have sufficient equipment to provide proper care.
Pakatan Harapan government failed to raise healthcare expenditure to 4% as promised in its election manifesto.
Malaysia's public healthcare system was among the best in the world - until Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's great privatisation drive during his time as PM.
Since then, healthcare services were monopolised including public service.
Malaysian Medical Association reported 3,500 Junior Doctors might not get permanent jobs at government healthcare facilities.
The government must work to ensure Malaysia's healthcare infrastructure's efficiency.
Date: 7th July 2020
Source: The Star
Monthly Visitors: 2,966,910
Summary:
Malaysian counselling and psychotherapy seen an increase in telepsychology/online therapy.
During the MCO, a study in April showed half of 1,084 respondents reported mental health issues.
22% of respondents experienced severe anxiety (especially women and people under 35 years old).
Factors such as: low-cost housing, crowded households, living in isolation have impact on mental health.
In June 2020, Health Ministry DG stated that over 1,000 people called the ministry's hotline.
148 counselling officers employed at the Health ministry is significantly insufficient to address the demand for patients seeking help.
The ratio of counselling officers in Malaysia is currently 1 : 52,000 people.
The ideal ratio should be 1 : 500 people.
Headline: Five new Covid-19 cases, no new deaths
Date: 6th July 2020
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
Monthly Visitors: 184,050
Summary:
Health officials confirmed 5 new COVID-19 cases on 5th July.
2 local infections, 3 imported cases. Cumulative total: 8,663 cases.
2 local infections were detected in: Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Sabah) and a medical centre (Seremban). Both patients were Malaysians.
3 imported infections (2 Malaysians, 1 foreigner who is a permanent resident).
Death toll remains unchanged (121 deaths) since 16th June.
4 new recoveries (total recovery count: 8,465).
Malaysia has 77 active cases.
Officials also announced the end of 2 COVID-19 clusters on 5th July: Gombak and Cheras.
Total of 11,049 individuals were screened at KLIA to date. 48 tested positive.
Those who were cleared of COVID-19 were required to self-quarantine at home.
Total of 771 Malaysian citizens returned home on 4th July.
These 771 Malaysians were returning from countries such as: Singapore, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Thailand, Qatar, Australia and South Korea.
Police checks were performed on 803 home-quarantined-individuals.
The government continues to ease restrictions on public life by reopening public pools and social gatherings permitted from 1st July.
Schools are expected to fully reopen by 22nd July.