MOH set to take on cohort study on Sungai Kim Kim pollution victims

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is ready to undertake a cohort study on victims of the Sungai Kim Kim chemical waste pollution in Pasir Gudang, for long-term research and monitoring purposes.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said it would be conducted as soon as possible by taking into account aspects of the methodology, protocol and financial provisions.

"Our focus is on the victims. Patients who are exposed to chemicals, you do not subject them to the lab (carrying out tests in the laboratory) when you get an opportunity like this, you must take the chance to follow through and conduct cohort studies.

"This study will be somewhat easier as the data of the victims is contained in the Health Ministry’s database. What needs to be determined is the long-term impact on the victim, whether the individual is at risk of getting cancer or if it has an effect on the reproductive system. We cannot be slow in conducting this study,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the ASEAN Healthcare Transformation Summit, here today.

Meanwhile, commenting on the latest developments of the pollution victims, Dr Dzulkefly said that as of midnight (March 18), there were 46 patients still being treated at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) and Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) in Johor Bahru.

"Four victims are still being warded in the Intensive Care Unit … non-ventilated and non-incubated. They have passed the critical stage and are stable. Thankfully, there were no deaths from the chemical waste pollution.

"The trend is clear … it is going down and we hope there are no other victims exposed to the chemical waste," he said.

Meanwhile, a three-day health summit starting today saw more than 300 healthcare practitioners from hospitals in the ASEAN region  focusing on the health revolution 4.0, the network on digital health and healthcare suppliers.

-- BERNAMA