KK & Saba News Flash

Target for Pharmacy Ratio Being Met

Sabah has targeted one pharmacist for every 3,000 people and this pharmacy ration will be met, including those serving in the private practice.  State Health Department Director Dr Christina Rundi made this announcement during the 30^th Sabah State Pharmacy Conference 2017 which was held at the Federal Complex Auditorium, Saturday.  As of June 2017, there are at least 500 pharmacists employed in government hospitals in Sabah.  This is an increase of 66 per cent in the number of people in the profession, from 300 in 2010.

Rundi also said that even if most of the pharmacists serving in government will later put up their own business, she hopes that they will learn a lot in their work and become bridges to those in the private sector and do their best.

This is already the third time that the Pharmacy Division of the Sabah Health Department, the Ministry of Health and the Sabah Pharmaceutical Society collaborated to organize the conference.  This year’s theme is “Are Pearls Really White?  Reflections on Professionalism”.  Rundi called on the pharmacists to learn more on professionalism through additional courses or seminars to be up-to-date with the latest developments for effectiveness on the job.  She touched on professional ethics and accountability, especially those in the government service.  She also encouraged them to do research, emphasizing that this should be for the improvement of government policies and not for personal growth.

Pensiangan Border Control Post to be Established

A joint control post at the border between Kg Bantul in Pensiangan and Labang in North Kalimantan will be set up by Malaysia and Indonesia to eliminate smuggling and cross-border crimes.  A site inspection was already conducted by representatives of both countries recently.

Indonesian Consul-General Akhmad Daya Handasah Irfan said that this joint effort is an indication of the concern on unlawful activities that are happening across the border of the two countries.  It is also in line with Indonesia’s policy on tougher actions for those involved in illegal drugs as President Joko Widodo issued a shoot-to-kill order on drug dealers last week.

Akhmad also said that the control post will benefit the socio-economic aspects of the two countries.  It will serve as an inspection site for trade activities and will be an avenue for stronger ties between the people as they will learn from each other.  He is of the opinion that the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah will further boost the connection of communities in the island.

Cash Incentives Given to Athletes

Cash incentives were given by the Sabah Athletics Association (SAA) to track and field athletes who are to compete on the South East Asian Games (SEA Games).  Rayzam Shah Wan Sopian and Fathin Fagiah Mohd Yusuf each received RM1,000 at the Likas Stadium, Saturday.  SAA newly-elected President Mohamat Hassan said that this is their way of showing appreciation for the efforts of the athletes and also motivating them to do their best in the upcoming games.

Rayzam brought home a silver medal in the men’s 110m hurdle and Fathin a bronze in the women’s 4 x 400m relay during the last games held in Singapore.