M'SIA SIGNS GLOBAL DECLARATION ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia became a signatory of the
Global Declaration on Parkinson's disease Sunday, reaffirming the government's
commitment towards the sufferers.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the government was fully
aware of the sufferings of the Parkinson's community.

"Awareness programmes which highlight the plight of Parkinson's disease
patients is an important first step towards improving care and support for them.
"I hope the signing of the Global Declaration on Parkinson's disease today
and celebration of World Parkinson's Day 2010 will signify the beginning of a
better tomorrow for the Malaysian Parkinson's community," he said after signing
the declaration, here, Sunday.

Also present were the CEO of Yayasan Budi Penyayang (CARE) Lela Mohd Ali,
expert on Parkinson's brain surgery and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Tipu Aziz
and Negeri Sembilan Parkinson's Society president Gharizah Hashim.

Liow said, with the signing of the declaration, Malaysia had now joined 14
other countries such as Australia, India, Canada, Switzerland and the United
States which had signed the declaration.

The declaration calls on global leaders and healthcare providers to take
strong and decisive action in implementing effective management of strategies to
enable patients to live a better life.

Liow in his speech said patients in the country had access to appropriate
care and treatment at both government and private hospitals.

"Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that mainly affects elderly people.
It leads to slowness of movement, uncontrollable trembling of the hands and body
stiffness.

"There is presently no treatment that can either cure or slow down the
progression of Parkinson's disease and patients have to endure physical and
mental disabilities for their entire live," he said.


At a press conference later, Liow said it was estimated that 15,000 to
20,000 Malaysians suffered from Parkinson's disease.

He said the figure was expected to rise to 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020 and at
least 1,500 new cases occurred each year.

"In terms of specialist manpower, the currently proposed norm for
Malaysia is one neurologist for every 250,000 people.

"With an estimated population of 28 million in 2009, we need 112
neurologists. But presently we have only 52 in the country," he said.

Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (CARE) is a Foundation incorporated for the
Purposes of receiving Donation, Subscriptions or otherwise, and to administer
such funds for education, public welfare, research, health, medical and other
charitable Purposes for the benefit of needy Malaysians, irrespective of color,
race or Creed.


-- BERNAMA



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