TUARAN: The current diabetes prevalence in the country is at 17 per cent, with half of them are still undiagnosed, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

“It means for every diagnosed diabetic patient (in a community), there will be another one patient who has the same disease but unsure of his or her status.

“The non-communicable disease causes complications with eyes, kidneys among others,” he said during launching of the new Tuaran hospital here.

Dr Subramaniam reminded health personnel to emphasise on giving effective treatment for (every disease) or else they would waste money and resources. Meanwhile, he said the ministry’s main agenda was gearing towards providing day care services instead of treating sick people.

“Regardless of how many new hospitals built in future, it will never be adequate if number of patients keeps growing.

“This is where the promotion and prevention units come into place to focus on primary care services for the people,” he added.

Dr Subramaniam said the transformation, which was under the 11th National Plan, was still in evolutionary stage.

At present, there are several hospitals including Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Ipoh as well as Queen Elizabeth hospital and Tawau hospital in Sabah implementing the day care services.

He said the advance technology nowadays enabled patient to be discharged within the same day after procedures without having to stay overnight.

Besides cost, he said, hospitalisation would also expose patients to other risks including hospital acquired infection.

– http://www.nst.com.my/