The HEALTH : XTRA March/April/May 2020 | Page 2

02 CONTENTS TheTeam EL Law Executive Director [email protected] Kay Mathy Publisher [email protected] Law Beng Chee CEO/Editor-in-chief [email protected] Editorial Department Johnson Fernandez Managing Editor [email protected] Charles Raj Editorial Consultant [email protected] Camilia Rezali The Health Xtra | MARCH-APRIL-MAY, 2020 The Health Xtra says … I T WAS the norm for Malaysia to have an excellent civil service. But as the years wore on, the merit system was compromised, and along with that went the quality. That’s why it was refreshing despite the agony and madness caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a beacon fi ltered through. And that was in the form of the Ministry of Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. One former government servant commented thus: “As a retired civil servant, I am proud to watch Dr Noor Hisham every day. It gives me a sense of pride. He exudes confi dence with his impeccable handling and delivery of the daily data. It would seem he is talking to all of us, instead of just replying to the media.” Well, this person was not alone in her praise for Dr Noor Hisham. Everyone, without exception, has only great words for the Director-General. Speak to the stay-at- home mothers or house-bands, retirees and even schoolchildren – they will tell you they understand him correctly. So much so, Malaysians actually tune in daily to his briefi ngs. We would be surprised if his TV time isn’t the most-watched every day. Dr Noor Hisham does not make assumptions, does not give predictions and does not indulge in more than he knows. All his replies are based on data and current details. It is all very factual, very science-based. This special edition of The Health Xtra is dedicated to our Malaysian of the Year, never mind it is still April. A well-deserved accolade for an exemplary civil servant and his team. Happy Birthday, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. Writer [email protected] Kirthini K. Kumaran Writer [email protected]. a.azam Creative Director [email protected] Sharifah Zulaikha Syed Amali Sub-Editor [email protected] Meena Kumari M. Nair Corporate Communications Manager [email protected] Sales & Marketing Department Sahana Media Consultant [email protected] Publishing Permit No: PP19292/03/2018 (034850) Published by: Revon Media Sdn Bhd Revongen Corporation Centre Level 17, Top Glove Tower, No.16, Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.  Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Printed by: Percetakan Osacar Sdn. Bhd. No. 16, Jalan IDA 1A, Industri Desa Aman, Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Disclaimer: The content of this publication aims to inform and educate the public on health issues, developments and news, both locally and globally. In addition to our editorial team, we also invite distinguished medical practitioners and other experts to contribute articles on their respective fi elds of expertise. The information contained in this publication is for general information only, and readers should always seek independent, professional advice and consultation where appropriate. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the content is correct, the publisher and editors of The HEALTH will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance upon any information in this publication, including products and services advertised. Unauthorised reproduction of this publication is strictly prohibited, in whole or in part, without the written consent by the publisher. Statements and opinions expressed by writers, contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. P03-05 P12-13 Industry leaders, peers and netizens are full of praise A matter of concern during this pandemic is performing obligatory rituals Malaysian First P06-07 Cover Story: A MAN TO RESPECT Biting the bullet like a true hero Dr Noor Hisham takes point position in the war against Covid-19 Mandatory to seek treatment P14 All in four days From Malaysia’s largest convention centre to hospital P08-09 Many hands make work light Local heroes rally to help so frontliners can work peacefully and confi dently P10-11 Strong demand for GF-1 Viral Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit Vivantis’ GF-1 Viral Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit selling like hotcakes both locally and internationally P15 Scary moments Two recovered patients talk about their faith and will to live