IPOH: All parliamentarians have been encouraged to undergo regular health screenings, says Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The Deputy Health Minister said this was to ensure they knew what health problems they were facing, and it was easier for them to get treatment.
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“The Speaker had made it clear that it is mandatory for all the parliamentarians to get their health checked.
“Even during one of my winding up speeches at Parliament, I have encouraged regular health screenings,” he told a press conference after officiating at the 13th Asean and 10th Perak Health Congress on Primary Health Care at a hotel here Friday (July 12).
Lukanisman was asked to comment on the health scare in the Dewan Rakyat after Transport Minister Anthony Loke had minor breathing difficulties during Question Time on Wednesday (July 10).
The Deputy Minister said Loke, who was caught in a traffic jam, was rushing to head to Parliament.
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“Because his turn to answer the questions was approaching, and when he reached the lobby, he rushed into the Dewan, and almost immediately started to speak.
“He was just short of breath and nothing more. It is not any heart related issue.
“This is all merely the fitness level of an individual, and such an incident should be an eye-opener to the rest to prioritise their health,”he added.
He said there were several programmes offered by the health ministry, where it is also encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day.
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“For those of us who have to attend meetings for long hours, it is vital to do stretching exercises for a few minutes in between,” he added.
Commenting on the issue of a fake medical practitioner, believed to be a foreign national, operating beauty clinics operating in the federal capital and Johor, he said the ministry was taking the matter seriously.
He urged the public to be careful, and always check the background of a medical facility, whether it was registered or otherwise.
“I will ask the ministry’s communications unit to have more awareness programmes on issues related to illegal clinics or doctors.
“Fake medical practitioners opening clinics is against the law, and when we get information, our enforcement teams would do the necessary.
“I will definitely raise the issue at the post-Cabinet meeting, and the matter will be investigated,” he added.
He said legal action would be taken against those who run such clinics without licences.
