MOH sues 12 TB patients for discontinuing treatment


Health deputy minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni says the ministry has certain procedures to address the issue of non-adherence to treatment among TB patients. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, May 20, 2023.

THE Health Ministry (MOH) has taken legal action against 12 tuberculosis (TB) patients nationwide for failing to continue treatment for the disease during the past four years, its deputy minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said.

He said all of them were subject to legal action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

“Treatment for TB is a combination of four types of antibiotics and must be taken continuously for six months.

“Based on the latest data, there are 12 individuals who have stopped receiving treatment, and legal action has been taken in accordance with the act,” he told a press conference after officiating the World Tuberculosis Day 2023 celebration at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Kuala Nerus today.

He said that the ministry has certain procedures to address the issue of non-adherence to treatment among TB patients, including contacting them via phone or online.

“In addition, the MOH dispatches officers to track patients. And if that fails, we will use the existing act to take action.

“In terms of community engagement, the MOH has launched the ‘MyCHAMPION – Community Health Agent’ programme, a volunteer programme to help detect and carry out activities such as TB screening,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa was previously reported as saying that a total of 2,572 deaths due to TB were recorded last year, an increase of 12% or 284 cases compared to 2021.

She also said that 25,391 cases of the disease were reported last year, with an increase of 3,664 or 17% compared to 21,727 cases, during the same period the previous year. – Bernama, May 20, 2023.


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