Author: Gerald Ng

Dr Koh stated, “The symptoms of prostatitis depend on the type of prostatitis as mentioned above. Acute bacterial prostatitis can cause fever, pain in urination, pain in the pelvic region, urgency and frequency of urination, chills and rigours. Chronic prostatitis may give rise to a long-standing ache in the perineum. It is usually diagnosed with examination of the prostate through a digital rectal examination, blood tests and urine tests.”

Explore the latest developments in the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccine distribution as the Department of Health halts procurement amid depleted stocks. Committee inquiries, vaccine-associated controversies, and insights from healthcare professionals shed light on the nation’s challenges and successes. Dive into the complex landscape of the ongoing pandemic, where strategic government decisions play a pivotal role in balancing effectiveness, financial sustainability, and healthcare needs.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual health issue faced by men, characterised by ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after sexual penetration, causing distress to one or both partners. This condition is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has various causes and potential treatment options. We learn more about this condition from a medical perspective with Dr Taufiq Rashid, physician at Pulse Clinic.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a concerning rise in malaria cases in the Philippines.  From January to September 2023, there were 4,777 reported cases, compared to 3,207 cases during the same period in 2022. This uptick highlights the pressing need for proactive measures and public awareness to address the growing threat of malaria in the country. Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, continues to pose a significant global health challenge. In a recent media briefing, Dr Jhobert Bernal, the technical supervisor of the National Reference Laboratories for Malaria and Other Parasites, emphasised the crucial role of early detection and accurate diagnosis in preventing malaria transmission within communities. The importance of timely intervention becomes even more apparent as global malaria cases increase to 247 million in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Singapore has embraced a groundbreaking solution for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – an implantable pulse generator.  This innovative device promises to transform the lives of those suffering from this sleep disorder. Traditional Treatments vs Modern Innovation OSA, a condition often affecting older or overweight individuals, leads to interrupted breathing during sleep. The standard treatment, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, though effective, is cumbersome and uncomfortable for many. However, Singapore now offers a novel alternative: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy. Dr Shaun Loh, from Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, highlights the uniqueness of HGNS. “It…

In a significant medical setback, Cordlife, a renowned private cord blood bank in Singapore, is currently grappling with a crisis. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has revealed that suboptimal temperature conditions have compromised the integrity of at least 2,150 cord blood units.  These units, crucial for potential future medical treatments, were stored in one of Cordlife’s tanks.

Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin covers the Philippines’ and Indonesia’s response to the rising respiratory cases in China, HIV in Malaysia and more. 

The alarming statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for 2022 revealed that pneumonia ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the country. In a recent discussion, experts underscored the critical importance of vaccination as a proactive measure to reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia. Pneumonia continues to be a significant cause of mortality, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases.

Recent footage capturing crowded conditions in Beijing hospitals has raised global concern over a surge in respiratory infections in China. The Chinese health ministry, however, attributes this increase to flu and other common winter illnesses, not a novel virus. 

Residents of Avenue South Residence, a newly-built condominium along Silat Avenue, are grappling with a termite infestation that is disrupting their daily lives and causing health concerns.