PFIZER UPJOHN SIGNS MOU TO TACKLE NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Pfizer Upjohn signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its seven partners for iMANAGE (Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases for Non-Governmental Organisations), a structured alliance of private healthcare providers to create an integrated healthcare programme. iMANAGE is an initiative to develop and deliver accredited trainings, support systems, and professional networking among general practitioners (GPs), specialists and pharmacists.

The seven partners are Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP), Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia (AFPM), Malaysian Society of Hypertension (MSH), Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA), National Heart Association Malaysia (NHAM), Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS).

NCDs are a significant public health concern as the leading cause of death globally[i] and locally[ii]. In Malaysia, NCDs such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease cause 73% of deaths, with half of them due to CVDs (most common are heart attack and stroke)[iii]. Yet, undiagnosed NCD cases are high and continue to rise each year[iii].

Although NCDs are largely preventable, a major challenge is the alarmingly low health literacy rate of around 7% in Malaysia[iii]. There is a severe lack of education for patients on their health conditions and the importance of medication compliance. Data show that 73% of Malaysians were non-compliant, with 70% requiring further consultation with pharmacists[iv]. There is a critical need for increased patient education and better management of NCDs.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has highlighted the financial, emotional and human costs resulting from NCDs as a serious concern, and ramped up efforts to address it. To this effect, the government has acknowledged the importance of partnerships between different stakeholders, be it public or private, to drive efforts around curbing the rising rate of NCDs.

“Heeding the call by MOH, Pfizer Upjohn has developed iMANAGE, bringing together seven healthcare partners. The iMANAGE pilot programme will be kicked off in Klang Valley involving 200 GPs and pharmacists, with the objectives of standardising care across the private healthcare providers, promoting knowledge-sharing through a structured support system and improving the health literacy rate,” said Jeff Bote, General Manager, Upjohn Malaysia and Brunei.

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