RM900 mil cost over unhealthy lifestyle

JOHOR BARU: The people's unhealthy lifestyle is setting the government back by RM900mil - the amount needed to supply medicines in public hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said 80% of premature coronary heart disease cases were caused by unhealthy eating, lack of exercise and smoking.
He said the government spent a total of RM900mil, with between RM150mil and RM200mil of the amount spent on medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure and high level of cholesterol.
"These three medicines are the most popular among the others," he said adding that, it showed a growing trend of such illnesses in the country.
Dr Chua said heart disease was the main cause of death in the country and the numbers were increasing.
"Among the factors for the disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and unhealthy eating habits," he said after attending the launching of the national-level World Heart Day here Sunday.
Dr Chua also said that the number of people who suffered from diabetes had increased from 6% to 10% of the population for the last 20 years.
He said the number was likely to reach 13% by 2020.
Dr Chua said his ministry had organised several on-going campaign to educate the public on living healthily but the people themselves must also be responsible and change their ways.
"They could prevent illnesses such heart disease, diabetes and stroke by not smoking and exercising more"
"They must also be more critical on choosing food and must choose on health benefits," he said.

tunku : the government should do more aggressive campaign to educate people about healthy lifestyle. we have seen there are so many unhealthy food in the market, i think government should label them as healthy and unhealthy food to consume.this will make people think twice before buying it. you can do it on cigarettes why not on food.about the RM900million spent on medicines for the public i think government should increase the budget for health ministry.this is the government duty and obligation to the public.