KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is looking to use some other drugs apart from Baricitinib to treat COVID-19 patients in the country, said MOH deputy director-general (Research and Technical Support) Datuk Dr Hishamshah Mohd Ibrahim.

Speaking at the National Recovery Summit dialogue session today, Dr Hishamshah said these drugs will add to the number of drugs that are being used to treat COVID-19 patients in the serious categories.

“It remains a challenge to us. But Malaysia has been actively involved in many clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 and has participated in the World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Trial for COVID-19 Treatments.

“We are also now using Baricitinib, a new drug, and we are looking into some other drugs, which probably are going to get EUA (Emergency Use Authorisation) approval soon, as we are discussing the matter with the manufacturers,” he said at the virtual event, organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.

On another note, Dr Hishamshah said MOH is also looking at ways to make the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit available to B40 groups.

Earlier today, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz also said the government would further revise the price of self-test kits by the end of this year to make them accessible to everyone.

Last week, the government set the retail ceiling price for the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit at RM19.90 per set and RM16 per set for a wholesale price, effective Sept 5.

Sources: BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The government is looking at further revising down the price of COVID-19 Self-Test Kits by end of this year  to make them accessible to everyone.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Health are looking into the matter.

“To expand testing efforts, the Ministry of Health has recognised RTK Antigen and approved several COVID-19 Self-Test Kits which can be bought in pharmacies nationwide.

“In making the self-test kits accessible to everyone, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Health have set the ceiling price at below RM20 per set,” he said in a special address during the virtually-held National Recovery Plan Summit today.

The government has set the retail ceiling price for the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit at RM19.90 per set and RM16 per set for wholesale price, effective Sept 5.

Sources: BERNAMA

A nervous breakdown is a term that describes a period of extreme mental or emotional stress. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term is not a clinical one nor a mental health disorder. It is used to describe many different mental health conditions, but it is no longer used by professionals today.

In general, feeling stress and being unable to cope with it may lead to feeling so overwhelmed that you can’t perform your normal daily functions. When a nervous breakdown happens, you may feel like you lose control of your feelings and give in to stress, anxiety, or worry. For those who are not familiar, these are 5 signs of a nervous breakdown.

1) Extreme Exhaustion

Too much stress may leave you feeling extreme exhaustion. You may feel tired because you’re not sleeping enough, or you may even feel tired because you’re sleeping too much. Over time, extreme exhaustion along with stress can lead to a nervous breakdown. Stress can bring about changes in your appetite.

2) Hallucinations

If you are stressed and starting to notice any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you are on your way to a nervous breakdown. In some instances, extreme stress can even cause hallucinations. You might hear or see things that are not really there.

3) Panic Attacks

Multiple panic attacks may lead to a diagnosis of panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Some people may have just one panic attack, and this is not considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder.

4) Symptoms Of Anxiety

The underline of a nervous breakdown is an anxiety disorder. Anxiety stands from low self-esteem, withdrawal from friends and families, and feelings of helplessness. While anyone could feel anxious, severe anxiety can cause us to do things like avoiding friends or engaging in constant self-loathing. These could increase your stress level and lead to a nervous breakdown.

5) Unbearable Mood Swings

Rapid and regular shifts in your mood can be a sign of a nervous breakdown or an underlying medical condition. While other changes like hormones, substances abuse, and other health conditions can pose even greater issues. Unexplainable outbursts can also be a sign of a nervous breakdown.

Sources: YouTube Psych2Go.