Endon: Be wary when buying drugs online

New Straits Times
08-30-2000
Endon: Be wary when buying drugs online
Edition: Main/Lifestyle; 2*
Section: National

Kuala Lumpur --

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - Be extremely careful and thoroughly research products put on sale via the Internet. This is the advice of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood who has urged consumers to be wary when buying medicine online.

The Deputy Prime Minister wife's said this when launching the Health Awareness Programme organised by Prosakti Sdn Bhd at Balai Berita here.
She said people should be aware of self-medication and over- medication when using the Internet.

She said the Internet, however, also provided people with easy and immediate access to self-medication.

The annual programme, co-organised with the New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd, aims to give the community information on health.

Prosakti chief executive officer Dr Azimah Pilus said the programme included a blood donation drive and screenings for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. Other information on diet, nutrition and stress management was also provided.

It was organised for people in the Bangsar area.

"The programme is good as there are a large number of people who do not know the basics such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or what to do when someone chokes," Dr Azimah said.

She added that people must change their lifestyle to propagate healthy living as information on health alone was not enough.

Meanwhile, NSTP executive vice-chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Maidin said people should be wary of health information posted on the Internet.

"People must not make decisions based on the information only as the medication may be harmful. Research still needs to be done," he said.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: Good deed done ... Endon thanking Wan Sharmiza Wan Islam for
donating blood. With her are Abdul Rahman and Dr Azimah.

(Copyright 2000)