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The Impact of NCDs

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Ditulis oleh Shahrul Izwan Naser · Disemak pada 11/05/2020

    The Impact of NCDs

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the global leading cause of death, accounting for 71% of deaths worldwide. During the annual UN General Assembly 2018 that concluded recently, WHO announced that the key to address NCDs would be to improve the management aspect of the NCDs response. Management of NCDs includes the detection, early screening and treatment of NCDs as well as palliative care.

    Despite substantial efforts to increase awareness, the rate of NCDs continues to increase but advocacy among the public remains low. The most important element about these critical chronic diseases is the fact that they can be well managed during the early detection stage. Yet, the early detection take-up rate among the society is still far from ideal.

    Early detection of NCDs significantly reduces a patient’s financial burden; not only is the cost of treatment more affordable in the early stages, but these patients will also have better chances of recovery when they are given access to effective treatment in time. Always remember to go for regular health screenings as well as immediate consultations with your doctor if you notice anything unusual as it’s better to be safe than sorry. A visit to the doctor can make all the difference.

    Let’s take the example of ischemic heart disease, for a single heart attack to happen, it may take years. When one vessel is blocked, blood will flow through collateral vessels around it. Collateral vessels are abnormal blood vessels that connect the aorta with the pulmonary arteries. The aorta is a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to arteries throughout the body. This helps to prevent the particular heart tissue from starvation. Over time, when collaterals are no longer available, the tissue will eventually be deprived from oxygen and malfunction. Hence, by the time you get that crushing pain on your chest, the disease has actually already progressed to quite a critical stage.

    So what happens after an NCD has been detected? Unfortunately, the cost of medical treatment tends to be high. Just take cancer for example. There is radiotherapy at approximately RM50,000 per cycle and chemotherapy which costs  RM75,000 per cycle. This amount does not include doctors’ consultations, medications for pain management and patient’s care. Even worse, the cost of healthcare is projected to increase annually with healthcare inflation at approximately 15% according to the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia and Malaysian Takaful Association.

    The long-term ongoing costs that come with certain NCDs are also often overlooked. There are certain courses of medication which need to be taken for a lengthy period of time. In the event of an NCD which affects motor skills, such as a stroke, patients might need extensive regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation at approximately RM150 a session. A professional care program for patients in need can cost anywhere from RM1,000 to RM 5,000 depending on the degree of specialization, the number of available hours and the scope of work.

    The financial burden is further worsened if the patient isn’t well enough to continue work for an extended period of time. Even if they aren’t the sole breadwinner, financial strain can arise from their loved ones needing to leave work to take better care of them.  

    With so many factors to take into consideration, is there a way to get peace of mind? A critical illness insurance plan can provide you and your loved ones with a financial safety net. A more comprehensive plan will even cover you from the early to advanced stages of the diseases. Do some research and find a plan that covers you for the medical treatments and other necessary expenditures, as well as helps you and your family cope with unexpected changes in your lifestyle and ability to work.

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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    This article brought to you by Prime Care+.

    Prime Care+ offers comprehensive coverage against critical illness from the beginning. With this rider, you don’t have to frown anymore as you will have financial support you need to seek treatment earlier for a better chance of recovery as well as cope with unexpected changes that may occur afterwards.

    Penafian

    Hello Health Group tidak menawarkan nasihat perubatan, diagnosis atau rawatan.

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    Panel Perubatan Hello Doktor


    Ditulis oleh Shahrul Izwan Naser · Disemak pada 11/05/2020

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