Malaysia still studying dengue vaccine - Hilmi

There is no need for Malaysia to follow Singapore's move in approving the usage of the first dengue vaccine in the world, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya.

He said an expert committee was still studying the vaccine called Dengvaxia to treat dengue fever patients in the country.

"We are still doubtful of the vaccine's effectiveness, as such there is no need to register the vaccine in the country for the time being," he told a media conference here today.

Earlier, he launched a collaboration programme between the National Heart Institute (IJN) and Visa.

Also present were IJN chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Nasir Mohd Ashraf, IJN chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Azhari Yakub and Visa Malaysia manager Ng Kong Boon.

On the collaboration between IJN and Visa, Hilmi in his speech described the partnership as a milestone for both parties to promote awareness and the importance of having regular medical check-ups.

Under the collaboration, Visa card members would be able to enjoy special privileges and packages, with discounts on IJN wellness packages ranging from 15 to 25 per cent.

The promotion takes effect immediately until December 2017 and the benefits are applicable to both local and international cardholders. - BERNAMA