| Local News |
AUGUST , 2021 | THE HEALTH
05
Another milestone in Duopharma ’ s digital technology journey
IN a new milestone move to boost Malaysia ’ s digital health growth , Duopharma Biotech Berhad is investing in Naluri Hidup Sdn Bhd , a local digital health services provider . Duopharma Biotech ’ s investment will be done via a Series A funding round where Naluri will receive a total of US $ 500,000 from Duopharma Biotech to expand smart digital integrated health applications .
This follows an initial investment of US $ 250,000 by Duopharma Biotech via a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“ SAFE ”) made in April 2020 for personalised digital holistic healthcare applications . Additionally , Duopharma Biotech , as the returning strategic investor , together with other international and local venture capital firms will enable Naluri , which is a local pioneer in digital therapeutics , to expand operations into the region and deepens its data science capabilities .
This partnership will also enable Duopharma Biotech to deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions using Naluri ’ s digital therapeutics solution , designed to help people manage their chronic disease risks through structured multi-disciplinary behavioural and psychological coaching programmes .
Effective use of holistic therapeutics could double
AS PART of McDonald ’ s Malaysia ’ s ongoing support and appreciation towards medical frontliners for keeping Malaysians safe during the pandemic , the quick service restaurant continued its meal sponsorship for healthcare workers at Sungai Buloh Hospital .
Being amongst the first few hospitals to receive McDonald ’ s sponsorship during the onset of the pandemic , Sungai Buloh Hospital has since received more than 10,000 meals for its medical personnel . In the recent sponsorship re-activation that resumed in early May , McDonald ’ s sponsored 300 meals , three times a week , while ensuring compliance with stringent safety measures during food delivery .
“ As the main healthcare facility for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in the country , our medical personnel at Sungai Buloh Hospital are working around the clock to cater to and care for the needs
healthcare effectiveness when compared to a purely pharmacotherapeutic ( medication only ) approach and could also be four times more cost-efficient and increase accessibility to clinicians and other health and fitness experts online as well .
Congratulating Naluri on its US $ 5 million Series A funding round , Duopharma Biotech Group Managing Director , Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar said : “ The smart application of digital technologies to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare and achieve the objective of a healthier life for all is one of Duopharma Biotech ’ s strategic pillars .
“ We are proud to be part of this latest milestone to empower homegrown health technologies . Indeed , the global coronavirus pandemic has compounded the vital need for concerted co-operative initiatives to promote better health for all .”
Moving ahead , Duopharma Biotech aims to accelerate the use of data science , predictive algorithms , device connectivity and disease monitoring to deliver multiple clinically significant health outcomes to help patients to get healthier . Duopharma Biotech is already developing various use cases by utilising Naluri ’ s proprietary technology platform .
Duopharma Biotech is today one of Malaysia ’ s leading pharmaceutical companies
of our patients ,” said Director of Sungai Buloh Hospital , Dr Kuldip Kaur .
On behalf of the hospital , Dr Kuldip was present to receive the food package from McDonald ’ s .
“ We are grateful for this thoughtful gesture from McDonald ’ s Malaysia , which started during the first MCO in March 2020 . It eases the burden of our essential personnel and helps to lift their spirits and brighten their day ,” she added .
With over 70 hospitals treating Covid-19 patients benefitting from listed on Bursa Malaysia . It has core competencies in the pharmaceutical industry inclusive of manufacturing , research & development and commercialisation & marketing of over 300 generic drugs - among others , Omesec and Prelica as well as its consumer healthcare ( CHC ) products such as CHAMPS ®, FLAVETTES ®, PROVITON ® and Uphamol .
The Company has also diversified into the biosimilars space with technology and commercialisation collaborations with credible and strong international partners .
It owns and operates three manufacturing plants that are based in Klang , Bangi and Glenmarie , Selangor . Duopharma Biotech also has subsidiaries in the Philippines and Singapore and a representative office in Jakarta , Indonesia .
McDonald ’ s food sponsorship support
the meal sponsorships , McDonald ’ s Malaysia remains committed in playing its part in supporting the nation ’ s recovery efforts .
“ Sungai Buloh Hospital is one of the first hospitals that McDonald ’ s had begun to support during the early onset of Covid-19 in Malaysia . As the nation braves through these trying times , we remain truly thankful to our heroic frontliners for keeping us safe . We will continue our support through this initiative over an extended period , so that we can reach out to even more frontliners ,” said Azmir Jaafar , Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald ’ s Malaysia .
This is part of the quick service restaurant ’ s # KitaBoleh initiative which the company started during the first Movement Control Order ( MCO ) last year , to leverage the spirit of all Malaysians to stand united and to keep the fighting spirit even during trying times .
Briefs
Jasmine Food Corporation launches # JasmineStayFit
Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn Bhd ( Jasmine ), Malaysia ’ s leading rice brand , is delighted to encourage Malaysians to participate in the # JasmineStayFit Challenge and share their journey towards a healthier lifestyle . More than food and exercise , a healthy lifestyle is all about eating a well-balanced diet , achieved by consuming healthier products such as Jasmine SunBrown Brown Rice and PusaCream Basmathi Rice .
Jasmine SunBrown , a locally grown and produced brown rice , is a popular option among Malaysians . Brown rice , with a substantially higher amount of nutrients such as fibre , vitamins B1 , B3 , B6 , manganese and iron , has an excellent impact on health when consumed as part of a nutritionally balanced diet while preventing chronic diseases , according to research .
The rice ’ s scientifically proven benefits prompted Jasmine to encourage Malaysians to incorporate rice into their healthy diet and share their journey through a series of photos or videos . Participants stand a chance to win prizes worth RM20,000 .
Commencing on July 15 until Aug 11 , 2021 , participants must upload at least three healthy meals with a caption : “ My # JasmineStayFitChallenge is all about …”. Participants are to follow or like , and tag @ jasminefoodmy , and add the hashtag # JasmineStayFitChallenge on Instagram . Winners will be selected based on the creativity in showcasing meals and captions .
Mooncakes for a good cause
The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia ( NKF ) is joining forces with Oversea once again for its annual mooncake charity project to raise funds for NKF ’ s underprivileged kidney failure patients . All proceeds from this initiative will be donated to NKF in aid of more than 1,700 underprivileged dialysis patients ’ treatment at 28 NKF dialysis centres .
In addition to this year ’ s project , NKF embraces the New Normal with full force – adhering to social distancing and public health guidelines by collaborating with Shopee for the sales of the NKF mooncakes − enabling Shopee users to support the fundraising effort .
The Mooncakes are 100 per ent halal certified and come in two available set types :
Set A includes includes a normal 4-piece set of mooncakes ; Lotus Paste 1 Yolk , Assorted Fruits & Nuts , Red Bean Mooncake and Shanghai Mooncake 1 Yolk for a donation of RM68 per box . Set B includes includes a normal 4-piece set of mooncakes ; Green Tea with Red Bean ( Green Tea Lotus Paste & Red Bean ), Royal Fairy 1 Yolk ( Lotus Paste & Mung Bean ), Golden Starlight 1 Yolk ( Pandan Lotus Paste & Mung Bean ) and Cherry Blossom 1 Yolk ( Sakura Flower Lotus Paste ) at a donation of RM68 per box .
Malaysians can purchase the NKF mooncakes from July 15 until Sept 3 . Donors who wish to do their part for charity by purchasing the NKF mooncakes can access below online order form . Payment can be made via credit card , cheque or postal order , as well as cash via deposit or online-banking transfer . Proof of payment is to be attached to the completed order forms and returned via fax ( 03-7954 0535 ) or email . — The Health