The Health November/December 2021 | Page 5

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER , 2021 | THE HEALTH

05

Duopharma distributes Sinopharm vaccines

DUOPHARMA Biotech Berhad has further strengthened Malaysia ’ s Covid-19 vaccination efforts by distributing the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine .
The company had earlier entered into an agreement to import the vaccine from Beijing , China , covering a collaboration for the Malaysian market . Duopharma ( M ) Sdn Bhd , a wholly owned subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech , has been authorised by Sinopharm as the product registration holder and to engage in the sales and distribution of the vaccine .
Duopharma Biotech said in a recent statement that in July 2021 , the Ministry of Health ’ s ( MoH ) Drug Control Authority ( DCA ) had approved the conditional registration of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine for use in Malaysia . The vaccine is also included in the World Health Organisation ’ s emergency use listing ( EUL ) and is approved for emergency use in over 65 countries , including various European Union countries .
Duopharma Biotech is one of Malaysia ’ s leading pharmaceutical companies listed on Bursa Malaysia .
In addition , Sinopharm is among six brands of Covid-19 vaccines recognised by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , allowing Muslims who have been administered with the vaccine to perform the haj or umrah in Mecca . The Sinopharm vaccine is currently indicated for use in individuals aged 18 to 59 years .
“ We are glad that Malaysia has managed to achieve a very high level of vaccination among adults and is making good progress among adolescents . The challenge in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic requires collaboration and coordination at all levels .
“ Duopharma Biotech is committed to supporting the Government ’ s vaccination programme and augmenting the
AS THE leading Malaysia-based surgical face mask manufacturer , EMPRO becomes the first face mask brand in Southeast Asia to ace the Viral Filtration Efficiency ( VFE ) test by world-renowned German experts - TÜV SÜD . Based on this , manufacturing rates are expected to increase to meet domestic and international demand .
TÜV SÜD is a symbol of trust for consumers to identify brands that professionals have thoroughly inspected to ensure international quality , safety , and sustainability standards .
The EMPRO face masks stood well against TÜV SÜD ’ s VFE testing and managed to achieve an average rating of 99.9 percent .
This would mean that the EMPRO face masks are exceedingly effective in
National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme ( NIP ), by expanding vaccine distribution channels to ensure full vaccine coverage in
Malaysia ,” said Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar , Group Managing Director of Duopharma Biotech .
The first shipments of the Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Malaysia in batches in September 2021 and is now widely available at clinics and private hospitals nationwide . With a shelf life of 24 months , it is appropriate for longer-term vaccination efforts .
Additionally , the Sinopharm vaccine is a convenient single-dose per vial of 0.5mL that helps to prevent wastage and is easy for planning vaccine administration . The vaccines cold chain storage is also straightforward , at a standard conventional storage temperature of 2 ° C to 8 ° C .
Administration of the vaccine is fully integrated into the national immunisation system , where the vaccines are tracked based on the Vaccine Management System provided by the MoH , with real-time integration of both MyVAS and the MySejahtera app .
Those receiving their first and second doses will immediately have these recorded on their MySejahtera accounts and receive their digital certificate accordingly .
For vaccination of large groups , such as the workforce in manufacturing facilities , Duopharma Biotech , via collaboration with healthcare organisers , provides private vaccination services and mobile vaccine clinics .
Healthcare providers interested in procuring the Sinopharm vaccine or corporations wishing to arrange for vaccination may contact Duopharma Biotech ’ s Customer Service for enquiries via email at cs @ duopharmabiotech . com .

A first for Malaysian-made face mask

blocking out even the tiniest of particles [ mean particle size ( MPS ) of 3.0 ± 0.3 µ m ] from entering or escaping from the mask , making it superior to Bacterial and Particle Filtration Efficiency ( BFE & PFE ) ratings .
Being one of the most highly regarded and hard-to-attain accreditations for medical devices globally , EMPRO brand owner Prof Dr Coco Alex was gratified for bringing global recognition to Malaysia as a reliable country for face mask production .
The EMPRO face masks can cater to people across the globe and stand out as one of the best face mask brands globally , not just because of its VFE rating but also because of the incorporation of patented Aerofit Technology and Airlock Seal in their masks .

Briefs

Straumann Group fully operational
THE STRAUMANN Group , a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions , is fully operational in Malaysia .
With convincing advantages over conventional treatment , its products are designed to restore aesthetics for the long-term .
Straumann Group , will offer Neodent and Straumann implant solutions that deliver innovative systems .
By connecting its digital solutions , services , equipment with partners and third parties , the Group delivers seamless digital solutions such as scanners and workflows for dentists , optimising patient treatment outcomes .
Straumann collaborates with the world ' s largest scientific network to build the country ' s leading aesthetic dentistry ecosystem .
“ Oral health and oral aesthetics have become increasingly more important for dental consumers . From a patient perspective , they don ’ t view it as an implant as much as they view it as a tooth replacement ,” said Holger Haderer , Straumann Group Executive Vice President and Head Implantology Business Unit .
“ In addition , product advances and progress in digital dentistry provide a predictable implant restoration with a better fit and precision than traditional workflows . Procedures are more comfortable for patients and allow for immediate treatments on the same day , which also improves convenience ,” he said .
Face masks for Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat , PJ .
SHILLS BEAUTY , the official distributor for Yuka Zan , has continued its CSR campaign by donating 130,000 pieces of medical grade face masks worth RM91,000 to selected charitable organisations and NGOs amidst the on-going Covid-19 pandemic .
The three receiving organisations were Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat , Petaling Jaya ( 55,000 pieces ), The Lost Food Project ( 55,000 pieces ) and Home GP Asia ( 20,000 pieces ).
Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat , PJ is a governmental body that looks into the welfare services in the development and well-being of the community .
The Lost Food Project ( TLFP ) is a nonprofit food bank committed to rescuing surplus food and essential items from landfills and redistributing them to those in need . Home GP Asia connects healthcare seekers via house calls to professional , experienced healthcare doctors , nurses , caregivers and physiotherapists .
Joyce Lee , Managing Director of Shills Beauty said : “ As we move into Phase 4 and resuming some sort of normalcy , self-care in the area of hygiene safety is crucial . Best to wear a quality medical face mask at all times when going outside in addition to practicing social distancing and sanitization . Yuka Zan is a health and wellness brand which believes that beauty , health and hygiene are essential for a healthy lifestyle ”.
Petronas Dagangan ’ s gives to Malaysian Red Crescent Society
PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad ( PDB ) has initiated a donation drive to benefit the Malaysian Red Crescent Society ’ s ( MRCS ) pandemic relief programmes aimed at assisting front-liners and communities battling Covid-19 .
Mesra card members can now opt to redeem their points as donations to be contributed to any of MRCS ’ programmes , including donations for Covid-19 Response Efforts , Emergency Ambulance Service , Disaster Relief and Response , and Health and Community Services . Contributions in the amount of RM10 and RM20 denominations can also be made directly via the Setel mobile application .
PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Azrul Osman Rani said :“ Since the onset of the pandemic , PDB has continuously helped front-liners and the public through various community service programmes , including our Coffee Break Campaign and more recently , our Foodbank Programme .
“ This new partnership with MRCS enables us to extend our contribution and reach out to more organisations and individuals . Most importantly , we can avail a platform for our customers who want to contribute through Mesra points redemption .” — The Health