The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the Hypo Box yesterday to treat hypoglycaemia.
This will help improve the quality of health service provided to diabetes patients.
The Hypo Box contains consumable items and medical equipment needed to treat hypoglycaemia (a blood glucose reading below 4.0 mmol/L) in diabetic patients. The Hypo Box will be available at hospitals and healthcare centres to help patients needing assistance in hypoglycemia treatment.
An endocrinology consultant at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) Dr Lina Chong Pui Lin said, “Hypoglycaemia is a complication in people with diabetes, particularly those on insulin or sulfonylurea therapy. It is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated without delay. Untreated hypoglycaemia may have life-threatening consequences. People with diabetes experiencing hypoglycaemia may be more reluctant to intensify their glycaemic therapies. This is a significant barrier to optimising their diabetes control.”
The objective of a Hypo Box, she highlighted, “is to provide a readily accessible kit containing all necessary consumables and equipment in one place that can be used to treat hypoglycaemia without delay. The contents of a Hypo Box include glucose drinks, glucose tablets, crackers, a 20 per cent dextrose solution, glucagon, and supplies for intravenous access and infusion”.
She added, “The introduction of hypoglycaemia boxes nationwide serves as a quality improvement project to improve patient safety and increase staff awareness so that hypoglycaemia is treated promptly and effectively. Nurses have a crucial responsibility in maintaining hypoglycaemia according to standard operating procedures so that we are always ready to manage hypoglycaemia any time, anywhere. It is, therefore, important that they are up-to-date with knowledge of Hypo Box contents and well-versed in performing daily checks of hypo boxes and replacing Hypo Box items.”
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar officiated the launch of Hypo Box at Al-’Afiah Hall of the MoH.
Following the launch, the minister handed over the Hypo Box to Chief Executive Officers of each hospital and selected health centres following a tour of the exhibition booth.
Permanent Secretary at the MoH Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH Dr Hajah Rafidah binti Haji Gharif, and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management) at the MoH Dr Hajah Anie Haryani binti Haji Abdul Rahman, as well as heads of departments and officers were in attendance. – James Kon
