THE Penang government stresses the importance of proper family planning to minimise the numbers of unintended pregnancies.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that awareness among the people was crucial to prevent high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
He pointed out that, on average, as many as 18,000 teenagers are pregnant each year in the country.
“This is a serious issue and it needs to be addressed.
“As a family-focused government, the state believes that family planning is essential to ensure the well-being of women and at the same time promotes community development.
“A number of unintended pregnancies can be reduced and unsafe abortions can be prevented when family planning is implemented properly.
“Pharmacists play a vital role in disseminating accurate knowledge and advice on sexual health and family planning,” he said in his speech during the opening of ‘Advancing Pharmacist’s Role’ : Myths and Facts About Sexual Health and Family Planning Workshop 2020 at G Hotel today.
The workshop was organised by the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) Penang and MPS Young Pharmacists Chapter (MPSYPC) Penang together with Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild (MCPG), in conjunction with MCPG’s 15th annual general meeting (AGM).
A diverse group of healthcare experts gathered to discuss the Sexual and Reproductive Health services.
Chow stressed that family planning services must be free and made accessible in both urban and rural areas.
“It is important for people to understand the function of contraceptive. It should be made available in all healthcare facilities such as pharmacies, hospitals and clinics,” he added.
Chow expressed his gratitude to the organising committee for successfully organising the workshop, adding that the state was fully supportive of such initiative.
Also present were state Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other than Islam Committee chairman Chong Eng, MCPG president Lovy Beh, MPS deputy president Andrew Tan, MPSYPC Penang chairman Brian Tan.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting