45. In addition, the contribution of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia in providing care for older persons in terms of the right to health could be seen as one of the factors contributing to the rate of longevity of Malaysians. Among the facilities and services provided by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia related to older persons are as follows: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Ten government hospitals with dedicated Geriatric Unit for older persons and one dedicated rehabilitation hospital in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, for those with injuries and disabilities. In Malaysia there are 16 geriatricians who deal with medical problems of older persons. Six are with the Government hospitals, four with university hospitals and the remaining six are in private practice. There are nine psychogeriatricians, six are with the Government hospitals and the other three, with university hospitals. Four medical gerontologists. Between 1996 to 2011, there were 23,000 primary care personals trained under the in-house training programme conducted by the Ministry of Health; and 300 nurses and medical assistants (primary care and hospital) attended six months post-basic course in geriatric nursing. 46. In the meantime, the number of nursing homes registered with 52 Ministry of Health was 14 in 2011, but these registered nursing homes are not confined to older persons, but also to other age groups. 47. Besides that, the 1MFC programme under the National Blue Ocean Strategy started in 2012,53 which is an interagency collaboration between the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, the Ministry of Health and NGOs, provides for screening for older persons and, if needed, treatment for non-communicable diseases. It was reported in the New Straits Times on 27 January 2013, that health personnel had visited 274 old folk’s homes, where 11,419 seniors were screened for disease and given treatment under this programme. 52 Ministry of Health Malaysia. July 2012. Health Facts 2012. Health Information Centre Planning and Development Division. P. 10 53 Under its Strategy 7, the 1MFC aims to ensure that the medical treatment and social services reach the targeted groups, including older persons. REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS 35