Published: Tuesday, 2nd September, 2008 18:20
NHS issues Muslim health warning
By Matt Meade
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MUSLIMS on medication in West Fife have been warned they are risking their health by fasting during Ramadan.
The call comes from NHS Fife who say those who insist on fasting need to be aware of the risks of not taking their medication or changing the time their medicines are taken.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts throughout the whole of September.
During that period Muslims are required to abstain from eating or drinking – which includes oral drugs – from dawn to sunset.
Children, the elderly, breast-feeding mothers, pregnant women and those who are ill are exempt from fasting, but health professionals fear those on medication may continue to do so.
Dunfermline Muslim Jannet Ali (72) suffers from diabetes and a blood disorder. She gave up fasting after it began to have a profound effect on her health.
Her daughter, Yasmin Gahlen (49), of Gardener Street, Dunfermline, said, “She tried it again six years ago but was not capable.
"It has such a knock-on effect on her health that it takes much longer to recover so it’s simply not safe.
“Older Muslims may try to continue fasting even though they might not be healthy or fit enough do so.
“Because it’s a sacred month everyone wants to be involved.
"A lot of older people may be told not to do it because of health issues, but they won’t listen.
“Ramadan is very important to Muslims but no-one will condone you for not fasting, especially if you are ill.
"I think the NHS are right to emphasise it."
The NHS say patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of complications due to changes in sugar levels when the pattern and amount of their meal and fluid intake is changed.
While some medicines may need to be taken with a meal, it is usually possible to modify treatment and alter the timings of medication to allow people to fast during Ramadan.
For example, GPs can prescribe a long-acting antibiotic which only needs to be taken once or twice daily.
Yasmin, who is also a member of the Dunfermline Women's Muslim Group, added, “If my mother doesn’t eat on time she can start shaking and it can take her a couple of days to recover."
Ishtiaq Mohammed, primary care development pharmacist for NHS Fife, said, “In all cases of illness, it is recommended that Muslim patients, if they do fast, do so under medical supervision.
“Your local community pharmacy or GP is there for advice.”
Iman Manzoor Khan, of Fife's Islamic Advise and Help, said he backed the NHS guidance, saying, "Although fasting is compulsory for Muslims no-one is forced to do it, particularly if it can cause health problems."
Anyone who needs advice about fasting during Ramadan or any matters relating to Islam can contact Manzoor at mzkhan@hotmail.com.
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