august, 2019 | The Health
WOMEN
25
The various booths present during the conference that promotes better health and fertility for women.
The gathering on fertility
OGSM International Congress in Pulau Pinang bring experts to discuss about
prevention care for fertility
T
here has been a change in the landscape
of treatment since the last decade. The
obstetrics and gynaecology field are no
stranger to the advancement. To promote
the astounding development even fur-
ther, the Obstetrical and Gynaecological
Society of Malaysia (OGSM) held an annual event
where doctors and healthcare professionals gather to
present their findings, creating a mass congregation of
resources and knowledge here in Malaysia.
The gathering of knowledge on O&G
This year, the 27th International Congress of the
OGSM was held from the 18 to 20 July 2019, at the
Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang. According to
the organising chairman, the venue was picked to give
the congress a different feel since the past congress
were done in KL. The three days programme was packed
to the brim with presentations and sharing sessions.
The international congress featured distinguished
doctors and healthcare practitioners from all around
the world.
According to the organising chairman Dr Harris
Njoo Suharjono, “For decades, clinicians and research-
ers focussed on prediction of diseases in the name of
prevention but recent advances suggest incorporating
precision in health care as the way forward. We need
a more focused and targeted approach by integrating
genetic and environmental factors for a more holistic
personalised approach based on individual risks and
needs, moving away from generic medicine. This is
perhaps the next medical evolution thus our congress
theme Prediction, Prevention, Precision.”
The congress also included other free communi-
cations that were divided into three sections – oral
presentations, video presentations and poster pre-
sentations; which were done in the convention centre.
More than 900 healthcare professionals and doctors
registered to attend said congress. Complementary
shuttle service was provided during the morning and
the evening session to help the attendees commute
and it is reported that some attendees hailed all the
way from Singapore and other neighbouring countries.
Fertility rate is deteriorating
The national fertility rate has been steadily decreasing
over the last few years. According to experts, while
family planning is a contributing factor; the environ-
ment, unhealthy lifestyle and lack of experts are also
one of the key contributor to said issue. Over the last
few years, there are millions of infertility cases solved
via technology advancement such as the discovery of
IVF and other methods.
Having their vision towards a brighter future with
the help of other experts, Dr Harris has this to say, “The
congress’s goal is to bring together, the best brains in
our field from Malaysia and all over the world to pres-
ent, interact and exchange ideas with all participants.
It is also a great platform for participants to reflect
upon and celebrate our past accomplishments, renew
friendships and extend our networks both in clinical
practice and research.” — The Health
The opening ceremony of the International
Congress of the OGSM 2019, with Dr Eeson
Sinthamoney, President of OGSM (left), YB Hannah
Yeoh, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Women,
Family, and Community Development, and Dr Harris
Njoo Suharjono, Organising Chairman.
For decades, clinicians and researchers focussed on prediction of
diseases in the name of prevention but recent advances suggest
incorporating precision in health care as the way forward.”