The Health June 2023 | Page 6

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THE HEALTH | JUNE , 2023

| Local News |

Clinical research contract value generated surpasses RM1b

MALAYSIA has surpassed the RM1 billion mark in gross national income of clinical research contract value generated since 2012 . The country also reported more than 2000 sponsored research in the last decade , and ranks third among Southeast Asia countries in this field . This was revealed during the CRM Trial Connect 2023 launched by the Minister of Health Dr Zaliha Mustafa .

During the event , the Minister along with the conference delegates celebrated International Clinical Trials Day , a day that honours and acknowledges the contribution of patient volunteers , investigators ,
study team , and all who are involved in clinical trials .
The CRM Sponsored Research Awards was presented by Dr Zaliha to outstanding achievers in sponsored clinical research in the country . The clinician investigators who received the awards included Dr Voon Pei Jye ( oncologist ) from Sarawak General Hospital and Dr Sharon Ng ( physician ) from Ampang Hospital , who were the recipients of Top Investigator and Top Recruiter awards , respectively .
Sarawak General Hospital and University Malaya Medical Centre were both recognised as Top Study Site for conducting high numbers of sponsored studies in 2022 . Meanwhile ,
Novartis received ‘ Sponsor of the Year ’ for bringing in the highest number of trials , while IQVIA Malaysia received ‘ CRO of the Year ’ award for contracting the highest number of new clinical trials last year .
The conference organised by Clinical Research Malaysia ( CRM ) saw the participation of 520 attendees from 105 local and international organisations , and is the only platform organised specifically for sponsored clinical research in the country .
The attendees comprise clinician investigators , study coordinators , regulators , industry members , ethics committee members , and allied health professionals from the public , private
and academia involved in clinical research
Dr Zaliha in her keynote address said : “ In order to attract multinationals to conduct trials in Malaysia , we must do well , to continually build confidence by delivering good quality data from clinical trials , meeting and overachieving recruitment targets , and ensuring the ease in conducting clinical trials in the country through efficient systems in place and regulatory reforms that make Malaysia more competitive within the region , if not globally ”.

MHTC expands global reach

THE Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council ( MHTC ) has strengthened its global presence with the signing of two strategic Memoranda of Understanding ( MoU ) with renowned medical tourism and healthcare facilitators , Passage Asia and Ezy Healthcare to enhance its seamless healthcare travel experience .
These collaborations mark a significant milestone in MHTC ’ s quest to provide the best healthcare travel experience and extend its reach into the Oceania region .
Farizal Jaafar , Acting CEP of MHTC , said : “ Our partnerships with Passage Asia and Ezy Healthcare represent a significant step forward for MHTC . By joining forces with these prominent medical tourism and healthcare facilitators , we aim to create synergies that will elevate
SINGAPORE ’ S speciality wellness brand FIVE ELE announced on May 23 its official entry into the Malaysian market .
Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of ancient Asian therapeutics , the brand ’ s range of exclusive products includes Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ), Chinese Medicine products , and herbal-based beauty and cosmeceutical products that will be available on their official the healthcare travel industry and provide unparalleled experiences for our patients . Together , we can unlock new opportunities , reach wider audiences , and set new benchmarks for excellence .”
The MoUs established by the MHTC seek to create a seamless experience for healthcare travellers and expand Malaysia ’ s healthcare networks abroad . These strategic partnerships aim to elevate the industry , highlighting Malaysia ’ s renowned quality of care and cost-effectiveness , thereby building trust among healthcare travellers . Through these collaborations , a diverse range of initiatives will be undertaken , contributing to the growth and expansion of Malaysia ’ s healthcare travel sector .

TCM brand expands to Malaysia

Lazada store and at selected clinics nationwide .
FIVE ELE ’ s products are developed to prevent ailments by restoring the yin and yang balance in the body through the harmony between the Five Elements — wood , fire , earth , metal and water . Their product formulations are aimed at promoting natural healing through the balance of the organs in the body to alleviate pain and ailments .

Restoring mobility for those with neurological conditions

REGEN Rehab Hospital ( ReGen Rehab ), Malaysia ’ s first private rehabilitation hospital licensed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia , is taking the lead in providing specialised rehabilitation treatment for patients and individuals recovering from neurological conditions , including stroke and spinal cord injury .
ReGen Rehab introduced its Community Outreach Initiative in conjunction with the launch of its Robotic Rehabilitation programme . The ceremony was officiated by Dato ’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail , Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak .
This initiative aims to provide the public with greater availability and accessibility to structured and tailored rehabilitation interventions to enhance independent mobility and improve the overall health of individuals with a history of stroke , spinal cord injury or any other neurological conditions .
CEO of ReGen Rehab , Hanafi Salehuddin , explained : “ Rehabilitation is very important for anyone who has experienced any form of neurological condition . The goal of rehabilitation is to restore functional ability and quality of life through a structured programme done in a timely manner and supported by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals .”
ReGen Rehab is a joint venture between Khazanah Nasional Berhad , the strategic investment fund of the Government of Malaysia , and Select
From left : Bryan Lim , Head of Healthcare and Dana Impak , Khazanah Nasional Bhd , Dr Farid Mohd Sani , Chairman of ReGen Rehab Hospital , Dato ’ Seri Dr . Wan Azizah , Dato ’ Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain , Director of ReGen Rehab Hospital , and Hanafi Salehuddin .
Medical , one of America ’ s leading rehabilitation hospital companies . It is established to advance the development of rehabilitation medicine and create accessibility for the public .
The # StrongerTogether initiative by ReGen Rehab offers free assessment and free trial session for Robotic Rehabilitation to individuals and patients who are dealing with neurological conditions , such as stroke , spinal cord injury , Parkinson ’ s Disease , Motor Neurone Disease and multiple sclerosis . This offer is available from June 1 , 2023 , until till July 31 , 2023 .
“ By integrating robotic rehabilitation into our existing neurological rehabilitation programme , it allows us to continue to push the boundaries in recovery outcomes , as we support patients in regaining their confidence and quality of life ,” said Hanafi .
The debut of ReGen Rehab ’ s Robotic Rehabilitation programme is an advancement within the Malaysian medical field , as it provides services typically harder to achieve through traditional therapy methods . With the implementation of precise , targeted , and repetitive exercises , patients with a history of stroke , spinal cord injury or any neurological condition will be able to improve the overall vigour and vitality of their upper and lower limbs , ultimately benefiting from expedited mobility recovery . – The Health