The Health May 2023 | Page 6

06

THE HEALTH | MAY , 2023

| Local News |

IHH Healthcare invests in Intellect

IHH Healthcare Berhad has invested in Intellect , Asia ’ s leading digital mental health company .

The investment will accelerate Intellect ’ s growth across the region . Founded in 2019 , Intellect has grown exponentially in recent years to serve more than three million users in over 20 countries on its platform , including Malaysia , Singapore , India and Hong Kong . IHH Healthcare , listed on Bursa Malaysia , will co-develop and customise digital mental health programmes with Intellect for its patients , corporate clients , and staff .
In a pilot initiative , maternity patients from Gleneagles Hospital Singapore will be among the first from the IHH Healthcare ’ s network to enjoy Intellect ’ s offerings . IHH Healthcare group chief strategy and business
development officer Ashok Pandit said : “ Mental and physical health are equally important components of total well-being .
“ Mental health issues affect one in every four persons . We are pleased to invest in a market leader in this rapidly growing category , to boost their growth and enhance access to millions more people who require support , care or treatment ,” he said in a recent statement .
Intellect ’ s mental health services include telehealth coaching , clinical therapy , psychiatry , self-guided cognitive behavioural therapy-based programmes , urgent distress support , and mental health screening – all done either virtually via the Intellect platform or in person at an Intellect clinic .
Intellect Co-Founder and CEO
Theodoric Chew said the company was excited to partner with IHH Healthcare to form a game-changing alliance to transform mental health care across Asia effectively .
“ Our mission to scale mental healthcare accessibly to everyone , every day , will be significantly enabled through this partnership , combining IHH Healthcare ’ s global healthcare network with our technology and mental health focus ,” he said .
The cost of treating mental issues is expected to reach around US $ 6 trillion globally by 2030 . Within the Asia Pacific , the digital mental health market for business-to-business alone is projected to grow from US $ 3.1 billion in 2021 to US $ 8.5 billion by 2026 , with increasing demand from corporates , insurers and consumers .
IHH Healthcare is the first strategic
healthcare investor in Intellect , which also has the backing of established investors and venture funds . Intellect raised a US $ 20 million Series A funding round in 2022 , led by Tiger Global , and counts many leading investors as backers , including Y Combinator , Insignia Ventures , HOF Capital , MS & AD Ventures , Singtel Innov8 , K3 Ventures , East Ventures , and many more .

Improving oral health habits in Malaysia

ORAL HEALTH problems are considered to be largely preventable through effective oral hygiene , yet their prevalence remains high . Oral disease affects approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide according to the latest World Health Organisation ’ s Global Oral Health Status Report .
In Malaysia , 94 per cent of Malaysian adults have gum problems and 88.9 per cent have experienced dental cavities as indicated in the National Oral Health Survey of Adults ( NOHSA ) in 2010 . A separate study by Haleon , one of the world ’ s largest providers of specialist oral health and maker of Sensodyne , conducted in partnership with Kantar , also showed 71 per cent of Malaysians experience teeth sensitivity symptoms .
In a nationwide effort to raise oral health awareness and supported by the Ministry of Health ’ s Oral Health Division , Haleon has partnered with the Malaysian Dental Association ( MDA ) to launch # BetterOralCareNation , a month-long campaign providing free dental check-ups starting May 1 as well as educational activities to improve oral health literacy among Malaysians .
Bryan Wong , General Manager , Malaysia , Singapore and Brunei , Haleon , said : “ As a world-leading company 100 per cent focused on everyday health , we have the unique opportunity to help break down the social and environmental barriers that hold people back from better everyday health . “
Dr Lim Chiew Wooi , President of the Malaysian Dental Association ( MDA ), said : “ Global cases of oral diseases have increased by one billion over the last 30 years . This indicates that oral disease is a common health condition globally . Only 16 per cent of Malaysians visit the dentist at least twice a year .
Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof ( sixth from left ) attended the launch of # WorldOralHealthDay .
“ This is alarming as ignoring oral health can significantly not only increase the risk of being exposed to periodontitis or advanced dentine hypersensitivity , but also increase the risk for other conditions and diseases . Individuals who suffer from some types of periodontal disease are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease caused by plaque and bacteria that enter the body through the gums .” Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri
Fadillah Yusof graced Sensodyne ’ s exhibition booth at the launch of Malaysia ’ s World Oral Health Day 2023 celebration at Bank Negara Malaysia , which he officiated on March 20 , 2023 .
The event also unveiled Malaysia ’ s National Oral Health Policy which aims to define strategies and actions to deliver better oral healthcare to all Malaysians and empower them to further improve their health and quality of life .

Conquering insomnia with new treatment

INSOMNIA is often characterised by problems falling or staying asleep , which can affect one ’ s daytime functioning and quality of life . The incidence of insomnia is rising and to combat this , appropriate education , awareness initiatives , and therapies must be provided to individuals needing them .
Determined to provide Malaysians with a treatment , Eisai ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd , recently launched its new treatment for insomnia , Dayvigo , to combat their sleepless nights .
Held in conjunction with World Sleep Day , Eisai Malaysia hopes to spread awareness of sleep health by emphasising the importance of delivering an effective treatment for a good night ’ s sleep . With the launch of Dayvigo , Eisai Malaysia is singleminded
to treat insomnia in order for Malaysians to lead a good quality of life while preventing other chronic diseases that may emerge as a result of sleep deprivation .
Sharing the mutual purpose of advocating sleep health among Malaysians , the launch witnessed the participation of Prof Ng Chong Guan , Consultant Psychiatrist and Treasurer of Malaysian Psychiatric Association and Dr Hazli Zakaria , Founder of Alaminda Healthcare Berhad who shared the platform to exchange thoughts and discourse addressing the key concerns surrounding insomnia .
Kam Ai Teng , Managing Director of Eisai Malaysia shared that sleep is vital especially for our bodies to function effectively daily - yet it is a subject neglected by many .
“ We are thrilled to bring Dayvigo into the market , providing an additional treatment option for people with insomnia . Insomnia is a severe health issue that affects millions of people worldwide . We fail to realise the severity of insomnia until it ’ s too late , and people now need to know that it can arise at different phases of the sleep cycle and induce daytime impairments such as fatigue , daytime sleepiness , mood changes , and other symptoms .”
“ After thorough research , our team of researchers and scientists have worked tirelessly to develop a product that is effective to help individuals who struggle with insomnia get the restful sleep they need to improve their overall health .”
As Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist
Kam Ai Teng
( DORA ) treatment in Malaysia , Dayvigo has been rigorously tested in clinical trials and is highly effective in helping individuals fall asleep fast , with minimal impacts on next-morning alertness or next-day function . Dayvigo is a novel class of treatment that facilitates individuals to sleep by suppressing wakefulness . – The Health