The HEALTH : November 2019 | Page 13

NOVEMBER, 2019 | The HEALTH HIGHLIGHT The rise in medical devices Tun M: Medical device industry to have a positive impact on Malaysian economy MyMedex 2019 was offi ciated by (from left) Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefl y Ahmad, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad, and Dato Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min. T HE Malaysia Medical Device Expo 2019 (MyMedex 2019), an initiative by Medical Device authority (MDa) to bring light to latest innovative technologies and advances of global medical devices, was held recently at the Malaysia international Trade and Exhibi- tion Centre (MiTEC), Kuala lumpur. Th emed “advanced Medical Device innova- tion for improved Healthcare”, this exhibition and conference attracted 150 participating companies from 20 over participating coun- tries. Th ese include Taiwan, Pakistan, south Korea, Finland and New Zealand. Th is initia- tive was done in eff orts to make Malaysia the hub of medical devices in the southeast asia region. MyMedex 2019 plays a great role in fos- tering a thorough understanding on what technologies are available or under develop- ment in the current global medical scene. Th e objective is to address a crucial factor: importance of medical device knowledge in contributing to the provision of quality health care. Economically driven “Th e medical device industry is also expected to impact positively on the Malaysian econ- omy. it has been designated as one of the ‘3+2’ high-growth sub-sectors under the Eleventh Malaysian Plan,” stated Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the launching speech. “Everyone in the business have a role to play. Th e Malaysian Government through the Medical Device authority should be supported by the private sectors, non-governmental The team at UEM Edgenta attending the expo, showcasing their excellence in technology building and utilisation. The SIRIM team strengthening their position as the premier industrial research and technology organisation. 13 Everyone in the business have a role to play. The Malaysian Government through the Medical Device Authority should be supported by the private sectors, non-governmental organisations as well as the higher learning institutions.” – Tun M organisations as well as the higher learning institutions.” He also pointed out the crucial role of industry players to continue innovating, revo- lutionising processes and business models in the medical devices industry. “as the nation moves towards industry 4.0, the accelerating pace of innovation in the medical devices industry is evidenced by local companies beginning to undertake research and development into their manufacturing processes.” Dr Mahathir later told that he was glad to learn about new medical devices especially those invented by Malaysians. “i am very glad to see new devices that will help doctors to treat their patients. Now you do not have to go through a dialysis center to get treatment and go through the process of cleaning the blood.” “Th ere is a new system, which can be done in the house by the patient himself. Th is will not only save costs but also enable the patient to stay at home and be treated.” Health Minister Datuk seri Dr Dzulkefl y ahmad, who was also present to offi ciate the conference, said the event was aimed at providing networking opportunities for regulators and stakeholders to advance the medical device industry. also present was Chief secretary of Ministry of Health, Dato seri Dr Chen Chaw Min and Datuk Dr N oor Hisham abdullah, Director General of Health, Ministry of Health. — Th e Health