THE HEALTH | NOVEMBER , 2022

THE BREAST Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia ( BCWA ), Lung Cancer Network Malaysia ( LCNM ), and National Cancer Society Malaysia ( NCSM ), together with Pfizer Malaysia jointly launched the inaugural “ National Thrive Week ”, bringing to life a platform that shines a light on the advanced cancer community so that everyone living with cancer – the early , the locally advanced , the metastatic – can feel equally supported as they live life to the fullest .

The event was witnessed by Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar as well as Madam Liew Swee Lee , Secretary of BCWA ; Dr Anand Sachithanandan , President of LCNM & Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon ; Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin , Head and Medical Officer of the Cancer and Health Screening Clinic at National Cancer Society Malaysia ; Madam Luksanawan Thangpaibool , Country Cluster Lead , Pfizer Malaysia , Brunei & Pakistan ; and guests .

“ Cancer is so common that half of all men and a third of women will get

cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes . In Malaysia , 49,000 people were estimated to be newly diagnosed with cancer in 2020 , with this figure expected to rise to more than 66,000 new cases annually by 2030 .

“ However , there is no telling what the events of the last two years will do to the projected number . Treatment delays and redistributed hospital resources lead to late diagnoses ,” said Khairy .

Activities will be jointly organised by BCWA , LCNM , NCSM and Pfizer Malaysia , to raise awareness of advanced and metastatic cancer , in-conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month in October and November respectively . Additionally , the campaign will continue its awareness efforts through the four organisations ’ social media platforms with content such as empowering bite-sized videos from cancer survivors , digital symposiums , and more to inspire the cancer community .

“ We envision National Thrive Week becoming a yearly affair to collate

From left : Liew Swee Lee , Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin , Luksanawan Thangpaibool , Khairy Jamaluddin , Dr Anand Sachithanandan , Dr Tho Lye Mun and Dr Hilmi Lockman .

resources and support for people with advanced cancer . Our goal is to rally the public to get involved by providing information , answers , and hope ,” said Luksanawan Thangpaibool .

“ At BCWA , we understand that a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally and physically challenging , but patients do not have to travel this path alone . We look forward to making a positive difference where everyone living with breast cancer – the early , the locally advanced and the metastatic- can feel equally supported ,” said Mdm Liew Swee Lee , Secretary of BCWA .

Her sentiments were echoed by Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin , Head and Medical

Officer of the Cancer and Health Screening Clinic at NCSM . “ Every cancer patient ’ s experience is different , but knowledge and the right support can help them navigate their journey of living with cancer .”

Dr Anand Sachithanandan , President of LCNM , explained that many lung cancer patients continue to live well after their diagnosis owing to medical advances . “ It is important to know that lung cancer is potentially curable if detected early and multi-modality therapy with a multidisciplinary approach can ensure many patients live longer , meaningful lives after being diagnosed ,” said Dr Anand .

Cochlear Limited , the global leader in implantable hearing solutions , has announced the expansion of its global manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur , elevating Malaysia as one of the global powerhouses in the manufacture and maintenance of hearing implant sound processors .

The new expansion involves an investment of more than RM30 million to support the company ’ s growing demand for cochlear and acoustic hearing implants in Malaysia and more than 180 other countries worldwide . For the last six years , Cochlear ’ s site in the country has created more than 270 new job opportunities .

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman , CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ), in his welcome address said : “ Cochlear ’ s decision to expand its global manufacturing footprint in Malaysia will reaffirm our position not only as an ASEAN destination for innovative and advanced manufacturing , but also as a worldleading medical devices investment destination .

“ Cochlear has also provided a flexible approach to training local talent from the diploma level and beyond with an attractive pay system above the national minimum wage . The local talents are given the knowledge and skills that are not confined to medical devices but could also be applied in various industries .”

Dig Howitt , CEO and President of Cochlear said : “ This expansion is key to our mission to help hundreds of thousands of people around the world to hear . In addition to increasing our ability to make more sound processors , the new Global Distribution Centre supports efficiencies in transporting goods , and sustainability benefits by reducing the air miles travelled between us and our suppliers .

“ We ’ re very grateful for the strong support

From left : Greg Bodkin , Senior Vice President , Global Supply Chain , Cochlear , HE Dr Justin Lee , Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia , Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman , and Dr Mohd Azman Yacob , Director , Medical Development Division , Ministry of Health , unveiled a commemorative plaque .

and partnership from MIDA , Malaysia ’ s Ministry of Health ( MOH ) and Association of Malaysian Medical Industries ( AMMI ) that has allowed us to grow in Malaysia , making Kuala Lumpur our third largest site in the Cochlear network .”

The new expanded site will manufacture and maintain Cochlear ’ s latest and most advanced cochlear and acoustic implant sound processers . With over 300 employees , the facility which spans across 50,000 square feet will include the company ’ s global logistics , supply chain , and information technology services . As part of Cochlear ’ s global target to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2030 , the manufacturing site is also powered by 100 per cent renewable energy .

The initiative is aligned with the country ’ s vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 . Adding on to this , the Malaysia ’ s site is one of company ’ s eight global operations to oversee the design , development , manufacture and supply for the Australian-headquartered company .

KMI Kuala Terengganu Medical Centre , one of the community-centred specialist hospitals managed by Kumpulan Medic Iman Sdn Bhd recently organised the “ Power October ” in celebration of World Physiotherapy Day and World Occupational Therapy Day , opening its doors to more than 400 visitors .

The event was curated to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of rehabilitation ’ s role in managing physical , sensory , or cognitive problems and developments .

Themed # MovementforHealth , the “ Power October ” hosted a line-up of exciting programmes , including a 3-kilometre walkathon . Nearly 150 participants of all ages showed up for the walkathon in their best “ Nelayan Kampung ” attire , which started from the hospital ’ s lobby . KMI Kuala Terengganu General Manager Salina Long , who officiated the walkathon flag-off said : “ It is refreshing to see such a big crowd supporting this event after years of being unable to host physical gatherings alike due to Covid-19 .

“ The “ Power October ” is our way of supporting the community following the areas of physiotherapy and occupational therapy , empowering every individual ’ s quality of life and well-being through physical movements coupled with medical attention .”

There was a forum featuring KMI Kuala Terengganu Orthopaedic Consultant Dr Mohammad Ros Md Ali and Paediatric Consultant Dr Mohammad Salehuddin Sulaiman , moderated by Senior Physiotherapist Eeme Al Amin , discussing topics of kid ’ s growth and developmental red flags to watch in children .

KMI Kuala Terengganu also introduced its newest offering of occupational therapy , established by the hospital in early 2022 to provide treatments for children with special needs , such as autism spectrum disorder (“ ASD ”), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ ADHD ”), cerebral palsy , Down syndrome , and more .

Among its many facilities is the multi-sensory room , which provides relaxation through various stimulations – light , touch , sound , and smell - to help children with special needs remain calm and be in control of their surroundings . – The Health