THE HEALTH | NOVEMBER , 2023

The company aims to expand locally and across the European and Balkan region , representing themselves as the dominant player within Turkiye ’ s upscale private healthcare sector .

“ If we deem it so , we are on the verge of bigger investments here ,” expressed Acibadem ’ s Founder and Chairman , Mehmet Ali Aydınlar .“ As we are publicly listed through IHH , it is not appropriate to divulge too much information now .

“ In every dimension and size of acquisition , we pay close attention to profitable investments . We cannot possibly acquire a loss-making company and turn it around – we do not have such consideration , but we can acquire a profitable investment and make it more profitable .”

Mehmet also pointed out their investments in Bulgaria – Acibadem City Clinic that has three hospitals , one medical clinic and a total capacity of 881 beds - managed to double their returns to shareholders after acquisition .

THE MINISTRY of Health ( MoH ) has banned the sale of five cosmetic products in Malaysia as these products were found to contain scheduled poisons in them .

The products involved were Skinsister Babyskin Treatment Cream , Sahaana Fairness Cream , Skinmade AZ & Salicylic Acid + Licorice Root Serum , Glowing Night Cream and Glowing Herba Night Cream .

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said these products contain mercury , azelaic acid , hydroquinone , tretinoin and betamethasone 17-valerate .

“ In Bulgaria , we had eight times earnings before interest , taxes , depreciation and amortisation ( Ebitda ) margins and improved it to 20 times Ebtida margins . Any acquisitions moving forward can be of a varied size , but of course , we would not be interested in tiny investments but more of mid to big-scale types of investments . We have encountered various opportunities , evaluate them , and try to grow with the best ones .”

Mehmet also said investments made outside of Acibadem ’ s home country in Turkiye towards the European and Balkan region could assist them in diversifying their revenue sources .

“ Here , we have faced a very significant devaluation in

“ Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products because it can be harmful to health , leading to kidney and nervous system damage , disrupting the development of a child ’ s or foetus ’ s brain , and causing rashes and skin irritation ,” he said . “ Products containing azelaic acid , hydroquinone , tretinoin and betamethasone 17-valerate need to be registered with the Drug Control Authority and should only be used under healthcare professionals ’ guidance ,” he added .

These chemicals can cause harm to the body . Azelaic acid can cause the skin to experience a burning

Acibadem is seeks further expansion locally and into the European and Balkan region

the currency recently – so our investments in Europe and international patients there are like a lifeline for us ,” he said .

“ Some 20 to 25 per cent of our turnover is due to our international patients , and almost 50 per cent of our revenue originates from our European assets – these are all generated in the euro currency .”

Mehmet expressed that this acts as a bulwark to protect the overall group from further devaluing the local currency .

Acibadem ’ s latest acquisition at the beginning of the year was the full purchase of the Kent Health Group in the region of Izmir . Mehmet said that they are focused on improving its yields now .

sensation , itching and peeling , whilst betamethasone can also cause changes within skin pigmentation and increase the risk of being absorbed into the blood circulation system .

Radzi urges sellers and distributors to halt the sales of these cosmetic products immediately . Failure to comply will result in hefty fines and even imprisonment .

“ Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and seek the advice of healthcare professionals if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects ,” he concluded .

The IORT being used in treatment

BEACON Hospital , Malaysia ’ s leading cancer centre , pledges world-class specialised care and affordable treatment for its patients in the wake of the rising number of cancer cases in the country , with the estimated number to be around 66,000 by 2030 .

The hospital has pledged to provide financial aid to underprivileged patients by enabling access to life-saving cancer treatments . IntraOperative Radiation Therapy ( IORT ) was recently introduced specifically for clinically eligible breast cancer patients at a subsidised rate of RM1 .

IORT is a highly precise radiation treatment that is administered directly at the site of the tumour resection during surgery .

“ Adopting this targeted approach aims to enable timely treatment , enhance overall outcome while minimising collateral damage to healthy tissues . In suitable cases , IORT provides a treatment option with fewer side effects , potentially lowering the risk of recurrences and ensuring a better quality of life for patients ,” said Beacon Hospital Consultant Breast Surgeon Datuk Dr Devanand .

“ Being a firm believer that quality healthcare should be accessible to patients from all walks of life , especially for breast cancer patients where the total cost of treatment can be a significant burden , we are offering the IORT treatment for RM1 only , in line with Beacon Hospital ’ s Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) mission to reduce the financial burden and encourage more patients to seek treatment early ,” explained Director of Patient Relation and CSR , Calvin Karthigesu .

PANTAI Hospital Ampang recently collaborated with Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia in organising a two-day Health and Wellness Mobile Clinic as a community initiative .

The health clinics were at the Dewan Orang Ramai Persatuan Penduduk Pandan Jaya , Fasa 2 Pandan Jaya and the Dewan Serbaguna MPAJ in Taman Keramat , drawing more than 100 individuals from the surrounding area .

The mobile clinic was a comprehensive initiative staffed with healthcare professionals from the Pantai Hospital Ampang and volunteers from the National Cancer Society .

The clinics provided health services , which included primary health screenings , education on breast self-examinations , blood pressure monitoring , glucose and cholesterol screenings , free body composition analysis , medical consultations and education on breast examinations .

These clinics and services were also held in conjunction with Pink October , which highlighted the month of Breast Cancer Awareness . PERKESO also participated in the event and representatives offered guidance on healthcare coverage available for women .

“ In championing this communitycentric endeavour , we aim to underscore the reach of our compassion , which extends beyond the confines of our physical space . Through this collaboration with the National Cancer Society and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council , we are committed to highlighting the importance of healthcare education and early detection of diseases to enhance community wellbeing ,” said Pantai Hospital Ampang ’ s CEO , Chong Soon Mei .

The National Cancer Society had an informative booth to engage the audience on the topics of cancer and breast cancer . Essential materials on self-breast examinations and vouchers for free mammogram screenings at NCSM were distributed to the audience .

Eighty per cent of the attendees were aged 45 and above , with 40 per cent in the overweight category and approximately 50 per cent with various health issues . The event also saw two women who

Healthcare professionals and volunteers pose for a group photo .

had discovered lumps but had never sought help and were given guidance by healthcare professionals at the mobile clinic .

“ We want to raise awareness that breast cancer can be detected early with self – examination , especially to those who may not be fully aware of the disease . Improving community health with on-site clinics such as this is an important aspect of preventative healthcare as it encourages engagement and interaction ,” said National Cancer Society Public Health Executive Mohamad Ishak Ahmad during the event .