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THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2023
| Local News |
Strong confidence in Malaysia ’ s healthcare system
MALAYSIA ’ S healthcare system , despite long wait times , continues to enjoy the highest level of confidence among its citizens , according to a study conducted by Ipsos , a prominent research firm specialising in healthcare systems .
The study reveals that Malaysians place great trust in their healthcare system , with 66 per cent rating it as good or very good . This confidence ranks Malaysia third globally , following Switzerland and Singapore , which lead the list with reliable healthcare services .
In the Ipsos survey , 68 per cent of Malaysian respondents expressed their trust in the healthcare system , believing it provides them with the best treatment and accessible information . Additionally , 65 per cent
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of respondents felt that the healthcare system offers everyone the same standard of care .
However , only 61 per cent believed getting an appointment with a local doctor was easy . The study ’ s definition of healthcare encompassed doctors , specialist physicians , hospitals , diagnostic tests , and medication , all while emphasising an equitable standard of care for all citizens .
However , despite the high confidence in the system , challenges remain . Lengthy wait times , staffing shortages , and the high cost of treatment are still significant issues in the Malaysian healthcare system . Approximately half of the respondents identified these factors as the primary concerns .
Mental health has gained recognition as the most significant health issue globally . In Malaysia , 41
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per cent of the population identified it as the country ’ s most pressing health concern , aligning closely with the global average of 44 per cent .
Mental health has become increasingly prominent in recent years . It affects individuals of all ages , with younger women , particularly those from Generation Z and millennials , regarding it as the most substantial health challenge .
Besides mental health , Malaysians also expressed concerns about challenges related to Covid-19 , obesity , and diabetes . While still a concern , smoking is less of an issue in Malaysia than in other Southeast Asian countries and globally . Interestingly , cancer , a major global concern at 40 per cent , is less alarming to Malaysians , with only 24 per cent mentioning it as
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an issue .
Ipsos ’ s public affairs senior research manager , Azamat Ababakirov , emphasised the rising significance of mental health issues globally and in Malaysia . He noted that this challenge has a profound impact on younger women and emphasised that addressing these problems requires the involvement of employers , communities , and families in addition to healthcare systems .
Ababakirov also highlighted the deep-seated respect Malaysians have for healthcare professionals , consistently ranked as the most trusted professionals , extending trust beyond individuals to encompass reliable information access and equitable care standards for all citizens .
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AGILENT Technologies Inc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre ( SIDC ) in East Malaysia , marking a significant step in advancing research on neglected tropical diseases ( NTDs ) and infectious diseases . Over the next three years , Agilent will provide an Agilent 6495 triple quadrupole LC / MS system to bolster SIDC ’ s research capabilities .
Neglected tropical diseases ( NTDs ) encompass 20 conditions prevalent in tropical regions , primarily affecting impoverished communities and disproportionately impacting women and children . These NTDs , including dengue and rabies , have seen high transmission rates in the Borneo region . The partnership supports SIDC ’ s research in tropical medicines , infectious diseases , and epidemiology , enabling rapid response efforts during outbreaks .
Agilent ’ s 6495 LC / MS system , recognised with a 2023 Scientists ’ Choice Award , incorporates innovative iFunnel technology to enhance signal response , resulting in higher precision and faster investigations for more effective research outcomes .
During the MoU signing ceremony , Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari Openg and Sarawak Education Minister Datuk Roland Sagah
Representatives from Agilent and SIDC during the MOU signing ceremony , witnessed by Abang Zohari and Roland Sagah .
Agilent partners Sarawak ’ s SIDC
Wee Inn , witnessed the collaboration between Agilent and SIDC .
The CEO of SIDC Assoc Prof Ivan Yap , emphasised the partnership ’ s significance , stating that “ SIDC will leverage Agilent ’ s facilities and capabilities for technology and knowledge transfer , capacity building , and human capital development as it prepares for the completion and operation of its facility by December 2025 .”
General Manager of Agilent Malaysia Chai Meng Fee highlighted their commitment to supporting scientific research and the global health agenda . Agilent ’ s investment in Malaysia spans over two decades , with more than 600 scientists and engineers working in their 200,000 sq ft manufacturing plant at Penang , Malaysia .
The partnership between Agilent and SIDC will also provide access to Agilent ’ s translational labs , such as the Agilent Integrated Biology Center at Monash University Malaysia and the Agilent- National University Hospital ( NUH ) and National University of Singapore ( NUS ) research facility in Singapore . This collaboration underscores Agilent ’ s dedication to advancing scientific research and tackling prevalent diseases integrated across Malaysia , further strengthening the fight against infectious diseases , including NTDs .
AMO ’ s initiatives for World Sight Day
“ LOVE Your Eyes at Work ” is a clarion call for Malaysians to prioritise their eye health , recognising the substantial time spent in the workplace . This emphasis on practices that safeguard and maintain good vision is imperative for the nation ’ s workforce .
The Association of Malaysian Optometrists ( AMO ) and its members actively engaged in a series of initiatives to raise awareness about this year ’ s World Sight Day theme , “ Love Your Eyes at Work ”. Among its activities are :
Eye Health Screenings : AMO organised the Executive Eyes Screening at Parliament Malaysia , providing free eye health screenings and highlighting the critical role of Community Optometrists as primary eye care providers in Malaysia .
Workplace Eye Wellness Workshops : Optometrists nationwide are conducting workshops and seminars to educate employees on eye health . These sessions offer valuable insights into reducing eye strain and preserving vision at work .
Eye-Friendly Workplaces : Employers are encouraged to create eye-friendly work environments encompassing appropriate lighting , ergonomic workstations , and regular opportunities for employee eye check-ups .
Social Media Campaign : A social media campaign under the hashtag # LoveYourEyesAMO , encourages Malaysians to share their experiences , tips , and commitments to prioritise their eye health in professional settings .
Community Optometrist Logo : The unveiling of a unique logo representing community optometrists aims to heighten awareness of the distinction between optometry practices and retail spectacle shops in Malaysia .
Community optometrists in Malaysia are indispensable in
From left : Woon Pak Seong , Datuk Murphy Chan , Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa , Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai and Jun Yuan Wong .
promoting eye health and delivering essential eye care services to the local population . Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of critical functions : routine eye examinations , prescribing and dispensing eyeglasses , contact lens fitting , low vision rehabilitation , detection and management of eye diseases , pediatric and geriatric eye care , public education and awareness , screening programs , collaboration with other healthcare professionals , advocacy for eye health , and continuous professional development .
Community optometrists significantly contribute to the well-being of Malaysia ’ s population by advocating for good eye health , providing early interventions and treatments for various eye conditions , and reducing the burden of preventable vision impairment in the country .
AMO President Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai stressed the potential for education and preventive measures to mitigate work-related eye issues , emphasising that everyone deserves to maintain healthy vision throughout their careers . Also present was Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa .