This committee brought together medical professionals, hospitals, insurers, takaful operators, and regulators to address systemic challenges in claims processing. Its establishment aimed to create a structured, consultative channel for dialogue, providing advice and recommending solutions to common industry issues, and promoting mutual trust and respect between the medical profession and the insurance sector.

The GMC convened its inaugural meeting on Nov 10, 2025, featuring representatives from five-member organisations: the Malaysian Medical Association( MMA), the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia( LIAM), Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia, and the Malaysian Takaful Association.

During this meeting, the committee emphasised its commitment to enhancing communication among all parties involved and agreed to col-

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: Members of the reactivated Health Grievance Mechanism Committee collaborate to enhance communication and streamline medical claim processes

PROF Jacob George, a Malaysian-born academic, has made history by becoming the United Kingdom ' s inaugural Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency( MHRA).

Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in the Bukit Rajah estate in Meru, Klang, Prof George has established a prominent career in cardiovascular medicine, culminating in this significant public health role.

Expressing his gratitude, George remarked: " I am very humbled by this appointment. It also demonstrates the strength of the Malaysian expatriate community in the United Kingdom and abroad."

At 50 years of age, he holds qualifications in Clinical Pharmacology and General Internal Medicine and is an accredited European Hypertension Specialist. He noted the importance of his new position at a critical juncture for the MHRA and the UK life sciences sector.

" The MHRA has a direct influence on the safety and effectiveness of the medicines, vaccines, and health technologies used every day by millions of laborate on developing transparent claims protocols. These protocols will aid in managing claims payable under medical and health insurance or takaful products, co-developed by specialists and payers to provide more explicit guidance on eligible treatment costs.

As an immediate priority, the committee intends to focus on claims protocols that address common pain points identified within the claims process.

MMA President Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu remarked that this collaboration was crucial in ensuring patient welfare remained a top priority while fostering mutual understanding and trust throughout the healthcare ecosystem.

people across the UK."

Looking ahead, he expressed eagerness to collaborate with colleagues to enhance patient care and foster innovation in the life sciences field.

The MHRA confirmed that George would officially join the agency on Jan 5, 2026, working from both the London office and the science campus in Hertfordshire, while maintaining his residence in Scotland to support the agency ' s visibility across all four nations of the UK.

Reflecting on his upbringing, George shared memories of his father ' s work at the Sime Darby plantations and his mother ' s role as a physiotherapist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.

" I had the most idyllic childhood living in the estate and a wonderful upbringing by my parents and family," he recalled.

He reminisced about his education in Klang, where he attended SRK( 2) Jalan Batu Tiga, Eng Ann, and later the Anglo-Chinese School( ACS) Klang. Proudly identifying as a Selangorian, he expressed gratitude to his teachers, particularly Mr Subramaniam, who

LIAM Chief Executive Officer Mark O ' Dell highlighted that the renewed platform enables insurers, takaful operators, and medical professionals to work alongside regulators to find practical, transparent, and sustainable solutions. He stated: " Our focus is on protecting policyholders, improving claims clarity, and ensuring access to fair, efficient, and timely medical coverage."

He added: " By working closely with doctors, hospitals, and regulators, we can foster greater trust between the industry and the medical community, while safeguarding the interests of our policyholders and participants, thus delivering on our promise of timely protection and commitment to fairness and mutual assistance."

inspired him in primary school.

After relocating to London in 1995, George continued to make significant contributions to the field. In 2017, he was appointed by the Malaysian Health Minister as an International Expert Advisory Member of the Malaysian Scientific Review Panel for Phase I Clinical Trials. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Dundee Medical School. He is the clinical lead for the Cardiovascular Risk service in NHS Tayside.

His extensive experience is underscored by his fellowships with the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh, the European Society of Cardiology, and the British Hypertension Society, as well as his role as a visiting Professor at Dnipro State Medical University in Ukraine.

He is also involved in key committees, including the Delivery Group for the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway( ILAP) and the National Institute for Health Research( NIHR) Capital Investment Funding Committee. He has previously served as Senior Health Technology Advisor to NICE.

COLLECTIVE STRENGTH: Women united in purpose and wellness at the Women Wellness Festival 2.0, celebrating connection and empowerment

THE Women Wellness Festival 2.0 had a successful return on Nov 8, 2025, gathering over 500 participants at PARC Subang for a day dedicated to movement, mindfulness, and community. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh served as the esteemed Guest of Honour.

This year ' s festival, themed " Wellness in Motion," featured more than 40 workshops, talks, and experiential activities, supported by 40 wellness brands and partners. It was celebrated as one of Malaysia ' s largest and most comprehensive women-centric wellness events. The festival commenced with an official opening by YB Hannah Yeoh, along with founders Diane Chia, Raja Jesrina Arshad, and Sarah Lian.

In her opening speech, Yeoh praised the organisers for their contributions to fostering healthier, more resilient communities. She stated: " This festival aligns with our mission at the Ministry of Youth and Sports to champion active lifestyles and holistic wellbeing.

" When women prioritise their health, our families, communities, and country grow stronger. Events like this create supportive spaces for women to move, connect, and thrive together."

Attendees engaged in sessions focused on connection, growth, and elevation, partaking in sunrise yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and workshops led by experts on self-awareness and empowerment.

A notable moment was the Founders Chat, where the founders shared their personal stories about friendship and the transformative power of community in women ' s wellness. The event concluded with an intimate " Just Stories " session led by Jasmine King, reflecting on themes of sisterhood and connection.

The festival was proudly powered by Shveta Labs and DeRUCCI, alongside partners including BMW Millennium Welt, PARC, Satu Creative, Etika, Hammam Spa, and Aura Regenerative Wellness Clinic. Women Wellness Festival 2.0 continues to redefine wellness as a lifestyle, encouraging every woman to leave feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to prioritise her wellbeing.- The HEALTH