2 weeks Ago By S. BIRRUNTHA
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's healthcare future is shifting beyond traditional hospital settings, with innovation playing a key role in reshaping the nation's medical landscape, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.He said healthcare is no longer confined to hospital walls or clinics, as emerging technologies including telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, wearable health devices and big data analytics, are transforming the ways in which diseases are prevented, detected and treated.He added that innovation alone is insufficient and must serve a higher purpose by enhancing patient care, breaking down barriers to medical access and fostering a resilient, people-centred healthcare ecosystem.
"Recognising the crucial role of digitalisation in modern healthcare, the government has made bold strides to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure."This includes the implementation of the cloud-based clinical management system (CCMS) and the One Individual, One Record initiative."He added that the initiatives aim to consolidate patient data, ensuring seamless integration and real-time access across both public and private healthcare providers.
"As we look ahead to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), digitalisation for government hospitals and clinics nationwide will be one of the goals to improve our healthcare infrastructure and service delivery," he said at the opening ceremony of the SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference (SEACare 2025) here today.Dr Dzulkefly said modern healthcare progress hinges on cross-border partnerships, dynamic public-private collaborations and a relentless exchange of knowledge.He said only through collective action can technological advancements be transformed into real-world solutions that enhance patient outcomes, strengthen health security and bridge gaps in healthcare equity.
As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year, Dr Dzulkefly said the country will lead efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, enhancing Asean's healthcare resilience through unified strategies and coordinated action.Malaysia's commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025, opens its doors at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).With RM45.
3 billion allocated to healthcare under 2025 Budget, the country is intensifying efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote innovation and expand equitable access in the healthcare sector.The event runs from April 23-25 and features 130 exhibiting brands from 13 countries and markets, with 250 booths spread across Hall 2 and Hall 3 of MITEC.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
