Malaysia Harnesses AI In Lung Health Drive
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is turning to artificial intelligence to boost early detection of lung disease, deploying AI-powered X-ray screenings at seven primary care facilities as part of a national strategy to improve outcomes.
In a Facebook post, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screenings are a key element of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, which focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva today, Dzulkefly shared a case where AI screening detected early-stage lung cancer in a symptom-free 67-year-old patient, allowing for swift surgical intervention.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
TH Assigns Companions To 37 Ailing Pilgrims Under Peneman Initiative
From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan ARAFAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has assigned companions to selected 37 ailing Malaysian pilgrims not accompanied by their family members during the Masya'ir phase under its Program Prihatin Tetamu Ar-Rahman (PENEMAN). Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the PENEMAN companionship initiative manifests TH's ongoing commitment to protecting the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims, particularly during wukuf, a defining moment of the haj journey at Arafah. "A staff member will accompany each physically challenged pilgrim. These companions will not only assist with physical needs such as using the restroom and mobility but also provide spiritual guidance and support," he said after visiting Malaysian pilgrims at their tents here today. Mohd Na'im explained that the selected pilgrims are elderly individuals as well as those facing difficulties in managing themselves and do not have family members to assist them throughout the pilgrimage. Mohd Na'im said the PENEMAN initiative involves 38 TH personnel, comprising 27 women and 11 men, tasked with providing dedicated care and assistance to each ailing pilgrim throughout the pilgrimage, particularly during their time in Arafah. "This year saw a slight decrease in the number of pilgrims participating in the PENEMAN initiative…compared to 50 pilgrims during last year's haj season," he said. He also praised the dedication, patience, and sincerity of the companions in fulfilling their duty to assist this high-risk group of pilgrims. Zaimah Abdul Majid, 60, whose mobility is restricted due to her swollen legs, appreciated the TH initiative in providing dedicated assistance for pilgrims in need of extra support.
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Mental health struggles drive rise in school refusal among children, teens
Common triggers include separation anxiety in younger children, peer-related stress such as bullying, and academic pressure - all of which have become more evident since the Covid-19 pandemic. 01 Jun 2025 06:00am Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Hospital Permai Johor Bahru Dr Nor Rahidah Abd Rahim speaks during at the Malaysian Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychiatry Conference (M-CHAMP) 2025 on May 27. - Photo by Bernama IPOH - Rising cases of school refusal among children and adolescents in Malaysia are being driven by mental health struggles such as anxiety, bullying, family conflict and depression. Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Hospital Permai Johor Bahru Dr Nor Rahidah Abd Rahim, said the issue is often misunderstood, with many assuming that students simply "do not want to go to school', when in fact the problem is rooted in deeper psychological issues that require clinical attention. "Children don't refuse school without a reason. When we investigate, we often find underlying issues such as social anxiety, panic attacks, learning difficulties or even trauma,' she said during the Malaysian Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychiatry Conference (M-CHAMP) 2025, held here on May 27. Dr Nor Rahidah said common triggers include separation anxiety in younger children, peer-related stress such as bullying, and academic pressure - all of which have become more evident since the Covid-19 pandemic. "Post-pandemic, many students are struggling to re-adapt to school routines. Some feel overwhelmed by social situations they haven't encountered in two years,' she said, adding that prolonged online learning has also led to increased screen dependency and avoidance behaviours. Dr Nor Rahidah stressed that school refusal is often mislabelled as truancy or misconduct, leading to delayed intervention and a worsening of the child's condition. "Parents and teachers may think the child is lazy or disobedient. But when a child cries, complains of headaches, or begs not to go to school, it's usually a cry for help,' she said. She called for stronger collaboration between schools, families and healthcare providers, and stressed the need for early detection and support. "Teachers should be trained to recognise red flags. Schools must have clear referral pathways to mental health professionals,' she said. She also warned that children who remain out of school for prolonged periods face serious risks, including academic decline, social isolation and worsening mental health symptoms - in some cases, requiring hospitalisation. Dr Nor Rahidah said Hospital Permai, one of the few centres in Malaysia offering specialised child and adolescent psychiatry services, continues to see a rising number of referrals for school refusal - highlighting the urgent need for systemic support. "School refusal is a silent epidemic. We need to act now with empathy, awareness, and coordinated care,' she said during her presentation titled Unpacking School Refusal: Understanding Its Roots and Psychological Underpinnings, under the main topic Fear to Flourish: School Refusal. The three-day M-CHAMP 2025 conference, themed Mind in Bloom: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Wellbeing, ends today. It is being held at Casuarina Meru and brings together experts from across the country to share best practices and strategies for early intervention and community-based support. - BERNAMA More Like This
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
IJN becomes first in Southeast Asia to implant dual-chamber leadless pacemaker
The achievement reflects IJN's commitment to setting new standards in cardiac care both in Malaysia and the region. 05 Jun 2025 02:20pm To date, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first implantation conducted on May 27. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - The National Heart Institute (IJN) has made medical history by becoming the first centre in Southeast Asia to successfully implant the world's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system, the Abbott AVEIR™ DR. Senior consultant cardiologist and Interventional Electrophysiology & Implantable Devices clinical director Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin, said the achievement reflects IJN's commitment to setting new standards in cardiac care both in Malaysia and the region. Senior consultant cardiologist and Interventional Electrophysiology & Implantable Devices clinical director Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin, said the achievement reflects IJN's commitment to setting new standards in cardiac care both in Malaysia and the region. - Bernama photo "This groundbreaking dual-chamber leadless pacemaker will revolutionise care for our current patients and create a significant opportunity to expand the number of people we can serve, including children. "By eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, this leadless system significantly reduces the risk of complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or vessel occlusion,' he said at a press conference at IJN today. He noted that the long-term complication rate is typically between one and two per cent, comparable to, and in some cases lower than, that of conventional pacemakers. To date, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first implantation conducted on May 27. This milestone builds on IJN's decade-long experience with leadless pacemaker technology, during which nearly 900 patients have undergone procedures involving wireless pacemakers. Dr Azlan said the AVEIR™ DR system offers a range of potential benefits, including a shorter procedure time typically between 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the patient's heart condition. "The system also provides real-time pacing analysis, enabling physicians to confirm accurate device placement during the procedure before the final implantation into the heart chamber,' he said. IJN chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said the initial cost of the procedure is slightly higher due to the new technology. "As with any new technology, the initial cost is slightly higher. However, in general, IJN's charges are significantly lower than those at most private hospitals,' he said. On whether other hospitals in Malaysia could adopt the procedure, Dr Mohamed Ezani said it's not just about offering a service, it's about having the right expertise and infrastructure. "People need to understand that this is not just about business. It's about having the clinical expertise, advanced technology, and the right facilities, something IJN is proud to offer.' "At IJN, innovation isn't just about introducing new technology, it's about creating real, meaningful impact. The AVEIR™ DR implantation marks a leap forward in cardiac care and reinforces our role as a regional leader,' he said. He also emphasised the importance of awareness and early intervention in addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains a significant health challenge in Malaysia. The AVEIR™ DR system, designed for patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms, marks a major breakthrough in cardiac pacing. Unlike traditional pacemakers, it consists of two miniaturised devices, each one-tenth the size of conventional models, implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle. As the world's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, it provides synchronised, beat-to-beat pacing without the risks associated with leads. The system features a minimally invasive design, long-term retrievability, and future-ready adaptability. In 2018, IJN made history as the first hospital outside the United States to implant the world's smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV. - BERNAMA
