More issues in public healthcare to tackle
The decision is a long overdue recognition of the mental, emotional and physical burden that healthcare workers shoulder every single day.
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Focus Malaysia
6 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
What you don't feel can still harm you: Malaysia's silent liver cancer crisis
WITH hepatitis B still endemic in Malaysia and over 21.3% of the population classified as obese, both key causes of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are making more Malaysians at risk of getting liver cancer. Yet, many cases go undetected until the disease is in its late stages. According to Sunway Medical Centre Velocity hepatobiliary pancreatic and liver surgeon Dr Johann Faizal Khan, one of the biggest barriers to improving liver cancer outcomes lies in the absence of effective public screening programmes. 'While high-risk individuals such as those with liver cirrhosis (long-term liver damage that causes scarring and poor liver function) and chronic viral hepatitis are screened, patients who appear relatively healthy may even realise they have either of these diseases,' he remarked. Dr Johann noted that this issue is not unique to Malaysia but reflects a global trend, with healthcare institutions now dealing with the long-term effects of undiagnosed or untreated chronic liver conditions. Understanding liver cancer Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Malaysia. It is the eighth most common cancer in the country, yet it has the second-lowest five-year survival rate among major cancers at just 12.8% according to Malaysia's Health Ministry. Alarmingly, 74% of liver cancer cases in Malaysia are classified as Stage IV, where treatment options are limited and outcomes are significantly poorer. However, the absence of early symptoms should not be mistaken as an assurance of good health. Many individuals who do not drink alcohol or engage with what are typically considered as 'high-risk' behaviours assume that they are not at risk. In reality, liver cancer can develop silently, without any warning signs. As such, Dr Johann stressed the importance of regular health screenings, regardless of one's perceived health status, as early detection remains the most effective way to improve outcomes. Treatment options to address liver cancer While the outlook may seem daunting, there are a range of effective treatment options available even for patients with more advanced cases. Minimally invasive procedures, such as ablation therapies offer a viable alternative to open surgery by reducing surgical trauma, blood loss, and recovery time. Among these is the NanoKnife surgery, which uses electrical pulses to target and break down cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with compromised liver function or tumours near vital structures. This treatment method may also serve as a bridging treatment for patients awaiting liver transplantation or as an option in cases of recurrence, where repeated surgery may risk damaging healthy liver tissue. However, not all tumours are suitable for minimally invasive approaches. 'Larger tumours or those requiring complex reconstructions may still necessitate traditional open surgery, especially when complete resection is the goal,' noted Dr Johann. In such cases, a partial hepatectomy may be performed to surgically remove the cancerous portion of the liver, allowing the liver to regenerate post-surgery. For patients with more extensive liver damage, a liver transplant may be required, involving the replacement of the entire diseased liver with a healthy donor organ. While each approach carries its own set of risks, Dr Johann emphasises that they are not competing methods. 'Neither is considered better than the other. They each play a role and work together to achieve the best outcome for patients,' he pointed out, adding that treatments are guided by a personalised approach, with an emphasis on tailoring care to each patient and adopting precision medicine whenever possible. Follow-up care after surgery Even after successful treatment, patients with underlying conditions such as chronic viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, remain at lifelong risk. While treatment can halt progression, continued surveillance is critical to detect recurrence early. Equally important is the patient's role in maintaining liver health. Follow-up care goes beyond medical appointments, with patients strongly advised to adopt healthier lifestyle habits including consuming a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and unregulated traditional medicine, all of which play a critical role in supporting long-term liver health and recovery. Empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their liver health will be just as critical as medical treatment in shaping long-term outcomes. The evolution of liver cancer treatment, from open surgery to minimally invasive techniques and targeted ablation therapies, marks a significant step forward in patient care. These advancements not only expand curative options for previously inoperable cases but also prioritise safety, recovery, and quality of life. ‒ July 24, 2025 Main image: Shutterstock
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia launches MYMT 2026 campaign to attract high-value health travellers
Dzulkefly (centre) launching Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre today. Second from left is Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. – Bernamapic KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is doubling down on its ambition to become one of Asia's top medical tourism hubs, and banking on the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) campaign to draw more high-value health travellers while ensuring affordability and inclusivity remain central to its strategy. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who launched the campaign today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, said Malaysia's unique value proposition, world-class medical facilities, competitive costs and culturally attuned hospitality, positions it strongly against regional heavyweights Thailand and Singapore. 'When we do our peer comparison regionally, we still believe we are competitive. That is our fighting spirit,' Dzulkefly told reporters during a post-launch press conference. Addressing industry worries about the impact of the 6% Sales and Service Tax on healthcare packages, Dzulkefly acknowledged the concern but insisted Malaysia retains a pricing advantage compared to its neighbours. 'Whatever it is, it will leave an impression,' he said. 'But we still feel, even with the SST, Malaysia remains competitive in the region.' Malaysia attracted 1.6 million healthcare travellers in 2024, with the bulk coming from Indonesia, India and China. Dzulkefly said while Indonesia would remain the largest market, MYMT 2026 will aim to diversify catchment markets to reduce reliance on traditional sources and tap new segments in the Middle East and Europe. 'We will continue to grow, not just depending on the three countries mentioned earlier,' he said. 'There is a pull factor we can create for other markets.' Dzulkefly highlighted cardiothoracic surgery, in-vitro fertilisation and oncology as Malaysia's flagship specialties, while also pushing traditional and complementary medicine to differentiate Malaysia's offerings. 'This gives us very high added value alongside our state-of-the-art quality that is affordable and accessible,' he said. 'Trust and compassion are synonymous with our healthcare tourism.' The event also spotlighted the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, naming four hospitals, National Heart Institute, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre, as top contenders. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), which is the organiser and lead agency behind the campaign, said these flagship institutions set benchmarks in clinical excellence, innovation and international patient services. The campaign aligns with MHTC's RM12 billion revenue target by 2030, building on a 21% jump in medical tourism revenue in 2024 to RM2.72 billion. Dzulkefly said Malaysia's role as chair of the Asean Health Ministers Meeting in 2026 will provide a platform to lead regional conversations on cross-border healthcare and equity. Separately, he confirmed that Pasir Gudang Hospital is expected to reach 50% operational readiness by year-end, with full opening targeted for early 2026, pending staffing and equipment readiness. He also welcomed the government's move to convert contract doctors to permanent service, saying it would boost morale and retention in the public healthcare system. 'This conversion is an incentive for them to stay with us. We will carry it out as soon as possible,' he said. Renowned singer Datuk Sri Siti Nurhaliza was appointed MYMT 2026's ambassador to help extend Malaysia's medical tourism message to a broader audience, especially in neighbouring Indonesia where she has strong fan appeal.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Women's group demands action after doctor's fourth sex offence arrest
GEORGE TOWN: The Women's Centre for Change (WCC) has voiced its outrage over the apparent inaction by authorities in the case of a Penang-based doctor, now arrested for the fourth time in relation to multiple alleged sexual offences and inappropriate behaviour towards female patients. WCC said justice must be served for the victims and urgent action was needed to prevent further violations. Despite being arrested on three separate occasions in February and March this year for incidents involving three different women, the doctor was apprehended again on Monday following fresh allegations of molesting a female patient. The latest incident reportedly occurred on June 29 at a private clinic in Bayan Baru, where the victim had sought treatment for abdominal pain. WCC said these disturbing and recurring allegations raised pressing concerns about the failure of medical institutions, enforcement agencies and prosecutorial bodies to take meaningful and effective action. "We demand urgent clarity as to why the suspect has not been charged in court, despite confirmation from police in March that investigation papers for the three previous cases had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP). "We also demand to know why, despite multiple arrests, has the doctor been allowed to continue practising medicine, including working locum shifts at private clinics? "What steps, if any, have been taken by medical institutions and health authorities following internal investigations?" the women's group asked in a statement. The WCC condemned the failure of authorities to protect vulnerable women from further harm. "How many more women must be deceived, secretly recorded, molested, or worse, before action is taken? "This is a clear failure of the system to act in the interests of justice and protect public safety," it added. With public confidence in the authorities diminishing, the WCC called for immediate and decisive measures. "This includes suspension of the doctor's licence. We urge the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Medical Association to immediately suspend or revoke the doctor's licence to practise medicine, including barring him from locum duty, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. "We also call on the police and the Attorney-General's Chambers to expedite their investigations and bring formal charges against the suspect without further delay, ensuring swift and transparent legal action across all four reported cases," it said.
