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1. Healthcare Accessibility in Malaysia's Countryside

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1. Healthcare Accessibility in Malaysia's Countryside

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Urban locations typically feature higher densities of healthcare professionals, well-equipped hospitals, and medical facilities that specialize in treating specific illnesses. But since there are typically fewer medical services available in rural areas, things are a little different there. The image is significantly altered as a result.

Just 69% of rural residents can easily access the nearest clinic or hospital. The remaining 30% had to travel a minimum of three kilometers, and in certain situations, as much as five kilometers, to go to a basic healthcare facility. Building the infrastructure required to meet medical demands is difficult in the states of Labuan, Sabah, and Sarawak due to their more rural and difficult-to-navigate landscape. For this reason, residents of rural areas typically have to travel long distances over challenging terrain in order to get to medical facilities. In 39% of the publicly funded health institutions in Sarawak, there is no pharmacist on duty. 70.7% of the clinics do not provide laboratory services, and 88.9% do not provide x-ray services. The doctor-to-patient ratios of Sabah and Sarawak, the two rural states in East Malaysia, are 1:1357 and 1:957, respectively, whereas the average ratio for all of Malaysia is 1:633. (WikiImpact, 2020)

When arranging trips to the clinic or hospital, people of rural communities in isolated locations must take an extra concern into consideration. Today, Dr. Kelvin Yii reminded the health ministry of the urgent need for more funding for public healthcare due to the scarcity of medical professionals in rural areas. The health minister stated that the statement regarding Malaysia's achievement of the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of universal health coverage was not a true reflection of the state of healthcare services in Malaysia. A high figure would indicate that the Klang Valley has a greater concentration of doctors than rural areas. (Dr Kelvin Yii, 2020)

Road conditions, transportation options and current weather conditions become determinants of whether they make it to the hospital or not. In the case of a medical emergency, this could mean life or death. The appeals filed by Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii came after two deaths—that of an elderly lady and a baby—caused by a failure to get timely and appropriate medical care. While traveling from remote locations to the hospital, they passed away. Additionally, it was essential to guarantee that these organizations provide the required knowledge and workforce to facilitate the seamless and prompt transfer of patients. According to the report, a tragic incident occurred when a nine-month-old baby passed away while being transported on a bus from Julau to Kuching for medical care, while in the arms of its mother. On Tuesday, an old lady from Lawas passed away at the Sungai Tujoh immigration, customs, quarantine, and security point due to the inability of the ambulance to access the premises via a barred gate that lacked personnel. (Dr Kelvin Yii, 2022)

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Healthcare facilities may become congested with patients as a result of data handling inefficiencies brought on by the outdated health information systems still in use in some sectors of Malaysia's healthcare system. This is because, in addition to juggling other recurring issues like staffing shortages and higher workloads, doctors employed by government hospitals are finding it challenging to use outdated computer systems. It is well known that several hospitals are still utilizing Windows 2000, an operating system that was first introduced 23 years ago. The Windows software specifications at the hospital, according to a medical professional working there, were pretty terrible and had been out of date for a very long time. (MalaysiaNow, Ahmad Mustakim Zulkifli, 2023)

For example, healthcare personnel may have to spend more time manually gathering information if redundant systems make it impossible to access a patient's test results, medical history, or prescription drugs. This could make it more difficult to give patients with the treatment they need. This leads to longer wait times for patients in hospitals and clinics, as well as a slowdown in the decision-making process itself. Under the pretense of anonymity, he told MalaysiaNow that "it is therefore preferable if we simply ask the patients about their condition there and then." He continued by saying that even internal data frequently falls behind and that the strain on doctors would be much eased if this problem could be resolved. Since different software is used by each hospital, the data is not linked across them. (MalaysiaNow, Ahmad Mustakim Zulkifli, 2023)

In addition, the inability to share and integrate data in real time impedes the capacity to simplify operations like appointment scheduling, medication refills, and referral systems. As a direct result of this, patients may experience delays in obtaining the necessary treatment, which adds to the burden that is already being placed on the healthcare system as a whole. Meanwhile, some doctors are nevertheless forced to make use of outdated machinery at the hospitals located inside the area. (MalaysiaNow, Ahmad Mustakim Zulkifli, 2023)

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3. The Challenge of Healthcare Professional Shortages

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3. The Challenge of Healthcare Professional Shortages

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Lack of medical personnel, such as nurses and doctors, can put a burden on the healthcare system and lower the standard of patient treatment. In a rare public statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) acknowledged the shortage of health workers in public health care facilities, as stated by Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa. The MOH employed 303,462 permanent and contract officers as of last March 31 across a variety of service schemes. These officers included 69,289 nurses, 6,912 specialty doctors, and 47,281 medical officers. (Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, 2023)

Malaysia is always faced with under-staff or short-staff in any industry that also applies in healthcare. These issue has gone for years.

Expanding healthcare facilities and hiring more medical personnel is a critical requirement in Malaysia. There is now a scarcity of healthcare workers, needing at least three times as many people. Malaysia's healthcare system includes a variety of institutions, including district hospitals with medical officers but no specialists, health clinics with some doctors, and rural clinics with nurses but no doctors. In contrast, specialists are housed in tertiary hospitals, which also function as medical professionals' training grounds. Before being assigned to district hospitals, health clinics, or other locations where their services are needed, house officers receive specialized training in tertiary hospitals. Their training focuses on general and minor healthcare cases such as the management of diabetes and hypertension.

It is well known why Malaysian doctors initiated a strike at the beginning of this year. These doctors work under contract; contracts have different lengths and often last between one and three years. Usually, the contracts are renewable, so once they expire, doctors can still work for the government. The contract outlines all of the terms and conditions of employment, including payment, benefits, and duties. A different viewpoint has been presented by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). It was mentioned that the public healthcare system of the nation had only appointed around 790 of the 23,000 contract doctors to permanent positions. (Yusof, 2021).

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Health can be viewed as the presence or absence of disease or medically measured risk factors in an individual. However, more broadly, health is 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO 1946).

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Malaysia's healthcare system has undergone substantial changes in the last few years. Providing high-quality healthcare to all people, irrespective of their background, is the aim. A number of factors are contributing to this change, including an increase in the number of people living in cities, advancements in medical technology, and a growing awareness of the importance of healthcare for all.

In this transformation, Malaysia is confronted with both opportunities and challenges. They are attempting to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, can get medical assistance by utilising cutting edge technology. The nation is making great efforts to enhance the health and welfare of its people. This shift is a part of a larger strategy to make healthcare a crucial component of Malaysia's development, not just for the here and now.

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1. Public vs. private healthcare in Malaysia

The funding of public healthcare in Malaysia comes from general income taxation, implying that the citizens of Malaysia make tax contributions towards the system. All citizens and legal residents of Malaysia are able to use the public universal healthcare system thanks to this funding model.

In Malaysia, the public healthcare system is wide and reasonably priced. A wide range of healthcare services are made available to everyone by government funding. Medical consultations, hospital care, surgeries, prescription drugs, and a range of treatments are among these services. Because the government subsidises the costs of these services, Malaysian citizens and legal residents can take advantage of them without having to worry about having a large financial burden.

Higher working salaries in the private sector are a defining feature of private healthcare in Malaysia, drawing a greater number of doctors to this field. Patients receive faster and more effective care as a result of the large number of medical professionals working in private healthcare facilities.

People can anticipate quicker access to medical consultations, treatments, and procedures in private hospitals due to a higher doctor-to-patient ratio, which improves the general effectiveness and convenience of private healthcare services.

Furthermore, patients who receive private healthcare have the freedom to select the doctors of their choice and make appointments at a time that works for them. Because of its high degree of personalization and incredibly fast service, private healthcare is a preferred option for people looking for quick, excellent healthcare in Malaysia.

2. Medical staff and facilities

There is no difference in the quality of physicians, surgeons, and other medical personnel in public and private hospitals. Malaysian medical professionals have received extensive training and education in contemporary healthcare best practices, with many having attended universities overseas.

Similar to medical personnel, hospital equipment is of the highest quality and is subject to standards inspections by regulatory bodies. Malaysia has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its excellent medical facilities, drawing in foreign visitors seeking dependable and safe surgery or treatment for a range of medical conditions.

3. Health care in rural areas

The farther you get from the big cities, the harder it is to find enough medical clinics. Rural areas lack public healthcare facilities, but online consultations between remote doctors and doctors in other hospitals offer better access to care and information.

Medical professionals in Malaysia are increasingly choosing private hospitals due to their superior facilities and higher pay scale. As a result of the shortage of doctors, public hospitals are growing overcrowded. The government is making an effort to support public hospitals financially and with investments, but recently, funding for public healthcare has decreased. This indicates that a shift from public to private practise is occurring as more medical professionals choose to work in private hospitals where they can make more money.

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Malaysia: World's Best Healthcare Champion

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Malaysia: World's Best Healthcare Champion

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With a remarkable score of 95 out of 100 in the category of "Best Healthcare in the World," Malaysia emerged as the clear winner in the prestigious 2019 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index. This outstanding accomplishment demonstrates Malaysia's unwavering commitment to offering top-notch healthcare services to both locals and tourists.

Due to its excellent healthcare services and sophisticated infrastructure, Malaysia appeared coming out on top in the 'Best Healthcare in the World' category this year, surpassing five other nations. The Joint Commission International (JCI) has given accreditation to thirteen hospitals in Malaysia, an indicator to the country's success, according to the International Living website.

Furthermore, with training mostly in Australia, the United States, or the United Kingdom, the majority of doctors in Malaysia speak English fluently. This language ability guarantees smooth communication, which makes all parties' interactions in the healthcare system productive and efficient.

Regardless of the patients' nationality, seamless interactions with patients depend on healthcare professionals' proficiency in English communication. Accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and overall patient satisfaction depend on doctors and patients having clear communication. This language ability guarantees flawless communication in Malaysia, facilitating quick and easy access to healthcare for both residents and foreign guests.

In conclusion, Malaysia's performance in the "Best Healthcare in the World" category can be attributed to its top-notch medical facilities, hospitals that have earned JCI accreditation, and the fluency of its medical professionals in English. All of these elements work together to make Malaysia a desirable travel destination for people looking for top-notch medical care and greatly enhance the nation's standing as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

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Malaysia ranks 1st in world’s best healthcare category

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, with a score of 95 out of 100, ranked first in the Best Healthcare in the World category of the 2019 International Living Annu…

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Malaysia: World's Third Most Trusted Healthcare System

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Malaysia: World's Third Most Trusted Healthcare System

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According to an Ipsos survey, Malaysians have exceptional confidence in their healthcare system, placing them third in the world, behind only Singapore and Switzerland. Sixty-eight percent of Malaysians surveyed said they were confident the system could offer the best care and easily accessible information, even with lengthy wait times.

Although 61 percent of respondents said it was somewhat difficult to make appointments with nearby doctors, 65 percent of respondents thought that everyone received care of an equal quality. This survey indicates that, in spite of certain reservations regarding appointment accessibility, Malaysians generally have faith in their healthcare system.

Chan, J. (2023, October 6)

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 - Despite long wait times, Malaysians still have the highest confidence in the country's healthcare system compared to the most of the world.

According to a study done by research firm Ipsos on healthcare systems, Malaysia is rated third after Switzerland and Singapore, which tops the list as second and first for their reliable service.

Based on the survey, 66 per cent of Malaysians rated the healthcare system to be good or very good in the country, while 71 per cent of Singaporeans and 68 per cent of Swiss feel the same about healthcare in their country.

Neighbouring Thailand ranked fifth with 63 per cent while Indonesia is lower on the scale with only 55 per cent of its citizens believing in their healthcare system.

In the survey, 68 per cent of Malaysian respondents also said they trusted the healthcare system in the country to provide them with the best treatment and that information was widely accessible.

Sixty-five per cent also believed that the healthcare system provides the same standard of care to everyone, although only 61 per cent said it was easy to get an appointment with the local doctor.

Healthcare according to the definition for this survey includes doctors, specialist physicians such as surgeons, hospitals, tests for diagnosis and drugs to treat various ailments, as well as an equitable standard of care to everyone.

Lengthy wait times, staffing shortages, and the high cost of treatment are still significant challenges to address in the Malaysian healthcare system, with some half of the survey respondents ranking these as the main issues.

Meanwhile, mental health is now recognised as the most significant health issue globally and in Malaysia, 41 per cent of Malaysians placed mental health as the biggest health issue facing the country, close to the global average of 44 per cent.

The issue of mental health has become increasingly prominent in recent years, affecting people of all ages. However, it is a particularly significant concern for women, with over half of younger women (specifically those in Gen Z and the millennial generation) identifying it as the biggest health challenge.

Malaysians also place challenges related to Covid-19, obesity, and diabetes as higher concerns. Smoking was also a concern for Malaysians, although in other South-east Asian countries and globally, it is less concerning.

Cancer, with a high concern level globally, at 40 per cent does not seem to alarm most Malaysians as much, with just 24 per cent of Malaysians naming it an issue.

Ipsos's public affairs senior research manager Azamat Ababakirov said that mental health issues have emerged as the most significant healthcare concern globally, with increasing awareness and acknowledgement in Malaysia.

He said that its impact was most significant on women of the younger generation - those classified as Gen Z and millennials and said that because healthcare systems alone could not address these problems, the role and involvement of employers, communities, and families is crucial.

"In Malaysia, there's a deep-seated respect for healthcare professionals, consistently ranked as the most trusted professionals. Trust in the healthcare system extends beyond the professionals, encompassing access to reliable information and the provision of equitable care standards for all," he said.

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Ipsos: Malaysians rank third highest globally for trust in healthcare system

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 - Despite long wait times, Malaysians still have the highest confidence in the country's healthcare system compared to the most of the world. According to...

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Boosting Healthcare: RM 36.1 Billion for Ministry of Health Malaysia

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Boosting Healthcare: RM 36.1 Billion for Ministry of Health Malaysia

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The Health Ministry of Malaysia was allocated RM36.1 billion more in the 2023 Budget than it was the year before, an increase of RM32.4 billion. The government's dedication to improving the nation's public health services' capacity and quality is demonstrated by this significant increase.

A significant amount of this budget, RM4.9 billion, was set aside for the purchase of necessities like drugs, chemicals, immunisations, and disposable medical equipment. This year's 12% increase in funding over the previous one shows how committed the government is to making sure there is a sufficient supply of essential medical resources, which are necessary for healthcare facilities to operate efficiently.

The government also introduced creative initiatives to further enhance healthcare services. Ten three-dimensional printers worth RM ten million will be used to make dentures. The objective of this initiative is to decrease the frequency of patient visits to government dental clinics, thereby improving the efficiency and convenience of dental care services.

In addition, the government intends to remove import duties and sales tax from goods connected to nicotine replacement therapy in an effort to promote public health. The government hopes to promote healthier lifestyles and lower the overall prevalence of smoking-related health issues by encouraging smokers to give up by making these products more easily available and reasonably priced.

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In conclusion, Malaysia's healthcare system has advanced remarkably, providing its citizens with easily accessible and excellent services. Through the inclusion of modern medical technology, digital innovations, and traditional healing methods, the nation has established a comprehensive healthcare network.

Malaysia is on a path towards sustainable healthcare through constant innovation and adaptation. Malaysia is developing a patient-centered and efficient healthcare ecosystem through the combination of digital health solutions, modern medical interventions, and traditional healing practises.

The foundation of the healthcare system is further strengthened by the focus on preventive care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community involvement.

Maintaining the momentum gained, investing in healthcare infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce, and advancing health education and awareness are critical as Malaysia progresses. By doing this, Malaysia can continue to manage the intricacies of its healthcare system and guarantee that each and every citizen gets the care they require at the appropriate time.

Malaysia has the potential to not only enhance the health and well-being of its citizens through this endeavour, but also to set an example for sustainable healthcare systems around the world.

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Malaysia's Healthcare Giants: Leading Companies in the Sector

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Malaysia's Healthcare Giants: Leading Companies in the Sector

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1.  IHH Healthcare Berhad

Subsector: Health Care Providers

2. Top Glove Corporation Berhad

Subsector: Health Care Equipment & Services

3. Hartalega Holdings Berhad

Subsector: Health Care Equipment & Services

4. Supermax Corporation Berhad

Subsector: Health Care Equipment & Services

5. Kossan Rubber Industries Berhad

Subsector: Health Care Equipment & Services

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Govt hospitals lag behind with computer software over 20 years old | MalaysiaNow. (2023, February 23). Malaysia Now. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/02/24/govt-hospitals-lag-behind-with-computer-software-over-20-years-old

Healthcare Issues In Rural Malaysia - Learn More on Wiki Impact. (2020, December 12). Wiki Impact. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://www.wikiimpact.com/healthcare-issues-rural-malaysia/

Health Minister Admits Staff Shortages Amid Spike In Patient Visits. (2023, June 30). CodeBlue. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/06/30/health-minister-admits-staff-shortages-amid-spike-in-patient-visits/

Rural areas in East Malaysia still lacking proper healthcare, says MP. (2020, August 5). FMT. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/05/rural-areas-in-east-malaysia-still-lacking-proper-healthcare-says-mp/

Rural areas must have better access to healthcare, says MP. (2022, December 10). Free Malaysia Today. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/12/10/rural-areas-must-have-better-access-to-healthcare-says-mp/

Tee-Melegrito, R. A. (2022, September 30). Telemedicine: What to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/telemedicine#what-is-it

Thong, H. K., Wong, D. K. C., Gendeh, H. S., Saim, L., Athar, P. P. B. S. H., & Saim, A. B. (2021). Perception of telemedicine among medical practitioners in Malaysia during COVID-19. Journal of Medicine and Life, 14(4), 468–480. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2020-0119

Bringing basic healthcare to underserved indigenous folk. (2023, January 15). The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/01/16/bringing-basic-healthcare-to-underserved-indigenous-folk

Alu. (2022, September 15). How do mobile health clinics improve access to health care? School of Public Health. https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/mobile-health-clinics/

Yusof, A. (2021, July 13). Malaysia government contract doctors frustrated over lack of job security, benefits as COVID-19 drags on. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-government-contract-doctors-frustrated-over-lack-job-security-benefits-covid-19-drags-2023451

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1. Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare

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1. Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare

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The government has been actively promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) since 2011 to foster the sustainable growth of the private sector. To facilitate this, the government established the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) within the Prime Minister's Department (Hospital Management Asia, 2023).

These partnerships involve collaboration between the public sector and the private sector, resulting in an integrated healthcare system.

How does Public-Private Partnership help:

1. Financial resources: Public-private partnerships can provide additional funding for healthcare programs and initiatives. The private sector can contribute financial resources that can supplement the public sector's budget and help expand healthcare services (Mitchell, n.d.).

2. Access to resources: Partnerships with the private sector can provide the public sector with access to resources that may otherwise be limited. This includes access to medical equipment, technology, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, which can help improve healthcare facilities and expand access to care.

3. Expertise and innovation: The private sector often brings specialized knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Through partnerships, the public sector can tap into this expertise and benefit from new ideas, technologies, and best practices (Mitchell, n.d.).

Results:

This approach encourages the sharing of medical equipment and facilities, similar to how it's done in countries like Australia (Hospital Management Asia, 2023).

In Australia, private wings are often situated alongside public hospitals, offering different pricing for private and public healthcare services, but using the same equipment and personnel.

Notably, about 20% of private hospital beds are currently underutilized. By allowing public sector patients to access these beds, we can make better use of these available resources.

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In rural and remote areas of Malaysia, Indigenous communities face significant health challenges. These challenges include higher rates of chronic diseases, limited access to healthcare, and cultural barriers that discourage them from seeking care.

In 2022, the Great Heart Charity Association (GHCA) started a new mobile clinic as part of their Orang Asli Community Treatment project to address the health needs of the Indigenous community in Pahang. GHCA, an organization dedicated to improving Indigenous health, partnered with the Malaysia Red Crescent Pahang to support this effort.

Experienced healthcare professionals run these mobile clinics, providing healthcare services directly to isolated populations. They offer a range of services, including basic health check-ups, medical consultations, and prescription services.

During three sessions, GHCA and Malaysia Red Crescent Pahang reached 333 individuals within the community. After completing their medical check-ups, these individuals received groceries as a gesture of support and care.

Uses:

1. Reaching Remote and Neglected Areas:

Mobile clinics play a crucial role in reaching remote regions that don't have easy access to traditional healthcare facilities. They deliver healthcare services directly to these communities, ensuring that even the most isolated individuals receive the care they need.

2. Emergency Medical Assistance:

Mobile clinics are especially valuable during emergencies, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks. They can provide immediate medical care and relief to affected communities when traditional healthcare facilities may be overwhelmed or hard to reach.

3. Dental and Vision Services:

Some mobile clinics also offer dental and vision care services, including dental check-ups, cleanings, eye examinations, prescription glasses, or specialist referrals (Alu, 2022).

Benefits:

1. Improved Access to Healthcare:

Mobile clinics bring healthcare services to areas where medical facilities are hard to find or far away, making sure that people in remote regions can get the vital care they need (Alu, 2022).

2. Tackling Staffing Shortages:

Mobile clinics help address the lack of medical staff in underserved areas by deploying healthcare professionals where they are most required.

3. Cost-Efficient:

Mobile clinics can offer a cost-effective solution compared to constructing permanent healthcare facilities, making the most efficient use of available resources.

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For more than three decades, experts in the medical field, healthcare researchers, and other professionals have been investigating the use of advanced telecommunications and computer technologies to improve healthcare delivery. A key component of many of these initiatives is telemedicine, which combines traditional and cutting-edge information technologies. Put simply, telemedicine involves using electronic information and communication technologies to provide and support healthcare services when there is physical distance between the individuals involved. (National Academies Press (US), 1996).

In 1997, the Malaysian government established the Telemedicine Act, which provided guidelines and recommended procedures for healthcare professionals to participate in telemedicine.

Nevertheless, a significant issue arose when it was discovered that 43.8% of these professionals were unaware of the existence of this act. This lack of awareness presented a significant barrier to the effective incorporation of telemedicine into the Malaysian healthcare system. (Thong et al., 2021).

Applications:

1. Synchronous Telemedicine:

This method involves real-time communication between healthcare providers and patients, including:

Video Consultations: Patients and doctors connect through video calls, enabling face-to-face interactions.

Telephone Consultations: Healthcare professionals provide consultations over the phone, offering advice and guidance to patients.

Live Chat and Instant Messaging: Real-time text-based communication for medical advice and guidance (Benefits of Telemedicine, 2022).

2. Asynchronous Telemedicine:

In this approach, healthcare data is shared between patients and providers, but not necessarily in real-time, which includes:

Secure Messaging: Patients can send messages and medical inquiries, and healthcare providers respond at their convenience.

Medical Imaging and Document Sharing: Patients can share medical records, images (e.g., X-rays), and reports for later review.

Email Consultations: Patients can email medical questions, and doctors respond at a later time.

3. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM):

RPM involves patients using various healthcare devices to monitor their vital signs and health conditions from home. This data is transmitted to healthcare providers for review, including:

Wearable Devices: Patients utilize wearable technology, such as fitness trackers, to monitor their heart rate, steps, and other health data.

Chronic Disease Management: RPM is particularly valuable for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, allowing healthcare providers to track their health status and make adjustments to their treatment plans.

Benefits:

1. Convenience:

Telemedicine is super convenient for patients because they can chat with healthcare professionals right from their comfy couch. No need to commute or wait around in clinics (Benefits of Telemedicine, 2022).

2. Savings:

Patients can pocket some cash for travel expenses by cutting down on healthcare costs, especially for non-urgent check-ups.

3. Specialist Access:

Folks living in places without easy access to specialists can still get the expertise they need through telemedicine.

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4. Fixing Short-staff issue in Healthcare

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4. Fixing Short-staff issue in Healthcare

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Addressing this Issue:

1. Enhance Retention Strategies:

The health minister emphasized that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is encouraging medical officers to further their education through the Parallel Pathway program and the MOH's Master's program. Additionally, the MOH is hiring outside specialists on a temporary basis. Dr. Zaliha also highlighted the recent passage of the Health White Paper (HWP) by Parliament, with a focus on its fourth pillar, which aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce. (Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, 2023)

2. Transitioning Contract Workers:

The MOH has requested permanent positions for 2,336 contract nurses who were hired from private companies during the COVID-19 outbreak. In the first phase, 620 nurses have been assigned to permanent positions, and the remaining nurses will be hired gradually through December of this year. The contracts of 3,498 paramedics and members of allied science programs, who have been working with the MOH since the epidemic, are also being extended as part of seven service schemes. (Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, 2023)

3. Expanding Housemanship Opportunities:

Dr. Zaliha mentioned that the number of housemanship positions at the MOH has increased over nearly a decade, going from 10,835 in 2013 to 12,228 in 2022, representing an increase of 1,393 slots or 13 percent. (Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, 2023)

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