Category: Medical

Putrajaya – A recent study on the effectiveness of cancer management and treatment at the National Cancer Institute (IKN) has revealed significant progress over the past decade, particularly in the survival rates of breast and lung cancer patients.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the study found that the survival rate for breast cancer patients at IKN now stands at 93 to 95 percent for a period exceeding three years. This is a notable improvement from the 86 to 91 percent survival rate recorded a decade ago. Similarly, the survival rate for lung cancer patients has risen to 56 percent, up from just 23 percent ten years ago.

Dr. Zaliha highlighted the effectiveness of early detection and treatment, especially for stage 1 and 2 breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients. The lung cancer early detection program, a collaboration between IKN and Astra Zeneca, employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which has been instrumental in enabling early treatment and thus improving recovery chances and survival rates.

Speaking at the IKN charity dinner event, which also marked the institute’s 10th anniversary, Dr. Zaliha expressed optimism about IKN’s role in leading global health developments. She emphasized the potential for Malaysia to advance in fields like genomic medicine and precision medicine in cancer treatment.

For this advancement, she underscored the importance of collaborations with organizations capable of creating a biobank, which would be essential for benefiting patients through the application of molecular and genetic research.

The charity dinner, attended by the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, aimed to raise funds for cancer patients. Dr. Wan Azizah, in her speech, pointed out the significant financial impact cancer has on families due to the high costs of treatment and care.

She mentioned that an estimated RM1 million is needed to assist financially challenged cancer patients in 2024, with the funds raised being directed to the Medical Welfare Fund Malaysia (TKPM). The event was successful in garnering donations totaling RM120,000 from TKPM, IKN Medical Education Association, and Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd.

These findings and the event’s success underscore the ongoing efforts to improve cancer treatment in Malaysia and the broader commitment to supporting patients and their families.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia – The Johor state government has announced an allocation of RM5.742 million to the healthcare services sector as part of its Budget 2024. This funding is aimed at improving the quality of health services across the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health and Unity Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon stated that RM1 million of the allocation will be used to upgrade the new queue system at healthcare facilities, such as the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA). This upgrade is expected to reduce waiting times for over 2,000 daily outpatients and ease the workload of hospital staff. Additionally, RM900,000 has been designated to facilitate the monthly medicine supply for regular patients, utilizing postal services to minimize queuing time.

The Locker4U programme will continue with an allocation of RM170,000. To combat the dengue crisis, which has caused 19 fatalities in Johor this year, RM250,000 has been allocated to the Johor State Health Department.

Starting next year, a mobile medical programme will be implemented across the 56 state constituencies in Johor, with a budget of RM1.3 million. This programme will involve collaboration between government and private hospitals, educational institutions, and volunteers. Furthermore, RM1.9 million will be invested in upgrading 465 pantries in 12 hospitals across Johor, ensuring comfort for healthcare staff.

Ling highlighted the significance of this budget allocation, the largest in history for the state’s healthcare sector, as a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services. He also expressed gratitude to the healthcare workers for their dedication and professional service.

Kuala Lumpur – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is reported to be in good health following his recent surgery, as stated by his daughter Datuk Nurul Hidayah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, In an Instagram post, Nurul Hidayah expressed relief and gratitude for the successful procedure, which had been delayed due to Zahid’s busy schedule. She emphasized the importance of family support for his recovery, noting his high spirits and dedication to serving the country. Nurul Hidayah, addressing the public, also advised against sharing unverified news regarding her father’s health. Ahmad Zahid, also serving as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is recognized for his contributions to religion, society, and the country.

Kuala Lumpur – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is reported to be in good health following his recent surgery, as stated by his daughter Datuk Nurul Hidayah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, In an Instagram post, Nurul Hidayah expressed relief and gratitude for the successful procedure, which had been delayed due to Zahid’s busy schedule. She emphasized the importance of family support for his recovery, noting his high spirits and dedication to serving the country. Nurul Hidayah, addressing the public, also advised against sharing unverified news regarding her father’s health. Ahmad Zahid, also serving as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is recognized for his contributions to religion, society, and the country.

KUCHING: The Indigenous Culture and Arts Foundation (YKOA) has announced plans to expand its medical outreach program in the Bario village of Sarawak, focusing on orthopedic care, scheduled for December 9. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access in remote areas of the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the foundation’s previous pediatric screening campaign, conducted on October 28, was a success for the Bario residents, benefiting 28 families. YKOA Chairman Dr. Andre Ratos emphasized the significance of the project for marginalized communities, highlighting its role in connecting these populations with district hospital services.

The statement outlined that both the pediatric and upcoming orthopedic campaigns are components of the foundation’s Health Beyond Boundaries Medical Outreach Programme. This program aims to significantly impact indigenous health across Malaysia, especially in remote villages where healthcare access is often limited.

The screening programs are designed to lead to the development of intervention plans, which will be formulated in collaboration with doctors from government facilities and local leaders. This approach ensures that healthcare support is holistic and comprehensive.

For the upcoming orthopedic campaign, the need for screening has been identified as particularly urgent due to the advanced age of the Bario population and the prevalence of joint disorders among them.