KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) plays a pivotal role in advancing transformation and bridging the gaps in access to healthcare.
MCMC deputy managing director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin said a significant challenge the commission aims to address is access—often referred to as the connectivity divide in communications, which mirrors a similar divide in healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
“In the past, we built infrastructure and communication networks to close the connectivity gap. Now, we see this as another bridge—this time, connecting healthcare to rural areas.
“... the connectivity that we provide must be coupled with solutions for the betterment of our rakyat in terms of healthcare, so we are excited, and, in this area, we are looking at not only transforming our telcos to TechCos but also creating a platform for international collaborations for solutions, as well as looking at the possibility of partnering to create a platform for innovation.”
He said this in a forum titled ‘The Next Frontier in Healthcare - Leveraging Future Financing, Strategies for Transformation and Flexible Models for Future-Ready Solutions’ at the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2024 here today.
Another panelist, MEASAT chief commercial officer Ganendra Selvaraj said that transforming healthcare is all about creating a comprehensive ecosystem, therefore, collaboration with key stakeholders like MCMC, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Health Ministry (MOH) is essential for building this ecosystem.
He said their support, combined with efforts toward financial inclusion, is crucial for reaching rural communities, particularly those in the B40 group.
“Transforming healthcare involves taking small but meaningful steps as an ecosystem. By capturing, digitalising and analysing data, we can implement targeted programmes in these areas and apply the knowledge we’ve gained as urbanites.
“With drones, we can deliver medicines to these areas, and by using Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can shift from preventive to predictive healthcare. However, the first step is establishing the necessary infrastructure in rural communities to enable them to harness these technologies. It will require a collective effort from the entire community and industry to truly transform healthcare,” he said.
Meanwhile, MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad, in her opening remarks at the event, said the conference serves as a cornerstone for strengthening public-private partnership, a key driving force in the medical conference landscape.
She said the MIH Megatrends 2024 aims to become the inaugural medical conference brand, reinvigorating the gathering of medical practitioners and related professionals in Malaysia and internationally.
“I hope this conference will open a wider network of access to health services in the country and abroad and position Malaysia as a country capable of leading medical technology advocacy. This conference can be a platform for sharing information to improve Malaysia’s economic position at the global level,” she said.
The conference will explore and focus on key trends and transformations shaping the future of health and health services globally.
It includes Digital Health and Telemedicine, Precision Medicine and Genomics, Aging Population and Longevity, Mental Health Awareness and Support, Health Equity and Access to Care, Health Data and AI, Healthcare Policy and Regulations, as well as Sustainable Healthcare Practices.
MIH Megatrends 2024 is the nation’s premier healthcare event, organised by the MOH in collaboration with KPJ Healthcare and strategic partnership with the MCMC.
Today’s event also featured two insightful symposiums that explored cutting-edge topics in healthcare, namely Generative AI to Augment Healthcare Delivery and Precision Medicine and Genomic Healthcare.
The three-day event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, brings together global healthcare leaders, professionals, innovators and policymakers to explore groundbreaking advancements, exchange knowledge and forge partnerships aimed at elevating the quality, accessibility and sustainability of healthcare.
Designed for the business-to-business segment, the exhibition will showcase an array of exhibitors and host pocket talks and sharing sessions led by doctors and health influencers, product demonstrations and free health screenings and consultations by MOH and KPJ Healthcare.
An exhibitor at the MIH Megatrends, BD medical sales leader Wong Xen Yeat said the conference is significant as it represents the collaboration between the MOH and the private sector, specifically KPJ Healthcare.
“This year’s event is much larger in scale than previous KPJ conferences, thanks to this collaboration. We have a diverse range of local and international vendors, including multinational corporations. This creates ample opportunities for engagement with MOH and various private sector stakeholders,” he said.
A delegate, KPJ Kuala Selangor chief nursing officer Neelavani Munianday said she is looking forward to gaining valuable insights and connections and getting hands-on experience with some of the cutting-edge technology on display.
-- BERNAMA
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