ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), 74% of all global deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Screening, detection and treatment are three key components needed to address this.
In attempts to curb NCDs and alleviate the strain on the global healthcare infrastructure, preventative care is gaining the limelight.
In embracing this paradigm, Malaysia is experiencing a burgeoning emphasis on proactive healthcare alongside curative care. This is subsequently re-shaping the nation’s healthcare narrative.
Placing more importance on holistic wellness and disease prevention is anticipated to reduce the burden on the nation’s existing healthcare systems as well as facilitating improved health outcomes. Individuals are empowered to take charge of their well-being as a healthier, more resilient and more productive society is being nurtured.
Same-day results
At the forefront of this transformative journey is Island Hospital. In 2023 alone, the hospital welcomed more than 20,000 patients who underwent specialist-led health screenings with same-day results.
The same-day results raise the bar in the preventative health ecosystem, offering a unique value proposition for our patients. The swift turnaround time helps to alleviate anxiety, especially among health travellers who might be on a time constraint.
The prompt feedback also enables patients to make informed decisions regarding further treatments, opinions or options available to them.”
No stranger to pioneering the healthcare landscape, Island Hospital is currently developing Island Medical City, a first-of-its-kind fully integrated medical hub that is conceived to ease patient experiences from end to end.
As the preferred healthcare destination for an increasing number of health travellers, we envision that the establishment of this state-of-the-art healthcare hub will improve healthcare access while meeting the growing demands of both local and international patients.
Given the healthcare travel industry in Malaysia in 2023 is forecasted to record new heights with over one million healthcare travellers and with Island Hospital’s foreign patient volume historically increasing by 10% each year, this forward-looking initiative offers more possibilities for health travellers.
When completed, Island Medical City will feature a total of 1,000 beds, enhanced surgical capacities and facilities as well as expanded centres of excellence, including in preventative health.
Private healthcare accessibility
This focus on preventative healthcare represents a significant stepping stone in reinforcing the nation’s healthcare ecosystem, particularly in addressing the growing burden of NCDs in the country.
With the expansion of our centres of excellence, we look forward to supporting the vision of the Health Ministry (MOH) in advancing public-private partnership to reinforce the healthcare ecosystem and make private healthcare more accessible for all.
Recognising that awareness is also key in the preventative journey, Island Hospital consistently implements various initiatives aimed at engaging the general public and advocating the importance of health screenings and healthy living practices.
These include targeted campaigns highlighting the critical role of early cancer screening in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives as well as community outreach and health screening programmes.
Supported by the upcoming Island Medical City, Island Hospital is confident of taking on the mantle as a premier healthcare provider for both local and international patients.
Through strategic investments in facilities, capabilities and technologies, we are committed to expanding and simplifying access to preventative healthcare services to meet the increasing demands of the global population. – Feb 6, 2024
Lim Kooi Ling is the Island Hospital’s chief of staff.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
