The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) has called for the government to prioritise preventative care in the reorganisation of Malaysia’s health system, noting that care services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have fallen to the wayside in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are deeply saddened and concerned by the findings of the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). There are little to no recorded improvements in the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs,” said the academy, adding that the only notable progress is the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) which has been reduced from 47.7% in 2015 to 38.1% in 2019.
“If preventative and corrective measures are not urgently put in place, many Malaysians are on track to contract chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory disease,” the AMM shared.
Also noted was that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had reported on June 1 that prevention and treatment services for NCDs all over the world have been severely disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Malaysia being no exception.
“As Malaysia continues to make progress in our fight against the pandemic, we must refocus our resources to address NCD prevention and treatment. The government must develop and implement a long-term plan for our health system to efficiently manage both Covid-19 and NCD care services until a Covid-19 vaccine is discovered,” urged the academy.
The AMM added that this is important, as people living with NCDs who are also infected with Covid-19 are more prone to severe symptoms and have a higher mortality risk. Both issues need to be addressed together, said the AMM.
“Preventative care must be prioritised in the reorganisation of our health system. The rakyat have proven throughout the Covid-19 crisis that given the proper guidance and tools, they will abide by necessary preventative measures to protect their health and the health of their loved ones,” said the academy.
The academy also called for the introduction of innovative solutions to drastically improve the risk factors for NCDs displayed in the 2019 NHMS findings. The measures should also offset the potential negative impacts of extended movement control, such as reduced physical activity and mental health, which can result in poor eating habits.
The AMM also urged the government to invest more in primary care services, as early and regular screening is vital in treating NCDs.
“The Enhanced Primary Health Care (EnPHC) Initiative launched in 2017 was a move in the right direction in increasing access to healthcare for all Malaysians, especially those from lower-income groups. The revival of this initiative, along with others under the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2016-2025, must be incorporated into the government’s long-term health plan for managing Covid-19,” said the academy.
The AMM also warned that the full extent of Covid-19’s impact on the Malaysian health system and people with NCDs remains to be seen, and noted that there is clear evidence of the virus’ disruption to other areas of healthcare as well as its disproportionately harmful effects on people with NCDs.
“The 2019 NHMS report is a wake-up call for Malaysians to take urgent action for our own future health. As such, the government must refocus our health system and develop health policies to address both Covid-19 and NCD care in the immediate future,” said the academy. – June 3, 2020
