Healthcare Forum 2022: Charting the Future of Healthcare in Malaysia
On 27 July, AMCHAM held its Healthcare Forum 2022 amidst a dramatic day when parts of the country were hit by a massive power failure. Despite the unexpected adjustments to the schedule, the Forum, organized by AMCHAM’s Healthcare and Lifesciences Committee, brought together an ensemble of expert speakers within the industry to discuss Malaysia’s healthcare system and its future directions in a program themed: “Charting the Future of Healthcare in Malaysia”.
YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Health who attended as our guest of honor, spoke with aplomb given the circumstances, about the country’s healthcare system in Malaysia, how much was learned dealing with COVID-19 and what direction he is looking to take it for a healthier Malaysia. Delivered with grace in partial darkness and with no technology support, his remarks were well received by members and guests.
The Forum that started in the morning, featured two panels and a special presentation.
The first panel discussed healthcare financing and the need for a rebalance in the country’s public / private participation in healthcare services and delivery. COVID-19 pandemic impacted the healthcare system and exposed opportunities that may not have been seen or even envisioned, it was time to learn from those lessons. Crucial components to the improvement of the healthcare system were discussed here with panelists Dr. Rozita Halina binti Tun Hussein, Director, Planning, Division, Ministry of Health; Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President, Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia; Antony Lee Chairman, General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM); CEO, AIG Malaysia; Chairman, AMCHAM and Sarah Ong, General Manager, Core Diagnostics (CRDx), Abbott Malaysia. This session was moderated by Azrul Mohd Khalib, Chief Executive, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy.
A special presentation was conducted by Professor Dr. Wong Chee Piau, President, Digital Health Malaysia on the evolving digital healthcare landscape. Professor Dr. Wong then proceeded to join the second panel discussion of the forum along with panelists Fabian Bigar, CEO, MyDigital; Kanageswari Govindaraju, Chief Operating Officer, Doctor2U; and Dr. Yanjun Chan, Medical Director, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Assistance Centers of International SOS (M) Sdn Bhd, moderated by Hasnul Nadzrin Shah, Director – Government and Regulatory Affairs – Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, IBM Malaysia. This panel discussion centered around digital health, its growth over the last few years and the initiatives from the private sector that are impacting Malaysia’s digital healthcare.
AMCHAM would like to thank all our Forum participants for their insightful discussions and a very big thank you to YB Khairy Jamaluddin for not only attending the event amidst a busy schedule but for affording us his time in the midst of unexpected circumstances. All this would not be possible without our event sponsors – Abbott, Novartis, Pfizer, Davita, GSK, International SOS, Johnson & Johnson, and Viatris.
