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Silent Health Crisis: Nearly 70% of Low-Income Malaysians Found with Non-Communicable Diseases
Table of Contents
- 1. Silent Health Crisis: Nearly 70% of Low-Income Malaysians Found with Non-Communicable Diseases
- 2. Rising Rates of Multimorbidity
- 3. Impact on National Productivity and Healthcare System
- 4. PeKa B40: Reaching vulnerable Populations
- 5. Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About Health Screenings
- 7. What are the key factors driving the growth and change of the asian healthcare sector?
- 8. Healthcare Asia Daily News: Your Source for Industry Intelligence
- 9. The Rapidly Evolving Asian Healthcare Landscape
- 10. Key Trends Shaping Healthcare in Asia
- 11. Medical Technology Innovations to Watch
- 12. Healthcare Business & Investment Landscape
- 13. R&D Advancements & Clinical trials
- 14. Upcoming healthcare Events in Asia (2025)
Kuala Lumpur – A concerning new analysis reveals that a substantial 70 percent of individuals participating in last year’s free health screenings under the Health Care Scheme for the B40 Group, known as PeKa B40, were diagnosed with at least one non-communicable disease (NCD). This finding underscores a growing, yet frequently enough overlooked, health challenge within Malaysia’s lower-income communities.
Rising Rates of Multimorbidity
Dr. Yussni Aris @ Haris,Head of Benefit Package and Pricing at ProtectHealth Corporation,reported that of the 301,650 individuals screened through PeKa B40 last year,25 percent were found to have two or more NCDs concurrently. These commonly include conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. Dr. Yussni emphasized that this data demonstrates a marked increase in “multimorbidity” – the presence of multiple chronic conditions – among this vulnerable population.
“This highlights the heightened risk faced by those with limited financial resources, many of whom might potentially be unaware of their existing health issues,” Dr. Yussni stated recently. Recent data from the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reportedly indicates that 2.5 percent of Malaysian adults are simultaneously battling all four major NCDs.Worryingly,two in every five individuals with diabetes remain undiagnosed until they undergo screening.
Impact on National Productivity and Healthcare System
The escalating prevalence of NCDs extends beyond individual wellbeing, posing a significant threat to the nation’s economic output.According to a 2022 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs accounted for 74 percent of all deaths in Malaysia, with a disproportionate impact on those aged 35 to 64 – the core of the country’s workforce.
“Without intervention, we can expect an increasing number of individuals to develop severe complications, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure,” Dr. Yussni cautioned. “These treatments are costly and place a considerable strain on both the national healthcare system and the financial stability of affected families.”
PeKa B40: Reaching vulnerable Populations
Launched on May 31, 2019, the PeKa B40 scheme provides free health screenings to 6.9 million recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid. As of may 31, 2025, approximately 1.6 million Malaysians from the B40 group have benefited from these screenings. ProtectHealth is actively working to raise awareness about the critical importance of early detection and preventative care.
to broaden its reach,ProtectHealth has forged strategic alliances with 3,979 private clinics,1,044 Ministry of Health (MOH) health clinics,149 government hospitals,and 211 private laboratories. These partnerships are complemented by community outreach programs and door-to-door initiatives designed to reach high-risk and underserved individuals.
“We can provide the resources and infrastructure, but ultimately, individual participation is essential,” Dr. Yussni stressed. “Without proactive screening, this silent health crisis will persist unnoticed.”
| Key Program | Target group | Beneficiaries (as of May 31, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| PeKa B40 | B40 Income Group (receiving STR) | 1.6 million |
| Total Eligible | All STR Recipients | 6.9 million |
Did You Know? Early detection of NCDs can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Regular health screenings are a proactive step towards maintaining yoru wellbeing.
Pro Tip: Focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle – including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management – to reduce your risk of developing NCDs.
What steps can the government take to improve access to health screenings for rural communities? How can individual Malaysians prioritize their health and embrace preventive care?
Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases are a leading global health challenge, responsible for a significant proportion of deaths worldwide. These conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are largely preventable through lifestyle modifications and early detection. According to the WHO, NCDs killed 41 million people each year, representing 74% of all deaths globally. Promoting awareness and encouraging preventative measures are crucial in combating this growing health crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Screenings
- What is a health screening? A health screening is a test to check if you’re at risk of a particular condition.
- Why are health screenings significant for NCDs? Early detection of NCDs through screenings allows for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
- Who is eligible for the PeKa B40 health screening program? Individuals from the B40 income group who are recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid are eligible.
- What NCDs are screened for under the PeKa B40 program? The program screens for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity.
- Where can I find a participating clinic for a PeKa B40 health screening? You can find a list of participating clinics on the ProtectHealth website.
- How frequently enough should I get a health screening? The frequency of health screenings depends on your age, risk factors, and family history.
- What can I do to reduce my risk of developing NCDs? Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, can significantly reduce your risk.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below!
What are the key factors driving the growth and change of the asian healthcare sector?
Healthcare Asia Daily News: Your Source for Industry Intelligence
The Rapidly Evolving Asian Healthcare Landscape
Asia’s healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, driven by factors like aging populations, rising chronic disease prevalence, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rapid technological advancements. Staying informed requires a dedicated source for healthcare news asia, and that’s where complete daily updates become crucial. This article provides a snapshot of key trends, emerging technologies, and vital business intelligence impacting the Asian medical industry.
Key Trends Shaping Healthcare in Asia
Several important trends are redefining healthcare delivery and innovation across the continent:
Digital Health Revolution: Telemedicine,mobile health (mHealth),wearable devices,and AI-powered diagnostics are gaining traction,especially in addressing access barriers in rural areas. the adoption of medical technology is accelerating.
Precision Medicine: Genomic sequencing and personalized treatment plans are becoming more prevalent, fueled by decreasing costs and increasing awareness.This is particularly notable in countries like japan and South Korea.
Healthcare Tourism: Countries like Thailand, India, and Singapore continue to attract medical tourists seeking affordable, high-quality care.
Focus on Preventative Care: Governments and healthcare providers are increasingly emphasizing preventative measures and wellness programs to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
Rise of Private Healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics are expanding rapidly, offering specialized services and catering to a growing middle class.
AI in Healthcare: As highlighted by the World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/publications/industries-in-the-intelligent-age-white-paper-series/healthcare/, Artificial Intelligence is playing a pivotal role in diagnostics, drug discovery, and patient care.
Medical Technology Innovations to Watch
The medical device industry in Asia is booming, with several exciting innovations emerging:
Robotic Surgery: Increasingly adopted for complex procedures, offering greater precision and minimally invasive options.
AI-powered Diagnostics: Algorithms capable of analyzing medical images (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to detect diseases earlier and more accurately.
Wearable Health Trackers: Monitoring vital signs, activity levels, and sleep patterns, empowering individuals to manage their health proactively.
3D Printing in Healthcare: Creating customized prosthetics, implants, and even bioprinting tissues and organs.
Nanotechnology: Developing targeted drug delivery systems and advanced diagnostic tools.
Biosensors: Real-time monitoring of biomarkers for early disease detection and personalized treatment.
Healthcare Business & Investment Landscape
The healthcare business in Asia presents significant opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.
Venture Capital Funding: Investment in digital health startups is surging, particularly in areas like telemedicine, AI, and data analytics.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Consolidation is occurring as larger healthcare providers acquire smaller companies to expand their reach and capabilities.
Public-Private Partnerships: Governments are collaborating with private companies to improve healthcare infrastructure and access.
Pharmaceutical Market Growth: Demand for pharmaceuticals is increasing due to aging populations and rising disease prevalence.
Contract Research Organizations (CROs): Asia is becoming a hub for pharmaceutical R&D, with CROs offering cost-effective research services.
R&D Advancements & Clinical trials
Healthcare R&D in Asia is gaining momentum, with several countries investing heavily in biomedical research:
China: Rapidly expanding its R&D capabilities, focusing on areas like genomics, immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine.
India: A major player in generic drug manufacturing and clinical trials, with a growing biotechnology sector.
South Korea: Leading in biotechnology and medical device innovation, with a strong focus on personalized medicine.
Singapore: A regional hub for biomedical research, attracting multinational pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
Japan: Known for its advanced pharmaceutical industry and innovative medical technologies.
Upcoming healthcare Events in Asia (2025)
Staying connected with the industry requires attending key healthcare events.Here are a few notable conferences and exhibitions:
- Medical Fair Asia (Singapore): August 13-16, 2025 – A leading trade fair for medical equipment and technology.
- China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) (Shanghai): May 15-18, 2025 – One of the largest medical equipment fairs in asia.
- BioJapan (Tokyo): October 8-10, 2025 – Focusing on biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation.
- India Pharma (Mumbai): December 3-5, 2025 – Showcasing the latest advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.
- ASEAN Health Expo (Kuala Lumpur): September 22-24, 2025 – A regional platform for healthcare professionals and businesses.