LETTERS: IT has been two years since the Covid-19 pandemic began. We are moving towards a more sustainable management of the virus, which has been ably managed in Malaysia.
Although Covid-19 is still dominating the healthscape, it is appropriate to reflect on the highlights of healthcare in 2022.
FIRST, two types of Covid-19 vaccines are being developed by Malaysian experts.
Among the research projects is the development of an oral vaccine against Covid-19, using an attenuated cholera bacteria by scientists at Universiti Sains Malaysia and AIMST University. It is expected to be completed in 2024.
In the past two years, Malaysia has been innovative in establishing a clear and open multisource data collection and feedback system to understand and respond to the public's concerns about Covid-19.
Evidence of factors that influence people's actions and behaviours can help design realistic health-communication methods, and create people-oriented programmes and policies.
SECOND, the rising cost of healthcare. The increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, is placing an increased strain on the country's health system.
The joint Health Ministry and World Health Organisation report of 2022 reveals that the healthcare cost of NCDs in Malaysia is close to RM10 billion in 2022.
Elderly health also imposes a strain on the cost of healthcare. Malaysia is expected to be an ageing nation by 2030, when more than 15 per cent of the population will be 60 years of age or older. An ageing population will increase the cost of healthcare by two to three times. In the future, new policies and plans for the elderly will need to be developed.
THIRD, Malaysia grappled with health issues among its populace. It spearheaded the digital community trials to protect mental health during Covid-19. "Relate Me" is a digital health programme created to help build a sense of community during the lockdowns through the WhatsApp platform.
The project was designed and coordinated by the Southeast Asia Community Observatory (Seaco) and the Medical School of Monash University Malaysia, in collaboration with WHO.
Professor Tin Tin, one of the researchers, said: "Loneliness and concerns about household finances were more closely linked to mental health concerns than education status, overcrowded housing, age, gender, ethnicity, fears about Covid-19 or other factors. This is an important finding for policymakers to take into account."
What awaits us in 2023? The New Year brings with it the promise of new opportunities.
The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed healthcare approaches, for patients and practitioners. We discern three trends.
ONE, people are concerned with their personal wellbeing, as well as that of their community and the planet.
Mental health will continue to be one of the biggest healthcare trends in 2023. WHO affirms this trend as mental-health services were severely compromised during the pandemic.
TWO, digital tools to diagnose diseases will increasingly gain prominence. Artificial intelligence in healthcare is forecast to increase significantly in 2023, as evidence of its reliability increases.
Wearable devices are forecast to be increasingly used by patients in 2023 to track their health and activity. They can also be used by clinicians to monitor patients remotely.
THREE, telemedicine seems to be the way of the future in community healthcare. In 2023, it is expected that there will be an increase in home-based care as the pandemic has proved that a familiar environment and proximity to family can have a positive effect on patient outcomes.
Improved healthcare systems are needed to tackle health challenges.
Simply being active, nurturing a healthy mind, eating well, not smoking and undergoing regular vaccinations and health screenings can make a difference.
DR MADHUMITA SEN
Deputy director, Clinical Skills Centre, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times