LETTERS: Healthcare costs in Malaysia are rising 15 per cent annually due to increased utilisation of healthcare services and an ageing population.
However, the government cannot continuously subsidise healthcare and it's time to reassess the situation. One potential solution is to promote physical activities that are beneficial to health.
Unfortunately, many physicians are not promoting exercise.
There is no data on doctors prescribing exercise as a remedy, but anecdotal evidence suggests the figure could be as low as 10 per cent.
There are four reasons for this. First, many in the medical profession have a "drugs mindset" and believe that only medication can treat a patient.
Second, the curriculum at medical schools does not emphasise the benefits of exercise, and professors do not routinely teach it.
Third, doctors themselves often have low levels of physical activity due to overwork, making it difficult for them to appreciate the benefits of regular exercise.
Finally, there is no advocacy for exercise in the same way that drug companies market their products.
To encourage more Malaysians to exercise, the government, particularly the Health Ministry, must formulate a policy that focuses on changing mindsets in these four areas.
Collaboration between the Health Ministry, local authorities and other stakeholders, such as residents' associations, is also needed to work on more preventive measures, such as investing in more recreational and exercise facilities at strategic locations.
A case in point is Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. It is conveniently located and has all the amenities a public park should have.
Thanks to proper maintenance and upkeep by the National Landscape Department, it has become a lovely park to exercise and socialise with others. I exercise regularly there.
Additionally, the Health Ministry should encourage Malaysians to pursue an active lifestyle and urge people to make minor lifestyle changes to increase mobility, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift.
Exercising regularly contributes to health and is a much better alternative to a lifetime of medication. So, it's time for a change of mindset when it comes to managing health.
Promoting exercise and making it more accessible to Malaysians can be a significant step towards improving health and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
It is important for physicians and healthcare professionals to promote and discuss exercise with their patients as a part of medical treatment and care.
POLA SINGH
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times