wonderland

Enhances Drug Effectiveness and Patient Safety  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural phase of its clinical pharmacogenomics service within its Heart Center. This pioneering service leverages the patient’s DNA to tailor drug dosages and selections, heralding a new era in healthcare that prioritizes personalized treatment for each individual. This groundbreaking approach is poised to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce potential harm.

KFSH&RC’s experts have said that this analysis empowers physicians to prescribe medications customized to each patient, factoring in their unique health conditions and genetic traits. Patients’ responses to pharmaceuticals can significantly differ based on their genetic profiles. As a result, what proves effective for one patient may have minimal impact in another. It is worth noting that statistics reveal that 15% of hospital admissions stem from adverse drug reactions, imposing substantial financial and human burdens on healthcare systems across the globe.

This innovative service is a collaborative endeavor between the Centre for Genomic Medicine, Healthcare Information Technology Affairs, and the Pharmaceutical Care Department at KFSH&RC. In its initial phase, this service encompasses six of the most frequently prescribed medications, as determined by hospital data, whose efficacy is known to be influenced by genetic variations.

KFSH&RC has made it clear that it remains committed to expanding the scope of this service progressively, encompassing all hospital departments. This expansion underscores the hospital’s unwavering dedication to providing personalized healthcare to every patient, ensuring the utmost level of safety, and minimizing harm, while adhering to the latest globally endorsed scientific practices.

At the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh from October 29th to 31st, where KFSH&RC plays a vital role as a strategic health partner, the hospital is set to unveil the innovative service that promises to advance healthcare outcomes in the region.

KFSH&RC stated that it is moving to gradually expand the scope of application of the service to include all medical specialties as part of its commitment to providing personalized health care for each patient at the highest level of safety and prevention of harm and to harness the latest scientifically proven practices around the world.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is considered among the most prominent in the world in providing specialized health care, a pioneer in innovation, and an advanced medical research and education center. It also seeks to develop medical technologies and raise health care worldwide in partnership with prominent local, regional and international institutions. To achieve world-class service in the clinical, research, and educational fields.

Contact information:

kfshrc@mcsaatchi.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e826983-52ae-4fe5-8579-0cbdfcca9d1c

SOURCE : King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

SHAH ALAM, Oct 23 (Bernama) — Avisena Specialist Hospital hosted the Avisena Pink & Pulse Carnival an engaging and informative event for the community, coinciding with the Pink October awareness month as it ranked the highest prevalence among women’s in Malaysia. The event was aimed at promoting health and wellness among the public, as well as raising awareness of breast cancer & healthy lifestyle.

The main event highlight was the Avisena Run for Pink, a spirited 5KM run that saw a gathering encompassing a wide range of age groups all adorned in varying shades of pink. The run commenced with a ceremonial flag-off by Chief Executive Officer of Avisena Specialist Hospital, Dr. Razman Abd Karim, Medical Director of Avisena Specialist Hospital, Col (R) Dato’ Dr Abdul Rahman, and Director of MBSA Community Development, Shahrin Ahmad.

Participants set off on a scenic route from the hospital and continued around the heart of Shah Alam, lending their enthusiastic support to the cause of breast cancer awareness. Avisena also brought an insightful breast cancer talk led by our consultant general, breast & endocrine, Dr. Sarinah Basro. This informative session covered prevention, detection, and treatment. “Access to breast cancer information should be readily available, ensuring that individuals’ understanding of the disease aligns with their age, enabling them to identify their own cancer risk and take proactive steps like early screening” she said.

The carnival offered a diverse range of engaging activities, including health screenings, insights into radiology screening journey, a healthy eating demonstration, an endurance-testing fitness challenge for all visitors to enjoy and a lifelike heart replica illustrating its function and common conditions. Moreover, visitors seized the opportunity to explore career openings aligned with the hospital expansion set to complete in 2027.

Avisena Specialist Hospital is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare and is embarking on an expansion plan that is set to start in 2024 bringing the total number of beds to 275 by 2027. This expansion will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and will also include a comprehensive cancer centre offering a wide range of services from diagnostics to treatment and post-treatment support, all aimed at providing holistic care to cancer patients. Alongside this, there will be a modern rehabilitation and physiotherapy facilities staffed by a team of highly skilled medical professionals, marking a positive transformation for the economic and social landscape of Shah Alam and its neighbouring communities.

The Avisena Pink & Pulse Carnival was a successful event that attracted over 1,000 visitors throughout the day. The event not only aimed at fitness and edutainment for the visitors, but also showcased the hospital’s commitment and excellence in providing quality healthcare services readily for the community.

About Avisena Specialist Hospital

Avisena Specialist Hospital is a private specialist hospital located in the city centre of Shah Alam, equipped with 120 beds, 4 operating theatres, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Critical Care Unit (CCU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), with a strength of 34 resident specialists and 25 visiting specialists. The hospital provides medical expertise in various fields such as Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nephrology, Urology, Colorectal Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Ophthalmology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology & Plastic Surgery.

Avisena Specialist Hospital has also received the Malaysian Society Quality in Health (MSQH) recognition from 2012 until now, and this confirms the commitment to high quality care and treatment. Avisena Specialist Hospital won the “Global Healthcare Asia Pacific” Award in 2022 and 2023, in the category of Best Surgical Service and Best ENT Service. The hospital also won the CXP Best Customer Experience Award, the Brand Laureate SME’s Brand Champion Award and the Brand Laureate SME’s Best Brand Award.

Avisena Specialist Hospital is set to commence construction in 2024, with expectations of full operation by 2027. It will feature 9 operating theatres (including 1 hybrid operating room), 80 specialist clinics, 275 patient beds, 31 critical care beds, and 20 day-care beds. Furthermore, Avisena will introduce comprehensive oncology services, including diagnostics, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cancer surgery, and palliative care. The physiotherapy and rehabilitation section will also be enhanced with the introduction of high-tech facilities such as the Hyperbaric Chamber and Aqua Rehab. Over 200 medical specialists and therapists will be ready to serve in alignment with the mission and goals, ensuring that comprehensive medical facilities are available to patients and the community.

SOURCE: Avisena Specialist Hospital

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: En Shazwan
Tel: 017 327 2003
Email: m.shazwan@avisena.com.my 

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) — Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has announced the appointment of Dr Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Oct 16.

According to a statement, Dr Mohamed Ali will be spearheading all aspects of MHTC’s operations, ensuring its commitment to facilitating and promoting the nation’s healthcare travel industry.

With his vast experience and leadership, he brings a fresh take to Malaysia Healthcare’s growth, furthering Malaysia’s vision to be the trusted and leading global healthcare destination.

In his position as the new CEO, Dr Mohamed Ali will continue to build strategic and valuable partnerships with stakeholders in both private and public sectors at home and abroad.

Under his leadership, Malaysia Healthcare will remain committed to building the Malaysia Healthcare brand and simultaneously raising the country’s profile as a safe and trusted provider of quality healthcare globally.

With 28 years of experience in C suite positions, Dr Mohamed Ali specialised in Strategic, Financial, Digital, and operational turnaround of companies, while the businesses that he had managed range from high tech equipment including medical, Hospital Management, and Clinical Research.

He has extensive experience in health tourism from the early days of working with Malaysia Tourism Board, subsequently during his tenure in Pantai Holdings and more recently whilst he was the Group Chief Operating Officer in Vinmec, Vietnam.

Founded in 2009, MHTC is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country’s healthcare travel scene, making it a key export service industry.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched the “Hallo” Hong Kong Halloween promotion on Oct 15 as visitors immerse themselves in the electrifying spirit of Halloween in the city this October and get ready for a haunting array of hair-raising happenings at various venues around town.

Whimsical and creative Halloween-themed decor adorned HKTB visitor centres, MTR stations, sight-seeing transport facilities and various hot spots across the city, inviting visitors and locals to take photos, enjoy the intense vibes and demonstrate to the world’s Hong Kong’s unparalleled fun-loving festive charm.

In a statement, HKTB Executive Director, Dane Cheng said: “Among cities in Asia, Hong Kong is one of those with the most buoyant Halloween ambience, with a wide range of celebrations and unique experiences.

“Riding on the Government’s launch of the ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’ campaign and spending offers, the HKTB is leveraging the festival to further strengthen the celebratory ambience by putting up jovial decor city-wide, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the fun experience as soon as they set foot in town, while the local public also enjoy the celebrations.”

One of the HKTB’s top four trendy, eye-catching Halloween hot spots and must-try experiences is trick-or-treating at HKTB Visitor Centres located at Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, and the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.

Visitors can drop by for a trick or treat with the staff and pick up a delectable treat, or may even get a chance to receive a limited-edition festive charm on the days leading up to Halloween in addition to the HKTB helping them plan a customised Halloween itinerary.

Meanwhile, starting Oct 18, 10 of Hong Kong’s MTR stations, including Central, Ocean Park, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Sham Shui Po, are decked out in their colourful seasonal best, each specially designed with elements inspired by authentic local features or landmarks in their respective areas.

Furthermore, visitors will be able to experience the vibrant side of Hong Kong and the night vibes of the charming Victoria Harbour by hopping on board the Sightseeing Bus, the Star Ferry and the Dukling junk boat, dressed up in colourful Halloween attire, and embark on a pleasant journey across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Colourful and gleeful pumpkins, spirits, bats, spiders and candies in the form of neon lights, marquees and LED art installations will also take over six tourist hot spots including the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, Avenue of Stars, and Mid-Levels Escalator in Central, creating an extra level of Halloween aura and party ambience in the city.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) together with Subang Jaya Medical Centre, organised a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “‘My family has a history of breast cancer, should I be worried? What screening should I do?” at the MHTC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The event aimed to create more awareness on the importance of early detection and provide valuable insights into breast cancer prevention and screening methods.

The panel was joined by Dr. Teh Mei Sze, a Consultant Breast Surgeon (Oncoplastic), and Ms. Yoon Sook Yee, a Certified Genetic Counsellor, both shared their expertise and knowledge on breast cancer prevention, genetic factors, and the latest advancements in screening techniques.

The panel discussion is aligned with this year’s breast cancer awareness month theme, Thrive365. This theme emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to breast cancer prevention and encourages individuals to prioritise their overall well-being throughout the year.

Breast cancer affects both genders, and it is crucial to raise awareness about the disease among men as well. According to recent statistics, breast cancer cases in Malaysia have been on the rise, with approximately 5,000 new cases reported each year. While some cases are hereditary, comprising only 5-10%, the majority of breast cancers result from factors like environment and lifestyle. Early detection plays a vital role in improving survival rates, and regular screenings are recommended for individuals above the age of 40.

Farizal B. Jaafar, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MHTC, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This event is a testament to our commitment in the battle against breast cancer. We are delighted to collaborate with one of the finalists of our Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital programme, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, to organise this session today. We hope that with such platforms, we can revive the idea of being more aware and more “alert” around breast cancer, a disease that for the most part is detectable in early stages, with better outcomes for those who are diagnosed with it.”

MHTC remains dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and saving lives. Through initiatives like discussions, MHTC aims to empower individuals with knowledge and encourage proactive steps towards breast cancer prevention and early detection.

To learn more about breast cancer and for more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/ or visit our social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council).

For media enquiries:

Tutie Ismail
Vice President
Communications
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
tutie@mhtc.org.my

Chandrika Bhaskaran
Senior Manager
Public Relations & Content Communications
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
chandrika.b@mhtc.org.my

ABOUT THE MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country’s healthcare travel scene, making it a key export service industry. Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry under the brand “Malaysia Healthcare” with the intended goal of making Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination. MHTC works closely with over 90 private healthcare facilities in Malaysia, who are registered members of MHTC.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/790080e9-f54f-4be0-ab36-6e22030e3665
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d97962a-97ac-4939-abc6-5115d6a60904
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/013b89c6-fe15-4cea-a560-92d7d2e523b8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2b98e06-6906-4431-abe7-be25efd6bdb2

SOURCE : Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council