Using genetic details to treat illnesses

(From left) Dr Seow, Prof Dr Thong, Lau, Dr Khoo and Dr Low at the launch of the Genomics Medicine Centre at Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City. — KK SHAM/The Star
GENOMIC medicine, which uses a person's genetic information to guide their healthcare, is a growing field.
This type of care is now available at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.
The hospital has launched its Genomics Medicine Centre to provide advanced healthcare services.
Speaking at the launch, Sunway Healthcare Group hospital and healthcare operations managing director Dr Khoo Chow Huat said their goal was not just to treat illness but to stay ahead of it.
'Our Genomics Medicine Centre reflects our vision for a future where healthcare is personalised to each patient's needs and risks, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
'We are proud to offer Malaysian patients access to precision medicine that's on par with the world's best,' he added.
According to the centre's media statement, the services integrate genomic science into clinical care, supporting more informed, patient-specific healthcare approaches in Malaysia and the region.
It is helping doctors better treat cancer, choose the right medications and diagnose rare or hard-to-identify illnesses and infections, the centre said.
'Malaysia, like many developing countries, is facing a dual healthcare challenge – an ageing population with rising rates of chronic conditions and a growing number of patients living with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed rare diseases.
'The genomic medicine services aim to offer timely and relevant genetic insights that support early intervention and improved care planning,' the centre added.
Dr Khoo, in his speech, said through these new services, patients would have access to a comprehensive range of genomic testing services, including hereditary cancer risk screening, liquid biopsy for cancer screening and rare disease diagnostics.
Also present at the launch were Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long, SMC chief executive officer Dr Seow Vei Ken, consultant clinical geneticist Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, SMC medical director Dr Low Kwai Siong, consultant paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ch'ng Tong Wooi and SMC staff.

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