Latest news with #Dzulkefly
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Health
- Barnama
NCCM 2025: MOH To Focus On Lung Health Prevention And AI
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is entering the final phase of its National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021–2025, with a renewed focus on strengthening cancer prevention, early detection and sustainable financing. In this regard Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the three-day National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2025, jointly organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Sunway University starting today, is aligned with the ministry's plan in charting the next chapter of the strategic plan for cancer which is more data-driven, inclusive and forward-looking approach. 'Cancer remains one of the most pressing and devastating challenges in our fight against the pandemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 'According to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, we now record over 169,000 reported cancer cases, an increase of 47 per cent from the previous cycle. The lifetime risk of cancer has also increased to one in eight Malaysians,' he said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of NCCM 2025 themed 'Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives', at Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, here today. Dzulkefly said in response to the rising threat of lung cancer, the ministry introduced the Lung Health Initiative during last year's NCCM which is currently among the top three most common cancers in Malaysia and a leading cause of death. He said Malaysia led the way on the global stage in cancer prevention and early detection with the adoption of the global resolution entitled Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), co-sponsored by 15 other WHO member states. 'This is a historic milestone not just for Malaysia, but for global public health. It reflects our belief in a whole-of-planet approach for lung health that integrates prevention, digital innovation, and people-centred care. 'Implementation is already underway, across six states namely Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being utilised for chest X-rays in selected health clinics and government hospitals for interpretation, improving accuracy and accelerating early detection for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses,' he said. Dzulkefly also commended National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for extending the effort through mobile AI X-ray units, which help screen underserved communities and workers in industrial settings.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Dzulkefly: EPF medical scheme will be optional, not mandatory
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be voluntary and not mandatory, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the initiative aims to offer EPF contributors the option of broader insurance coverage, as currently, 32 per cent of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. "Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people," he said in a Facebook post today. Dzulkefly said that the proposal drew inspiration from countries like Singapore, which prioritise insurance access for the majority of citizens. "It doesn't come out of their pockets. Only about 1 percent of Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way," he said. Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the government is considering allowing Malaysians to use their EPF Account 2 to pay monthly health insurance premiums. If implemented, it would enable 16 million EPF members to utilise their contributions to access private hospital care. –Bernama
The Star
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Proposed EPF health insurance scheme will be voluntary, says Dr Dzul
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be voluntary and not mandatory, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says. The Health Minister said the initiative aims to offer EPF contributors the option of broader insurance coverage, as currently, 32% of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. ALSO READ: Ageing society will deeply affect healthcare and workforce, says EPF chairman "Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people," he said in a Facebook post on Friday (June 20). Dr Dzulkefly added that the proposal draws inspiration from countries like Singapore, which prioritise insurance access for the majority of citizens. "It doesn't come out of their pockets. Only about 1% of Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way," he said. On Thursday, Dr Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the government is considering allowing Malaysians to use their EPF Account 2 to pay monthly health insurance premiums. If implemented, it would enable 16 million EPF members to utilise their contributions to access private hospital care. - Bernama
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Proposed EPF health insurance scheme will be voluntary
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be voluntary and not mandatory, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the initiative aims to offer EPF contributors the option of broader insurance coverage, as currently, 32 percent of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. 'Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people,' he said in a Facebook post today. Dr Dzulkefly added that the proposal draws inspiration from countries like Singapore, which prioritise insurance access for the majority of citizens. 'It doesn't come out of their pockets. Only about 1 percent of Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way,' he said. Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the government is considering allowing Malaysians to use their EPF Account 2 to pay monthly health insurance premiums. If implemented, it would enable 16 million EPF members to utilise their contributions to access private hospital care.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Proposed EPF health insurance scheme will be voluntary, says Dzulkefly
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be voluntary and not mandatory, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the initiative aims to offer EPF contributors the option of broader insurance coverage, as currently, 32 percent of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. 'Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people,' he said in a Facebook post today. Dr Dzulkefly added that the proposal draws inspiration from countries like Singapore, which prioritise insurance access for the majority of citizens. 'It doesn't come out of their pockets. Only about 1 percent of Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way,' he said. Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the government is considering allowing Malaysians to use their EPF Account 2 to pay monthly health insurance premiums. If implemented, it would enable 16 million EPF members to utilise their contributions to access private hospital care.
