Health & Living
Health & Living delves into the endlessly fascinating inner universe of the human body. The podcast features conversations with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors, and healthcare workers who share unique perspectives on wellness, living, and the latest medical research. It aims to enlighten and inform listeners about health, medicine, and the human condition.
Episodes
Public Health: We Need A School Nutrition Programme That Works
This month, the Selangor state government is rolling out a free breakfast programme in all public schools statewide. This has sparked fresh debate about whether Malaysia needs a universal school feeding programme, especially in light of worrying malnutrition issues among children in Malaysia. We speak to Dr Tee E Siong and Teo Choon Huey from the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) about its schoo
Brain Waves: How AI Is Changing Your Brain
We’ve all heard that overreliance on technology can affect the brain - and not in a good way. So in a world where many of us use AI every day, and offload cognitive tasks to these LLMs, what does it actually do to our brain? We unpack this with neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Humans of Healthcare: The Paediatric Endocrinologist
When hormones don’t work as they should as a child grows, that’s where a paediatric endocrinologist comes in. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to consultant paediatric endocrinologist Dr Azriyanti Anuar Zaini about how she helps children with hormone-related disorders and illnesses, and why she sees this as a calmer medical career path. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Healthy Ageing: Travel Tips For Seniors
Traveling with older adults requires a different kind of itinerary—one that prioritizes health and safety without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re travelling when you’re older or with older family members, planning the trip is more than just what happens during but how you prepare for it too. For this guide to stress-free travel with seniors, we speak to Prof Dr James Koh, consultant infectious dis
Here’s How You Can Fix Your Sperm
Spermageddon. That’s the word that has been used to describe the allegedly drastic decline in male fertility in recent years. But is this just fearmongering or is there truth to this? And if men are worried about their fertility, what can be done about it? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at the University of Manchester to unpack this.Image Credit
Don’t Be A Sore Loser. Here’s How To Be A Better Loser.
No one likes to lose, especially if you’re prepared or trained as much as you can to succeed and win. Just think of how Argentina were labelled as ‘sore losers’ after their defeat at the recent Men’s World Cup finals. So why do some of us take losing well, and others don’t? How can we be a better loser and learn from our mistakes? We unpack this with licensed & registered counsellor, Justin Ya
Kangaroo Mother Care Saves Babies’ Lives
Mother kangaroos carry their babies, or joeys, in their pouch for eight to 10 months after birth to keep them safe and help them grow. Scientific evidence now shows that human babies carried by their mothers in a similarly fashioned pouch can be beneficial for breastfeeding, and can even be life-saving for preterm babies. We dive into kangaroo mother care and how mums (and dads as well as extended
What It’s Like To Live With Atrial Fibrillation
An irregular heartbeat isn’t just an annoying symptom - it is a sign of a heart that has an abnormal rhythm and isn’t able to pump blood properly throughout the body. Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of abnormal rhythms, and can cause an increased risk of stroke, if it is not well-managed. We hear from Dr Adleen Binti Che Ani about her personal experience of being diagnosed with atrial fibril
In Healthcare, Patients Are Becoming Consumers
Management consultants Bain & Company’s 2026 report on healthcare trends and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, revealing widening tensions across the healthcare system. We speak to Vikram Kapur, Head of Global Healthcare & Life Sciences from Bain & Co to break down the survey’s findings about patients’ expectations, clinicians’ challenges and AI trends in healthcare.Image Credi
How The HPV Vaccine Cuts Deaths From Cervical Cancer
We know how effective the HPV vaccine can be at preventing 90% of cervical cancer cases. Now a new study from the UK shows that women who receive the vaccine as a teen have virtually zero risk of dying from the cancer before they turn 30. How does this add to what we already know about the benefits of a HPV vaccination? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant gynaecological onco
Why Hyrox Is The New Functional Fitness Craze
When you picture people waiting in front of their computers to buy tickets, you would usually think it's for a pop star's concert. Not anymore. Hyrox and other similar gamified fitness events like Redline have surged in popularity in Malaysia and around the world, with people waiting to buy tickets to participate in an event that they spend months training for. What’s driving this functional fitne
Paying Off The World Cup Sleep Debt
The World Cup has wrapped up, ending the 3am matches and hordes of bleary-eyed Malaysians dragging themselves to school and work. While we assume that we can simply rewire our biological clocks by catching up on sleep afterwards, are there hidden effects of the sleep debt on our bodies? We speak to Dr Julius Goh Liang Chye, Consultant ENT Surgeon about the physical and mental health risks, and how
Because Feelings Matter #53: “My Mission Is To Live Like Others”
One moment, Fasha Ishak could be feeling on top of the world, but in the next, she could find herself completely drained of energy. These are the realities of living with autoimmune disorders. But while her medical conditions may have affected her physically, Fasha ensures that they haven’t robbed her of the ability to live her life. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Fasha takes us throu
Beyond The Diagnosis #41: Don't Fight Ichthyosis, Fight For Your Rights
Ichthyosis is a rare, genetic condition that causes a person to have dry, scaly skin. But this textbook definition fails to capture the persistent misconceptions and stigma faced by people with ichthyosis. On Beyond The Diagnosis, Mohd Firdaus Mehat, Chairman & Founder of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pesakit Ichthyosis Malaysia (PEKIM), joins us in a candid conversation about the realities of living w
What You Didn’t Know About Liver Damage
Our liver is a true workhorse, performing more than 500 functions in the body. But we often take our liver for granted and many of our lifestyle practices can be detrimental to our liver health. In this conversation, we’ll address common beliefs and clear up misconceptions about liver disease, as well as how to maintain good liver health. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Picky Or Sensitive? Decoding Sensory Processing Difficulties
When your child seems overly sensitive to loud noises, refuses to wear socks, or is fussy with food, is he/she being difficult? Or are these behaviours due to differences in how your child's brain processes sensory information? We discuss how sensory processing difficulties can appear as behavioural problems, and how parents can support children without labelling every difference as a disorder.Ima
When A Nose Job Isn’t Just For Aesthetics
We often think of a nose job or rhinoplasty as a surgery that’s done for cosmetic purposes, but there are circumstances in which it is needed to improve how you breathe. To help us understand what those circumstances are and when a rhinoplasty is a need instead of a want, is consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Private Hospitals Help Reduce Medical Inflation?
The Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report on rising healthcare costs revealed a number of issues related to private hospitals’ charges, which can potentially contribute to an unsustainable healthcare system. Dr Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, joins us to discuss private hospital billing practices, the causes behind increasing medical inflation and the PAC’s recommendations for impr
Building Flood-Resilient Communities
Flash floods are so common that they seem like part and parcel of life now but with them comes the increased risk of infectious diseases. That might seem like the least of people’s worries when it floods but water- and food-borne diseases is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So how can we empower communities to be more aware and resilient? Here to help us unpack that is Dr Rafidah
Are You At Risk of Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Syndrome?
A community screening programme has led to the alarming result that almost 9 in 10 individuals have at least two cardiovascular-renal-metabolic risk factors. On top of that, of the individuals who were overweight and pre-diabetic, more than 86% didn’t know about it, highlighting a problem with undiagnosed non-communicable diseases. The question now is: what can we do about this? Here to help us un
Humans of Healthcare: The Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeons have been dubbed as the ‘carpenters’ of the human body. Why is that so? And how much does that actually describe the work that they do? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Prof Dr Azlina Amir Abbas, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon about the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Public Health: Parliamentary Body Reviews Insurance and Healthcare Costs
The increases in healthcare costs and medical insurance premiums are being felt by more and more Malaysians, and piecemeal debates are no longer enough to address the problems. The Public Accounts Committee recently released its report on the causes of rising insurance premiums, their impact on consumers, and recommendations to ensure healthcare and insurance pricing remains fair, transparent, and
Friendships & How To Keep Them
Let’s be honest: maintaining friendships requires work, even when it seems effortless. So in a time when we’re all glued to our screens, how have friendships changed? What does it take to keep friends and show them that we care? We speak to licensed and registered counsellor Rozy Khalid to find out.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Healthy Ageing: No, Sleepless Nights Are Not Normal As You Age
It’s commonly accepted that the older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. But is that really the case? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant psychiatrist Dr Wan Izwin Wan Hassan about common myths and misconceptions about sleeping well as you age, and how you can get a good night’s sleep.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All You Need To Know About Family Planning
Family planning isn’t just about preventing pregnancies. It's about planning life and making sure that if you want children, you and your spouse are in the best place to do so. In conjunction with World Population Day, we’re taking this opportunity to cut through the misinformation and answer all the questions about contraception and family planning that you’ve thought about but not asked. We spea
Dealing With Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis
When is a sore throat not just a sore throat? Painful inflammation of the tonsils may not always be a benign, short-lived infection. What happens when episodes of tonsillitis keep coming back, or when there is chronic, long-term inflammation? When is surgery to remove the tonsils necessary? We explore with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Should Chatbots Become Therapists Or Companions?
According to OpenAI, over 1.2 million users discuss suicide on ChatGPT every week. When we read yet another news report of AI encouraging suicidal thoughts or developing emotional relationships with its users, how alarmed should we be about mental health entering an untested and unregulated realm? We speak to Assoc Prof Dr Rebecca Brendel, Director, Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical Scho
Ask A Dermatologist: How We Sweat
On this month's open clinic show, we look at how and why we sweat, and what causes sweating disorders like hyperhidrosis or prickly heat conditions. We also explore anti-perspirants, deodorants, creams and more.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Refugees Overwhelming Public Healthcare Facilities?
Anti-refugee sentiment has sharply increased in recent weeks. Among the claims that have made the rounds is that refugees are taking advantage of our public healthcare system, thus taking limited resources away from Malaysians. But is that really the case? We speak to Dr Susheela Balasundaram, community-based protection officer with UNHCR. Dr Junaidi Ismail, country CEO with Qualitas Medical Group
How Supermarkets Shape Your Food Choices
When you walk down the aisles at the supermarket, do you notice if the way food products are placed or packaged attracts your attention? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by nutritionist and public health researcher Dr Sameeha Mohd Jamil from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to dive into how our food environment influences our food decisions and how food retailers can play their part in m
Primary Immunodeficiency: Survival Depends on Early Diagnosis
For children born with a primary immunodeficiency (PID), a delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences. We find out why newborn screening and early diagnosis are critical, in a conversation with Bruce Lim, a parent advocate and president of Persatuan Pesakit Imunodefisiensi Primer Malaysia (MYPOPI). Bruce is also a parent to a child with XLA (X Linked Agammaglobulinemia), a type of PID.See
How Do We Pick Up Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children?
Over 46% of children aged five and below have anaemia in Malaysia, higher than the global average of 40%. It’s a condition that often goes unseen, but it can have a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing beyond their childhood years. To dive into this condition, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, we speak to Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, consultant paediatric endocrinologist
Because Feelings Matter #52: An Educator’s Advocacy For Her Grandchildren
As a professor of education, Dr Ratnawati Asraf’s professional calling had never seemed more meaningful than when her own grandchildren were discovered to be neurodivergent. Terms like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism were no longer textbook concepts, but realities that changed the trajectories of her grandchildren and children’s lives. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, she shares
Beyond The Diagnosis #40: An Ignored Breast Lump That Became Breast Cancer
Decades of awareness campaigns have equipped women with the knowledge of how to notice suspicious breast lumps and when to get mammograms done. But what happens when your healthcare workers keep reassuring you that your lump is “nothing to worry about”? Juliet Lau shares how a breast lump she’s had for over a decade became a rare and aggressive cancer, and why she is using this opportunity to also
How Skilled Surgeons Are Saving Children In Malaysia
Every day, many children could be struggling with a medical condition that may need urgent, life-saving surgery for them to survive and thrive. Yet, there are still children in Malaysia who are not able to access these highly specialised surgical services. We find out how the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery helps to improve children’s access to surgical care, especially those from unde
What Can Malaysia Learn From Australia’s Social Media Ban?
Malaysia has implemented a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, starting 1 June. We look to how Australia has fared six months into their own ban, and whether there’s been real-life impact in terms of children’s access to these platforms. Find out how to get a copy of Makchic’s book ‘The Society of Online Superheroes: A Super Smart Guide to Internet Safety’ here.Image Credit: S
Healthy Ageing: How The Arts Help Older Adults To Connect
Music and dance can be a great way to connect people and get them out of their shell. So what happens when these elements are brought to a community of older adults? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we dive into how arts-based interventions can help to improve the well-being of older adults, particularly their cognitive health. To do that, we speak to Peny Chan, the co-founder of ArtsProud, a so
Will ‘Hospitals-At-Home’ Work in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has recently confirmed that they are looking into potential sites to build a hospital to serve the Petaling Jaya-Subang Jaya-Puchong corridor, an area which does not currently have a government hospital. But discussions are ongoing and construction will take years, so in the meantime is there another solution to help overburdened hospitals? That’s where the concept of
What Malaysia Needs To Step Up In Dengue Management
We’ve been warned that the El Nino phenomenon could lead to an increase in dengue cases due to higher temperatures. In light of the constant threat of dengue, we ask Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Ministry of Health and Co-Chair of the Dengue Alliance about what’s working and what’s not when it comes to Malaysia’s dengue prevention strategie
What Would a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme Look Like?
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men, and second most common among women in Malaysia, but almost three-quarters of cases are diagnosed at late stages. Is there anything we can do to detect the cancer much earlier and intervene meaningfully? Is Malaysia long overdue for a national colorectal cancer screening programme, and what will it take to get one underway? Image Credit: S
How The ‘Warm Glow’ Feeling Gets People To Donate Blood
Donating blood is one of the easiest acts most of us can do to save lives. Yet, Malaysia, like many countries around the world, struggles to get people to do so. In conjunction with World Blood Donor Day, which was observed earlier on 14th June, we’ll be exploring what exactly drives people to donate blood and why capitalising on the ‘warm glow’ that blood donors feel could prove effective. Joinin
Ask An Orthopaedic Surgeon: How We Swing A Racquet (Or Paddle, Golf Club, etc)
On this month’s open clinic, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to answer your questions about the shoulders - how these joints support our daily arm movements, how our love of badminton and pickleball could lead to shoulder injuries, and when it’s dangerous to shrug off these problems.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mind Matters: Helping Parents Feel Less Alone (Part 2)
Parents and caregivers in the rare disease community often feel alone, overwhelmed and stressed in the journey of caring for their loved ones. This is the second part of a conversation where we find out about the mental health needs of caregivers in this situation, and why parental support is crucial. This conversation touches on suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emoti
Heat & Injuries At The Football World Cup
The FIFA World Cup kicks off today! Anticipation is high for all 104 matches but there are also concerns over the welfare of athletes and fans alike, as this could be the hottest World Cup on record. So how will the extreme heat affect an athlete's well-being and performance? On top of that, what kind of injuries become more likely during a tournament like this? For some insights, consultant urolo
Public Health: Malaysia’s Cigarette And Vape Tax Story
After a more than 10-year stagnant tobacco tax rate, Malaysia’s cigarette excise duties went up by only 2 sen per stick in Budget 2026. We explore the discrepancies between our tobacco taxes and the national health expenditure to treat smoking- and vaping-related diseases, and what should be a meaningful rate of tobacco tax to change smoking behaviours.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/
Brain Waves: What Does It Take To Be A Super Ager?
It’s not just about living longer these days, but maintaining the cognitive and physical capabilities that’s comparable to someone decades younger. So what does it take to be a superager? What’s actually happening in their brain? We speak to neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar from Universiti Malaya, and research fellow Dr Kiirtaara Aravindhan from the Dementia Research Centre Singapore. Image
Humans of Healthcare: The Geneticist
Genes are the blueprint for our bodies. Passed down from generation to generation, they influence a variety of traits from how we look to our health. Our genes can also help us learn more than just about human health but about human evolution as well. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to a geneticist, Dr Maude Phipps, to learn more about her field of work and what it takes to becom
When Anatomy Meets Art
The human anatomy is more than just two-dimensional drawings in a medical textbook. It is a living, breathing and constantly evolving study of what makes us human - in health, in sickness and even in death. Could we enhance our knowledge and appreciation of the human condition by viewing anatomy through an artistic lens? We explore what happens when an anatomy professor meets an art curator.Image
Are We Changing Behaviours With Our Anti-Smoking Strategies?
Malaysia has made great strides in its tobacco control strategies, including new legislation that regulates the sale, promotion and packaging of cigarette and vape products, as well as public smoking places. However, are these laws and policies achieving changes in people’s behaviours and choices? What’s missing in the last mile of our anti-smoking strategies? We speak to Prof Dr Jamalludin Rahman
Is The Supply Crisis Affecting Medicines At Retail Pharmacies?
On a recent show, Health & Living looked at the impact of the Middle East crisis on local pharmaceutical manufacturers. We extend the conversation today with a look at whether retail pharmacies are seeing any shortages in medicine supply and whether consumers should be worried about the prices of their medicines increasing. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
PCOS Is Now PMOS: What Does This Mean for Women?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome now has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or shortened to PMOS. Led by Professor Dr Helena Teede, an endocrinologist and professor of women’s health with Monash University Australia, this change finally happened after years of advocacy and consultation with doctors and people living with the condition. Here to tell us more about why this is a landmark
Local Medicine Manufacturing Amid Middle East Conflict
From rising shipping and energy costs to disruptions in the sourcing of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients, how vulnerable is Malaysia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector the impact of the Middle East war? We speak to the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries about the pressures local manufacturers are facing, and what this could mean for medicine supply, cos
Do Kids Today Get Enough Sleep?
Bedtime is often when battles are waged at home. Why is sleep such a point of contention between parents and children? How much sleep do kids really need, and how can everyone in the family have healthier sleep habits? We speak to Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant Developmental Paediatrician.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Because Feelings Matter #51: The Fight For My Children To Be Malaysian
Every mother dreams of giving her child every opportunity in the world, starting with the inviolable security of a citizenship. This is more than just a birth document or a passport - it is an undeniable stamp of assurance that her child has a land to call home. However, Malaysia is one of 25 countries globally with gender discriminatory citizenship laws - here, women are denied the same right as
Beyond The Diagnosis #39: A Childhood Defined By Dystonia
Six-year-old Dhia Amanda was born with GNAO1 neurodevelopmental disorder, an extremely rare genetic condition that causes severe dystonia – uncontrollable twisting, stiffening and violent spasms brought on by electrical storms in the brain. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Suriana Welfare Society and Free Malaysia Today, Amanda was able to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which pr
What Having A Family Doctor Means
Is having a family doctor that you see from childhood into your golden years a thing of the past? In conjunction with World Family Doctor Day, observed annually on 19th May, we speak to Dr S. Kaviyarasan, president of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, to understand what the role of a family doctor should be and why it matters for population health.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystud
Diabetes & The Heart
People often think that diabetes is just about controlling your sugar intake and taking care of your kidneys, but it’s more than that. What we don’t talk about is how uncontrolled diabetes could also damage other organs, including your heart. We speak to consultant cardiologist Dr Mohamed Nazrul Mohamed Nazeeb and consultant endocrinologist Dr Chiew Ken Seng, both from Subang Jaya Medical Centre,
Healthy Ageing: Survey Shows More Older Malaysians Have Dementia
The Ministry of Health recently released the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2025, focusing on older adult health. One of the most striking numbers from that survey found that 10% of Malaysians aged 60 and above have dementia, which is up from 8.5% in 2018. How concerning is this rise and can we stop the number from going up? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant geriatr
Mind Matters: Helping Parents Feel Less Alone (Part 1)
When a child is diagnosed with a rare disease, parents have to navigate more than just medical therapies and hospital visits, but also the deep emotional toll. We explore the mental health impact experienced by parents in the rare disease community, and listen to this month’s impact story on the role of parental support in helping families feel less alone.Image Credit: Malaysian Rare Disorders Soc
Ask An Orthopaedic Surgeon: How We Walk
On this month’s open clinic, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Timothy Cheng joins us on an exploration of how our lower limb anatomy supports that most basic activity of walking, why our modern sedentary lives might be harder on the joints than a marathon, and what we can do to keep walking for as long as possible. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Men Should Know About Testicular Cancer
It strikes young and it’s highly curable. But only if it’s detected early. We’re talking about testicular cancer, which is most often diagnosed among younger men. On the show, we break past the taboo and embarrassment with consultant urologist Dr George Lee to talk about what’s normal (and not) when it comes to the testes, and how just a few minutes can help you pick it up early.Image Credit: Shut
Public Health: The Truth About Medical Insurance
There are few things more confusing than medical insurance. How much annual or lifetime coverage do you really need? How do you know what kinds of diseases and treatments will actually be covered? What’s the reality when it comes to the so-called “buffet syndrome” or the perception that insurance doesn’t serve its policyholders? We try to cut through the noise in today’s conversation with Anwar An
Nurses on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis
Nurses are often the first point-of-contact for people accessing healthcare services. But being on the frontlines also means that they are most exposed to the effects of climate change. In conjunction with International Nurses Day (observed annually on 12th May), we unpack how the climate crisis is changing nursing and what can be done to empower nurses.Image credit: Sabah Medical Services UnionSe
Humans of Healthcare: The Parasitologist
Malaria. Dengue. Intestinal worms. Most Malaysians think we’ve moved past these diseases. We haven’t. The parasites persist, adapt, and resurface, and often where no one is looking. Detecting them requires trained scientists like parasitologist Adela Ida Anak Jiram. We’ll be talking to this biomedical scientist about how this profession is quietly safeguarding Malaysia’s public health. Adela is al
Catastrophising: Why You Do It And How To Stop
Do you find yourself often thinking of the worst possible outcome in any given situation? What do you do when you feel like the world’s on fire and there’s nothing you can do about it? We speak to clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low about why we catastrophise, and how to stop it. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Will Government’s Cost-Cutting Impact Healthcare?
The Ministry of Health expects a 10% cut of its 2026 budget, as part of cost-cutting measures to save government funds amid the impact of the Iran war. This cut would be equivalent to RM4.65 billion, which the Minister of Health has promised will not affect essential core services. We explore how this will impact healthcare services to the public.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/
Biosimilars In Cancer Care and Why They Matter
Innovator drugs and treatments can be costly, even if they are life-saving in cases of chronic and serious illnesses like cancer. That’s where generic and biosimilar drugs come in, offering patients more affordable alternatives. But how exactly do generics and biosimilars work? Are they as effective? We speak to pharmacist and public health researcher, Dr Mark Cheong to find out. Image
A Dynamic Form Of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy using high-powered X-rays are a central therapy in cancer treatment, as it is very effective in killing cancerous cells and shrinking tumours. This form of treatment has come a long way, with advancements to improve the delivery of radiation so that it can be targeted more accurately and reduce side effects to other tissues. Dr Nur Fadhlina Abdul Satar, consultant clinical oncolo
Strong Evidence That Vaping Can Cause Cancer
Research from the University of New South Wales in Sydney has provided the strongest evidence to date that vapes and e-cigarettes can cause lung and oral cancer, due to pre-cancerous changes like DNA damage. Is this a clear sign for health regulators to take stronger action against vaping? What does this mean for those who are using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation? We find out from Dr Muralli M
Geopolitics, Conflict, and The Impact on Global Medical Supply Chains
The current Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves across the world as countries grapple with a global energy crisis and rising costs. As supply chains are disrupted worldwide, one of the areas which is seeing worrying short- and long-term impact is that in the medical industry. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen conflict and geopolitics impact
Beyond The Diagnosis #38: Ili Sulaiman on Living With PCOS & Surviving A Heart Attack
Beyond The Diagnosis is a series about people, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the medical diagnosis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Malaysia Facing Medical Device Shortages?
The shocks from the war in Iran have extended to the healthcare industry, with shipping delays and fuel price volatilities threatening the medical device supply chain worldwide. Dr Muralitharan Paramasua, CEO of the Health Ministry’s Medical Device Authority, joins us to unpack the impact of the Middle East crisis on the supply and manufacturing of medical devices, and what measures the Ministry h
Because Feelings Matter #50: You Find Joy In The Small Wins
In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month in April, Salbiah Ebbe Hamzan shares the journey of raising an autistic daughter, and the fight to dismantle the barriers in the education system that continue to stand in the way of inclusion. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, she speaks about finding joy in the small wins, and how those joys turn into hope, which becomes strength to face
Global Energy Crisis: How Secure Are Our Medical Supplies?
As the Middle East conflict prolongs, so do worries over a shortage in medical supplies. From pharmaceuticals to medical devices, supplies are warning that we are already seeing signs of an upcoming shortage. We speak to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, to find out how the government is preparing for this possibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why We’re Spending RM3.3bil on Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
The burden of chronic kidney disease is a silent but growing public health crisis in Malaysia. Minister of Health Dato’ Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently highlighted how treatment costs have surged from RM572 million in 2010 to RM3.3 billion annually. So what isn’t working and what do rising costs tell us about the impact CKD has on our healthcare services and our population? Consultant urologist D
Neuroinclusion In The Workplace
It is estimated that 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent. That means it’s likely that you have identified as being neurodivergent or someone in your workplace is. And yet, the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent people at work is uneven, and most people find it challenging to get support and accommodations for their needs at the workplace. A global report by the Association of
A Reminder For Mental Health Check-Ins During WFH
In some ways, it feels like 2020 all over again - the work-from-home directives, along with a sense of anxiety over global events. Licensed counsellor Heeran Kaur joins us to share some advice on how we can manage our mental health during this period, especially for those working from home, and those dealing with stresses and uncertainties due to the Middle East crisis.Image credit: ShutterstockSe
Ask A Respiratory Physician: How We Breathe
Humans breathe approximately 20,000 to 22,000 times a day, but how often do we pay attention to how we breathe? In this month’s open clinic, we’re joined by consultant respiratory physician Dr Helmy Haja Mydin to unpack some things you may or may not have known about respiration, and maybe take your breath away with some of the interesting facts later on.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.co
Mind Matters: Do We Need Better Mental Health Insurance?
Recently, the Health Parliamentary Special Select Committee proposed that insurance coverage should be expanded for mental health services. We’ve gone from zero mental health coverage to at least three providers including some coverage in their policies within the last seven years, but has this been enough? On this episode of Mind Matters, we speak to Siti Subaidah Mustaffa, Chairman of the Nation
What Would The DRG System Mean For Healthcare Costs?
What is the DRG or diagnosis-related group system? If you’ve been following the news about healthcare reform, you would’ve heard Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad mention this several times since he first brought it up in 2024. As of now, the Health Ministry says that the DRG system is planned to be rolled out for the private sector in 2026, before a national system in 2027. But how do
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