Kuala Lumpur: The government has allocated RM18.9 million this year for the digital transformation of 100 public health clinics nationwide, featuring a cloud-based digital management system (CCMS). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that this initiative includes several clinics in Penang, such as Klinik Kesihatan Air Putih, Klinik Kesihatan Bayan Baru, and others.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is part of Budget 2025, with plans to introduce an electronic medical records system at Penang General Hospital and Seberang Jaya Hospital by 2026. Dr. Dzulkefly noted that other hospitals in the state could follow, depending on allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan. The CCMS is anticipated to significantly reduce patient waiting times from three hours to 30 minutes.
Dr. Dzulkefly also announced that there are 33 Wellness Hubs nationwide offering comprehensive healthcare services, including the mobile health initiative, Zoomers Wellness on Wheels (WoW@Zoomers). These hubs support the national healthcare reform agenda by facilitating a shift from a ‘sick care’ model to a more holistic ‘health care’ approach, emphasizing prevention, promotion, and prediction.
Data from 2020 to June 2024 reveals nearly one million clients have visited the Wellness Hubs nationwide, with 20,000 from Seberang Perai Utara. The IFitEr (I Fit and Eat Right) programme has achieved a 60 percent success rate in weight loss among participants. Studies indicate the model raises awareness and reduces the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) by providing accessible healthcare services.
Dr. Dzulkefly highlighted that the government incurs an estimated RM64 billion in healthcare costs for NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancer. Besides serving as community health centres, Wellness Hubs play a role in behaviour modification by offering guidance, motivation, and social support to help clients achieve better health outcomes.
Moreover, the hubs conduct health literacy programmes, free health screenings, and counselling sessions, enabling the community to detect health risks early and take preventive measures.