As we may envision , the building blocks of a future hospital may incorporate futuristic technology , robotic doctors and new-age medicine . Technological enablement , digitisation and automation are already affecting healthcare delivery in many ways .

While healthcare moves into the future , the quest for quality and affordability continues to be the key driver for transformation .

Rapidly changing medical technology and the availability of high technology diagnostic and therapeutic equipment , together with the evolving practice pattern of doctors , has revolutionised the pathway of healthcare delivery today .

On Apr 6-7 , 2021 , CT Event Asia hosted a two-day forum ,“ The Future Hospital Strategy & Development Forum 2021 ”, at the Grand Ballroom of Royale Chulan , Kuala Lumpur .

The forum brought together 30 speakers . It comprised hospital leaders , government decision-makers , medical professionals , financiers , and researchers . It aimed to discover how healthcare ’ s economic , financial , and political framework is evolving and further explore development potential and sustainability strategies for the healthcare sector in the region . It was officiated by Minister of Health Datuk Sri Dr Adham Baba .

In his opening keynote address , the minister said in Malaysia , 63 hospitals , including three university hospitals , were identified as Covid-19 hospitals . Seven have been running as full Covid-19 hospitals , and the rest in a hybrid model .

Malaysian healthcare system goals

With crisis-response efforts in full motion , Malaysia has slowly altered and reengineered its healthcare services . Transfer of ideas into action had to happen fast to adapt and navigate through the pandemic . Healthcare facilities must be ready to switch to “ pandemic mode ” with ease in the face of future crisis .

Said Dr Adham : “ It is hoped that we will emerge from this pandemic with greater resilience by harnessing innovative practices and infrastructure . The Ministry of Health ( MoH ) will work hand-in-hand with the relevant authorities to ensure the planning and building of future hospitals are done with improved infrastructure design . This will , in turn , ensure sustainability and quality care to our patients .

“ We will strive to implement ongoing efforts concerning the Electronic Medical Record ( Hospital Information System ) in all MoH Hospitals . Among others , this

will include the Laboratory Information System , Operating Theatre Management System , Centralised Sterilisation Supply Information System , Blood Bank Information System and Radiology Information System .”

The future of the Malaysian healthcare system is to establish an integrated and interconnected ecosystem . That includes not only MoH Hospitals and health clinics but also other government data platforms , population health agencies and private healthcare facilities .

Improved healthcare facilities

According to Dr Adham , robotics has been launched in MoH hospitals in close collaboration with the Ministry of Science , Technology , and Innovation .

“ We are also initiating digital / virtual assisted allied health service ( telerehabilitation virtual clinic , cerebral palsy therapy system and virtual dietetic clinic ). It will improve / enhance services delivery by technology . The potential areas of 5G-related technology and its application in service delivery is currently being studied for future development and implementation .

New hospital designs and the introduction of the latest healthcare technologies to reinforce patientcentricity and improve patient satisfaction , such as video chat , and virtual reality headsets , will allow patients to stay connected with friends and family .

Apart from that , the resilience of physical infrastructures such as buildings , medical equipment , and non-medical equipment is of paramount importance in ensuring safe , quality , and effective healthcare services .

Dr Adham said : “ To further enhance services delivery in MoH hospitals , the MOH Medical Program will continue to optimise resource management through its facilities , equipment , and financing practices .

For instance , the Implementation of Cluster Hospitals and Global Surgery initiatives by the MoH will ensure existing resources , including beds and operation theatres at smaller hospitals , are being utilised at an optimal level .

The access and waiting time for surgery and other procedures or treatment can be

The Forum was well attended .

Dr Adham mingling with participants .

To further enhance services delivery in MoH hospitals , the MOH Medical Program will continue to optimise resource management through its facilities , equipment , and financing practices .”

reduced and more extensive through this . Busier hospitals can be de-congested , and patients ’ experience improved .

“ The existing cluster hospital platform will be improved through long term and sustained strategic framework . Day-care services will also be further encouraged to minimise the need for admissions , especially for simpler procedures . With this , the in-patient beds can be fully optimised for the use of acute cases and promote cost-savings ,” Dr Adham explained .

The MoH will also enhance the use of health technology assessment as a tool for value-based practices . A reassessment of health technologies will also be introduced so that underutilised technologies can be optimised and obsolete technologies are disengaged .

He noted the new and innovative measures in managing medical equipment such as refurbishment and leasing initiatives will also be further evaluated in the 12th Malaysia Plan .

Reference materials for future use

The Ministry has also embarked on producing “ The Handbook of Technical Design Reference for Disaster Preparedness in Setting Up New High-Rise Hospital ”. The handbook was developed to help future hospital applicants who intend to build high-rise hospitals . There would be various reasons for this , such as escalating land prices , affordability , and accessibility of medical facilities .

Dr Adham said : “ The handbook serves as a comprehensive guideline to ensure safety . It is for patients and others in the building during a disaster , such as a fire . The handbook can be used by both the private and public sectors .”

This handbook was launched virtually on Nov 30 , 2020 , and is the result of collaboration between the Private Medical Practice Control Section ( CKAPS ) and the Engineering Division , MoH , Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus ( PHPN ) from Malaysia Productivity Corporation with inputs from other agencies such as NADMA , BOMBA and DBKL .

So far , the MoH has received positive feedback regarding the handbook .

Dr Adham added : “ In line with our national agenda of Shared Prosperity , it is time to place importance on innovation . That will be the game-changer . It will spur Malaysia ’ s economy to greater heights and contribute positive and unprecedented changes to the nation ’ s healthcare system and overall well-being of the rakyat .”

Despite the challenging external environment ahead and some cautious economic forecasts , the MoH ’ s aspiration is not to leave anyone behind under the ambit of universal health coverage . It will remain steadfast and committed to serving Malaysians with quality healthcare through improved access and delivery system for better health outcomes . — The Health