If you’re a patient at a government hospital or clinic, you probably don’t think twice about the medications you’re prescribed, though you’re probably grateful for the free treatment. But how does the Ministry of Health decide what therapies to include in the national medicines formulary? And as more innovative and expensive therapies are developed, how do we balance cost with public need? We uncover the decision-making process with Prof Dr Asrul Akmal Shafie, Professor of Pharmacoeconomics from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a single blood test detect Alzheimer’s disease and how far it has progressed? Scientists have been working to develop a blood test for Alzheimer’s and while some research has yielded promising results, how close are we to a singular, definitive test? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant geriatrician Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin to find out why this matters and what are the challenges with diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease here in Malaysia.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 It’s all about forgiveness during the month of Syawal, but is kosong-kosong easier said than done? How do you learn to forgive others (and even yourself)? On this episode of Counsellor’s Corner, licensed counsellor Rozy Khalid shares why forgiveness can be good for the soul. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every 2 minutes, one woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth. Every 7 seconds, a newborn baby dies. In essence, a life is cut short before it can even begin. And the very foundation of a family is shaken with the loss of a mother. This World Health Day is aimed at changing this narrative, with a focus on ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’. We speak to Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, on global and Malaysian efforts to help mothers and babies survive and thrive.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 24th March in 1882, Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. 143 years later, we’ve learned that we can prevent and cure this disease. Yet, more than 10 million people worldwide still get TB every year, and more than 1 million die from the disease. In conjunction with World TB Day on 24th March, we speak to Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician, about why TB is still a threat in Malaysia and whether we’re in danger of seeing it return as a widespread disease. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is butter an artery-clogging food? Or is it actually a superfood? Butter has been both demonised and celebrated in the health space over the years. A recent large, long-term study came to the conclusion that butter is associated with increased risk of death from all causes and from cancer. We break down the findings of this study, and try to put our love-hate relationship with butter into perspective. Joining us to do this is Mary Easaw, consultant dietitian.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way we seek healthcare today is reactive, and fragmented by disease and specialisation. We go to a doctor only when we have a serious health problem, and rarely when we are well. We get treated for specific symptoms, without a view of our overall health. Could this picture change, if primary care is integrated with secondary and tertiary care? We find out from Dr Rajesh Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Prof Dr Leelavathi Muthupalaniappan, Family Medicine Specialist.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to be obese? We’re now slowly recognising that it’s not just a result of your lifestyle choices, but is a complex disease. Earlier this year, a group of international experts published new guidelines to change how doctors view obesity and emphasised the need to approach it as a chronic disease. We’ll find out what that means with Dr George Lee, and Dr Nurain Mohd Noor, consultant endocrinologist from Hospital Putrajaya. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated on 21st March, to signify the triplication of the 21st chromosome in people born with this condition. On the show, we’re speaking to three guests to find out more about raising a child with Down Syndrome, and the impact of the early intervention programmes conducted by the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation. Find out more about their fundraising programs on their Facebook page.

Image Credit: Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a recent study by the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR), almost one in three older adults has symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. This is one of the most common conditions leading to the need for knee replacement surgery. Dato' Dr Siva Kumar Ariaretnam, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Subang Jaya Medical Centre, talks about how knee and hip replacement surgical methods have advanced today to reduce pain and improve recovery.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.