‘Specialists needed in all areas’

 Stakeholders say key obstacles remain in increasing numbers in the country

More needed: As of last year, about 8,000 specialists were employed by the Health Ministry. Stakeholders, however, say there is an urgent need to increase that number especially in fields like cardiothoracic surgery and emergency medicine. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The persistent shortage of medical specialists in the country needs to be urgently addressed, say stakeholders.

With the Health Ministry’s target of 28,000 specialists by 2030 looking increasingly unattainable, they say there is a need to increase the number, especially in fields such as cardiothoracic surgery and emergency medicine.

ALSO READ: Increase training capacity to resolve shortage, say experts

As it stands, there are about 9,000 specialists serving in the Health Ministry.

President of the College of Emergency Physicians at the Academy of Medicine Datuk Dr Alzamani Mohammad Idrose voiced concern over the lack of emergency physicians (EP) in the country.

He said Malaysia falls short of international benchmarks, having only one EP per 50,000 people, compared to the global standard of one per 20,000.

“The ideal EP-to-patient ratio in emergency departments is 1:3,000, as seen in developed countries like Australia and Canada. Singapore maintains a ratio of 1:2,500, whereas Malaysia’s stands at 1:5,000,” he added.

In March, the College of Emergency Physicians, in a statement, emphasised the critical role EPs play in healthcare systems, noting their expertise in addressing emergency medical issues across all disciplines.

“EPs are not only clinicians but also leaders, educators and advocates who strive to improve patient outcomes and strengthen health systems globally,” the college said.

The statement also outlined the roles played by EPs, such as managing emergencies from various disciplines, including heart attack, stroke, diabetic ketoacidosis and renal failure, as well as ensuring systematic triage for critical, semi-critical and non-critical cases.

The statement added that certain EPs develop subspecialities through additional training in areas like Emergency Critical Care, Trauma, Pre-hospital Care, Disaster Medicine, Toxicology and Paediatrics Emergency Medicine.

To increase the number of specialists, including EPs, Dr Alzamani suggested extending local specialisation programmes to more public universities beyond the current four: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery honorary secretary Prof Dr John Chan Kok Meng said there is a need to increase specialists in all areas.

“While those addressing life-saving conditions are crucial, specialists who manage risk factors for severe conditions are equally important,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Based on the association’s workforce planning and projections for cardiothoracic surgery, Chan said more than 40 additional cardiothoracic surgeons are needed in the next five years.

“Our projections indicate we can meet the necessary number of cardiothoracic surgeons to manage existing centres by 2027. However, additional specialists will be needed if the number of centres increases,” he added.

However, he noted some key obstacles in specialist training.

The 14 newly-qualified cardiothoracic surgeons from 2022-2024 are yet to be registered as specialists by the Malaysian Medical Council, pending the enforcement of the amended Medical Act 1971, which Parliament passed last year.

Dr Chan also noted the limitations in training new surgeons.

“An experienced cardiothoracic surgeon can train only one or two doctors at a time. This involves imparting technical surgical skills, supervising surgeries and transferring clinical knowledge and judgment,” he said.

The Health Ministry had, last month, announced several initiatives to address the shortfall of specialists, including the restructuring of medical officer positions and creating a parallel pathway programme.

Another discipline where a shortage of specialists has been reported is the field of oncology, where ministry data showed there were only about 175 cancer specialists in the country.

Severe shortage of specialists have also been reported in the fields of forensic pathology, family medicine, urology, general surgery, paediatric surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery and psychiatry among others.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni had said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s approval to add 800 specialists annually since 2023 could help meet the demand for medical specialists.

“At the same time, we have also amended the Medicines Act 1971 by creating a parallel pathway programme to create more specialists through this alternative route.

“Currently, we have around 692 specialists using the parallel pathway and also 6,211 medical officers undergoing specialist training,” said Lukanisman.

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Covid-19 may have emerged in US first, China issues Covid-19 white paper

Desks sit empty inside the Grand Army of the Republic Building as employees continue to work remotely due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., June 8, 2021. REUTERS/Emily Elconin/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

BEIJING, April 30 (Reuters) - China restated its case that COVID-19 may have originated in the United States in a white paper on its pandemic response released on Wednesday after President Donald Trump's administration blamed a lab leak in China.

The White House launched a COVID-19 website on April 18 in which it said the coronavirus came from a lab leak in China while criticising former President Joe Biden, former top U.S. health official Anthony Fauci and the World Health Organization.

In the white paper, released by the official Xinhua news agency, China accused the U.S. of politicising the matter of the origins of COVID-19. It cited a Missouri lawsuit which resulted in a $24 billion ruling against China for hoarding protective medical equipment and covering up the outbreak.

China shared relevant information with the WHO and the international community in a timely manner, the white paper said, emphasising that a joint study by the WHO and China had concluded that a lab leak was "extremely unlikely".

The U.S. should not continue to "pretend to be deaf and dumb", but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community, the white paper said. - 

Reuters

THE State Council Information Office has issued a white paper titled Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance.

Apart from the preface and conclusion, the document contains three chapters: ‘Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2,’ ‘China’s Contribution to the Global Fight Against Covid-19,’ and ‘The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic.’

According to the white paper, since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has consistently dedicated substantial resources to collaborative studies into the origins of the virus, involving both Chinese and international scientists.

Upholding its international responsibilities, the country spearheaded research initiatives in critical fields such as clinical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, environmental epidemiology and the identification of animal hosts.

China cooperated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the study of virus origins with a strong sense of global responsibility and transparency.

The white paper points out that ‘WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part-Joint WHO-China Study,’ as well as other studies, conducted systematic epidemiological investigations, molecular tracing, animal reservoir screening, and studies on cold-chain pathways, ruled out the possibility of Wuhan being the natural origin of SARS-CoV-2, and concluded that a Wuhan lab leak is extremely unlikely.

China shared the epidemic information with the WHO and the international community in a timely manner, and provided the genome sequence of the virus. 

China also invited WHO international expert missions to conduct joint research into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, shared without reservation its effective measures for prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment and did all it could to provide massive supplies and extensive aid to the international community.

As pointed out in the white paper, the US government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people’s attention by shamelessly politicising SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing.

Substantial evidence suggested the Covid-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China.

The United States should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, and give a responsible answer to the world.

China will continue to work with all nations in advancing global public health and good governance, and contribute more proactively to preventing new infectious diseases in the future. — Xinhua

China releases white paper on Covid-19 prevention, control and origins tracing 

Full text: Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance 

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FORT DETRICK, THE UNITED STATES BIOLOGICAL WARFARE LAB IS WHERE

 CORONAVIRUS ORIGINATED

‘Use science, not politics': China asks WHO to investigate Fort Detrick, UNC bio labs through diplomatic channel 

Making each day better

Try these exercises for weak knees knees! #seniorliving #seniorcare #mobility #MobilityMatters

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=971049561889416&rdid=CFjAJvksvzXrB55W

AT 76, I have embraced a daily approach to living with purpose, positivity and resilience. Here are some simple yet powerful strategies that have helped me make each day better.

Start your day with purpose

Each morning, set a clear intention. This can be as simple as reminding yourself of your goals or deciding to focus on gratitude for the day ahead. Consider starting a morning ritual that makes you feel grounded – whether it’s a brief meditation, journalling, stretching or simply enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee.

Starting my day with purpose has brought clarity and calm, helping me stay focused on what truly matters.

Embrace the power of small wins

It’s easy to feel like you need to accomplish massive tasks to make your day “better”. In reality, small, incremental improvements lead to the biggest transformations.

Start with manageable tasks. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, break things down into smaller steps and focus on one thing at a time.

My practice of “small wins” has boosted my confidence, helped me build momentum, and motivated me to tackle bigger challenges.

Cultivate a positive mindset

The biggest barrier to making each day better often lies in your mind. Negative thoughts can spiral quickly, but the good news is that you can challenge those thoughts.

Practise positive self-talk. Replace “I can’t” with “I will” and “I’m not good enough” with “I’m constantly growing.”

Shifting my focus towards positivity has drastically improved my outlook and turned an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Prioritise self-care

It’s easy to put everyone and everything else before yourself, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities.

But your wellbeing is the foundation upon which your ability to improve each day is built.

Make self-care a priority, not a luxury. This doesn’t mean hours of relaxation or expensive spa treatments.

Simple acts like deep breathing, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and engaging in physical activity can drastically impact your mood and energy levels.

Over time, I realise that when I take care of myself, I have more to give to others and the world around me.

Learn from challenges

Challenges are part of life, and while they can feel overwhelming, they also offer opportunities for growth.

Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as learning experiences.

Each obstacle provides a chance to reflect, adapt and come back stronger. The key is not to dwell on what went wrong but to find the lessons and move forward.

I have embraced the idea that challenges are stepping stones toward progress, not roadblocks.

Connect with others

Building and nurturing relationships with family, friends and even colleagues can lift our spirits and make each day brighter. When we connect with others, we share not only joy but also support during difficult times.

I always take time to reach out to someone I care about, whether through a phone call, a message or a simple gesture of kindness. These connections create a ripple effect of positivity, making life richer and more fulfilling.

Reflect on your day

At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect. What went well? What could you have done differently? What did you learn?

Reflection helps consolidate experiences, recognise growth, and improve for the future.

Instead of focusing on what went wrong, I try to highlight the positives, even if they’re small.

I acknowledge my efforts and give myself credit for what I do right.

Keep moving forward

Lastly, remember that progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, and not every day will be perfect.

However, if you commit to improving just one thing daily, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come. Perseverance is key.

I acknowledge that there will be good and bad days, but each one holds the potential to bring me closer to my best self.

I have learned to embrace the journey, trust the process, and keep taking steps forward.

Making each day better is within your power. It doesn’t require huge changes or monumental actions.

By shifting your mindset, setting intentional goals and focusing on small wins, you can transform even the most ordinary day into something extraordinary. - By LIONG KAM CHONG

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Heart and Soul: Putting life into your years

The writer quotes Abraham Lincoln: "It’s not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years."

HAPPINESS IS A HABIT TO BE NURTURED

The Practice and Habit of Happiness

How to Be Happy: 12 Habits to Add to Your Routine

 IF you do an online search of the question, “What is happiness?”, there’s every chance your search engine will request emergency leave for the rest of the day. This deceptive and slippery question assumes happiness is singular and definable, ignoring its subjectivity, cultural differences, and transient nature.

Happiness can be a fleeting emotion from a burst of joy when receiving good news. Other times, it’s a mood – a general sense of positivity that lasts for hours or days. More broadly, it can be a state of being influenced by life circumstances, personal values, and our environment.

Some people assume happiness is a feeling that comes and goes, rather than something we can create for ourselves. A new book on the topic invites us to question this assumption. Written by Prof Alvin Ng and Janessa Tan, Happiness: Mastering the 5Gs For an Enhanced You (2025), serves as an insightful companion on how we can create “micro moments of joy” and build our personal happiness fund.

The “5Gs of happiness” are greeting, giving, gratitude, glorifying skilfulness in others, and giggling. At first glance, these seem obvious. Say “Hello” to people. Be generous. Express thanks. Acknowledge others’ strengths. Laugh more. It sounds simple, but nowadays we’re often so caught up in the busyness of living that we forget these qualities that are crucial to maintaining connections, friendships, and our well-being.

When did you last enjoy a genuine laugh? Not the polite kind, but the deep, unrestrained kind that momentarily dissolves life’s worries. When was the last time you expressed admiration to a colleague, friend, or your partner? These micro moments of joy add up, subtly influencing how we engage with others.

At the book launch last month, Ng spoke about these ideas with his trademark dry wit. He, like me, doesn’t consider himself the most naturally joyful person. But we both recognise the value of creating and sharing moments of happiness.

Giggling, for example, might seem like a small thing, but it has profound effects. Laughter isn’t just a social nicety; it helps relieve stress and tension. During the launch, I was thinking about the importance of laughter and playfulness. Play isn’t just for children. Psychologists like Donald Winnicott and Mihály Csíkszentmihályi have shown that play fosters creativity, reduces stress, and enriches engagement with life. We lose something essential when we take life too seriously.

Many of us have been conditioned to see happiness as secondary to productivity. We prioritise deadlines, responsibilities, and efficiency, often at the cost of connection. But happiness and success aren’t mutually exclusive. Research shows that positive emotions increase creativity, resilience, and workplace performance.

The challenge is that happiness isn’t passive – it requires effort. This is where Ng and Tan’s book comes in handy. It’s a practical guide to integrating well-being into everyday life. It doesn’t promise a life without hardship. Instead, it offers a roadmap to finding moments of joy amid the ups and downs.

Giving is a prime example. Even a small act – checking in on a friend, buying someone a coffee, offering a word of encouragement – can create a ripple effect. Generosity fuels connection, and connection is central to well-being.

Glorifying skilfulness in others is another overlooked aspect of happiness. In competitive environments, we often focus on our own achievements. But when we take the time to recognise others’ strengths, we build relationships focused on appreciation rather than rivalry.

Gratitude is perhaps the most familiar of the 5Gs. But knowing its importance and practising it are two different things. Studies suggests that actively expressing gratitude – not just feeling it – increases life satisfaction. A simple “Thank you” can strengthen connections and shift our focus from what we lack to what we have.

Then there’s greeting. In a digital age where communication is often reduced to texts and emails, a sincere, in-person greeting carries weight. It signals recognition, fosters warmth, and strengthens bonds. Offering a smileora friendly nod can brighten someone’s day.

Given the rise in rates of loneliness and disconnection over the past decade,

Happiness is a timely reminder that these problems won’t fix themselves. Reading this book is a reminder that happiness isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity, and it’s something we can create.

Of course, life will never be free from difficulty. Stress and setbacks are part of our experience – and that’s precisely why these moments of happiness matter. They don’t erase hardships, but they provide balance. They remind us that even in difficult times, joy is still possible.

For those sceptical about selfhelp books, this one is refreshingly down-to-earth. Ng and Tan don’t offer unrealistic promises of enduring bliss. Instead, they acknowledge that happiness is a practice – a habit to be nurtured. Their reflections, drawn from psychology, personal experience, and Buddhist philosophy, offer a realistic approach to well-being.

But just reading their book won’t change much. By applying and sharing the ideas found in Happiness, perhaps we can become happier over time, not just in fleeting bursts, but in ways that last.- -   Sandy Clarke

Sandy Clarke has long held an interest in emotions, mental health, mindfulness and meditation. He believes the more we understand ourselves and each other, the better societies we can create. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail lifestyle@thestar.com.my. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

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