Malaysia needs to rethink healthcare so we can go from illness to wellness

It's time we do more to prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension. We know their root causes but we don’t address them well. — AFP Relaxnews

For over two years now, we’ve lived with Covid-19, ever watchful we don’t get it. Well, the virus isn’t going away so maybe it’s time to look at another invisible epidemic that actually kills more people: chronic diseases.

Chronic diseases – such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer – cause 70% of deaths and cost RM9bil in productivity losses in Malaysia. Cases are often picked up late, when treatment is costly and less can be done. It’s a silent epidemic, unfolding quietly and slowly over years.