RISING healthcare costs should not discourage people from seeking treatment or health screenings, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said that while healthcare fees had remained relatively stable, concerns remained that ongoing tensions in the Middle East could eventually affect global energy prices and supply chains, leading to higher costs for medical equipment, devices and healthcare consumables.
“Any increase in fuel and transportation costs can have a ripple effect on the production and procurement of medical equipment, devices and healthcare consumables,” he said.
Penang folk should not be discouraged from seeking treatment or health screenings even if healthcare costs were rising, he added before launching the Advanced Orthopaedic & Spine Centre at Sunway Medical Centre in Butterworth.
Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine that focuses on conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and spine, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Chow said such facilities played an important role in supporting the workforce and strengthening economic resilience.
“As our economy grows, protecting workers’ health becomes increasingly important. Many occupations today place considerable strain on the body.
“Over time, back pain, joint problems and musculoskeletal conditions can affect mobility, productivity and quality of life.”
He said that when mobility was affected, it impacted more than the individual as it also affected families, workplaces and ultimately, the state’s economic resilience.
“That is why such orthopaedic facilities are important to help people remain active, independent and able to continue contributing to society.”
Chow also called on healthcare providers to continue pursuing excellence in medical technology and expertise while ensuring healthcare remained accessible and affordable.
He praised Sunway Medical Centre Penang for initiatives such as its Robotic Care Fund and the upcoming “Sayang My Health Festival” from June 11 to 14.
“The upcoming health festival offers the second selected health screening package at just RM5.20.
“At a time when many families are managing their household expenses carefully, this initiative sends a powerful message that healthcare can remain within reach.”
Chow added that Penang would continue to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia’s leading healthcare destinations and welcomed Sunway Medical Centre’s expansion into regional markets, including Cambodia and Myanmar.
Earlier, Sunway Medical Centre Penang chief executive officer Christine Lee said the launch marked a major milestone in strengthening orthopaedic services in northern Malaysia through investments in advanced technology and innovation.
The hospital’s Robotic Care Fund, she said, provides financial assistance of up to RM3,000 for eligible patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures.
“Through our Robotic Care Fund, we have supported 100 patients from last year until April this year.
“The initiative is aimed at making robotic surgery more affordable for patients, easing their financial burden while also encouraging greater access to robotic-assisted surgery, which offers enhanced precision, a lower risk of complications, and faster recovery,” she said.
As for the hospital’s orthopaedic team, Lee said it comprised specialists covering spine and knee conditions, sports injuries, hip care, fractures, upper-limb problems, and paediatric orthopaedics.
She added that the centre would also help to raise public awareness of musculoskeletal health and the importance of early intervention.
Also present were Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long and Sunway Healthcare Group hospital and healthcare operations managing director Dr Khoo Chow Huat.
