KUALA LUMPUR: Primary care is important to combat the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes in the country, says the Health Ministry.
Primary care serves as the first point of detection for diabetes among Malaysians, considering that 15.6% or one in six adults live with diabetes.
It is also one of the most pressing public health issues, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023.
As such, Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli urged primary healthcare providers to support public hospitals and tertiary healthcare facilities to combat the rising cases of diabetes among Malaysians.
“We are at war against diabetes. With more Malaysians being diagnosed with it and its complications, we must continue our efforts to prevent diabetes while simultaneously delaying the onset of its complications,” she said at the launch of the Diabetes Malaysia Conference 2024 here yesterday.
The conference has the theme “Revolutionising Diabetes: Bridging the Primary Care Gap”.
Her speech was read by Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Thilaka Chinnayah.
Primary care involves basic health services like check-ups and immunisations at clinics while secondary care involves specialist treatment for more complex conditions.
Tertiary care is for specialised, advanced treatment like surgery provided by hospitals.
Dr Norhayati said the burden of primary care has now shifted to treating diabetes and its complications, adding that knowledge should be shared and considered by all stakeholders involved in diabetes management.
However, she said ongoing challenges such as cost constraints, time, resources, and patient factors also need to be addressed.
At the event, she highlighted the efforts of Diabetes Malaysia (previously known as Malaysian Diabetes Association) for its self-funded initiatives to support the public healthcare system.
“Diabetes Malaysia consistently supports diabetes programmes through its national branch, 14 state branches and 36 district branches, with over 12,000 active members,” she said.
The organisation was formed in 1981 to promote diabetes care through awareness, prevention, education and management of diabetes for patients, their carers and the general public.
Diabetes Malaysia president Prof Datuk Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said the organisation has been playing a pivotal role in advocating for better diabetes care and prevention strategies.
He proposed the government subsidise the association’s glucose monitoring devices as it costs between RM385 and RM473 a month, so that diabetes can be better managed.
Diabetes Malaysia Conference 2024 organising chairman Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin said there are disparities in primary care quality and accessibility that have led to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
“Our goal is to revolutionise primary care by enhancing access through technology, investing in provider training and promoting collaboration within the healthcare system,” he said.
