PUTRAJAYA: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significantly more prevalent among persons with disabilities (OKU) compared to the general adult population, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023.
The survey found that 33.3% of OKU are living with diabetes, more than double the 15.6% recorded among the general adult population.
Hypertension is also far more widespread, affecting 56.9% of OKU compared to 30% of the general population.
Such findings are critical for the public health system, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said, stressing the urgent need for strengthened and targeted healthcare services for OKU.
"The burden of NCDs among OKU is considerably higher, and this demands a healthcare system that is not only accessible but also responsive to their unique needs," he said in his speech when launching a healthcare seminar for persons with disabilities here on Saturday (Nov 29).
Dzulkefly outlined a range of initiatives to support early detection, intervention and long-term management for the community.
"Since 1986, the ministry has implemented the Children with Special Needs Service at the primary-care level, focusing on health promotion and disability prevention.
"By 1996, rehabilitation services were expanded to health clinics with the introduction of physiotherapy and occupational therapy," he added.
Currently, 834 health clinics offer physiotherapy, while 658 clinics (59.5%) provide occupational therapy, Dzulkefly said.
"The placement of family medicine specialists in clinics has also boosted capacity for developmental assessments, early interventions, behavioural management and community-based comprehensive care," he said.
The ministry is also strengthening hospital-based services for the OKU, he added.
According to Dzulkefly, the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme is now operating in 95 hospitals, with 740 cochlear implant surgeries carried out since 2008.
"Accessible visual-care facilities for OKU are now available in 50 hospitals, while six new hospitals have adopted universal design principles to improve accessibility," he added.
For mental health, he said, psychiatric services are available in 70 hospitals, supported by 40 Mentari community mental health centres, which provide treatment, therapy, rehabilitation and employment support for OKU.
He said state hospitals also run Child Development Centres offering multidisciplinary, family-centred interventions.
"There are also community-level programmes such as Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Ku Sihat, health screenings for OKU trainees and school health screenings that help identify health issues earlier.
"Home and palliative care services have also been enhanced to ensure bed-bound patients receive continuous treatment," he said.
Dzulkefly also pointed out that Malaysia has gained recognition for its OKU-friendly pharmaceutical innovations, including medicine labels, the Drug Information for the Deaf Community (Didcom) initiative, and the use of sign language during medication counseling.
In dental care, he said the Special Care Dentistry Service has been strengthened through 14 specialists and active home care teams nationwide.
Dr Dzulkefly added that digitalisation has also expanded the reach of healthcare services.
Telehealth is now widely used across facilities to support communication, consultations and follow-up care, he noted.
"Digital tools such as the M-CHAT instrument have also improved early autism screening, enabling faster referrals and intervention for children.
"Our commitment is to ensure that no one is left behind. Strengthening OKU healthcare is central to building an inclusive and equitable health system," he said.
