By Alang Bendahara
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — Selangor has the potential to nurture a homegrown healthcare industry that can be on par with other countries.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Koh Kar Chai said this is due to Selangor’s unique position as the country’s economic powerhouse.
“There are many opportunities for Selangor to have a homegrown health industry which can rival neighbouring countries.
“I think the Selangor government should encourage such an industry to blossom with the help of international companies, in addition to letting our own local companies grow,” he said when met after delivering his keynote address at the Selangor International Health Conference (SIHC) 2021 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here today.
Dr Koh also suggested that Selangor change its focus on health tourism to the local healthcare industry instead.
“Penang is already renowned for its health tourism industry, which Selangor does not have to compete against. Since it is an industrialised state with many sectors within its borders, it would be better to grow the healthcare industry rather than focus on healthcare tourism.
“Selangor ought to go all the way, from traditional products up to innovative products, including the digitalisation of healthcare,” he said.
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that the state is open to new healthcare industry-related initiatives that could be implemented in Selangor.
Meanwhile, Dr Koh said Selangor should continue to organise events such as the SIHC 2021 in the future.
“Healthcare is essential, as the state will not only progress with adequate healthcare for our people but Malaysia as a whole since a healthy nation is what we need most,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Koh had delivered a keynote address that touched on effective primary care for the ageing population.
The inaugural SIHC 2021 was jointly organised with InfoMed, one of Malaysia’s leading medical publication houses.
The event and the Selangor International Expo (Medic) were held in conjunction with the hybrid Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS 2021), which takes place physically and virtually at www.selangorbusinesshub.my.
