THE World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative emphasises the unmet need for rehabilitation worldwide and highlights the role of robust health systems in providing comprehensive care.
Based on WHO, one in three individuals globally requires rehabilitation across the spectrum of diverse health conditions and age groups.
With ageing populations and the surge of chronic illnesses, the demand for rehabilitation is set to increase globally, including in Malaysia.
In line with these worldwide healthcare considerations, Malaysia has developed a thriving public healthcare system and facilities, which includes physical rehabilitation.
‘The supply of adequate rehabilitation services in the country falls short in the face of mounting requirements,’ says Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz.
However, there are signs of inadequate supply of rehabilitation services in the country.
In 2022, 72,149 cases were reported to PERKESO relating to work, commuting accidents, and occupational diseases; 26% of these cases led to permanent disability.
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At PERKESO, we believe that early intervention prevents disability.
On this trajectory, the PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre Tun Abdul Razak (PRPTAR) in Melaka started back in 2014 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to our insured persons, which range from physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Currently, PRPTAR houses the Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre, which utilises neuro-robotic Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) robots from Cyberdyne Inc, Japan.
The Cybernics Centre is the first in Malaysia and the Asean region and the biggest in the world to offer Cyberdyne HAL treatment services.
Spanning from 2014 to July 2023, PRPTAR and its numerous satellite centres have successfully treated more than 8,323 patients, using technology-based rehabilitation methods for complex muscular and physical dysfunctions.
In 2022, 34% of the cases admitted were musculoskeletal related whereas almost 24% were stroke and chronic illness related, which are also preventable.
Mental health
One in three adults are reported to experience mental health problems, according to studies from the Health Ministry.
Therefore, PERKESO’s rehabilitation sevices also promote the psychosocial wellbeing and social support of a patient, beyond physical recovery.
By providing case management, counselling, cognitive behavioral and remediation therapy for mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, PERKESO promotes reintegration of injured workers with their family, workspace, and society.
And success speaks volumes – since 2014, 45% of PRPTAR patients have successfully reclaimed their positions in the workforce through the return-to-work programme, which also minimises the productivity lost from the temporary unemployment.
But it is still evident that the supply of adequate rehabilitation services falls short in the face of mounting requirements. The ratio of physiotherapists to the population in Malaysia is 1:7,422 – which is much lower than the WHO’s recommended ratio of 1:2,000.
More facilities with skilled medical personnel are needed to close the disparities in rehabilitation accessibility, especially in rural regions where mobility is limited.
Thus, the recent signing of an agreement between Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan and PERKESO for the development of the Eastern Region PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre in Terengganu reflects our commitment towards this cause.
With the grace and support of Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, PERKESO is grateful to receive a 28ha land with 99-year lease to build a comprehensive rehabilitation centre with a capacity of 160-200 beds, employ more human capital in the field, and make rehabilitation services more accessible to the people.
I look forward to another milestone in our journey for PERKESO, for the Ministry of Human Resources, and for Malaysia.
Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz
Group Chief Executive Officer
PERKESO