Future-proofing public health: How does your personal data safeguard the nation?

Despite the apparent benefits of digitisation, Fadli acknowledges challenges, from unreliable internet to a lack of staff trained in digital health tools. It creates a gap, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access. Furthermore, as citizens grow more savvy about data privacy, the onus falls on healthcare providers for transparency. Fadli notes, “Building trust with the public about data security is crucial. We need to ensure clear communication about how health data is collected, stored, and used.” Without standardised data, GIS projects will fail as inconsistencies create inaccurate maps for public health analyses.

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To address the challenges, the Ministry of Health is gradually upskilling health personnel and technical officers across various divisions, coaching them on leveraging GIS solutions in problem-solving. “We prioritise user-friendly interfaces for digital health solutions. This consideration makes it easier for healthcare personnel with varying technical backgrounds to utilise these tools effectively,” Fadli adds. The Ministry of Health also aims to boost collaborations with other government agencies to establish standardised data collection and formatting protocols. “This ensures consistent, high-quality data that can be easily integrated into our GIS platform, leading to more accurate and actionable insights for public health interventions.” 

The future of Malaysian GIS projects in healthcare hinges on mainstreaming GIS technology. Beyond training and more geo-enabled health data, Fadli hopes to see a more integrated health data landscape. “Breaking down silos between public and private healthcare systems and other agencies to create a unified data ecosystem will foster a more holistic view of population health and risk factors,” he says.

New technologies can help close the gap in Malaysian healthcare beyond infectious diseases, Fadli explains. “Malaysia’s healthcare system faces challenges with its ageing population and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. Technology is not the main solution, but embracing new technologies can bridge these gaps. Imagine an older adult in a rural area seeing a specialist virtually or using a wearable device to track their heart health. Telehealth and remote monitoring can increase access to care and, at the same time, reduce congestion in public healthcare facilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyse data to identify people at risk of diseases and recommend preventative measures. Mobile apps can empower patients to manage their NCDs through self-monitoring and reminders. Technology isn’t a silver bullet, but by using it strategically, Malaysia can improve access to care, promote prevention, and better serve its growing elderly population and those battling NCDs.”

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Asked about Malaysia’s preparedness for a future endemic, Fadli warns that potential new pathogens always introduce an unpredictable factor but believes Malaysia has taken positive steps in improving health analytics, learning from the experience of managing Covid-19. “Public health is evolving. Our country should continue to leverage new technologies like advanced data analysis for real-time disease tracking and AI-powered risk assessments to enhance preparedness and surveillance for future outbreaks.”

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