The shocks from the war in Iran have extended to the healthcare industry, with shipping delays and fuel price volatilities threatening the medical device supply chain worldwide. Dr Muralitharan Paramasua, CEO of the Health Ministry’s Medical Device Authority, joins us to unpack the impact of the Middle East crisis on the supply and manufacturing of medical devices, and what measures the Ministry has in place to cushion patients in Malaysia from any supply shortages.



Image credit: Shutterstock

The shocks from the war in Iran have extended to the healthcare industry, with shipping delays and fuel price volatilities threatening the medical device supply chain worldwide. Dr Muralitharan Paramasua, CEO of the Health Ministry’s Medical Device Authority, joins us to unpack the impact of the Middle East crisis on the supply and manufacturing of medical devices, and what measures the Ministry has in place to cushion patients in Malaysia from any supply shortages.Image credit: Shutterstock

Wander and be enlightened by the endlessly fascinating inner universe that is the human body. We speak with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors and healthcare workers who share their unique perspectives on wellness and living and the latest medical research.

Health & Living

Is Malaysia Facing Medical Device Shortages?

The Ministry of Health expects a 10% cut of its 2026 budget,  as part of cost-cutting measures to save government funds amid the impact of the Iran war. This cut would be equivalent to RM4.65 billion, which the Minister of Health has promised will not affect essential core services. We explore how this will impact healthcare services to the public.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Ministry of Health expects a 10% cut of its 2026 budget,&nbsp; as part of cost-cutting measures to save government funds amid the impact of the Iran war. This cut would be equivalent to RM4.65 billion, which the Minister of Health has promised will not affect essential core services. We explore how this will impact healthcare services to the public. Image Credit: Shutterstock

How Will Government’s Cost-Cutting Impact Healthcare?

 Innovator drugs and treatments can be costly, even if they are life-saving in cases of chronic and serious illnesses like cancer. That’s where generic and biosimilar drugs come in, offering patients more affordable alternatives. But how exactly do generics and biosimilars work? Are they as effective? We speak to pharmacist and public health researcher, Dr Mark Cheong to find out. 


Image Credit: Shutterstock

&nbsp;Innovator drugs and treatments can be costly, even if they are life-saving in cases of chronic and serious illnesses like cancer. That’s where generic and biosimilar drugs come in, offering patients more affordable alternatives. But how exactly do generics and biosimilars work? Are they as effective? We speak to pharmacist and public health researcher, Dr Mark Cheong to find out.&nbsp; Image Credit: Shutterstock

Biosimilars In Cancer Care and Why They Matter

Radiation therapy using high-powered X-rays are a central therapy in cancer treatment, as it is very effective in killing cancerous cells and shrinking tumours. This form of treatment has come a long way, with advancements to improve the delivery of radiation so that it can be targeted more accurately and reduce side effects to other tissues. Dr Nur Fadhlina Abdul Satar, consultant clinical oncologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, joins us to talk about one of these advancements, which is adaptive radiotherapy.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Radiation therapy using high-powered X-rays are a central therapy in cancer treatment, as it is very effective in killing cancerous cells and shrinking tumours. This form of treatment has come a long way, with advancements to improve the delivery of radiation so that it can be targeted more accurately and reduce side effects to other tissues. Dr Nur Fadhlina Abdul Satar, consultant clinical oncologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, joins us to talk about one of these advancements, which is adaptive radiotherapy. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Is Malaysia Facing Medical Device Shortages?

Health & Living

In 1 playlist(s)

Health & Living

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips