Farah Alisha Mumtaz’s Post

In an increasingly connected world, access to healthcare should not be a question. However, the reality remains that in many places, seeking medical assistance is a struggle of its own. From remote villages to densely populated urban areas, disparities in healthcare access continue to be an undeniable reality. Here is where we, as individuals and as a community, play a crucial role in moving towards a better world. Let’s roll up our sleeves and work towards solutions that ensure equitable healthcare access for everyone.🙌🏻 Join the National Health Campaign and you will get: 1. Brand Visibility and Recognition 2. Alignment with Corporate Values 3. Support Community Health Campaigns and Education 4. Greater Social Impact Become a joint sponsor with Asian Medical Students' Association Indonesia (AMSA-Indonesia) and Campaign #ForABetterWorld click the link below: 👇🏻 https://lnkd.in/g6hUgne4 #Together4Health #SupportHealthCommunities #WellnessForAll

**Aligning Healthcare and Social Care in Indonesia: The Role of Family Physicians** In Indonesia, integrating healthcare and social care is essential for creating a holistic and sustainable approach to health management. As family physicians, we are at the forefront of this alignment. Our role extends beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses; we are vital coordinators of care who ensure that patients' social, emotional, and environmental needs are addressed alongside their medical needs. One critical challenge in this alignment is managing high-risk populations, such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with limited access to social services. These groups often require more intensive, continuous care and face medical and social support barriers. The lack of seamless integration between healthcare and social care can result in fragmented care, delayed interventions, and poor health outcomes. We can bridge these gaps by fostering collaborations with social services, local communities, and families, promoting health equity, and enhancing overall well-being. This integrated approach improves patient outcomes and strengthens the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and optimizing resource allocation. To effectively address the needs of high-risk populations, we must advocate for policies that support collaborative care models, train multidisciplinary teams, and leverage technology for better coordination. The future of healthcare in Indonesia relies on our ability to see beyond the clinic walls and work toward comprehensive, community-based care—especially for those most at risk. #familymedicine #socialdeterminantofhealth #healthcare #socialcare #healthforall

The field trip to the Royal Women’s Hospital was a standout moment during the ASEAN Australia Centre Emerging Leaders Program. This visit offered a profound perspective on how thoughtful design and inclusive practices can transform healthcare spaces and improve patient experiences. Traditionally, hospitals are designed with a focus on enabling healthcare professionals (HCPs) to work efficiently. But what about the patients? This visit emphasized the importance of recognizing patients as the primary focus—our "customers"—and prioritizing their experience, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Designing a hospital isn’t just about functionality; it’s about creating a space that feels welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. From the moment I approached the hospital, I put my attention to details. The beautiful ramp seamlessly integrated into the entrance wasn’t just functional but inviting. Colorful decorations and cute gift shops just right after the entrance made the hospital feel less intimidating and more comforting. Walls full with photos of healthcare staff in both professional and everyday settings added a human touch, reminding visitors that HCPs are people too. Even the casual attire of staff and volunteers—no formal uniforms, just name tags—was a refreshing thing to see from the formality seen in many hospitals, particularly in Indonesia. What truly stood out, however, was the hospital’s acknowledgment of diversity, especially the unique needs of Indigenous communities. At the information desk, a sign for "Interpreters" was prominently displayed, reflecting their commitment to linguistic inclusivity. They even had a dedicated room for consultations on Indigenous health—a powerful example of how recognizing and addressing specific health needs can drive meaningful change. This visit taught me that great healthcare isn’t just about healing people; it’s about sending empathy. By creating spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and tailored to diverse needs, we can truly make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all. A valuable lesson I’ll carry forward in my journey to contribute to better health systems. PS: Sorry for only 1 pic, I'm not comfortable taking videos or pics inside the hospital.

Discussing the future of healthcare in Indonesia with dr. Maria Endang Sumiwi, MPH., Director General of Public Health – enlightening and inspiring. Kementerian Kesehatan RI

Last month, I successfully completed the Advanced Short Course on Advocacy for Digital Health Justice organized by the incredible team at Afya na Haki (Ahaki) from the 18th to 22nd of November. Being shortlisted among nearly 1,200 applicants from 50 countries to participate in this transformative program is truly an honor. Over five intense and insightful days, I dived deep into: ✅ The Foundations of Digital Health Justice – Understanding what it truly means to make digital health equitable. ✅ Africentric Approaches to Digital Health – Exploring how African values and perspectives shape solutions. ✅ Emerging Digital Health Technologies – Keeping up with trends, tools, and real-world applications. ✅Access Barriers & Solutions – Leveraging the AAAQ framework (Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality) for impactful advocacy. ✅Legal and Ethical Frameworks – Navigating policies at international, regional, and national levels. ✅Crafting Advocacy Strategies – Building meaningful campaigns for digital health equity. A huge THANK YOU to the Afya na Haki Institute and the amazing facilitators for sharing their immense knowledge, guidance, and expertise throughout this journey. This achievement fuels my unwavering passion for Digital Health, a field I’m committed to exploring, contributing to, and growing in. Whether through further studies , collaborative projects , or innovative research, I’m eager to harness technology to create health solutions that transform lives. #DigitalHealth #Advocacy #Innovation #HealthJustice #Collaboration #LifelongLearning #DigitalEquity #Ahaki

The patient advocacy landscape in Asia is changing, but challenges persist in building real partnerships between patients and healthcare providers. While models like the Patient and Family Advisory Council are improving outcomes in North America and Europe, Southeast Asia faces cultural and economic hurdles that slow progress.    In many Asian countries, societal norms give doctors a higher status, and patients often hesitate to speak up about their needs. This dynamic impacts health outcomes, especially for lower-income families. A study in Taiwan showed a clear link between poverty and poor health, and in Malaysia, where medicines can account for 60% of healthcare costs, financial strain is unavoidable. As Murallitharan Munisamy, Director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia, highlights, 64% of Malaysian cancer cases are detected at late stages, making treatment far more expensive and outcomes less hopeful. NCSM’s push for early screenings is saving lives while helping patients avoid the crushing cost of late-stage care.    Meanwhile, in Singapore, Ursula S., founder of the Eczema Support Group Singapore, is tackling another major issue: access to affordable eczema treatments. While basic steroids are subsidized, innovative therapies that can greatly improve severe cases cost patients thousands of dollars out of pocket. Ursula’s group, which started on Facebook, now connects over 4,000 members and advocates for policy changes to make treatments more affordable. By hosting open discussions with dermatologists, ESGS has created a space for patients to share their struggles and for healthcare providers to better understand what they’re facing.    These stories are reminders that patient voices, when amplified, can lead to change. From cancer screenings in Malaysia to eczema care in Singapore, patient-led initiatives are bridging gaps between healthcare systems and real-world needs. Leaders like Murallitharan and Ursula Soh prove that small efforts can create meaningful impact, even in the face of significant challenges.    If we want better healthcare outcomes, it starts with listening—really listening—to patients. Image: Asia Pacific Patient Innovation Summit (APPIS) 2021 whitepaper   #PatientAdvocacy #PatientExperience #HealthEquity #PatientEngagement #HealthForAll 

This informative post by Válter R Fonseca for World Patient Safety Day highlights a critical issue in healthcare: diagnostic errors. It's sobering to realize that 16% of preventable patient harm stems from these errors, affecting patients across all healthcare settings. It also rightly emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to addressing this challenge (which were similarly discussed at the #IHFRio #WHC2024 this past week): 1. The call for policy-makers and healthcare leaders to create positive work environments and provide quality diagnostic tools is crucial. This top-down approach can significantly impact the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses. 2. Encouraging continuous skill development for health workers is vital in an ever-evolving medical landscape. Staying updated with the latest diagnostic techniques and knowledge can drastically reduce errors. 3. The emphasis on patient engagement throughout the diagnostic process is particularly important. Patients who are well-informed and actively involved can provide crucial information and catch potential oversights. This holistic strategy – involving leadership, healthcare professionals, and patients – seems like a robust approach to tackling diagnostic errors. It's a reminder that patient safety is a shared responsibility and that improvements in this area can have far-reaching positive impacts on health outcomes and healthcare costs. As we reflect on this, it's clear that addressing diagnostic safety is not just about avoiding errors, but about creating a culture of continuous improvement and open communication in healthcare. This World Patient Safety Day message serves as a call to action for everyone involved in the healthcare system to play their part in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and, ultimately, patient safety. Dr Neelam Dhingra The Joint Commission Kevin Zacharyasz, M.En. International Hospital Federation World Health Organization Office at the EU World Health Organization MBR School of Government #PatientSafety #DiagnosticSafety #HealthcareQuality #ContinuousImprovement #PatientEngagement

Some outcomes of Te Tiriti o Waitangi course ( Cultural Safety in Healthcare in Newzeland): - Culturally competent care: Deliver care that respects local values, beliefs, and practices. - Whānau-centric approach: Involve family in healthcare decisions and support. - Health equity: Address systemic barriers to reduce health disparities. - Collaboration: Work with local healthcare providers to improve outcomes. - Cultural humility: Recognize biases and limitations to provide better care. - Patient-centered: Prioritize local patients' needs, values, and preferences. - Inclusive language: Use culturally appropriate language and terminology.

🔔 New Update From Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭! 📝 We were present at the "Monitoring and surveillance of oral conditions" side event. This session focused on the vital role of data in shaping effective public health policies and interventions. 🙂 Our Chair, Dr Dympna Kavanagh emphasised the importance of incorporating psychosocial consumer or patient-reported outcomes in our advocacy efforts. Key points discussed included: 📊 Developing more efficient and effective integrated health information systems that include oral health 🛠️ Ensuring these systems inform planning, management, and policy-making to drive better outcomes 🌍 Strengthening data collection and analysis to provide accurate insights for global oral health initiatives 🚀 We’re committed to advocating for these advancements in our efforts to shape a healthier future for all! Thank you Queen Mary University of London, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland WHO Collaborating Center for Oral Health Education and Research, Mahidol University, Thailand for this brilliant discussion. #SmileYourWayToAHealthyLife #NoHealthWithoutOralHealth #GlobalOralHealthMeeting2024 #UHCforOralHealth #OralHealthForAll #GlobalOralHealthActionPlan #GlobalCoalitionOnOralHealth #BangkokDeclarationOnOralHealth #PrimaryHealthCare #NCD #RoadTo2025 #4thUNHLMonNCDs #UHC2030 #HealthforAll

MEET THE SPEAKER: Kerry Flamank FOCUS: • Overcoming the challenges of intercultural communication within an internationalised healthcare sector with a globally mobile workforce • Practical ideas for participants to use • Explore trends and developments that are current and applicable RATIONALE: • Vet/client conversations follow a similar path to doctor/patient conversations. • Vets frequently have to discuss the costs of treatment and, inevitably, euthanasia. • These are difficult conversations and getting it wrong can result in complaints or a lost client. Each client has a budget for treatment and, after detailing treatment options, these constraints have to be respected. • Euthanasia of any pet, regardless of age or circumstances, is a highly emotional time. There is much unsaid by the client who needs help to make the decision. • Euthanasia handled sensitively can establish a firm bond with a client. AIMS: • To highlight the effective communication of treatment costs, significantly reducing client complaints. • To show how important active listening and a sensitive approach to end-of-life care is. • To share good and bad examples. Read the full abstract here: https://lnkd.in/eNb9DNtv See the programme: https://lnkd.in/e2JEPrgj #conference #medicalenglish #teachingenglish #healthcare #communication