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Forging Ahead: Bridging Gaps in Global Surgery
9-11th July 2025,
Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Jamil bin Omar
Dr Jamil Omar is currently the Deputy Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Service for the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. At present he works at Institut Kanser Negara (IKN/National Cancer Institute), Putrajaya as the Head of Department and the Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist.
He has special interest in minimally access surgery and actively involved in training of basic, intermediate and advanced laparoscopic surgery, under the Gynaecological Endoscopy Society Malaysia (GESM). He also started the laparoscopic service in managing endometrial carcinoma in IKN.
He is actively involved in hospital accreditation process with the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health (MSQH) as a surveyor since 2016. He was also involved in creating the 7th Edition of MSQH accreditation assessment tool.
Other than that he is also a member of National Working Committee for Cervical Cancer Screening Program Using HPV DNA Test As A Screening Tool, under Ministry of Health Malaysia.
He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (M.D. UKM) in 1995, and Masters of Medicine in O&G in 2002 and later pursue his sub-specialty training in gynaecological oncology. Had his local training in Hospital Ampang, and his overseas training in Asan Medical Center/Ulsan University College of Medicine Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract
Sabah and Sarawak—comprising 40% of Malaysia’s landmass—face severe maternal health disparities. Geographic isolation, undocumented migrants’ fears, and cultural practices among indigenous communities contribute to high risk pregnancy and poor Maternal and Fetal outcome.
Few challenges i.e. geographic: 40% of Sabah’s rural villages and Sarawak’s interior regions require 2 to 5+ hours to reach healthcare facilities.
Migrant crisis in Sabah like fear of deportation deters 70% of undocumented Filipino/Indonesian migrants from antenatal care.
Cultural barriers of indigenous women in Sarawak about 30% reject facility births due to spiritual beliefs and distrust, doubling neonatal mortality. Strategies like mobile telemedicine, community-based "bridge workers," incentivized traditional birth attendant partnerships, and policy reforms (e.g., migrant health amnesty).
Urgent interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to overcome these barriers. Visiting specialists will be challenged to contribute through skills exchange, resource deployment, and global advocacy.