nd
Forging Ahead: Bridging Gaps in Global Surgery
9-11th July 2025,
Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
K. Balanathan a/l Kathirgamanthan
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Reproductive Medicine Specialist
HWKKS Likas
Attained MD from UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) in 1991. Subsequently acquired a specialist degree in 1997 from UKM. Gazetted as Reproductive Medicine Specialist by Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2007. Has been the laparoscopic Gynaecology Surgery coordinator for Penang state since 2008.
Is a postgraduate supervisor for postgraduate trainee in Masters in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also Masters in Family Medicine. Is also an examiner for the postgraduate examination in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Has publications in local and international journals.
Is a life member of the Malaysian Medical Association and also the Obstetric and Gynaecology society of Malaysia. Was a council member of the the Obstetrics and Gynaecology society of Malaysia (2020 –2022) and also the President of the Obstetric and Gynaecology Society of Malaysia (2022- 2023). Was also a committee member of the AsiaOceania Obstetric and Gynaecology society during this tenure.
Abstract
Decentralizing maternal health care in Malaysia by empowering district clinics to handle obstetric emergencies could improve access to timely care, especially in rural areas. This approach could reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring that essential services are available closer to home.
There are challenges and considerations to be looked into. What will be the potential benefits to the community and also to these clinics. There will be recommendations that need to be implemented so that this programme can be successful.
By addressing these challenges and implementing appropriate strategies, Malaysia can successfully decentralize maternal health care, ensuring that all women have access to quality and timely care, regardless of their location.