Global Health Asia-Pacific December 2020 December 2020 | Page 39

BEST PROVIDERS OF SPECIALIST CARE

BARIATRIC SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC

GLENEAGLES KUALA LUMPUR
The main goal of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur in promoting bariatric treatment is not only to offer obese patients a second chance for a healthier lifestyle , but also to reduce the number of diseases associated with the condition .
“ Obesity is a chronic and progressive disease that affects multiple organs in the body , leading to serious and potential life-threatening conditions , such as cardiovascular disease , diabetes , stroke , gall stones , and certain cancers like breast , uterine and colon ,” said Hoo Ling Lee , Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur ’ s CEO , on receiving this year ’ s Global Health Asia-Pacific award for Bariatric Service Provider of the Year in the Asia-Pacific .
“ We started to create awareness on bariatric treatment extensively and continuously not only because the number of obese people is increasing in Asia , but also because of the number of people with type 2 diabetes , which is closely related to the risk of being obese .
“ This award recognises the handwork and dedication of our team of surgeons , endocrinologists , dietitians , marketing staff , and management . Moreover , it also acts as fuel to the fire within the team to strive for bigger milestones and success under the belt of bariatric treatment ,” she added .
Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur began to promote bariatric surgery in 2016 . Since then , the number of bariatric surgeries performed by the hospital
Ms Hoo Ling Lee
has continued to increase . Its highly experienced team of bariatric surgeons have now performed more than 1,500 procedures in Malaysia .
At the same time , the team ’ s collaboration with prominent industrial players has helped in the development of the hospital ’ s bariatric and metabolic surgical treatment unit .
“ During the development of our bariatric unit , we managed to involve and incorporate a strong multidisciplinary team that includes endocrinologists , cardiologists , dieticians , physiotherapists , and nurses .
“ Our strong and structured marketing team has also contributed significantly in developing awareness and interest among the general public , as well as local and international patients . The Gleneagles bariatric and metabolic surgical treatment unit was officially opened in the early secondhalf of 2019 ,” said Hoo .
As a JCI- and MSQH-accredited hospital , Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur sees digitalisation becoming an integral part of its ongoing efforts to provide quality healthcare . Measures are also being put in place to address patient inquiries more efficiently , within a turnaround time of 24 hours .
Its future plans and strategy to expand the hospital ’ s services will involve even greater emphasis on its digital platforms to “ spur and engage in conversations around health with our fellow Malaysians ,” said Hoo .
“ Through fresh content that not only aims to educate but also inspire , our hope is to also draw on the strength of strategic partnerships to amplify our key message of ‘ beating the odds with Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur ’.”
The hospital is also getting ready to introduce a new catheterisation lab , along with an upgraded gamma knife machine to bring patients the latest treatment technology .
At the same time , telemedicine is becoming a key offering to bring healthcare services closer to patients .
To cater to the growing healthcare needs of the community , the hospital will also be ramping up its health screening , ophthalmic , and rehabilitation centres , as well as its orthopaedic department and new cardiac unit .
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