KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- A total of 902 health clinics nationwide will be empowered with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted lung disease screening by the end of this year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the initiative is part of the implementation of the 2025-2030 Lung Health Initiative to strengthen prevention, early detection, and management of respiratory diseases in the country.
"By the end of this year, 902 health clinics nationwide will be empowered with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted screening, supported by the NALURY database," he said via a post on Instagram today.
Dr Dzulkefly stated that this effort is also supported by the rigorous enforcement of the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024 (Act 852), particularly to protect the younger generation from risks associated with the use of smoking products.
He said the step to strengthen lung health is crucial given that respiratory diseases currently account for one in five deaths globally.
"Recognising this reality, Malaysia continues to play a proactive role by championing an integrated lung health resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), as well as elevating it as a key regional agenda during the recent 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM)," he said.
He noted that all efforts and innovations in this field must be supported by solid data and scientific evidence to ensure that implemented health policies and interventions are truly effective.
In this regard, Dr Dzulkefly praised the decade-long contributions of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE) in driving public health research.
He also urged the research community to continue working closely with policymakers to ensure that scientific discoveries can be translated into effective clinical practices and public health interventions.
Dr Dzulkefly expressed his appreciation to Universiti Malaya, the University of Edinburgh, and all RESPIRE members for their continuous dedication in addressing global respiratory health challenges.
"Malaysia remains committed to forward-looking, evidence-driven, and solution-centric health policies," he said after having officiated the 2026 RESPIRE Annual Scientific Meeting, which brought together over 100 international delegates in the capital.
-- BERNAMA