The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that it is implementing AI-powered lung screenings for targeted groups at seven health clinics across the nation. The launch of the lung health screenings is part of the key efforts in the ministry’s National Lung Health Initiative 2025-2030 to reinforce prevention, screening, and treatment for lung diseases.
According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the advanced technology combines X-rays with AI analysis to provide more accurate results compared to conventional methods. He also clarified that the screenings will be conducted on high-risk groups like active smokers, individuals who inhale second-hand smoke, chemical workers, or people who have been exposed to toxic substances.
Disease Control Division Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan explained that the screenings have begun in collaboration with roughly 15 companies involving an estimated 400 workers, and that the clinics will be linked to nearby hospitals for follow-up CT scans and treatment. She added that participants who are flagged for concerns will be subjected to a low-dose CT scan to verify the findings, and interventions will be made where needed.
The cost of implementing the AI screenings is RM70,000 in total, which the ministry deems affordable and worth it to ensure early detection of lung diseases. The seven clinics offering the screenings are Klinik Kesihatan Seberang Prai (Penang), Klinik Kesihatan Kok Lanas (Kelantan), Klinik Kesihatan Kajang (Selangor), Klinik Kesihatan Luyang (Sabah), Klinik Kesihatan Beserah (Pahang), Klinik Kesihatan Pendang (Kedah), and Klinik Kesihatan Batu 9 Cheras (Kuala Lumpur).
(Source: New Straits Times, The Star)
