Reinventing Healthcare

In line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the global citizenry is becoming more tech savvy and are connected with one another like never before. In Southeast Asia, internet penetration rates are on the rise as the need to be connected is stronger than ever. With that, it is no surprise that people nowadays have used Google, the great dispenser of information extensively to enquire on health-related concerns. From the basic treatment of a paper cut to something more serious like an unknown rash, there is a tendency to self-diagnose ourselves as we think that the information obtained from the infamous Dr. Google is sufficient to allay such concerns.

Enter Medical Opinion Asia (MOA) Southeast Asian online platform that helps patients be in touch with a team of experienced healthcare professionals and medical specialists to make an informed health-related decisions. The services that MOA covers have been carefully selected to be part of the team’s panel specialist areas such as Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Gamma Knife Treatments, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery and Radiology.

Since its inception in 2016, MOA has grown from strength to strength. An increase in demand for its medical opinion service has paved the way for MOA to expand its clientele to include players in the business-to-business market in the subsequent year. Insurance companies, legal firms, and corporates are among the entities that have placed their trust in a medical service that is second to none.  

Based on a report by Mayo Clinic, up to 88% of patients seeking a second opinion often receive a new or refined diagnosis. Although the benefits of receiving a second opinion are apparent, there is no such systematic and efficient  service to help patients especially in Malaysia attain it.

There are a number of advantages associated with the use of MOA’s services. Fast and easy access to senior medical specialists is one of the many  distinct feature why patients would choose MOA. On top of that, it helps that patients can access these services uninterrupted through MOA’s user-friendly web portal. As for patients from outside of Malaysia, the service can also extend up to treatment (if necessary) where MOA will be  able to arrange a seamless concierge and appointment from catering to patients in need of special medical attention.

This brings to the attention of the region’s rapidly expanding medical tourism industry. A report by Deloitte has indicated that the growth in average annual healthcare spending between 2014 and 2018 is expected to be an average of 11% based on ASEAN countries GDP. This is indicative of a massive market potential to make Southeast Asia a top destination for medical tourism in the world.  This falls in nicely with MOA’s vision to expand in around the region unhindered by its boundless and systematic services powered by the latest technology.

In addition to that, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has set a mandate and stringent regulations in ensuring that the local healthcare industry upholds a high standard of care and patient safety. Such a standard bodes well with improving the medical tourism industry, with MOA, a keen advocate of the aforesaid regulations. The CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Sherene Azli, mentioned that the country’s medical tourism industry achieved a revenue of approximately US$310.4 mil (RM1.3 bil) in 2017 (source).

MOA’s online platform (and with the later release of mobile apps) aims to provide secure and dependable access to trusted senior medical specialists and advisors for second opinions. By the simple process of completing a questionnaire and submitting all relevant documents and images (MRI, CT Scan, X-ray, and Ultrasound), a patient is able to receive a second opinion from MOA’s specialists with regards to the diagnosis and treatment of a specific health concern. After only 72 hours, an opinion report will be provided by the specialists selected for that specific case. The medical images uploaded by patients are viewed by the aforesaid specialists through an integrated leading medical image viewing system.   

On the whole, Medical Opinion Asia’s primary goal is to help patients be more sure of themselves as health should never be compromised. As the saying goes, health is wealth!

More information can be obtained from https://medicalopinionasia.com/. MOA can also be reached at [email protected] 

 

Author Profile

Arief S. Arman

Malaysian writer who meanders through each day with that constant monologue and often times immersed in thought. Author of the essay, 'Albert Camus, The Absurd, and Martyrdom.' Graduated with a BA in Political Science & Philosophy from the University of Queensland, Australia. Currently a Data Journalist with The ASEAN Post.

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