KOTA BHARU, 4 August 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Health (KKM) has underscored the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening medical social work services while maintaining the profession’s core values of empathy, integrity and patient confidentiality.
Health Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad officiated the 29th Malaysian Medical Social Work Officers Conference at Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Held under the theme “Empowering Medical Social Work Services Through Digital Synergy and Artificial Intelligence Towards a Sustainable Healthcare System”, the conference aims to enhance participants’ understanding of digitalisation and AI in healthcare, while serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, research and innovation in medical social work.
In his keynote address, Hasnol Zam Zam said Medical Social Work Officers play a vital role in complementing clinical treatment through comprehensive psychosocial interventions that help patients and their families navigate social, economic and emotional challenges.
He noted that while AI has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare service delivery, it should not replace the human values, empathy, integrity and protection of patient confidentiality that underpin the profession.
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During the event, the Secretary-General also presented a mock cheque representing RM590,598 in welfare assistance distributed to patients throughout 2025 to the East Zone Malaysian Medical Welfare Fund (TKPM). Cash assistance amounting to RM84,946.60 was also presented to five patients.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Psychiatric Patient Caregiver Training Action Plan for Care Centres.
Also present were Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical) Datuk Dr. Mohd Azman Yacob, Kelantan Health Director Dr. Kasuadi Hussin, Head of Profession for Medical Social Work Officers Zulhan Ambi, and President of the Malaysian Association of Community Development (Medical) Officers Harolhanam Mohamed Wahid.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, the conference reflects the ministry’s commitment to strengthening medical social work services through digital innovation while ensuring patient-centred care remains at the heart of healthcare delivery. – The Capital Post.
