UMMC launches added-value service for hearing-impaired patients

KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) today launched an added-value service specifically for hearing-impaired patients.

UMMC director Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan said the new service, made possible with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf’s (MFD) collaboration, involved the provision of a QR code that offered video instructions and information on taking medicines in the Malaysian sign language.

“Since the early discussion (with MFD) we found that what the hearing-impaired need is counseling and education on how to take their medicine safely and as required so that the outcome of the treatment is better.

“It is also for the hearing-impaired to get counseling services if they have any complication after taking the medicine, like what needs to be done and so on,” she said when met after launching the service today.

Dr Nazirah hoped that the service, pioneered by UMMC, would also be provided by other health institutions to accommodate the needs of the hearing-impaired in the provision of health care.

“We hope this kind of service can be extended to other hospitals and not only in government clinics, but also in private clinics, and we will create awareness through pharmacy associations.

“We also hope to be able to help and collaborate with the pharmacy at the Health Ministry to develop a similar service,” she added.

The service was launched at UMMC today in conjunction with the 2022 World Pharmacy Day. Also present was the Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang and MFD president Mohamad Sazali Shaari. – Bernama, September 20, 2022