Only 80 skin specialists for whole country

NST: The figures on skin diseases nationwide are staggering, and getting worse.
More than a million Malaysians seek treatment for skin diseases from only 80 dermatologists at both public and private hospitals nationwide. This translates to a dermatologist-to-population ratio of 1:300,000.
Health authorities are worried about the future, as the number of people seeking treatment is expected to increase annually without a concurrent increase in dermatologists.
The top skin diseases treated in both the public and private sectors were psoriasis, eczema, allergies, occupational dermatitis and acne.
League of Asean Dermatological Societies secretary-general Dr Steven Chow said at least 30 per cent of Malaysians seeking treatment at clinics suffered from skin diseases.
This is supported by a World Health Organisation Human Resource report, which states that work-related skin diseases account for about 50 per cent of occupational illnesses.
Dr Chow said those suffering from psoriasis and eczema reported a greater detrimental impact on their quality of life than patients with other health problems like high cholesterol, hypertension, angina or asthma.
He said most skin patients, especially those with physical abnormalities, became outcasts due to personal shame or fear of being rejected by society, which usually judged people by their appearance.
The challenges faced by skin specialists will be discussed at a regional conference on dermatology to be opened by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek tomorrow.
The 7th Asian Congress of Dermatology will see skin specialists and researchers from 32 nations meeting to share the latest medical advances.
Dr Chow, the organising chairman, said dermatologists in the region were looking for ways to incorporate significant medical advances into clinical practice.
"Providing better dermatological services will help reduce the burden on the local health care system and the economy due to doctors’ visits, over-the-counter and prescription medical costs and lost productivity."