Malaysia Moves Closer Towards Becoming A Regional Orthopaedics Hub

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 10 (Bernama) - A joint venture signed between two Malaysian companies and a medical group from China in the area of orthopaedics products manufacturing is expected to position Malaysia as the orthopaedics hub in the region, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the collaboration between The Naton Medical Group of China (Naton), OSA Niaga Sdn Bhd (OSA) and Straits Orthopaedics (Mfg) Sdn Bhd of Malaysia to manufacture orthopaedic devises, comprising trauma, spine and arthroplasty products would also enable Malaysians to enjoy 30 to 50 per cent discount of the products in future.

"I have been informed that the industry is ready and willing to advance to the next level, with companies planning to scale up their operations, win new contracts from global customers, engage in more technical and higher-value R&D projects as well as make Malaysian brands and products more visible in the export markets of Asean.

"Thus, should Malaysia achieve the distinction of becoming the orthopaedics capital of the east, it will further provide a marvellous platform for entrepreneurs and companies to venture into other clinical discipline such as cardiovascular surgical devices," he said after witnessing the signing between Naton, OSA and Straits Orthopaedics here Monday.

Liow said the field of orthopaedics offered a huge industry potential for Malaysia with players are already leveraging on Malaysia's excellent comparative advantage and developing expertise in all aspects including research and development (R&D), products development, commercialisation and distribution.