Dzulkefly: 902 health clinics nationwide to offer AI-assisted lung screening by year-end

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that 902 health clinics throughout Malaysia will provide AI-assisted lung disease screening by the end of this year. This initiative is part of the 2025-2030 Lung Health Initiative aimed at enhancing prevention, early detection, and management of respiratory diseases.

The AI-assisted screening will be supported by the NALURY database. Dzulkefly emphasized that this action is also backed by the strict enforcement of the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024 (Act 852), which aims to safeguard the younger generation from potential risks linked to smoking products. The Malaysian government recognizes the global significance of respiratory diseases, which account for one in five deaths worldwide.

Consequently, Malaysia has taken a proactive stance by advocating for an integrated lung health resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) and addressing it as a key regional concern at the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM). Dr Dzulkefly commended the decade-long efforts of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE) in advancing public health research.

He urged the research community to maintain collaboration with policymakers to transform scientific discoveries into practical clinical practices and public health interventions. Dr Dzulkefly extended his gratitude to Universiti Malaya, the University of Edinburgh, and all RESPIRE members for their unwavering dedication to tackling global respiratory health issues.

He concluded by reiterating Malaysia's commitment to evidence-based, forward-looking health policies, as evidenced by the recent officiation of the 2026 RESPIRE Annual Scientific Meeting, which attracted over 100 international delegates to the capital city.