Women’s leadership brings broader perspectives and empathy, essential qualities in tackling healthcare challenges like mental health and AI.
IPOH: Women’s leadership brings broader perspectives, greater empathy and a more people-centred approach, qualities that are essential in the medical profession.
Perak Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) chairman Dr Monesh Pillai said the healthcare sector today faces a range of emerging challenges, including mental health issues, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, an ageing population, digital transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).
He said these challenges require innovative solutions and forward-looking leadership, adding that society as a whole stands to benefit when women are given opportunities to lead.
“As such, we need more women at the decision-making table, not merely as participants but as leaders who help shape the future of the nation’s healthcare system,” he said in his address at the opening of the Women in Medicine (WIM) 2026 Symposium here today.
The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, officiated the symposium, which was held in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
Also present were the wife of the Perak Menteri Besar, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, Perak Health director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, and WIM 2026 Symposium organising committee chairman Dr John Emmanuel.
In his address, Dr John said empowering women not only strengthens the healthcare profession but also improves the quality of care received by patients and the community.
He said this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’, serves as a reminder that empowerment is not merely about providing opportunities, but ensuring every woman has the space to lead, contribute and realise her full potential.
“As healthcare professionals, our responsibility extends beyond treating illness. We must also build a healthcare system that is fairer, more inclusive and people-centred. As the healthcare landscape evolves, so too does the role of women in medicine.
“While the focus in the past was largely on women as doctors, today we celebrate women in many roles, as leaders, administrators, researchers, educators, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, mothers, caregivers, activists, advocates and even patients,” he said.
Organised by the Perak branch of the MMA in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the WIM 2026 Symposium is a prestigious event recognising the achievements, leadership and outstanding contributions of women in medicine and healthcare.
The one-day symposium featured presentations by leading healthcare experts, including Monash University Malaysia president and pro vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, who delivered a talk titled ‘From Clinic to Global Policy: Women Leading the Change in Healthcare’, and Sunway Velocity Medical Centre consultant paediatric immunologist and infectious disease specialist Dr Sangeetha Siniah, who presented on ‘Allergy and Immune Health in Women and Children’.
