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X-ray based radiological procedures in Malaysia--1990-1994
K H Ng1, B J Abdullah, P Rassiah
1Department of Radiology, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Radiological procedure trends in Malaysia from 1990-1994 show increased use of advanced imaging like CT scans and mammography, alongside a decline in conventional X-ray studies. This data aids healthcare planning and highlights needs for service upgrades.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Statistics
- Healthcare Planning
Background:
- Presents X-ray based radiological procedure statistics and trends in Malaysia (1990-1994).
- Facilitates comparison with United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) reports.
- Provides essential data for Malaysian healthcare planners and providers, categorizing the country as a healthcare level II nation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on X-ray based radiological procedure statistics and trends in Malaysia.
- To provide essential information for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
- To identify areas for expansion and upgrading of radiological services.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of X-ray based radiological procedure data from 1990-1994.
- Data collection on physicians, radiologists, X-ray units, and examinations per capita.
- Categorization of data by healthcare provider type (Ministry of Health, private, teaching hospitals).
Main Results:
- In 1994, Malaysia had 0.45 physicians, 0.005 radiologists, 0.065 X-ray units, and 183 X-ray examinations per 1000 population.
- 3.6 million X-ray examinations were performed in 1994, with chest radiography being the most common (63%).
- Significant increases observed in computed tomography (161%), cardiac procedures (190%), and mammography (240%); decreases noted in barium studies (-23%), cholecystography (-36%), and intravenous urography (-51%).
Conclusions:
- Radiological services in Malaysia show evolving trends with increased utilization of advanced imaging technologies.
- There is a clear need and potential to expand and upgrade existing radiological services.
- The data underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and strategic planning for diagnostic imaging in Malaysia.