The Malaysian Health Director-General is a highly respected and esteemed position within the Malaysian government. The person who holds this position is responsible for overseeing and managing the health and well-being of the Malaysian people. This includes developing policies, implementing programs, and ensuring that the country’s healthcare system is effective, efficient, and accessible to all.
Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah has been at the forefront of Malaysia’s fight against COVID-19, and his leadership and guidance have been instrumental in helping the country navigate through this pandemic.
Dr. Noor Hisham has been a medical doctor for over 30 years, and he has extensive experience in public health and epidemiology. He obtained his medical degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1988 and later completed his postgraduate training in public health at the University of Malaya. He has also completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
Dr. Noor Hisham joined the Ministry of Health in 1993 and has since held various positions, including Director of the Institute for Medical Research and Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support). He was appointed as the Health Director-General in 2013.
Under Dr. Noor Hisham’s leadership, Malaysia’s healthcare system has undergone significant improvements, including the implementation of a national healthcare financing system and the development of a national healthcare information system. These initiatives have helped to improve access to healthcare for all Malaysians and ensure that the country’s healthcare system is sustainable and effective.
However, it is Dr. Noor Hisham’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic that has truly highlighted his capabilities as the Health Director-General. He has been instrumental in implementing Malaysia’s response to the pandemic, including the establishment of quarantine centers, the implementation of movement control orders, and the development of guidelines and protocols for managing COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Noor Hisham has been widely praised for his transparent and open communication with the public, providing daily updates on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country. He has also been recognised for his calm and reassuring demeanor, which has helped to ease public anxiety during the pandemic.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Noor Hisham has received numerous awards and honors, including the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award, which is the highest federal award in Malaysia. He has also been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020.
With Dr. Noor Hisham retiring in just a few days (April 21), Malaysians would like to thank him for his service to the country.
In conclusion, the Health Director-General of Malaysia is a crucial position responsible for the well-being of the Malaysian people. Dr. Noor Hisham has proven himself to be a capable and effective leader, both in normal times and during times of crisis. His contributions to the healthcare system in Malaysia and his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic have been invaluable, and he continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for Malaysians everywhere.
