In February 2023, we reported that the government plans to transform MySejahtera (MySJ) into a comprehensive digital public health super app. This app will utilise big data from all health-related information to guide the country’s health direction, including budget allocation, providing the best health services, and facilitating the people. If you are still keeping the app on your phone, you can now use it to see a dentist.
FMT reports that according to Dr. Radzi Abu Hassan, the health director-general, the public now has the option to schedule dental appointments at government health clinics using the MySJ app.
This new feature allows individuals to book their appointments for check-ups, consultations, or treatment through the outpatient services and receive reminders. Subsequent appointments will be arranged accordingly. However, in the case of emergency treatment, individuals can visit nearby dental clinics without needing to make a prior booking.
Dr. Radzi also mentioned that this new feature has the potential to enhance the efficiency of oral health services and promote self-care and early detection through screening.
He referred to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2019), which revealed that 15% of Malaysians have never undergone a dental check-up in their lifetime. The survey also highlighted that only 50% of Malaysians had received a dental check-up within the previous two years.
Dr. Radzi expressed concern over these statistics, citing the high prevalence of gum disease and dental cavities among adults, as reported in the 2010 National Oral Health Survey of Adults (90% and 89% respectively).
