Compassion Must Guide Innovation In Maternal Healthcare - Wan Azizah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Patient-centred care must remain the heart of healthcare delivery, with innovation guided by compassion to ensure mothers and their families receive the best possible care, said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The Prime Minister's wife said excellence in maternal healthcare should be measured not only by clinical outcomes, but also by the dignity, respect and emotional support extended to mothers and their families throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

She said that while innovation continues to transform the medical landscape, the human touch remains indispensable in patient care.

"Innovation alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by compassion. It is how you treat the patient; it is important.

"Excellence is not measured solely by clinical outcomes, but also by the dignity, respect and support we provide to mothers and their families during one of life's most important moments," she said at the launch of the 16th Malaysian Obstetric Anaesthesiology Symposium (MyOASym) 2026 here today.

Wan Azizah said the growing complexity of maternal healthcare, including cases involving advanced maternal age, obesity, complex cardiac conditions and obstetric haemorrhage, requires highly trained healthcare professionals and stronger multidisciplinary collaboration.

She called for the wider implementation of regular multidisciplinary simulation training involving anaesthesiologists, obstetricians and neonatologists to strengthen teamwork and preparedness in managing high-risk situations.

"By institutionalising early warning systems and fostering a workplace culture that prioritises clear communication, we can successfully mitigate high-risk situations and turn potential crises into stories of survival. Let us be a team, sometimes we work in silos. That is not very helpful," she added.

The Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament also advised young healthcare professionals to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning, seek mentorship, not be afraid to ask questions, learn continuously from clinical experiences and develop empathy alongside technical skills.

Meanwhile, Wan Azizah welcomed the participation of healthcare professionals from across Malaysia, as well as Singapore, Hong Kong and Pakistan, at the two-day symposium.

-- BERNAMA