A teacher stands, a beacon bright, To guide the lost, to show the light. Not just for those who walk the straight, But for the ones who hesitate. The duty’s weight is not for ease, It calls to nurture, calls to please. To shape the mind, the heart, the soul, To make the broken spirit…
All posts by arjamal
The Silent Toll of Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped global health systems, revealing vulnerabilities in healthcare and public health infrastructure. While official COVID-19 death counts capture the immediate impact, excess mortality estimates uncover the pandemic’s broader effects, including indirect deaths caused by disrupted healthcare services and societal changes. This study examines global and regional excess mortality data and…
Rising Medical Costs and the Need for Sustainable Solutions
The escalating cost of healthcare in Malaysia has become a pressing concern. With private hospitals increasing charges and insurance premiums rising in tandem, many Malaysians find themselves priced out of private care. This growing financial burden is forcing more people to turn to public hospitals, placing unprecedented pressure on a system already operating at capacity.…
Strategic Framework for KOM 2025–2030: Realising Competence and Compassion
The Kulliyyah of Medicine (KOM) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has developed a transformative strategic framework for 2025–2030. Guided by the Tawhidic worldview, the framework integrates faith (iman), knowledge (‘ilm), and good character (akhlaq) into every aspect of its academic, research, and community engagement efforts. It aims to produce healthcare professionals who embody…
My Pray
I feel so tired, the nights turn grey, My mind keeps spinning, worries stay. From top and bottom, demands don’t sway, Yet Allah guides me, come what may. The leaders question, their doubts they say, The staff grow restless, their hopes decay. Resources dwindle, fears find their way, But Allah’s wisdom will not delay. No…
Embracing Sustainable Healthcare for a Healthier Planet and Future
Sustainable healthcare is a transformative approach that not only ensures the effective delivery of healthcare services but also aligns with the principles of planetary health. Planetary health recognises the interconnectedness of human health and the environment, emphasising that the well-being of humanity depends on the health of the Earth’s ecosystems. By reducing healthcare’s environmental impact,…
Strengthening MBBS Curriculum through Tawhidic Epistemology
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) MBBS programme was recently accredited for another five years, with a revised curriculum set to launch for the 2025/2026 cohort. This new curriculum restructures the programme into the university’s three-semester academic system, aligning it with the broader university framework. It also emphasises practical and clinical skills in assessments and…
My 30-Day Journey with the BYD Seal
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) has been an exciting step forward, and spending the past 30 days driving the BYD Seal has been a journey of discovery. Covering more than 3,500 km, this experience has reshaped my perspective on EVs, their practicality, and the state of infrastructure in Malaysia. I purchased the BYD Seal…
One Health as an Approach and Planetary Health as the Outcome
Recently, I had the privilege of catching up with an old colleague, Professor Razita Sham, who has been appointed as a Professor in the Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Prof Razita, who is retiring from UNIMAS, and I share a professional history. Although she is more senior than I am, we completed…
Using AI in Medicine and Preparing a Framework for Medical Education
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is transforming healthcare, enabling advanced diagnostics, improved decision-making, and operational efficiencies. However, its application requires careful consideration to ensure that the essence of patient care—ethical responsibility and compassion—is maintained. Clear guidelines are essential to navigate this evolving landscape while simultaneously preparing medical professionals to harness AI effectively…