here are about 170 radiologists in Malaysia. 60 of them are in Ministry of Health hospitals. This number accounts for radiologist to population ratio of 1:130, 000. Three universities, i.e. University Kebangsaan Malaysia, University Sains Malaysia and University Malaya, carry out radiology training. The structured training courses were started in 1983, 1995 and 1994 respectively

The following gives some idea of the scope and range of radiological services available in the Ministry of Health Hospitals in Malaysia. The range of services in the Private and University Hospitals will be added to this list in the future. Similarly, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy services will also be included in this section in time to come.

Radiological services are currently available in ALL general hospitals, district hospitals and in about 52 Health Clinics. While basic services are available (plain x-rays and ultrasound) in ALL hospitals, specialised services including contrast examinations, doppler, mammography, computer tomography (CT), angiography and interventional radiological services are available only in the larger hospitals.

Facilities listing for Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching can be checked here.

Fluoroscopy
This is available in all general hospitals and larger district hospitals. Currently, Tawau, Sandakan and Sungai Petani hospitals are in the process of acquiring digital fluoroscopy units. All contrast examinations including barium examinations of the gastrointestinal tract are done using fluoroscopic equipment.

Colour Doppler 
All general hospitals and district hospitals such as Muar and Taiping hospitals are equipped with colour doppler machines. This is used for vascular examinations particularly of the carotid arteries and veins of the lower limbs.

Computed Tomography (CT) 
CT is available in all general hospitals except in Kangar, which is now in the process of acquiring one. Muar and Sibu hospitals are also equipped with a CT scanner. Taiping, Tawau and Teluk Intan are in the process of acquiring CT scanners. Six other district hospitals are being planned for CT acquisition in the next 5 years. They are Miri, Sandakan, Segamat, Batu Pahat, Seberang Jaya and Mentakap hospitals.

The latest technology in CT is multislice technology. Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Klang hospital have acquired this type of CT scanner and Hospital Ipoh will be acquiring one soon.

Mammography 
All general hospitals (except in Kangar), Taiping and Muar district hospitals are equipped with mammography units. Kangar Hospital is in the process of acquiring a unit now.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 
Currently Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Selayang and Johor Bahru have MRI units. The tender process is now on for the purchase of MRIs for Hospital Kuala Lumpur (2nd unit), Kuching, Penang and Kuantan. MRI is being planned for Kota Kinabalu, Malacca, Seremban, Kuala Terengganu, Alor Setar and Kota Bharu over the next 5 years.

Interventional Radiology
While basic interventional radiology services are being provided in all hospitals with resident radiologists, advanced procedures are being done only in the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Neurointerventional procedures are being provided in a limited manner in Hospital Kuala Lumpur by engaging a private radiologist as there is no expertise currently in the Ministry hospitals.  

Last updated: 01/01/2008

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Last Updated:
01 January, 2008