Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

Introduction

As the nation progresses towards becoming a developed country, the incidence of disability is also increasing due to the expansion of industrialization. Industrial accidents, road accidents, and the prevalence of various disabling conditions contribute to this rise in the number of disabled individuals in Malaysia.

Many of these disabled individuals belong to productive age groups and have the potential to contribute to the economic and social advancement of the country. Advances in modern medical technologies have saved numerous lives and enhanced the quality of life for survivors living with disabilities. Witnessing the success of rehabilitation services in developed nations in reintegrating disabled individuals into society has prompted the Ministry of Health to initiate and develop rehabilitation medicine services in Malaysia.

The Rehabilitation Services at Hospital Kuala Lumpur initially commenced within the Orthopaedic Department in 1970, primarily focusing on orthopaedic cases at that time. Managed by a foreign specialist contracted by the Ministry of Health, this department gradually expanded its scope. In 1996, the Ministry of Health officially established the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine to extend services to facilities such as PLPP Bangi (a vocational center for the disabled), Putrajaya Hospital, Hospital Serdang, and Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

In April 2007, in response to the growing population of individuals with disabilities, the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, with the Ministry of Health's support, inaugurated the first rehabilitation ward services in Malaysia, boasting the largest bed occupancy in the country.

Services

1. Amputee Clinic: Providing personalized consultations to amputees regarding prosthetic suitability, stump care education, and preparation for artificial limb usage.

2. Pediatric Clinic: Offering assessment and non-surgical remedies for lower limb and spinal deformities in children using orthotics. Additionally, running a spasticity clinic to assess and treat spasticity in children.

3. Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Collaborating with the Orthopaedic Unit, providing specialized care in a dedicated spinal ward, including education, counseling, and support for reintegration into society.

4. Stroke Rehabilitation: Collaborating with the Neuromedical Unit to evaluate stroke patients' function and medical needs, offering supportive treatments, and educating both patients and families.

5. Pressure Ulcer Clinic: Assessing wounds, providing wound care education, and referring for surgical intervention if necessary.

6. Other services: Conducting physical evaluations for disabled individuals applying for driving licenses, providing consultations and recommendations for aids, equipment, and housing modifications approved by CIBD.

Contact Information

Tel: 603 - 2615 5555 Ext 7098/7099
Fax: 603 - 2693 4384

Email: rehab@hkl.gov.my