Set up national registry for cerebral palsy, MP urges govt

Dr Kelvin Yii says this will provide accurate data on the prevalence and geographical distribution of the neurological disorder in Malaysia.

Yii said a registry would provide accurate data on the prevalence and geographical distribution of cerebral palsy in Malaysia, Borneo Post reported.

He said a registry will help identify trends and modifiable risk factors, strengthen early diagnosis and intervention, and project future rehabilitation, educational and social care requirements.

“It will also support clinical research and ensure healthcare resources are planned and allocated efficiently based on actual patient needs rather than estimates,” he said.

He was responding to the health ministry’s statement that a total of 1,076 children with cerebral palsy were registered and received early intervention services at government clinics nationwide between 2016 and 2025.

However, he said the figure did not capture the broader picture, as many patients continue to receive care outside government facilities which may have gone unreported.

Yii said the government should also review the relevant provisions under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) to establish a true “One Healthcare Network” for rehabilitation services.

He said cerebral palsy patients require life-long multi-disciplinary rehabilitation involving rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, orthopaedic specialists, psychologists, and nutritionists.

Yii said early and intensive rehabilitation during childhood can significantly improve mobility, communication, independence, and overall quality of life.

“Unfortunately, public rehabilitation services continue to face long waiting times, shortages of specialised rehabilitation professionals, limited access to advanced rehabilitation facilities, and disparities in service availability across the country,” he said.

Yii said Malaysia can build a healthcare system that is more coordinated, equitable and patient-centred, while providing greater support not only to these children but also to the families and caregivers who journey alongside them every day.

“Malaysia must now move beyond fragmented assistance towards structural reforms that ensure every child with cerebral palsy receives timely, coordinated and life-long multi-disciplinary care,” he said.