By V. SivajiPenang State Exco for Youth, Sports and Health YB Daniel Gooi launched the 27th Penang General Practitioners Conference 2026, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association, Penang Branch held at the G Hotel here.
Welcoming him was MMA Penang Branch Chairman Dato Dr Parmjit Singh, along with Dato Dr Kulwaran Singh, Dr V. Divagar, Dr Jaianand J. Tejani and other committee members.
Gooi congratula MMA Penang Branch on hosting the conference and wished them every success.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here and to extend my warmest greetings to all delegates, healthcare professionals and distinguished guests attending the 27th Penang General Practitioners Conference 2026, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association, Penang Branch.
“For almost three decades, this conference has served as an important platform for general practitioners and healthcare professionals to come together, exchange knowledge and experiences, and stay updated with the latest developments in medicine and healthcare. The continued organisation of this conference is a testament to the commitment of the MMA Penang Branch towards lifelong learning, professional development and the continuous advancement of medical practice.
“Our healthcare landscape is changing rapidly. Medical knowledge continues to evolve, technology is transforming the way healthcare is delivered, and the needs and expectations of our communities are becoming increasingly complex. In this environment, opportunities for professional learning, collaboration and knowledge-sharing are more important than ever.
“Conferences such as this provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity not only to learn about the latest developments, but also to share practical experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another,” said Gooi.
He also added that the exchange of knowledge is essential in ensuring that our healthcare professionals remain well-equipped to respond to the changing needs of our communities.
“For many patients, the GP is the first point of contact when they have a health concern. Beyond diagnosing and managing illnesses, GPs play a crucial role in preventive care, health education, early detection of health conditions and guiding patients towards healthier lifestyles. This close and continuous relationship between GPs and the community places them in a unique position to promote better health outcomes.
“That is why continuous professional development is so important. By keeping up with new knowledge, treatment approaches and developments in healthcare, practitioners can continue to improve the quality of care provided to their patients. Our approach to healthcare must therefore go beyond treating illness. We must place greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention and the promotion of healthier lifestyles,” added Gooi.
He also reminded guests that healthcare professionals play an important role in educating and empowering members of the public to take greater responsibility for their own health.
“A healthier Penang is one where people have access to quality healthcare, understand the importance of prevention, and are empowered to make healthier choices throughout their lives. I hope that this conference will contribute towards that shared goal. I hope the discussions and sessions held today will generate meaningful ideas, encourage stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare services in Penang,” he said.
He later toured the various booths and got to know the delegates and participants much better.