PETALING JAYA, 6 March 2026 – Hospital Picaso convened a special Ramadan iftar gathering alongside an expert panel discussion to raise awareness about endometriosis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and integrated specialist care for women’s health.
Held at Hilton Petaling Jaya on 6 March, the event brought together invited guests, healthcare professionals and members of the public in conjunction with International Women’s Day and Endometriosis Awareness Month. The evening began with a buka puasa session before transitioning into a panel discussion led by specialists from Hospital Picaso’s Women’s Health Centre.
The panel featured consultant gynaecologists Dr Tan Ee Ping, Dr Sharifah Halimah Jaafar, Dr Debbie Teh Sue-Jian, and Dr Michael Lim Chung Keat, who specialises in gynaecology and gynaecologic oncology. The discussion explored the complex nature of endometriosis and emphasised the importance of coordinated care across multiple medical disciplines.
Endometriosis a Significant Health Burden in Malaysia
The panel discussion took place against the backdrop of growing awareness about endometriosis in Malaysia. According to a 2025 review by the Ministry of Health’s Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), the condition affects an estimated 10% to 15% of Malaysian women.
Official health statistics also reflect the ongoing burden of the disease. The MOH Health Indicators 2025 report recorded 1,937 hospital discharges linked to endometriosis, demonstrating that the condition continues to require significant medical care nationwide.
Hospital Picaso noted that since opening on 19 June 2024, the hospital has already treated 500 endometriosis cases, highlighting both the prevalence of the condition and the growing demand for specialised treatment.
“Severe Period Pain Should Not Be Normalised”
During the panel, doctors addressed one of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding the condition, the belief that endometriosis is simply a case of “bad period pain.”
Specialists explained that many women tend to normalise severe menstrual symptoms or delay seeking medical care, which contributes to the condition often going undiagnosed for five to ten years.
“Severe menstrual pain, persistent pelvic discomfort or symptoms that disrupt daily life are not ‘normal’ and should not be dismissed,” said Dr Tan Ee Ping, Consultant Gynaecologist at Hospital Picaso.
“As we mark International Women’s Day, it is important to recognise that many women with endometriosis still face delays in diagnosis. One key message we emphasise is that the first surgery should be the last surgery. Delayed diagnosis can lead to repeated procedures, prolonged suffering and potentially compromised fertility.”
Dr Tan added that early diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence while helping preserve fertility, an increasingly important issue as more women delay marriage and childbirth.
Multidisciplinary Care Key to Treatment
The specialists also highlighted that endometriosis can extend beyond the reproductive organs. In more complex cases, the condition may involve surrounding organs such as the bowel or bladder.
As a result, effective treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between gynaecologists and other medical specialists, including urologists and colorectal surgeons.
Dr Tan explained that coordinated care ensures treatment is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s condition.
“The goal is to ensure that care is thorough, safe and centred on the patient,” she said.
Community Initiative to Support Patients
As part of its broader awareness efforts, Hospital Picaso also announced plans to host its first endometriosis patient gathering on 28 March 2026 at the hospital.
The event is intended to provide a platform for education, guidance and peer support for individuals living with the condition. It will also allow patients and families to engage directly with healthcare professionals and gain a deeper understanding of treatment options.
Registration details will be released through Hospital Picaso’s official social media channels in the coming weeks.
The hospital said the initiative reflects its commitment to moving beyond awareness campaigns and providing practical support to women navigating endometriosis and related health challenges.
