Public hospitals in Malaysia recorded a 14.6% increase in schizophrenia patients in 2024 compared to 2021, according to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
In a written parliamentary reply to Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas), Dzulkefly detailed the rise in cases, noting that government hospitals reported 7,468 schizophrenia patients in 2022, a 3% increase from 2021.
The figure climbed to 8,481 in 2023, reflecting a 17% rise from 2021, before slightly declining to 8,303 in 2024, still 14.6% higher than 2021 levels.
The minister provided a demographic breakdown, revealing that 59.1% of reported patients were Bumiputera, including 50.2% Malays, 2.3% Iban, and 1.8% each Kadazan and Dusun. Chinese patients accounted for 24.4% of cases, followed by Indians at 5.8%.
Dzulkefly outlined the treatment framework, explaining that schizophrenia management involves pharmacological intervention, ongoing rehabilitation, and psychosocial support, including employment assistance. “Patients with severe symptoms requiring hospitalization receive medication and are monitored in wards until stabilized for discharge,” he said. “Those with milder conditions can receive outpatient care at psychiatric clinics.”
He emphasized the importance of follow-up care for outpatients to enhance their functionality and promote independence, ensuring regular monitoring at clinics to support long-term recovery.
