Ward rounds can be challenging, not just on the diagnostic and treatment front but increasingly on the communication aspect as well. Increasing number of foreign individuals that originate from a different culture and language are appearing in our local hospitals. Sadly, even many Malaysians cannot hold a conversation in our national language. As the number of patients speaking a foreign language increases, how best can we tackle the ensuing gap in communication?

Poor understanding of what a patient is complaining about can lead to a wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, explaining to the patient about his/her disease can then be an arduous and sometimes impossible task. Translators in our local hospitals are lacking. Despite most doctors speaking more than one language, the heterogeneity of our patient population makes learning all languages impossible.

With an expanding foreign labour force in Malaysia, it may be apt for local hospital authorities to put in place a translator service with help from foreign embassies. This will ensure a good delivery of healthcare to our foreign-speaking patients.