Dr Subramaniam Sathasivam

Dr Subramaniam Sathasivam is a consultant dermatologist and physician who formerly served as the Malaysian Minister of Health (2013–2018) and Minister of Human Resource (2008–2013). He was the 2021 Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health and currently co-chairs the Advisory Council to the Health White Paper initiative of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. The Health White Paper aims to advise the Government in reforming the health system to be sustainable and responsive to current and future challenges.

During his tenure as Minister, Malaysia developed the regulatory framework for Medical Devices and incorporated the Malaysian Medical Devices Authority. Dr Subra guided the Medical Devices Authority during its formative period in handling many of its initial challenges and paved the way for it to become a strong regulatory body. A strong advocate for increasing access to new technologies and medications among the poor and vulnerable, Dr Subra also contributed to enabling individuals infected with hepatitis C to have access to cost-effective treatment.

He strongly believes that the ultimate purpose in inventing new transformative technology is only achieved when it reaches the hands of the poor.