MEDICAL FRATERNITY MOURNS PASSING OF PIONEER IN PAEDIATRICS DR JAI MOHAN

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian medical fraternity today mourns the passing of Datuk Dr A Jai Mohan, a pioneer in paediatrics, medical education, and health informatics.

Dr Jai Mohan, 78, passed away at 12.45 am in the Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Kuala Lumpur after a week-long battle with a severe infection affecting his heart.

He is survived by his wife, Datin Pearl Jai Mohan, a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren.

In a statement, the medical fraternity paid tribute to Dr Jai Mohan, a pioneer and distinguished graduate of Universiti Malaya, who dedicated over five decades to advancing Malaysia’s healthcare system.

Former director-general of Health Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman highlighted Dr Jai Mohan’s visionary contributions to digital health, noting that his foresight was ahead of its time, playing a pivotal role in the development of the nation’s first paperless hospital at Selayang.

"His early leadership in IT education was instrumental in the development of Malaysia’s 1997 Telemedicine Blueprint and in transforming Selayang Hospital into a fully digital institution," he said in a statement.

Dr Jai Mohan held Head of Department roles in Paediatrics at Seremban, Ipoh, and Selayang Hospitals, with his contributions extending far beyond hospital wards.

He also played a major role in policy development, digital healthcare transformation, and medical education, shaping the landscape of paediatric care while mentoring generations of medical professionals.

As the former president of the Malaysian Paediatric Association (1991-1992) and the Malaysian Health Informatics Association (2011-2016), his expertise was widely recognised.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) engaged him as a consultant on telemedicine and digital health, reflecting his global influence in the field.

Meanwhile, Raja Datuk Seri Eleena Sultan Azlan Shah, sister to the Sultan of Perak, extended her condolences to Dr Jai Mohan’s family and expressed deep admiration for his lasting contributions.

"His unwavering dedication to paediatrics, medical education and digital health innovation has left an indelible mark on the healthcare community. His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in peace," she said in the same statement.

Former Head of Paediatrics at Ipoh Hospital, Datuk Dr Amar-Singh, described Dr Jai Mohan as a profound thinker and a catalyst for healthcare advancement.

"His mind was sharp, his insights far-reaching. Whether diagnosing a complex paediatric case or shaping national healthcare policies, he was a towering intellect. But beyond his brilliant mind, we will remember his great heart—his kindness, generosity and ability to inspire those around him," he said.

-- BERNAMA