Dr Jay Blood Specialist

Dr Jay

Blood Specialist

Your Health is
Our Priority

Welcome to the homepage of
Dr Jay Suriar

Welcome to the home page of Dr Jay Suriar, Consultant Hematologist at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, a leading tertiary medical centre with mature and sophisticated capabilities in all areas of medical care.

Diseases of the bone marrow, blood and lymphoid organs are complex and their management is always evolving.

Our team is committed to the best possible outcome in your care.

We aim to achieve this with advanced diagnostics, up-to-date treatment options and engagement with specialists in related disciplines both locally and abroad.

About Us

Clinical Hematology services in Gleneagles KL are comprehensively designed with a commitment to excellence.

We strongly advocate for minimizing the need for blood transfusions through proactive patient blood management and prevention of clotting complications in hospitalized patients by proactive measures.

Laboratory support is robust with services in morphology and specialized diagnostics including genetic sequencing. A comprehensive referral network with accredited laboratories abroad has been established.

Transfusion services are supported by an experienced local transfusion service and by the National Blood Centre, MOH.

ARTICLES
Articles
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Leukemia and Lymphoma

Leukemia and lymphomas are related cancers of the blood and immune systems that are evaluated and treated by hematologists or blood cancer specialists.

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August 15, 2022 No Comments

Hematology Services

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Comprehensive Diagnostic Workup (Bone Marrow Biopsy / Flow Cytometry/ Specialist Morphology/ Cytogenetics / FISH / Molecular Genetics)

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Specialised Imaging and PET CT scans

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Interventional Radiology for Diagnosis and Specialised Vascular Access

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Outpatient Chemotherapy / Targeted and Immunotherapy

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Inpatient / Daycare Chemotherapy / Targeted and Immunotherapy

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Blood Transfusions and Planning for ‘Bloodless’ Surgery and Minimising Transfusions

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Management of Major Bleeding

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Management of Thrombosis / Clotting

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Anticoagulation Service

Common Blood Diseases / Conditions Treated

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Anemias

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia
  • B12 deficiency and Megaloblastic Anemia
  • Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia
  • Hereditary Spherocytosis
  • Pure Red Cell Aplasia
  • G6PD Deficiency

Thalassemia and Hemoglobin Disorders

  • Screening for Thalassemia Trait
  • Alpha Thalassemia
  • Beta Thalassemia
  • Transfusions for Thalassemia Major
  • Sickle Cell Disease

Thrombocytopenia and ITP

  • Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
  • Evaluation of Low Platelet Count

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

  • Polycythemia and Polycythemia Rubra Vera
  • Essential Thrombocytosis
  • Primary Myelofibrosis

Bone Marrow Failure

  • Aplastic Anemia
  • Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

  • Obstetric APLS
  • Thrombotic APLS

Lymphoma

  • Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Other Lymphoid Disorders (Castleman Disease, Kimura Disease, Kikuchi Disease, Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis)

Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis

No Extra Info

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

No Extra Info

Acute Leukemias

  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia
  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  • Mixed Phenotype Leukemias

Chronic Leukemias

  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Bleeding Disorders

  • Hemophilia
  • Von Willebrand Disease
  • Acquired Bleeding Disorder
  • Acquired Hemophilia

Clotting Disorders

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Thrombosis in Unusual Sites

Stem Cell Transplant

  • Evaluation and Work Up for SCT
  • HLA Typing
  • Matched Unrelated and Cord Blood Search

Facilities at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

Diagnostic Pathology / Flow Cytometry

Cytogenetics / Molecular Genetics

Outpatient Targeted and Oral Chemotherapy

Daycare Infusion (Chemotherapy / Immunotherapy)

Daycare Transfusions

Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration

Diagnostic Imaging (CT / MRI / PET-CT)

Interventional Radiology (Diagnostic Biopsies)

Interventional Radiology (Venous Access)

Tertiary Specialist Services in all Medical / Surgical Subspecialties

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Network of Services for Radiation Oncology

Network of Referral Services for Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy

ABOUT Dr JAY

Dr Jay Suriar

MD, MRCP (UK)

Dr Jay Suriar pursued Medicine at National University of Malaysia/UKM, graduating in 2000 before obtaining his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) in 2006. He then completed Fellowship training in Clinical Hematology from Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

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Patient Review and Testimonials

  • I very much appreciate your skills, warmth and caring with which you treated me. Thank you so much for all that you do.

    Vivian Mah Avatar Vivian Mah
    December 16, 2022

    Dr Jay took excellent care of my mother during her admission. He kept us updated on her condition daily. He took more responsibility for my mother even compared to the... read more

    Murali Ganesen Avatar Murali Ganesen
    November 16, 2022

    Dr Jay is a caring and humour doctor, very patience in explaning any queries I asked, thank you.

    Jennet Fong Avatar Jennet Fong
    March 29, 2023

    Pertama kali saya ketemu dokter yang Sangat Peduli ama Pasien di Malaysia ( KL greneagles ), jujur Dr Jay, seorang dokter yang sangat ramah , baik , pengalaman yang sangat... read more

    Theodoric Huang Avatar Theodoric Huang
    April 29, 2023

  • Really lucky other recommend this hospital and Dr jay to us, spend so much money and time on other hospital and yet unable to find the reason. Dr jay... read more

    Yeong Weichieh Avatar Yeong Weichieh
    March 1, 2023

    Doctor Jay is a very good hematologist that my friend recommended. He is also very cheerful and friendly doctor with a bunch of good nurses around that ease my anxiety.... read more

    Angeline Yap Avatar Angeline Yap
    December 16, 2022

    Thanks Dr Jay for your professional consultations, i feel so blessed to have you as my mother doctor!!

    sclee kbleong Avatar sclee kbleong
    April 29, 2023

    Dr Jay attended to my grand aunty. Very calm patient doctor who explains everything well in good layman terms as medical terms can be very confusing. Definitely an experienced doctor... read more

    Sylvia Wong Avatar Sylvia Wong
    April 29, 2023

PATIENT EDUCATION AND FAQs

Benign Hematology Diseases

Red Cell Disorders

  • G6PD is an enzyme that keeps red blood cells healthy and able to withstand stress from oxidative chemicals.
  • Individuals who lack G6PD have red cells that easily get damaged in the presence of certain drugs or infections.
  • This defective enzyme is inherited from either parent.
  • Males are more likely to be affected by this condition.
  • G6PD deficiency can lead to episodes of severe anemia.
  • This deficiency can be detected with a simple blood test.
  • Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anemia globally.
  • 15% of Malaysian females have low iron stores and this is usually due to heavy periods.
  • Iron deficiency leads to increased hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, poor concentration and anemia.
  • Simple blood tests can screen for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
  • It is easily treated with iron supplements or iron infusions.
  • However, it is important to determine the underlying cause so that more serious conditions like intestinal bleeding or tumours are not missed.
  • Thalassemia is an inherited defect in the alpha or beta protein chains that make up hemoglobin in the red cell. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in blood.
  • Minor defects in these proteins cause thalassemia trait, a silent carrier state found in 10% of the Malaysian population.
  • When two individuals with thalassemia trait have a child, the child may have a form of severe thalassemia.
  • Moderate thalassemia gene defects lead to more severe anemia and sometimes, the need for occasional transfusions. Some adults have this form of thalassemia intermedia without realising it.
  • A severe thalassemia mutation causes thalassemia major which is usually recognised in childhood.
  • Screening for thalassemia with a blood test can help you understand the risks of having an affected child before you embark on a pregnancy.
  • Sickle Cell Disease is a unique inherited hemoglobin defect of the beta protein in hemoglobin.
  • It results in anemia, episodes of severe pain in limbs and other organs and increased risk of strokes in children.
  • If two individuals are healthy carriers of the sickle gene, they may have a child with sickle cell disease.
  • A simple blood test can determine if you are a carrier.
  • In AIHA, the immune system makes abnormal antibodies that can cause red cell damage and severe anemia, usually associated with jaundice and darkened urine.
  • AIHA can be triggered by other autoimmune diseases, a hidden lymphoma, drugs or an infection.
  • Accurate diagnosis requires blood tests and treatment includes medications to suppress the abnormal immune response that is causing red cell damage.
  • Polycythemia refers to increased hemoglobin in blood.
  • This can be due to medications, smoking or chronic lung disease or a congenital hole in the heart.
  • Polycythemia Vera is a special type of polycythemia in which the bone marrow overproduces red cells due to an acquired genetic mutation.
  • This results in blood that is viscous and more likely to clot spontaneously in the heart, brain or other organs.
  • Effective treatment is available that can reduce the chances of abnormal blood clots in Polycythemia Vera.

Aplastic Anemia

  • Aplastic anemia causes low blood counts due to a loss of blood stem cells in the bone marrow.
  • It can cause severely low blood counts and usually requires special medications or a stem cell transplant to treat.

Platelet Disorders

  • ITP is a very common condition.
  • It occurs when the immune system clears platelets faster than normal and results in low platelets.
  • ITP can be associated with other autoimmune diseases; or triggered by infections or drugs/ vaccines.
  • It can sometimes be triggered by a hidden lymphoma.
  • Most individuals with ITP do not have bleeding symptoms and only bleed when they experience trauma or surgery.
  • Some females with ITP have abnormally heavy periods.
  • Severe bleeding in critical sites like that brain and internal organs is rare but can be life threatening.
  • ITP requires some experience to diagnose because there is no specific test to confirm it.
  • Treatment is required only for individuals with very low platelets or troublesome bleeding symptoms.
  • If required, there are many treatment options that are often successful in improving platelet counts.
  • TTP is a rare but extremely dangerous disease that is often initially confused with ITP.
  • Even though platelets are low, TTP results in abnormal clotting events like strokes and heart attacks.
  • Treatment involves urgent plasma exchange and special medications.
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  • An increased platelet count (thrombocytosis) can be caused by inflammation and iron deficiency.
  • However, some individuals have an acquired genetic mutation in the bone marrow where there is an overproduction of platelets leading to increased risk of blood clotting eg heart attacks and stroke – this disease is called Essential Thrombocytosis.
  • Some individuals with ET also experience abnormal bleeding symptoms like bruising and heavy periods.
  • Confirmation of ET requires special tests.
  • Treatment is available to reduce abnormal platelet counts and protect the individual from blood clots.
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Bleeding Disorders

  • How much bruising and bleeding is normal is often difficult to determine for an individual
  • Individuals may experience an increased tendency to bleed from a range of causes including inherited and acquired diseases involving the blood clotting proteins and platelets.
  • The evaluation of these disorders is complex and requires expert assessment and specialised laboratory tests.
  • Examples of bleeding disorders include hemophilia, von Willebrand disorder and platelet dysfunction due to medications.

Clotting Disorders

  • DVT is the occurrence of clots in the deep veins of the leg
  • This causes a painful, swollen leg
  • If the clot dislodges and travels to the lung, this is called a pulmonary embolism and is potentially dangerous
  • DVTs and PEs occur in hospitalised patients who are bed-bound or undergoing surgery or individuals with cancer
  • They can also occur in healthy individuals with certain diseases or taking certain drugs
  • Pregnant females are also at an increased risk of DVT and PE
  • Individuals with these clots require assessment to determine why they occurred and also treatment with blood thinners for a period of time
  • Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a disorder where individuals have an increased risk of developing spontaneous clots in arteries or veins.
  • Females with this disorder suffer from recurrent miscarriages or lose their babies later in pregnancy.
  • Some individuals with this syndrome may develop strokes and heart attacks at a young age without typical risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Malignant or Neoplastic Diseases

  • Acute leukemias are aggressive cancers of the bone marrow cells, usually the white cells. Examples include acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
  • These diseases require hospitalisation for urgent treatment to prevent life threatening infection or bleeding.
  • A bone marrow biopsy is required for diagnosis and treatment usually involves intensive chemotherapy.
  • Some individuals require an allogeneic bone marrow/ stem cell transplant to prevent the leukemia from reappearing after initial treatment.
  • Chronic leukemias causes symptoms to occur gradually and may be present for many months before they are detected.
  • Examples include chronic myeloid leukemia CML which is a unique disease because of its excellent response to oral targeted tablet therapy.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is another type of chronic leukemia that may require targeted therapy or chemotherapy when it causes symptoms or impairs wellbeing.
  • It is a common disease of older individuals that may not cause symptoms for many years before it is discovered.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes a group of disorders bone marrow stem cells are damaged and cannot mature in a normal way, causing low red or white cell or platelet counts.
  • Sometimes, there is an increased number of immature leukemia cells or certain genetic features that make MDS behave similarly to an acute myeloid leukemia. This is termed high-grade MDS.
  • Treatment may include transfusions, growth factors and an allogenic stem cell transplant in suitable patients.
  • Very early stages of this disease may only manifest with mildly low blood counts without any bone marrow abnormalities or symptoms.
  • Lymphoma is a cancer that develops from our immune cells which consist of B, T and NK lymphocytes.
  • Lymphomas are classified as B, T and NK cell lymphomas.
  • B cell lymphomas are the commonest lymphomas.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma is a special type of B cell lymphoma; all other lymphomas are classified as non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).
  • Lymphoma can cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss and fatigue.
  • Sometimes, anemia (low hemoglobin) causes tiredness.
  • Usually, swollen lymph nodes in lymphoma are not tender but progressively enlarge over time.
  • Lymphomas are classified according to how rapidly they develop and spread.
  • Aggressive lymphomas (eg Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma, DLBCL) cause more rapid and severe symptoms and usually need early treatment.
  • Indolent lymphomas (eg Follicular Lymphoma, FL) may only cause mild symptoms that only worsen gradually. Some individuals with indolent lymphomas may only require monitoring for some time and not require immediate treatment.
  • Lymphoma diagnosis requires a biopsy of a lymph node or sometimes the bone marrow for accurate diagnosis.
  • A CT scan or PET-CT scan is then used to identify the extent of the disease to determine the stage of the cancer.
  • Lymphoma can be treated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
  • Most B cell lymphomas are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for a period of 5 – 6 months.
  • Lymphoma has a good cure rate compared to many other cancers, even with advanced stages or when occurring in very elderly or frail individuals.
  • Sometimes, a autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplant using the patient’s own stem cells is required to prevent the cancer from growing back after treatment.
  • For resistant or relapsed lymphomas, cellular therapy in the form of CAR T cell therapy and other immunotherapies are being researched and utilized.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma is a unique type of B cell lymphoma found in young adolescents.
  • It often results in a large tumour mass in the chest which is not obvious externally until it becomes large enough to cause symptoms like breathlessness or a cough.
  • It is a very curable subtype of lymphoma.
  • Myeloma is a type of cancer that arises from special immune cells called plasma cells that reside in the bone marrow.
  • As a result, the normal function of the bone marrow is affected and low blood counts occurs.
  • Myeloma cells secrete an abnormal protein that can damage the kidneys or cause headache and fatigue. Sometimes this protein affects blood clotting and causes bleeding symptoms.
  • This cancer also causes tumours to develop in the bones of spine and limbs and this causes bone pain or fractures with minimal trauma.
  • The risk of infection increases due to weakened immunity.
  • The diagnosis of this disease requires a bone marrow biopsy and blood tests.
  • Myeloma can be treated with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, steroids and radiation.
  • These treatments are usually given continuously for 4 – 6 months and can often be delivered in a daycare or outpatient setting.
  • Patients who are fit enough are encouraged to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant after they complete their initial therapy to delay relapse of the disease.

Treatment for Hematology Disorders

  • Chemotherapy involves oral or injection medications that cause the death of abnormal cells.
  • Some minor side effects like allergy, reduced appetite and hair loss are common. Immunity is temporarily disturbed and leads to an increased risk of infections.
  • Because of this, chemotherapy requires careful planning and needs to be tailor-made to the specific disease and patient profile.
  • Safety checks and monitoring is required during and after the treatment to detect and manage any complications.
  • Radiation involves the painless delivery of high energy rays to a tumour to kill abnormal cells. In hematology, radiation is used to complete the treatment of some lymphomas; as a main treatment for certain types of lymphomas in localised sites and also to prepare a patient for stem cell transplant.
  • Hematologists usually refer patients to a radiation oncologist for radiation therapy. It is usually delivered in small doses or fractions daily to achieve a planned dose of treatment.
  • Immunotherapy involves harnessing a patient’s own immune system or introducing an external immune protein or cell to treat a cancer. This may be done alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Cellular Immunotherapy

  • This refers to using the donor’s immune cells to treat a cancer (eg allogeneic stem cell transplant) or modifying immune cells from a patient or donor so that they are able to attack and kill cancer cells. CAR-T and CAR-NK cell are examples of cellular immunotherapies.

Antibody Based Immunotherapy

  • Antibodies are special proteins that can recognise and attach to certain cells.
  • They may be designed to attach to a tumour cell and cause its death using natural immunity, or to carry a stealth weapon that will enter into and kill a cancer cell.
  • Some antibody based therapies bring our own natural immune cells close to the tumour cell or ‘unblind’ our immune systems allowing it to recognise and kill cancer cells.
  • Some diseases emerge when certain parts of our genes have been accidentally switched off by chemical modifications to the structures near the gene.
  • Epigenetic therapy aims to switch on these genes or alter gene expression in a way that causes the death of certain abnormal or tumour cells.
  • Some tumour cells are dependent on signals from certain molecules to survive.
  • Blocking these signals allow the tumour cell to die or allow other treatments to work more effectively.
  • Many of these treatments are in the form of oral tablets.
  • Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplants are treatments that are carried out to prevent the recurrence of certain blood cancers or disorders.
  • The source of stem cells can be the individual’s own bone marrow (autologous) or from a genetically matched (allogeneic) donor.
  • Different diseases require different types of transplants.
  • A stem cell transplant requires careful planning and coordination between multiple teams of doctors.

Tests for Blood Disorders

  • A blood count containing measurements of white cell, hemoglobin and platelet counts is an essential starting point for diagnosis in hematology.
  • Examination of a sample of blood under a light microscope is very important to identify possible diseases.
  • Measurement of iron and vitamin status is accurately done on blood samples.
  • Assessment of organ function like kidney and liver tests are important for diagnosis, selecting the best treatment and monitoring safety of treatments.
  • Many specialised tests like protein analysis, genetic and clotting tests can also be performed on a blood sample.
  • Many diseases require a sample of bone marrow to be obtained for accurate diagnosis.
  • This is a simple and safe procedure with minimal discomfort that is done with local anesthesia and light sedation.
  • The bone marrow samples are examined under light microscopy and stained with special; antibodies.
  • In addition, cells can be studied with special techniques and genetic information about the disease can be obtained for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • A bone marrow biopsy may be repeated during or after treatment to evaluate if treatment is working.
  • Removing an enlarged lymph node or obtaining a biopsy of an enlarged tumour is an important part of diagnosing some diseases, particularly lymphoma.
  • This may be performed by a surgeon in the operating theatre or a specialist using ultrasound or a CT scan to guide a biopsy.
  • The tissue is examined after special treatment with staining antibodies to allow the pathology specialist to determine the nature of the disease
  • These are used to determine which areas have abnormal tissue or cancerous cells.
  • After treatment is started, repeating these scans will help determine if the treatment is working.

Supportive Treatment for Patients

  • Simple and short infusion of medications can be done using needles placed in the hands or arms. These are removed after the infusion is complete.
  • Some patients need multiple and/ or prolonged infusions of medications for treatment and may benefit from a one-time insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or chemoport device to make injection therapy simpler and safer.
  • Sometimes, patients with a blood disorder require transfusion of blood or blood products to help maintain their hemoglobin and platelets in a safe range to prevent complications.
  • Blood transfusions are generally safe as blood is screened for infections and matched to the individual patient.
  • However, minor allergies, fever and other complications may still occur and the supervision of transfusions needs an experienced doctor.
  • Receiving treatment for a blood disorder can be distressing both psychologically and emotionally.
  • Although diet restrictions are generally not required, food hygiene is important. Some important dietary restrictions are required for patients on certain treatments and individual advice will be given.
  • Supplements and herbs during the treatment period should be discussed with your doctor or oncology nurses.
  • Some patients lose their hair during treatment and this can be very distressing. Advice on wigs and other ways to manage these changes is available from our trained personnel.
  • Light exercise and remaining as active as possible are important strategies to cope with treatment of blood disorders.
  • Specific issues regarding menstruation, sexual function, fertility and fertility preservation, contraception and pregnancy will be discussed in detail during counselling before you commence on your treatment program.

ENQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENTS

Direct Appointment (Preferred)

Schedule Appointment Via Whatsapp

Via Hospital's Portal

Gleneagles KL Website Appointment Portal : https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/appointment

Additional Information for International Patients : https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/plan-your-visit

Schedule Appointment VIA HOspital's portal

Contact Us

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday

by appointment or walk in

9 am - 1 pm

Monday - Friday

by appointment or walk in

9 am - 1 pm

by appointment

1 pm - 3 pm

Saturday

by appointment to an existing schedule

9 am - 1 pm

by appointment

1 pm - 3 pm

Saturday

by appointment to an existing schedule

9 am - 1 pm

Emergency Service

24 Hours

Address

Block A & Block B, 286 & 288, Jln Ampang, Kampung Berembang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Email

my.gkl.oncology@parkwaypantai.com (General Clinic Email)
dr.jay.suriar@gmail.com (Dr Jay Suriar)

Phone

(+60)3 4141 3058
(+60)14 616 2426 (WhatsApp only)

© 2024 Dr Jay Suriar. Developed by Xenro

Contact Us

  • Block A & Block B, 286 & 288, Jln Ampang, Kampung Berembang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
  • (+60)3 4141 3058
    (+60)14 616 2426 (WhatsApp only)
  • my.gkl.oncology@parkwaypantai.com (General Clinic Email)
    dr.jay.suriar@gmail.com (Dr Jay Suriar)