Introduction

 

The Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation affiliated to the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG). It was established in 1963 following the efforts of several pioneer obstetricians and gynaecologists in the Federation of Malaya, notably Dr JD Llewellyn-Jones from General Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Dr Ariffin Marzuki from General Hospital Ipoh. At that time, it was known as the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of the Federation of Malaya. The first President of the society was Dr S Lourdenadin and there were initially 20 members. With the formation of Malaysia, the society was renamed the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia and was registered on 11th May 1965.

The society now has a membership of more than 850 doctors. Membership is drawn from specialists and trainees representing the government, the universities and the private sectors.

The society organises an Annual Congress to update its members on the current developments in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology in conjunction with its Annual General Meeting. Besides the Annual Congress, it organizes Intensive course in obstetric emergencies (ICOE ) for Midwives and doctors. The society also organises workshops, seminars and lectures as part of its continuing professional development activities with the assistance of its state representatives and subcommittee chairpersons.

The society has also successfully hosted a number of international meetings such as the 16th Asian and Oceanic Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in 1998 (1000 participants), the 13th Annual Congress of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy in 2004 (500 participants), the 18th FIGO World Congress of Gynecology & Obstetrics in 2006 which drew 8000 participants, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists 10th International Scientific Congress in Kuching in June 2012 which was attended by 1400 delegates and 24th AOFOG 2015 congress at Borneo Convention center, Kuching which 1500 registered participants.

As part of the society's social responsibility initiative, it is also engaged in promoting women's health by organising community health projects and health awareness campaigns such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis and young women wellness programmes in schools and colleges.