We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Kartik a/l Kaliyana Sundaram, who has successfully defended his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) thesis at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. His dissertation, entitled “Effectiveness of Video Observed Therapy in the Management of Tuberculosis: A Multi-Centre Randomised Control Trial”, marks a significant contribution to the field of digital health and tuberculosis (TB) management, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Thesis Summary
Tuberculosis remains one of the most pressing public health challenges globally—and in Malaysia, the burden is similarly alarming. With nearly 27,000 cases in 2023 alone and a worrying upward trend, innovative approaches to TB management are urgently needed. Dr Kartik’s thesis tackled this issue head-on through a multicentre, open-label randomised controlled trial comparing traditional Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course (DOTS) with the more flexible and technology-enabled Video Observed Therapy (VOT).
Conducted in Terengganu, the study evaluated not only treatment adherence but also sputum conversion, side-effect detection, patient satisfaction, and the economic implications of each method. While adherence rates between VOT and DOTS were statistically comparable, VOT emerged as a promising alternative, offering early detection of side effects, significant cost savings, and improved time efficiency for both patients and healthcare providers.
Candidate Achievements
Dr Kartik has demonstrated commendable rigour and innovation in his research. Conducting a complex RCT across multiple districts, particularly in rural Malaysia, speaks to his commitment to real-world applicability and health equity. His ability to blend epidemiological methods with digital health solutions highlights a forward-thinking approach to public health challenges.
This achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also leadership in designing research that can inform national TB control strategies and future policy. Successfully defending a research project of this calibre is a testament to Dr Kartik’s dedication, analytical skills, and vision for community-centred healthcare.
Contribution to Public Health
The implications of Dr Kartik’s research are both timely and far-reaching. By validating VOT as a viable alternative to DOTS, especially in rural and low-income communities, his work contributes to more patient-centred, scalable, and sustainable TB treatment models. These insights could support national and global efforts to strengthen TB control and improve treatment adherence through technology, ultimately saving lives and reducing healthcare burdens.
The potential to reduce clinic visits, lower treatment costs, and improve early management of side effects through digital innovation positions Dr Kartik’s work at the cutting edge of public health strategy and implementation science.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Dr Kartik’s supervisors, Professor Dr Victor CW Hoe, Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, and Associate Professor Dr Wong Chee Kuan, whose expertise and support were instrumental in completing his thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mejar Bersekutu (PA) Professor Dr Mohd Rohaizat Hassan from the Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, for his role as External Examiner, and Dr Bala Murali Sundram, Internal Examiner from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr Sajaratulnisah Othman, Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr Shahrul Bahyah binti Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; Dr Nusaibah binti Abdul Rahim, Senate Representative, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, and Assoc Prof Dr Tharani Loganathan, Doctor of Public Health Coordinator, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Congratulations and Future Expectations
As we celebrate this important academic milestone, we look forward with great anticipation to the impact Dr Kartik will continue to make in public health. His research lays a solid foundation for further exploration of hybrid TB treatment models, cost-effectiveness evaluations, and policy adaptation, locally and globally.
We warmly congratulate Dr Kartik a/l Kaliyana Sundaram on his achievement and wish him every success in his continued journey as a public health leader, researcher, and advocate for innovative, equitable healthcare solutions.
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