History

The Malaysian Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (MABIP) is a non-profit organisation under the Malaysian Registry of Societies. Registered under section 7 of the Societies Act 1966, MABIP is dedicated to bronchoscopy and interventional pulmonology. Other areas of interest include interstitial lung disease, pulmonary physiology and critical care.

It was founded on 31st December, 2013 by 6 pulmonologists and 4 pulmonary fellows who were concerned by the lack of progress in promoting minimally invasive thoracic procedures in Malaysia. There was no forum for the pioneers who had developed new skills beyond basic bronchoscopy, performed complex cases regularly, trained local and overseas pulmonologists, conducted courses annually, performed live cases, presented and published papers locally and internationally. The pioneers continued to play insignificant roles in the fraternity in spite of practising interventional pulmonology regularly and growing the specialty in Malaysia. It was necessary for the pioneers to eschew marginalization.

Therefore, to protect their legacy, a new respiratory society was deemed necessary to provide a platform for Malaysian pulmonologists to have their ideas and opinions heard given that they had made significant contributions over a 7-year span.

The idea came after the first National interventional bronchoscopy course on 12-13 September 2007 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (picture gallery at the bottom).

Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the course has been held annually and well attended by local and overseas pulmonologists. Participation from members of the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP) and the Asia Pacific Association is an important aspect of the proceedings. The course always features live cases besides lectures and hands-on workshops. MABIP Board members have always been active in organising this annual course.

MABIP was officially launched at Serdang Hospital (a cardio-thoracic centre) on 18th January, 2014 by the Director of Medical Development, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Dato’ Dr Azmi Shapie (below).

Within one year, MABIP has grown to a membership of over 50 including members from abroad. There are now 190 members from Malaysia, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, the UK and Australia.

Although the society is still very young; launched on January 2014, a little over one year later i.e. on 6th March 2015, MABIP was accepted as a member society under the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP).

MABIP shall endeavor to be a worthy representative for Malaysia on the WABIP.