KUALA LUMPUR: The health ministry is looking to expand cancer treatment centres across the country to ensure equitable access to high-quality cancer treatment and palliative care for patients.
Health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said most cancer treatment centres were currently located in major cities and mostly in the Klang Valley.
This forced cancer patients from small towns to travel a significant distance to receive treatment.
“If we look at it from a cost-effective point of view, it is better to build cancer treatment centres that are closer to the patients,” she said after launching the “Against all odds — A Tribute to Cancer Survivors” programme here today.
She said the ministry recognised the need to enhance the capacity and capabilities of healthcare facilities in the country, particularly in the field of oncology, which includes investing in advanced technologies and training healthcare professionals.
“I must stress that addressing the complex challenges of cancer requires a collective effort.
“We need the active participation of healthcare professionals, civil society, the private sector and individuals themselves to create a comprehensive and coordinated response,” she said.
During her opening speech, she extended her heartfelt congratulations to all cancer survivors as well as her gratitude to all healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the well-being of cancer patients.
Meanwhile, commenting on what the government was doing after a finding that showed more than 43,000 school students were smoking cigarettes, Zaliha said the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022 would be tabled in Parliament next week.
She said this was a means to prevent the smoking culture.
Zaliha said the health white paper would also be tabled in Parliament on June 13. - FMT
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