By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 27: Sarawak’s very own Cancer Centre can serve as a regional hub for cancer treatment, not only to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for Sarawakians but also catering for patients from neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia, once it is established.
Reiterating the Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensure the development of the Cancer Centre in Sarawak, Dr Zaliha Mustafa said further discussions will be carried out to work out the best approach for the centre’s implementation.
“I have met and discussed this with Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and (Deputy Premier Dato Sri) Dr Sim (Kui Hian).
“We will look into the development of Sarawak’s Cancer Centre in detail to ensure the best model to collaborate between Federal and Sarawak government,” she told a press conference after attending a Townhall Session on the Health White Paper at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) today.
Dr Zaliha acknowledged that the Cancer Centre is critical in providing study and treatment facilities for cancer patients, especially to eliminate the need for patients to travel to Peninsular Malaysia, which is often more expensive.
“With the Cancer Centre, patients can seek treatment at home instead of having to travel to Peninsular Malaysia which is more costly.
“When materialised, it can also become the Cancer Centre for Borneo (region) to provide treatments for patients including from neighbouring countries like Brunei and Indonesia,” she added.
Seeing the numerous benefits of having a Cancer Centre in Sarawak, Dr Zaliha stated that her Ministry will continue to engage in discussions with the Sarawak government to ensure the successful implementation of the Cancer Centre.
With this joint effort, the Sarawak Cancer Centre can become a reality, providing world-class treatment facilities and making cancer treatment more accessible to those in need.
Federal Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee were among those present. — DayakDaily
