KUALA LUMPUR: A series of medium and long-term initiatives to enhance cancer care services, particularly in rural areas, have been unveiled by the Health Ministry as part of the 12th and 13th Malaysia Plans (RMK12 and RMK13). In its medium-term initiatives, the ministry said it remains committed to improving holistic cancer treatment across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. "This includes increasing patient access to promotion, prevention, screening, immunisation, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care activities.
"Specialised, comprehensive and integrated cancer treatment services will be expanded for secondary and tertiary care. ALSO READ : Over 300 complaints filed over unregistered beauty premises since last year, says Health Ministry "These efforts will ensure the availability of modern medical infrastructure, equipment, drugs and a skilled workforce," the ministry said in a written reply to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PH-Mersing) at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 5). By 2025, the ministry said chemotherapy will be available in 41 hospitals nationwide, while oncology services for adults will be accessible at eight major cancer centres, including the National Cancer Institute and hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Kuching and Sabah.
The plan also includes deploying resident oncologists to Alor Gajah Hospital, Melaka, and expanding services through visiting specialists at two hospitals without resident specialists - .