KUCHING: The Federal government has been urged to allocate a large portion of the revised 2023 Budget to the healthcare sector.
Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) president Chris Cheng said this is to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare in Malaysia and meet the growing healthcare demands of the population.
“SCAN hopes that the government will allocate sufficient funding to make the Sarawak Cancer Centre a reality in the upcoming Budget,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
As cancer continues to be a significant health burden in Malaysia, he said SCAN strongly supports the development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre.
“The proposed centre aims to provide comprehensive cancer care services to the people of Sarawak and improve cancer management and treatment outcomes.
“We know that cancer care is more important than ever, and we are hopeful that the government will prioritise funding for this critical area,” he said.
The Sarawak Cancer Centre, he mentioned, would be a major step forward in improving cancer care in East Malaysia.
“We urge the government to ensure that it receives the funding it needs to become a reality.
“However, with the current economic situation, alternative funding models may need to be considered.
“These can include national insurance schemes, co-payments, and public-private partnerships. The allocation for healthcare must still be evaluated to ensure equal access to quality healthcare services throughout the country.
“We believe that a strong commitment to healthcare is essential to ensure that all Malaysians have access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
In addition to the establishment of the Sarawak Cancer Centre, he said SCAN was also advocating for increased funding for cancer research, screening programmes, and patient support services.
“The organisation believes that increased funding in these areas will help to reduce the burden of cancer in Malaysia and ensure that patients receive the care and support they need,” said Chris.
