THE Health Ministry is looking at setting up cancer treatment centres across the country to ensure equitable access to high-quality treatment and palliative care for patients.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said most cancer treatment centres are now located in cities, especially in the Klang Valley, which 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 in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zaliha 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,” she said.

“We need the active participation of healthcare professionals, civil society, the private sector and individuals themselves to create a comprehensive and coordinated response.”

In her speech at the launch of the programme, she congratulated all cancer survivors and extended her gratitude to healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the well-being of cancer patients.

On the government’s action towards the finding of more than 43,000 schoolchildren smoking cigarettes, Zaliha said the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022 will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next week as a means to curb the smoking culture.

She said the Health White Paper will be tabled in the House on Tuesday. – Bernama, June 10, 2023.