BY ELLISIA TINGASS
KUCHING: The Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (Scan) successfully organised the inaugural ‘Advocacy Capacity Building Workshop’ on May 20 and 21.
This workshop was conducted as part of Suara Kita!, a collaborative effort among six patient groups, namely the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Society of Malaysia (Corum), Hemophilia Society of Malaysia (HSM), Kinabalu Pink Ribbon, Malaysia Rare Disease Society (MRDS), and Scan itself.
During the workshop’s opening remarks, Scan president Chris Cheng emphasised the importance of empowering patients and standing up for their rights.
“It is important to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Our healthcare system still requires improvement and the voices of patients and their families often go unheard in positions of power.”
However, he also expressed determination to create a stronger and more inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
He hoped that Scan receive unwavering support from relevant organisations to collaborate in addressing the issues faced by cancer hospitals in Sarawak.
“The issues that were addressed during the workshop were the shortage of beds, inadequate chemotherapy facilities, limited operating theater capacity and the need for upgraded radiotherapy facilities.”
Additionally, there was a demand for improved psychosocial support, financial assistance, services, trained healthcare professionals, information technology, and expansion of cancer research, Cheng said.
“Together, we aim to address gaps in patient data collection, promote patient-centric advocacy approaches, secure representation in decision-making processes, and enhance communication skills to amplify our voices.
“Our duty is to ensure that all individuals in Sarawak, including those in remote areas, have access to comprehensive cancer care.
“Scan fervently wishes for improved cancer care availability for all patients in Sarawak, especially those from underserved communities, enabling them to envision a brighter future.”
