PUTRAJAYA: Sarawak is pushing for the urgent completion of its cancer hospital, which will include paediatric oncology and haemato-oncology services, as part of its broader effort to improve healthcare access for the people.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed the need for this specialised facility, noting that the new Sarawak Cancer Centre would have to accommodate more than 300 beds.
This, he asserted, is due to the absence of a standalone Institute of Paediatrics or a specialised haematology hospital in the state.
“The Sarawak Heart Centre, which started in 2011 with 167 beds, operates on an annual budget of around RM120 million, while Sarawak General Hospital, with approximately 1,000 beds, has an annual budget of around RM600 million.
“This shows that cancer treatment in 2024, especially with targeted therapies, is very expensive and beyond the reach of the ordinary rakyat.
“Hence, there is an urgency for the Sarawak Cancer Hospital. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had informed the Health Minister that he would like to see the Sarawak Cancer Hospital completed and operational during his tenure. Let’s get going!” he said.
He said this in a Facebook post following his visit to the National Cancer Institute (IKN) here, where he led a Sarawak delegation for discussions on advancing cancer treatment in the state.
During the visit, Dr Sim and the delegation, which included representatives from the Sarawak Health Department, the Department of Oncology at Sarawak General Hospital, and the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, were warmly received by the IKN director and chief oncologist.
He commended the institute’s impressive facilities, noting its comprehensive care for all cancer types except paediatric oncology and haemato-oncology.
Established in 2013, he said the institute operates with 260 beds and an annual budget of approximately RM300 million.
