KUCHING: The Sarawak Cancer Hospital is a much-needed facility that has the support of both the Sarawak and federal governments as well as the local community.
Society for Cancer Advocacy & Awareness Kuching (SCAN) president Chris Cheng reiterated this, adding that it is important for Sarawak to have the hospital set up immediately as the new unity government takes shape.
He said the society welcomes the commitments by both the regional and federal governments to now move forward on this project in a timely manner so that the hospital can be completed by 2026.
“Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has already pledged that the construction of a cancer hospital is an urgent priority, and the Sarawak government has indicated that it is willing to share the cost of funding the facility.
“There is a clear need for a cancer hospital here to address the current shortage of beds, inadequate chemotherapy facilities, reduced operating theatre capacity, and need for radiotherapy facility upgrades.
“These issues have a significant impact on the care and support available to cancer patients in Sarawak, and addressing them is essential for improving cancer care in the region,” said Cheng.
In a recent Sarawak Patients Organisation Knowledge Exchange (SPOKE) event, organised by SCAN, a range of important issues were identified for cancer patients and their families.
Among these issues are improved amenities and diagnostic equipment, better patient psychosocial support and financial assistance, improved services and more trained healthcare professionals, improved information technology, and the expansion of cancer research.
“By addressing these issues, the Sarawak Cancer Hospital can provide comprehensive and effective care and support to cancer patients in the region,” he said.
Cheng added that Sarawak is the largest region in Malaysia with only one hospital equipped with complete cancer care.
“It is our duty as patient organisations to make sure that everyone, including those in the remote areas of Sarawak, has access to cancer care.
“In line with the Union for International Cancer Control’s (UICC) World Cancer Day theme, “Close the Care Gap,” it is our ardent wish that better cancer care will be available for all patients in Sarawak, especially those from underserved communities, so that together these patients will also be able to see many tomorrows,” said Cheng.
