Roche & MUIS Team Up to Support B40 and M40 Breast Cancer Patients in Sabah Through PERKIPS
The pilot program aims to fund HER-2 positive breast cancer to provide equitable and timely access to innovative Standard-of-Care neoadjuvant therapy.
Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has unveiled a distinctive initiative designed to ease the financial burden of treatment for breast cancer patients in Sabah. Spearheaded by a pilot co-funding program in partnership with MUIS Malaysia, the project aims to assist financially disadvantaged patients in the public sector.
The fund, named Zakat for HerR, will be managed and governed by the Persatuan Kebajikan Islam Perubatan Sabah (PERKIPS), the state’s Islamic Medical Welfare Association.
YBhg. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Haji Hussin, Yang di-Pertua MUIS, clarified the present distribution of healthcare cost burden in Malaysia: “Within our nation, a significant portion of the population, particularly those within the B40 and lower M40 income brackets, heavily relies on the public healthcare sector. Currently, the Ministry of Health shoulders 49.3%1 of public healthcare costs, yet out-of-pocket expenses still constitute 31.5%2. This underscores the pressing need for strategic interventions and partnerships with the private sector to alleviate the burden on both the MOH and the citizens it serves.
With breast cancer being the most prevalent type of cancer in Malaysian women, equitable, timely and sustainable access, especially novel ones, is crucial.
Sabah’s healthcare ecosystem has recently been in the spotlight for its call to increase awareness of early cancer detection. Over 66%3 of cancer patients in the state get diagnosed with late-stage cancer, underscoring the gaps in health-seeking behaviour, particularly in the rural population. The delay is often driven by women seeking alternative or traditional therapies before getting a complete diagnosis.
In a dynamic public-private partnership, Roche and MUIS lead a groundbreaking initiative for timely access to innovative breast cancer treatment. The pilot program supports 14 eligible patients with Her-2 positive breast cancer through neoadjuvant therapy. This Innovative Funding Model unites contributors to share treatment costs for financially challenged B40 and lower M40 patients in the public sector. Designed for expansion, the model aims to provide equitable access to sustainable, innovative treatments, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
“No woman should be denied her opportunity for remission or extended survival simply due to the prohibitive cost of treatment,” stressed Deepti Saraf, General Manager of Roche (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.“ Although this program is in its initial phase, our vision is to amplify this initiative, guaranteeing accessibility to neoadjuvant therapies for women of all socio-demographic backgrounds, “ Saraf added.
Roche, the world’s leading biotech company dedicated to advancing science for the betterment of lives, takes a pioneering role in addressing healthcare disparities in Malaysia. Along with its commitment to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, it aims build a healthcare system that is equitable and accessible to everyone.
Reference :
1. CodeBlue. (2023, February 24). Report: Malaysia’s Out-Of-Pocket Expense Rises With Higher Spending OnDrugs, Inpatient Services. https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/02/24/report-malaysias-out-of-pocket-expense-rises-with-higher-spending-on-drugs-inpatient-services/
2. Ibid.
3. The Star. (2023, October 6). More awareness of early cancer detection needed in Sabah, says oncologist.https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/06/more-awareness-of-early-cancer-detection-needed-in-sabah-says-oncologist
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