Cancer Research : Are we really serious?
IN the NST
At last, a progressive idea. Startling statistics have now alerted our policy makers that cancer is becoming a threat to Malaysian society. A cancer research blueprint will be a good first step towards formulating an effective battleplan to reduce cancer cases or to improve the survival rates of cancer in Malaysia.
Research in medicine should form the backbone in this blueprint. At this moment, quality research in Malaysia is sorely lacking. This is due to limited funds for such ventures. Our budgetary priorities still do not lie in research and development despite claims from higher authorities that it is an important area. Our Government it seems are a little more concerned about physical structural prowess rather than quality academic and scientific research.
If the Government is serious about fighting this scourge of cancer, they have to be prepared to pour in the cash to fund research projects in this area. There is no room to be stingy.
There is also a need to equip hospital with important diagnostic tools and equipments to aid doctors in making a diagnosis without troubling patients with the hassle of expenses with transportation. Take for example, in the state of Pahang, there is only one center with mammographic facilities that is in Kuantan. Despite having numerous hospitals in the state, only one center possesses the ability to do a mammogram. Patients from faraway places have to travel to Kuantan just to undergo a mammogram. How on earth are we going to diagnose cancers earlier if Malaysian doctors are still expected to perform 1st World miracles with 3rd World facilities?
There are no shortcuts in research. We need the expertise and the funds. Both are sorely lacking in the current environment. This blueprint should also look into areas where current procedures can be improved and should highlight the importance of adequate funding and the continuing encouragement for researchers in this country.
| Cancer research blueprint a critical need
Annie Freeda Cruez KUALA LUMPUR, May 01: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One in every four Malaysians will die of cancer. This sobering statistic is the reason behind the soon-to-be drafted Cancer Research Blueprint. There are also plans to set up a National Cancer Institute which will oversee the prevention of the disease, and the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. The research blueprint will not only detail available information on cancer in the country but also look at making research more relevant and accessible to everyone. ........................ |
At last, a progressive idea. Startling statistics have now alerted our policy makers that cancer is becoming a threat to Malaysian society. A cancer research blueprint will be a good first step towards formulating an effective battleplan to reduce cancer cases or to improve the survival rates of cancer in Malaysia.
Research in medicine should form the backbone in this blueprint. At this moment, quality research in Malaysia is sorely lacking. This is due to limited funds for such ventures. Our budgetary priorities still do not lie in research and development despite claims from higher authorities that it is an important area. Our Government it seems are a little more concerned about physical structural prowess rather than quality academic and scientific research.
If the Government is serious about fighting this scourge of cancer, they have to be prepared to pour in the cash to fund research projects in this area. There is no room to be stingy.
There is also a need to equip hospital with important diagnostic tools and equipments to aid doctors in making a diagnosis without troubling patients with the hassle of expenses with transportation. Take for example, in the state of Pahang, there is only one center with mammographic facilities that is in Kuantan. Despite having numerous hospitals in the state, only one center possesses the ability to do a mammogram. Patients from faraway places have to travel to Kuantan just to undergo a mammogram. How on earth are we going to diagnose cancers earlier if Malaysian doctors are still expected to perform 1st World miracles with 3rd World facilities?
There are no shortcuts in research. We need the expertise and the funds. Both are sorely lacking in the current environment. This blueprint should also look into areas where current procedures can be improved and should highlight the importance of adequate funding and the continuing encouragement for researchers in this country.
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