Breast Cancer: Roche, MUIS Collaboration Brings Hope to Sabah’s Patients

Roche and MUIS Malaysia have joined forces to launch a pioneering initiative, ZAKAT for HER, aimed at easing the financial burden of breast cancer treatment for financially disadvantaged patients in Sabah.

This pilot co-funding program, managed by the Persatuan Kebajikan Islam Perubatan Sabah (PERKIPS), the state’s Islamic Medical Welfare Association, focuses on HER-2 positive breast cancer patients, offering innovative neoadjuvant therapy in the public sector.

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With breast cancer being the most prevalent among Malaysian women, the program aims for equitable, timely access to treatments, especially for those in lower income brackets.

The initiative addresses the pressing need to reduce healthcare costs for B40 and lower M40 income groups, as highlighted by Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Haji Hussin of MUIS.

Hope for Breast Cancer Patients

Sabah’s healthcare challenges, notably in early cancer detection, contribute to a high percentage of late-stage cancer diagnoses, often due to delayed medical consultation and reliance on alternative therapies.

Left – Tuan Hj Sanali Bin Ismail (Naib Yang Di-Pertua PERKIPS), Dr Hj Samsul Bin Tuah@ Ag. Tuah (Yang Di-Pertua PERKIPS), YBHG. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Bin Haji Hussin (Yang Di-Pertua MUIS), YBhg. Datuk Ustaz Malai Ali Malai Ahmad (Timbalan Yang di-Pertua MUIS), Tuan Ramlan Bin Awang Ali (Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, MUIS), Koh Wan Ling, Country Disease Area Lead Roche (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, Jane Tan Yee Mun, Healthcare System Partner Roche (Malaysia) Sdn.Bhd

This collaborative effort between Roche and MUIS pioneers a model sharing treatment costs for financially challenged patients, ensuring broader access to sustainable and innovative breast cancer treatments, with plans for expansion to benefit women across socio-demographic backgrounds.

Roche’s commitment underscores their dedication to bridging healthcare disparities and fostering an inclusive and accessible healthcare system in Malaysia.

“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.

Cover Photo Caption: Left – Tuan Hj Sanali Bin Ismail (Naib Yang Di-Pertua PERKIPS), Dr Hj Samsul Bin Tuah@ Ag. Tuah (Yang Di-Pertua PERKIPS). YBHG. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Bin Haji Hussin (Yang Di-Pertua MUIS). Koh Wan Ling, Country Disease Area Lead Roche (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, 5. Tuan Ramlan Bin Awang Ali (Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, MUIS)