KUCHING: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Roche Malaysia on the need to improve access to breast cancer treatment.
The initiative, named “Empower Her” adopts a stakeholder-inclusive co-funding approach to improve access to timely and innovative cancer care, ensuring financially challenged patients receive prompt treatment in public hospitals.
Group chief executive officer of SEB, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, said the initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships, bringing together multiple funders to share the treatment costs for financially challenged patients in public hospitals.
“Our collective efforts will ensure that this vulnerable group receives the best care possible, and we anticipate that an initial group of 10 patients from the lower M40 and B40 income groups will benefit from this programme,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony at Sarawak General Hospital here on Monday (March 17).
Sharbini also sees the potential of the model being evolved into a scalable and sustainable ring-fenced fund, allowing for the creation of a long-term, meaningful impact for the people of Sarawak.
“This is particularly crucial given the significant increase in breast cancer cases between 2006 and 2015 – with an annual average rise of about 4.5 per cent – alongside the tendency for Malaysian women to be diagnosed at later stages, leading to more complex and costly treatment,” he added.
Sharbini stated that collaboration and partnership are the core of its approach to community development and entrepreneurship, and that SEB is proud to contribute to initiatives that enhance healthcare services across Sarawak.
“Beyond healthcare, our projects – many of which operate in Sarawak’s rural interior – have created positive socio-economic spillover effects, improving infrastructure and increasing access to hospitals and clinics for communities in remote areas.
“By strengthening healthcare accessibility, we have enhanced the overall quality of life for Sarawakians – contributing to the broader vision of a healthier, more resilient Sarawak,” he added.
The MoU signing was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian.