RM8m a year on outsourcing radiotherapy

NST: The Government spends up to RM8 million a year outsourcing radiotherapy treatments because of the shortage of cancer specialists in the country.
For the past three years, government hospitals have been relying on the private sector for radiotherapy for their cancer patients.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said there were only 38 clinical oncologists in the country.
"We need another 66 oncologists for the ideal oncologist-to-patient ratio of 1:250,000.
"Unfortunately, only two clinical specialists are trained every year," said Dr Chua.
Oncology, he said, was not a glamorous or popular area of practice for doctors.
"Because of this, we have to spend RM5 million to RM8 million every year, for essential treatment for our patients."
Earlier, Dr Chua launched the "Wear It Pink, Walk for Life" Breast Cancer Awareness Walk 2005, organised by Pantai Medical Centre and Asia Assistance.
Event organising chairman Dr M. Devanand said 1,000 people took part in the 8km walk.
Among the participants were about 100 men who had come to support their wives or mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.