More Oncology Pharmacists Sent Overseas For Training

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The government plans to send more oncology pharmacists overseas through attachment training programmes to expose them to more options towards improving cancer patient care.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said Monday the ministry had sent oncology pharmacists overseas, particularly Australia, through such programmes.
To date there were 15 hospitals providing oncology pharmacy service and at least 15 more sites would be established under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he said at the opening of the 10th International Symposium on Oncology Pharmacy Practice (ISOPPX-2006 KL) here.
"Oncology pharmacy is one more area where pharmacists can play a direct role in patient management in collaboration with the oncology team towards better cancer care.
Besides being experts in cytotoxic drug reconstitution (CDR), pharmacists could utilise their knowledge in improving patient care, especially since cancer drugs were very toxic and patients suffered numerous side-effects from their use, he said.
Pharmacists could play a vital role in helping cancer patients to recognise potential side effects from their chemotherapy and thus enable them to cope and comply with their treatment, he added.
Cancer had been recognised to be the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia and a serious national health issue, he said, adding that oncology pharmacy was one area where pharmacists could play a direct role in patient management in collaboration with the oncology team towards better cancer care.
He also said that the ministry would continue to ensure that appropriate and adequate facilities were built for the reconstitution of cytotoxic drugs that meet international standards and requirements, to ensure personnel and product protection.