Industry collab to facilitate genetic testing for cancer patients in Malaysia
Precision medicine is an innovative approach to diagnosis and treatment that delves into a patient’s genetics to understand the specifics and mechanisms of their disease more accurately. Of the many diseases present, battling cancer is particularly challenging because of its physical, financial, and mental toll on the patient. A tripartite collaboration between insurer Prudential Malaysia, biotechnology company AstraZeneca, and diagnostics company Pantai Premier Pathology launched in April 2022 is hoped to overcome these limitations whilst improving cancer patients’ access to precision medicine i.e., genomic testing.
Healthcare professionals, part of the American Cancer Society and others, have recognised the significance of the information acquired from genetic testing – an in-depth understanding of the genetic profile of the cancer helps doctors plan specific and effective treatment. Through this collaboration, cancer patients can look forward to improved survival outcomes and quality of life.
The first industry collaboration of its kind will entail Pantai Premier Pathology providing precision medicine diagnosis through their laboratory, Prudential Malaysia improving affordability to the diagnosis through medical insurance/takaful plans, and AstraZeneca supporting by way of education on early diagnosis.
The signing ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Health, Malaysia, YB Khairy Jamaluddin, with the CEOs of the respective companies in attendance: Lim Eng Seong, CEO of Prudential Assurance Malaysia and Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail, CEO of Prudential BSN Takaful; Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, President of AstraZeneca Malaysia; and Hareeff Muhammed, CEO of Pantai Premier Pathology.
“We are delighted to partner with AstraZeneca and Pantai Premier Pathology in this collaboration which synergises our efforts in educating and supporting cancer patients,” said Lim. “Prudential Malaysia now extends our coverage to include genomic testing and precision medicine, giving our customers peace of mind that they can be in the best position to focus on their treatment and recovery. This coverage also allows physicians to prescribe clinically suitable treatments and tests from other pharmaceutical companies and laboratories.
“As their trusted partner in health and protection, we want our customers to face this battle with confidence.”
The sentiment was echoed by the other CEOs who hope that this collaboration will push more like-minded industry partners to join the coalition to help broaden patients access to quality and affordable cancer care in the country.
Read: Malaysian cancer patients stand to receive better care with new NCSM partnership
