A new cooperation agreement, announced by healthcare access company Axios International (Axios) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) will see better support for oncology (cancer) patients through improved diagnosis of the disease, access to treatment and patient adherence.

Centered on a holistic approach, the agreement will address difficulties faced by patients: starting from disease awareness, the impact of the community, navigating the healthcare system and eventually having access to and adhering to treatment, in order to ultimately maximise treatment benefits. 

In this, Axios will support eligible patients across Malaysia through its Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) to help them overcome affordability barriers by assessing their individual ability to pay for the necessary treatments; it will allow for completion of these patients’ treatment even if they are unable to pay for it in full.

At the same time, NCSM will raise awareness on the prevention, screening and early detection of cancer through relevant education material(s). NCSM will also provide patients with psychosocial support to increase adherence, empowering them to maintain a high quality of life.

Roshel Jayasundera, Director, Global Consulting, Axios International, pointed out that oncology patients need “sustainable access solutions [that] go beyond treatment affordability” including country-specific indicators, individual patient needs and personalised adherence support to maximise treatment outcomes and most importantly, help patients stay on treatment.

“While Axios works on resolving the financial aspects and hurdles faced by patients; NCSM is excited to be given this opportunity to work closely with patients in need of different forms of psychosocial support; long recognised as part of the insurmountable barriers in cancer care,” said Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Medical Director, NCSM. “Together we hope to be able to assist patients in obtaining the care they need and successfully start and complete their cancer treatment journey.”