Axios International & NCSM sign MoU to increase patient access to oncology medicines & services in Malaysia
Dublin-founded healthcare access company Axios International and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), a not-for-profit cancer organization have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve patient access and adherence to treatment for oncology patients in Malaysia.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The MoU focuses on supporting patients by improving diagnosis, treatment accessibility and treatment benefits. Through its Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), Axios supports eligible patients across Malaysia to overcome affordability barriers by assessing their individual ability to pay, allowing for completion of their treatment even if they cannot afford to pay for it in full.
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NCSM raises awareness on the prevention, screening and early detection of cancer through education, as well as provides patients with psychosocial support to increase adherence, empowering them to maintain a high quality of life.
Based on their official statement, the agreement “addresses barriers throughout the patient journey 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 maximize treatment benefits”.
WHY IT MATTERS
According to WHO, there were 43,837 cases of cancer in Malaysia in 2018, out of which 26,395 or 60% of the total cases resulted in deaths. Cancer also accounted for 32% of premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases in 2016.
THE LARGER TREND
In September, Singapore-based medical startup Oncoshot launched Project EISE (Enhanced Clinical Trial Initiation, Screening and Enrolment), the country’s first nationwide collaborative effort connecting cancer patients, healthcare professionals, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies via its clinical trial matching platform, MobiHealthNews reported.
The startup also partnered with digital healthcare provider MyDoc, to give cancer patients access to second opinion advice from leading oncologists in July this year.
ON THE RECORD
“Sustainable access solutions must go beyond treatment affordability and help patients stay on treatment. These solutions should take into consideration country-specific indicators, individual patient needs and personalized adherence support to maximize treatment outcomes,” said Roshel Jayasundera, Director, Global Consulting, Axios International.
Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Medical Director, National Cancer Society Malaysia, commented: “This partnership promises to bring together a multi-pronged solution to help reduce barriers faced by cancer patients in navigating their cancer treatment journey. 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 recognized as part of the insurmountable barriers in cancer care.”