Free cancer screenings for 10,000
Published on: Wednesday, February 07, 2024
Participants in the Makna Founder’s Fun Run.
Kota Kinabalu: The National Cancer Council (Makna) through the Mobile Screening Unit has conducted 10,000 free screenings in the State since July 2022.
Makna General Manager Farahida Mohd Farid said this (mobile mammogram) unit provides assistance to remote communities far from medical facilities to get free cancer screening including screening through Mammogram, Ultrasound and iFOBT test kit.
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“Since the launch of the unit in July 2022, a total of 24 locations in Sabah have been visited. “From that number, until 2023, a total of 6,024 cases have received assistance through the Makna Bursary Programme.
“This Bursary programme provides hospital transport assistance to the B40 group including medical equipment, non-formulation drugs and essential items for cancer patients who are less able.
“Apart from that, Makna also provides an Intermediate House at Likas Hospital for cancer patients who come from outside the city to stay at the house for free while receiving chemotherapy treatment.
“All the services provided are Makna’s approach as an effort to help the underprivileged so that they can continue the necessary treatment.
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“This aid is given to qualified patients through the evaluation of the hospital and the Social Welfare Department,” she said during the Makna Founder’s Fun Run 2024 programme in conjunction with the World Cancer Day and Makna’s 30th Anniversary at Perdana Park, here, recently.
Farahida said the programme aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of fighting cancer in addition to emphasising the importance of equal rights to cancer care, treatment and support for all individuals affected by the disease.
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Some 600 people participated in the 5-km run. Various other activities were also held including a cancer health exhibition, mural painting, archery activities, zumba and a lucky draw.
She said the success of the Makna Founder’s Fun Run 2024 was the result of the support of various parties including sponsors, volunteers, cancer survivors and the general public who enabled Makna to continue efforts to push the country’s goal towards a cancer-free future.
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