Low response to mammogram subsidy

KUALA LUMPUR: Only 1.5% of the 14.8 million women in the country participated in a free mammogram subsidy programme for those with a monthly income of RM5000 and below.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, who expressed disappointment with the poor response, said the government has allocated RM29.2 million for the programme and an additional RM25 million was approved under the 2013 budget, and only 171,500 women took up the offer since May 2007.
"Women should take up the offer given by the government as early detection of breast cancer can save lives," she said, adding that the budget has been allocated to the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) for implementation.
There are 58 clinics under LPPKN, known as "Nur Sejahtera" facilities, for women to undergo a mammogram.
In launching the Patient Resource Centre at Life Care Medical Centre by Pink Ribbon Wellness (L) Foundation, which was attended by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, she said the free mammogram screening subsidy is for Malaysians and permanent residents aged between 40 and 70 years who fall under the breast cancer high-risk category.
"Either Malaysians are still not aware of this free programme or they are just complacent because we do provide mobile clinics for women to come and do their screening," she added.
She said during the mobile clinic rounds, they only get an average response of between two and four women a day.
Currently, the ministry has six mobile clinic vehicles operating nationwide and they expect to get an additional four soon.
As of March this year, there are 62 private mammogram centres registered with LPPKN for this programme and coupons for the free mammogram can be obtained from the LPPKN website, for those who are eligible.
Rohani also said the ministry has allocated RM9 million under the 2014 budget to provide free breast prostheses and special brassieres for breast cancer patients, thus removing the burden of purchasing these support material themselves, which costs about RM1200. The move will benefit more than 8,000 breast cancer patients with a household monthly income of less than RM5000.