KUALA LUMPUR: THE government’s allocation of RM30 million for women to undergo free mammogram screenings and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations to prevent cancer should be applauded.
“All women should seize this opportunity and should take their mammograms and Pap smears after the age of 35.
“Not many countries have this for free,” said Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan, who is former president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
“Cancer rates and resulting deaths from breast and cervix cancer are increasing annually despite earnest efforts by the government.
“The HPV vaccinations, which are costly, have been done for free for schoolgirls for many years and now, they have been extended to all women.
“The government needs to be applauded for this gesture. HPV vaccinations will certainly bring down the number of cervical cancer cases.
“All women should take this vaccination. This will take a big chunk out of the health sector’s budget.
“Deaths and morbidity take a heavy toll on the nation’s productivity and healthcare, and to women as individuals.
“It is painful, traumatising and agonising to live with.
“The health budget has come under scrutiny over the years as it has not been given due importance.
“It has been hovering around four per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) of which 50 per cent are provided by the private sector. Most developed countries have a figure of 17 per cent.”
However, he said, Malaysia was acknowledged as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world despite these limitations.
“This budget has given women their due importance. More emphasis has been given to their healthcare needs.
“Basically all women are carers. Thus, taking special care of them will result in a much healthier nation. If they remain healthy they can ensure that their family members are healthy, too,” Dr Tharmaseelan said, adding that it was time the government built specialised hospitals to cater for women.
“Their diseases and illnesses are different and need different kinds of expertise. They cannot be lumped together with men and children.”
Other than the healthcare sector, he said, women must be provided with amenities such as daycare centres at their workplace and daycare nursing homes for elderly parents to encourage women to rejoin the workforce.
“Productivity can be increased along with per capita income, which will see a corresponding rise in GDP.
“This will help Malaysia become a developed nation sooner.”
Zoë Gan, committee secretary of ibu Family Resource Group and consultant for Unicef Malaysia, said the RM1,000 tax relief on breastfeeding equipment would support new mothers to continue breastfeeding, assist them financially with the high cost of expressing and milk storage equipments and ensure babies were getting the benefits of breast milk for the longest period possible.
“However, this tax relief has to be accompanied by policies in the workplace that encourage employers to equally support new mothers returning to work.
“For example, giving space and time during work to express and store milk, as well as an understanding and supportive management are also essential in aiding women to continue breastfeeding.”