Selangor: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has channelled RM300,000 to help ease the financial burden of between 50 and 100 cancer patients undergoing treatment at the National Cancer Institute (IKN). PKNS Corporate Services senior general manager Sapna Turmidi said the initiative underscored that giving back to society went beyond financial assistance, encompassing moral support, compassion and a willingness to support those facing difficult times.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sapna expressed that PKNS hopes their presence will provide not only assistance but also strength, encouragement, and hope to patients and their families during challenging times. She emphasized the organization's intent for patients to know they are not alone in their struggle, despite not fully understanding their experiences. This sentiment was shared during a media briefing after presenting a mock cheque to IKN director Dr Nur Aslina Bahakodin.
Sapna revealed that the passing of a PKNS staff member from glioma, just four months after being diagnosed, prompted the agency to make its first contribution to IKN. The loss deepened PKNS's understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families, motivating their contribution.
The assistance, provided under a corporate social responsibility initiative through wakalah zakat, was in collaboration with the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS). Sapna, who is also chairman of the PKNS Zakat Management Committee, noted that the aid was specifically intended for eligible Muslim cancer patients under the asnaf al-Gharimin category. This programme was also held in conjunction with PKNS's 62nd anniversary on August 1.
Established on August 1, 1964, PKNS is a Selangor development agency responsible for implementing initiatives to drive socio-economic growth and enhance the well-being of the people in the state.
Meanwhile, Dr Nur Aslina stated that IKN requires between RM1 million and RM2 million annually to assist underprivileged cancer patients in meeting essential needs throughout their treatment journey. The assistance encompasses medical equipment, essential supplies, travel expenses, specialised nutritional needs, and the welfare of patients' families.
Dr Nur Aslina highlighted that financial constraints could lead to some patients missing follow-up appointments, potentially affecting the continuity and timely completion of their treatment. Support from corporate bodies, zakat institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial in complementing the assistance provided by the hospital.
She also mentioned that the contribution would be managed by the Medical Social Work Unit after conducting a socio-economic assessment of the patients and their next of kin. Additionally, the increase in cancer cases detected is partly attributed to greater public awareness and participation in cancer screening programmes. Early detection enables patients to receive treatment sooner, improving their chances of recovery, with breast cancer being the most commonly detected cancer among women and colorectal cancer the most common among men.