KUALA LUMPUR: Early diagnosis for cancer remains a top priority for clinical radiology services in the country.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said several factors are considered when there is a need to expedite a patient's appointments for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
He said the factors include the patient's clinical history, symptoms, signs of illness, laboratory results and insights from discussions with clinical experts who treat patients suspected of having cancer.
"For patients diagnosed with cancer through a histopathology examination (HPE) tissue biopsy, the appointment for a CT scan is typically scheduled within a week, or no later than two weeks.
"For patients suspected of having cancer but not yet confirmed through HPE, appointments are made within two to four weeks, or sooner based on discussions with an oncologist.
"This timeframe aligns with the period required to confirm cancer from a biopsy. Additionally, the results of biopsies are crucial for ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment," he said in response to Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus).
He inquired to what extent the shortage of MRI and CT scan equipment in public health facilities affects the process for patients to obtain an early diagnosis of cancer.
Lukanisman said as of last month, all state hospitals and major specialist hospitals have been equipped with 85 CT scan units, while minor specialist hospitals have 17 units.
"As for the MRI services, they are available in all state hospitals and 24 major specialist hospitals, which serve as lead hospitals for minor and non-specialist facilities within their respective clusters."
He acknowledged the shortage of MRI and CT scan machines in public healthcare facilities resulted in long waiting times for patients seeking early cancer diagnosis.
As such, Lukanisman said the Health Ministry has outlined a long-term plan to address the lengthy waiting time in public healthcare facilities due to the shortage of CT and MRI scan machines for cancer diagnosis.
"The ministry plans to procure CT scan and MRI machines through leasing arrangements.This approach will ensure that the equipment remains in good condition, is up to date with current technology, and is maintained to meet established standards.
"The ministry is also exploring alternative service delivery through a pay-per-use model for suitable facilities. This model is being assessed for its impact, return on investment for the government, and assurance of patient safety.
"To alleviate waiting times, the ministry will implement a shift work system for clinical radiologists in 10 hospitals experiencing high workloads and long wait times.
"Through these measures, the ministry aims to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services in the country."
Meanwhile, in reply to a supplementary question from Alias on the AI utilisation in cancer screening, Lukanisman said currently, under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Medical Development Division, proposals and technologies related to AI-based cancer screening are being studied.
"While various AI technologies have already been introduced, we do not have a specific policy for AI usage and are examining the cost-effectiveness of implementing AI.
"I am confident that the use of AI will assist medical officers in conducting screenings more efficiently and we have plans to have more medical officers in the field of oncology."