Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (Antara NTT) - Flinders Overseas Health Group (FOHG) Australia, a health organization, has committed to helping the Regional Main Hospital (RSUD) Prof Dr WZ Johannes Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to treat cancer patients.
Gillian Marshanal from FOHG Australia stated in Kupang on Wednesday after meeting the 5th Commission of NTT's House of Representatives that youngsters and mothers are vulnerable to cancer. Hence, early detection is needed to confirm whether an individual is suffering from the disease.
He said if a patient undergoes treatment in the early stages of the disease, then the results will be better. He revealed that the organization supports chemotherapy for cancer patients in NTT that is handled by RSUD Johannes Kupang.
"We did not prepare the fund for this cooperation. We could help by mentoring and sharing our experiences on cancer treatment and prevention," Marshanal noted.
He stated that FOHG Australia is also offering assistance to the Pathology department. To this end, RSUD Johannes needs equipment to conduct diagnosis.
Regarding the need for facilities, they expressed hope that the government would offer assistance since FOHG Australia has not readied any funds.
Member of the 5th Commission of NTT's HoR Kristofora Bantang said he supports the cooperation between FOHG Australia and the government of NTT through RSUD Johannes Kupang.
It is believed that through this cooperation, they would be able to detect cancer in its early stages, so the necessary treatment could be offered at the earliest.
"We must admit that owing to the unavailability of proper equipment at the hospital, patients seeking treatment are already in the advanced stages of cancer," Bantang noted.
Another member of the 5th Commission Kristin Samiyati Pati stated that the HoR supports RSUD Johannes' policy to offer the best available services to the people, including cooperation with FOHG Australia.
Since the organization will not provide any equipment or funding assistance, sound program planning is necessary to fight cancer in NTT.
Internal Disease Specialist at RSUD Johannes Dr Jane Fransiska Sinaga said the hospital has already begun offering superior quality service for the treatment of cancer.
Apart from offering a dedicated treatment room at the RSUD Johannes, the cancer unit has a doctor specializing in internal disease, two cervix cancer specialists, and a surgeon.
A dedicated team comprising a surgeon, chemotherapist, cancer physician, and team of nurses will be needed to fight cancer.
"We are committed to making RSUD Johannes a cancer treatment center in East Indonesia," Sinaga said. She noted that lymph cancer could infect mothers and teenagers.
"This is why it needs comprehensive treatment. While cervix cancer is caused largely by viruses, immunization can help to prevent cancer. The Indonesian Cancer Foundation in NTT has continued to spread awareness regarding cancer and has campaigned for quitting the habit of smoking among people, which is what we have continued to do," she added.
