Axios International, a global pioneering healthcare access company, and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), a not-for-profit cancer organization, have announced a new cooperation agreement to improve patient access and adherence to treatment for oncology patients in Malaysia.

The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on supporting patients by improving diagnosis, treatment accessibility and treatment benefits. Through its Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), Axios supports eligible patients across Malaysia to overcome affordability barriers by assessing their individual ability to pay, allowing for completion of their treatment even if they can’t afford to pay for it in full. In unison, NCSM raises awareness on the prevention, screening and early detection of cancer through education, as well as provides patients with psychosocial support to increase adherence, empowering them to maintain a high quality of life.

“Sustainable access solutions must go beyond treatment affordability and help patients stay on treatment. These solutions should take into consideration country-specific indicators, individual patient needs and personalized adherence support to maximize treatment outcomes,” said Roshel Jayasundera, Director, Global Consulting, Axios International. “Partnerships such as the one with NCSM help us reach more patients while providing them with support beyond the clinical setting to address any challenges that might impact their journey.”

The agreement is based on a holistic approach, addressing barriers throughout the patient journey starting from disease awareness, the impact of the community, navigating the healthcare system and eventually having access to and adhering to treatment, in order to ultimately maximize treatment benefits. 

“This partnership promises to bring together a multi-pronged solution to help reduce barriers faced by cancer patients in navigating their cancer treatment journey. Axios works on resolving the financial aspects and hurdles faced by patients,” said Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Medical Director, National Cancer Society Malaysia.