Medicine delivery revenue donated to ministry’s cancer trust fund

POS Malaysia Bhd has raised over RM80,000 to benefit the Health Ministry‘s (MOH) Trust Fund for cancer patients.

The amount was derived from 5% of “Ubat Melalui Pos” (UMP or postal delivery of medicine) revenue over a six-month period from January to June 2023.

The initiative is part of Pos Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility, aimed at assisting underprivileged cancer patients.

Health Ministry deputy secretary-general (finance) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob said, “For the period from 2012 to June 2023, Pos Malaysia donated as much as RM708,783.56, and RM617,393.20 has been spent on the treatment of cancer patients from all over Malaysia, especially at National Cancer Institute and Kuala Lumpur Hospital, which are the Health Ministry’s main health facilities for cancer treatment.”

He said the donation was used to purchase various medical equipment to help underprivileged cancer patients, such as chemo ports, oxygen concentrators, pleural and peritoneal indwelling catheters and infusion pumps.

“For January to June 2023, a total of 360,922 parcels were sent through the UMP service.

“Revenue from this service, amounting to RM84,276.70 will be channelled to the fund.”

Launched in 2011, the UMP service delivers prescribed medication to patients’ preferred location within the PosLaju area of coverage for a minimal fee, thereby reducing wait times at MOH healthcare facilities (government hospitals and clinics).

The service is also said to ensure uninterrupted supply of patients’ monthly prescriptions and increase patient compliance with their medication therapy.

Pos Malaysia operations director Zaini Yahman said, “Pos Malaysia takes great pride in being able to play a critical role in bolstering the Health Ministry’s endeavour to enhance healthcare accessibility for every Malaysian through the UMP service.

“Utilising our expansive network of over 11 million addresses across the nation, we are grateful for the trust in us to make a significant difference in the lives of numerous patients.

“This service exemplifies our commitment as a responsible corporate entity constantly driving innovation, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to uplift lives and create a better tomorrow.”

In a 2022 Courier Challenge Survey by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to measure performance among courier companies in Malaysia, Pos Malaysia’s delivery performance stood at 96% compared to the industry average of 78%.

UMP is available at 394 MOH healthcare facilities nationwide.

Those interested in the service can download the MyUBAT mobile app through Google Play, App Store or AppGallery.