Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has donated MVR100,000 to the Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM) as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This contribution provides support for the development of a cancer screening application and database, aimed at improving the management and maintenance of the data collected by CSM, says the airport operator.
A special ceremony was held at the MACL Corporate Office, where MACL CEO and Managing Director Mahjoob Shujau presented the donation cheque to CSM Treasurer Neena Mansoor.
CSM is a community-based non-profit and non-governmental organisation (NGO) formed to reduce cancer incidence and impact in the Maldives. The NGO seeks to establish a cancer patient database in the country. No official record of cancer patients is maintained at present. The organisation believes that an official record of cancer patients will facilitate the analysis of various cancer types in the Maldives, as well as enhance the process of creating awareness and improving the quality of cancer care available to patients within the community.
The NGO also strives to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families. It serves as a support network and coping mechanism for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and other emotional disparities during their treatment.
MACL says the donation is a testament to their commitment to supporting the community and contributing to the advancement of the country’s health sector.
Presently, cancer screenings are conducted using physical forms, and data management is manual. However, the development of the new application will revolutionise the process by enabling efficient and confidential screenings, while also maintaining a coherent and up-to-date set of records for effective follow-ups and patient aftercare. The introduction of this screening application will adopt a paperless approach, allowing for real-time analysis and providing a wealth of information for studies and research purposes.
Over 20,900 individuals benefit as the Cancer Society of Maldives conducts screenings for breast, oral, and cervical cancer, confirms MACL. This year, the society aims to expand its services to include screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer, with the goal of reaching a wider population.