Norman Ng, Director, Patient Advocacy and Public Affairs at Healthcare Thinkers, shared on LinkedIn:
“Why Medical Research in Asia-Pacific Needs Urgent Support – A Message from the Lung Cancer Patient Concern Group
As the Convenor of the Lung Cancer Patient Concern Group, I want to share insights from a recent study that highlights a critical issue: the Asia-Pacific region, which carries nearly half of the global cancer burden, faces major obstacles in conducting clinical cancer research.
A cross-sectional study led by Dr Rashid Lui and colleagues surveyed 300 oncology professionals across 21 APAC countries. The findings are eye-opening:
Top Barriers to Research:
- Overwhelming clinical workload for healthcare professionals (88.5%)
- Lack of financial support for research (85.9%)
- Limited patient access to healthcare services (75.3%)
- Insufficient infrastructure for clinical trials (72.2%)
- Shortage of trained research staff (68.1%)
These challenges are especially severe in lower-middle-income countries, where funding, expertise, and access are even more limited.
Why This Matters to Patients:
Clinical research is not just about data – it’s about discovering new treatments, improving survival, and offering hope. Without robust research, patients in our region may miss out on life-saving innovations that are available elsewhere.
Our Call to Action:
We urge governments, institutions, and the public to recognize that medical research is a pillar of cancer care. We need:
- Regional collaboration to share resources and expertise
- Streamlined regulations to reduce trial delays
- Investment in infrastructure and training
Together, we can build a future where every patient – regardless of geography – has access to cutting-edge treatment and clinical trials.”
Other insights about Norman Ng.