PETALING JAYA: The focus on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the treatment of cancer patients at government hospitals, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

       He acknowledged that the pandemic had put a strain on the nation's healthcare system since the outbreak last year.

       "This does not mean that the ministry has put aside non-Covid-19 cases.However, I must admit that it has affected the public healthcare service in terms of the wait for treatment or surgery," he said when launching the virtual Kanwork 4th Charity Walkathon on Sunday (Oct 3).

       He added that the ministry has taken several measures to address this.

       Khairy added that one of the measures is extending the hours of special clinics and operating theatres, adding that non-Covid-19 cases were also outsourced to non-specialist and Armed Forces hospitals, he added.

       He said the ministry also welcomed the participation of non-governmental organisations and the private sector in promoting a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians.

       On a separate matter, Khairy lauded Kanwork for organising the charity event.

       "It (shows) that activities held under normal conditions before the pandemic can still go on with slight differences in approach," he added.

       He said the event was a good example of the community moving towards living under the new normal in the coming endemic phase of Covid-19.

       The event also saw the launching of a book on food for cancer patients including an ebook titled Cerita Kami (Our Story).

       Selangor and Federal Territories Cancer Network Association (Kanwork) chairman Dr Mazanah Muhamad said the virtual walkathon began on Sunday and would end on Nov 3.