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akarta: State-funded health insurance Jamkesmas has disbursed more than Rp 143 billion (US$15.73 million) for inpatient cancer treatment at state hospitals.

“Funding for cancer treatment has increased 8 percent. This is quite a significant increase,” said Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih at the annual commemoration of World Cancer Day at the State Palace on Wednesday.

First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) chairperson Nila Moeloek attended the celebration, which falls on Feb. 4 every year.

Endang said about 30 percent of the insurance fund went to patients with breast cancer, while 24 percent went to cervical cancer patients.

PT Askes 2010 data reveals that of total claim disbursements, cancer ranks fourth.

The Health Ministry, in cooperation with the YKI, conducted several activities for this year’s celebration, titled “Together we can beat cancer” as the disease financially burdens not only the patients but also their families, communities and the country in general.