# National Cancer Institute (IKN) Referrals & Subsidies

What Is It

The National Cancer Institute (Institut Kanser Negara - IKN) is Malaysia's premier specialized government oncology center. It provides advanced diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology treatments. IKN treatments are highly subsidized by the government for Malaysian citizens.

Who Is Eligible

  • Malaysian citizens diagnosed with cancer who have received an official referral letter from a government hospital specialist.

    • Required Documents

  • Original MyKad.
  • Official Referral Letter from a government medical officer/specialist (Surat Rujukan Pakar Hospital Kerajaan).
  • Patient's medical records, biopsy reports, CT/MRI scans, and laboratory blood tests.
  • Government Guarantee Letter (GL) (if applicable).

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Obtain Referral: Receive an oncology referral letter from your local government hospital specialist. 2. Submit to IKN: Send or present the referral letter along with biopsy/imaging reports to the IKN Registration Counter. 3. Appointment Scheduling: IKN registers the patient and schedules the first specialist oncology consultation. 4. Treatment Plan: The oncologist designs the treatment cycle (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). 5. Subsidized Payout: Settle treatment fees at the IKN billing counter. All standard chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy sessions are heavily subsidized.

    Cost & Processing Time

  • Cost: Highly subsidized. Standard outpatient chemotherapy sessions cost around RM50 to RM200 per cycle for citizens (compared to thousands in private clinics). Radiotherapy sessions are charged at minimal state rates.
  • Processing Time: Referral evaluation takes 7 to 14 working days. Treatment commences based on clinical urgency.

    • Where to Apply

  • In-person: National Cancer Institute (Institut Kanser Negara), No 4, Jalan P7, Presint 7, 62250 Putrajaya.
  • Website: [National Cancer Institute Portal](https://nci.moh.gov.my)

    • Important Notes

  • New cancer patients cannot walk in without an official referral letter from a government hospital specialist.
  • Financial aid and additional drug subsidies can be requested through the IKN Medical Social Work Department (Unit Kerja Sosial Perubatan) for underprivileged families.