Regional health insurer Westfund has welcomed a $25 million election commitment for the establishment of an integrated cancer care centre at Dubbo Hospital.

"A cancer care centre is essential for quality health outcomes for not only our members in and around Dubbo but for the people of the western area of NSW," Westfund Regional Manager Central West NSW Nicole Hilliard said. Westfund's commitment to Western NSW is evidenced by claims expenditure of about $12 million annually toward the region's healthcare providers including private and public hospitals, doctors and dentists.

Ms Hilliard said the situation enforced the general disparity which existed between health care infrastructure and the provision of services between city and country.

"Regional people generally experience higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy than their urban counterparts," she said.

"The development of an integrated cancer care centre in a regional centre such as Dubbo would go a long way towards bridging this gap."

The election 'promise' was announced recently by the Nationals and reiterated last weekend during a visit to the city by Fiona Nash, and represents a $25 million 'if re-elected' commitment to integrate cancer care services into the ongoing redevelopment at Dubbo Hospital.

It has been estimated the proposed centre would boost the health district's services and increase health outcomes for as many as 270,000 residents.

The announcement follows on from the initiation of a well-supported community petition calling for government funding of the service, as well as claims from Member for Parkes Mark Coulton that patients were choosing 'death over treatment' rather than face travelling to Sydney for medical intervention.

Federal Labor declined to match the Nationals' election commitment, listing concerns over staffing and lack of accommodation as reasoning.