SIBU: By 2030, Sarawak will become the state with the highest need for palliative care, says Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The state’s Deputy Premier said efforts such as establishing the Domiciliary Palliative Care programme in 34 health clinics across the state in 2023 are being made in advance to address the need.
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister, said this during the 15th Malaysia Hospice Council Congress 2024 opening ceremony on Thursday night (July 25).
"Additionally, there are initiatives to train Master Trainers in Palliative Care, with 13 health clinics participating in the training session as part of the collaboration with Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) to ensure sustainability,” he said.
He added that the state is also collaborating with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) since 2021.
Dr Sim also announced that the Sabah General Hospital (SGH) Palliative Care Unit is collaborating with Kuching Life Care, a private 58-bed inpatient hospice.
“This initiative will reduce the burden on the Palliative Care Unit at SGH by diverting patients to the Kuching Life Care hospice in Batu Kawan at no cost” he added.
