SIBU: The 15th Malaysian Hospice Council Congress (MHCC2024) paved the way for palliative care development in Sarawak.
The three-day event brought together over 600 participants, including healthcare professionals, non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, and community members, to strengthen connections and collaborations in palliative care.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kian Hui lauded the event, while stressing the urgent need to develop palliative care in Sarawak.
He said the region is projected to have the highest palliative care needs in Malaysia by 2030.
“The Sarawak government fully supports the development of palliative care in our region.
“We must prioritise this to meet the future needs of our community,” he said when officiating the congress recently.
Organising chairman Dr Lam Chin Chyou highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive framework for sustainable funding, support for research and innovation, and the integration of palliative care into the entire healthcare service.
Additionally, keynote speaker Dr Frank D. Ferris from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), USA, delivered an inspiring address on ‘Strengthening Connections and Collaborations in Palliative Care.’
Other notable presentations included Dr M.R. Rajagopalan’s talk on ‘Making Healthcare Human,’ which resonated deeply with attendees.
The Congress also featured impactful sessions by Dr Shannon Moore, Dr Jaclyn Yoong, and Sister Geraldine Tan.
The event facilitated meaningful discussions on critical topics such as community and paediatric palliative care, palliative care nursing, and the integration of palliative care services in Malaysia.
Participants left with renewed vigour and actionable strategies to implement in their respective fields.
In her closing speech, chairperson of the Malaysian Hospice and Palliative Council Dr Ng Woon Fang announced that the 16th Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (APHC) will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching in April 2025.
She highlighted that this upcoming event aims to further enhance palliative care across the region by bringing together leading experts and practitioners to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and promote best practices in the field.
“MHCC2024 has underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in palliative care.
“We look forward to continuing this momentum at the APHC next year,” she said.
The main organisers, the Malaysian Hospice and Palliative Council and The National Cancer Society of Malaysia Sarawak Branch, expressed their deepest appreciation to all speakers, participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their invaluable contributions in making MHCC2024 a success.
A notable side event was the public forum on hospice care in Mandarin, organised by the Sibu Cancer Care Society, held at the Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management Hall.
This forum provided the local community with valuable insights into holistic palliative care, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
