BY CHRISTOPHER DING
MIRI: A total of 781 families of patients have benefited from Anjung Kasih Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), which has been running at Miri Hospital since September 2, 2013.
The federal Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, noted that nearly 43 per cent of relatives or carers of patients, who occupy Anjung Kasih in Miri, are from Limbang and Lawas.
“They have to go through Brunei-Miri when they go to Miri hospital. This is one of the reasons why there is a need for a place to stay such as Anjung Kasih,” she said yesterday during her official working visit to Anjung Kasih YKN at Miri Hospital.
For people who travel from remote places like Marudi, Belaga, Limbang, and Lawas, Nancy said the Anjung Kasih is very helpful.
“This Anjung Kasih houses 31 beds. The 781 beneficiaries as at the end of 2022 comprised 384 men and 397 women.
“Thanks to Miri Hospital and YKN, who always ensure that the services continue to be enjoyed by the people,” she said.
Anjung Kasih YKN is a transitional housing facility for needy people who accompany patients seeking treatment at government hospitals. It boasts a quality, safe, and comfortable concept.
YKN’s intermediate house is named Anjung Kasih based on the core concept of strengthening family and local community ties.
It was started by YKN with the cooperation and support of the Ministry of Health (MOH) since 2006.
It helps the hospital overcome the problem of overcrowding in the wards and the isolation of patients so as not to have them exposed to the risk of infection.
The length of stay depends on how long a patient receives treatment. If the stay lasts longer than one month, a certificate from the ward must be sought and approved by the administrative office.
Early on, Nancy visited Miri Tunas Bakti School together with the Deputy Minister of Health, Lukanisman Awang Sauni. Dr Jack Wong, the director of Miri Hospital, was also present.
