More needing palliative care

Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 Text Size: Tun Musa (4th from right) receiving a souvenir from Dr Jaswant. KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Palliative Care Association (PCAKK) is actively raising funds to meet the needs of a growing number of patients. Its President, Datuk Dr Jaswant Singh, said there had been a significant increase in patient numbers, which affected the operational costs of running the Home Care Programme.
Advertisement 'Our patient numbers are increasing every year. Two years ago, we had 210 patients. In 2024, there were 280, and this year we are caring for 300 patients across Kota Kinabalu and areas within a 45-km radius, including Kinarut, Tamparuli and Tuaran. 'We have one medical officer and three nurses, including an executive admin and a driver. Every month, we spend between RM38,000 and RM40,000. 'Although the government provides grants, we still need to raise additional funds so we can assist more patients. 'So, we hope the public, corporations and other organisations can contribute,' he said after a courtesy visit to the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday.
Advertisement Dr Jaswant, who is also a Consultant Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician, also welcomed the involvement of volunteers to help care for cancer patients and individuals with end-stage organ failure. 'The home care programme is a great initiative because we want patients to spend their final months with their families instead of being hospitalised. 'If they're in the hospital, it's hard on the family. Visiting is difficult because not everyone can visit them freely. 'So, we visit patients' homes daily, seeing about three or four patients each day, ensuring that every patient is seen at least once a week. If a patient's condition worsens, we will refer them to the hospital. 'We are trying to recruit more volunteers. Hopefully, more people will come forward. We are based in Taman Rose, Penampang,' he said. Meanwhile, PCAKK Patron Meng Tan said to increase fundraising efforts, the association would organise a charity concert themed 'Tina Heart of Gol' at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Aug 8. 'We will start selling tickets soon, possibly by next week. Concert ticket prices are RM20,000, RM15,000, RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000, and RM2,000. 'We are targeting to raise RM250,000 from ticket sales to support the association's funds. 'Our purpose here is to invite the Head of State to attend the Tina Turner tribute charity concert from Australia, which will begin at 7.30pm on Aug 8,' she said. PCAKK was officially established in 1998, although the charitable organisation began its work as early as 1994. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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