Dr Sim: Sarawak may need palliative care for 30,000 by 2030

KUCHING: About 30,000 people in Sarawak are expected to require palliative care by 2030, underscoring the need for more facilities to support patients and their families.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the growing demand must be met with care that protects patients’ comfort, dignity and quality of life, particularly those with advanced cancer.

“Palliative care is not only about healthcare, but also about helping patients spend their remaining days as comfortably as possible with their families,” he said when met after launching NorthBank Business Exchange and NBX Residence I here today (Sept 14).

Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said palliative care would also form part of the services at the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre.

He cited an existing facility in Batu Kawa where Ministry of Health doctors and nurses provide palliative care at privately provided premises.

The facility initially had enough nurses to operate eight beds but has since expanded to 16 without additional manpower, made possible by the commitment of its nurses and support from patients’ families.

Dr Sim also called for greater public understanding of palliative care, particularly among younger generations.

“We should teach children to approach it with compassion rather than fear.

“These are world-class facilities provided free for everyone, and just because it has not been done elsewhere does not mean Sarawak should not do it,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Sarawak’s health autonomy negotiations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he said the matter remained subject to a political decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government.

“The Prime Minister will be in Sarawak for Malaysia Day on Sept 16, so you can ask him about the health autonomy claim then,” he said.