Healthcare professionals gather in Sibu for 15th Malaysian Hospice Council Congress

SIBU (July 26): Over 600 delegates of healthcare professionals and volunteers in palliative care have converged at Kingwood Hotel here for the 15th Malaysian Hospice Council Congress (MHCC) from July 25 to 27.

Hosted by the Malaysian Hospice and Palliative Care Council in collaboration with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) Sarawak branch, the event themed ‘Strengthening Connections and Collaborations in Palliative Care’ is the first being held here in the state, said organising chairman Dr Lam Chin Chyou.

“By bringing together a diverse and knowledgeable group of professionals, we anticipate meaningful discussions and significant advancements as we aim to raise awareness of palliative care within the Sarawak community,” said Dr Lam at a press conference held here earlier yesterday, prior to its launching by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.

“Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with a distinguished roster of international speakers and we are confident that this congress will serve as a catalyst for a positive change in the perception and delivery of palliative care in Sarawak,” he added.

According to him, among the speakers at the congress would include Dr Frank D Ferris from OhioHealth Columbus in the United States of America (USA); Dr MR Rajagopal of Pallium India; Dr Shannon Y Moore of Long Beach Memorial Medical Centre in USA; Dr Jaclyn Yoong of Monash Health Services, Melbourne; and Sister Geraldine Tan from St Joseph’s Home, Singapore.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Hospice and Palliative Care Council in a press statement said the congress would feature pre-conference workshops, plenary sessions and symposia.

Topics will cover a range of critical areas such as community palliative care, paediatric palliative care, palliative care nursing, as well as the integration of palliative care services in Malaysia.

“This event is not only geared towards healthcare professionals but also welcomes anyone with an interest in palliative care and the ways in which we can build stronger connections and collaborations to foster a more compassionate society.

“It offers a unique platform to learn from leading experts and to network with peers from around the globe,” read the statement.

The event is also co-organised by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Two Tree Lodge Hospice Kuching, Sibu Divisional Health Office, Sibu Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital, Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) and SEGi University, with the support from Business Events Sarawak and Sarawak Health Department.

Also present at the press conference were Malaysian Hospice and Palliative Care Council chairperson Dr Ng Woon Fang, Sibu Divisional health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun, and committee members Dr Tiong Tung Hui and Dr Clement Chen.