Leading up to World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, Sunway Medical Centre proudly hosted a “Palliative Care Forum and Bazaar” on September 4, 2024, under the theme “Ten Years Since the Resolution: How Are We Doing?” This year marks a decade since the World Health Assembly adopted its landmark resolution on palliative care, calling for global efforts to integrate palliative care into comprehensive health services throughout the life course.
A highlight of the day was a forum moderated by Dr. Caryn Khoo, Sunway’s Palliative Care Consultant. The panel featured a distinguished group of experts:
Dr. Richard Lim – Palliative Care Consultant & Head of the Palliative Care Subspecialty, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Dr. Siti Noor Munirah Ibrahim – Family Medicine & Hospice Doctor
Dr. William Liong – Orthopaedic Surgeon & Caregiver
Ms. Shazmin Shamsuddin – Broadcaster/Podcaster & Caregiver
Ms. Tee Billie – Financial Consultant & Caregiver
*Dr. Richard Lim and Dr. Munirah are also current board members of MHPCC*
Dr. Munirah opened the forum by defining palliative care as a holistic approach that addresses not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual distress for individuals with life-threatening illnesses.
Dr. Richard Lim provided a historical perspective on palliative care in Malaysia, tracing its development from its beginnings in Penang under the leadership of Dato’ Seri Dr. Thamboo Pragasam Devaraj to the network of community and hospital-based services across the country today. He emphasized the vision of making palliative care universally accessible and underscored the importance of integrating it into broader healthcare practices.
From a caregiver’s viewpoint, Dr. William Liong, Shazmin Shamsuddin, and Ms. Tee Billie shared poignant personal experiences. They recounted the challenges faced by patients and their families and highlighted how palliative care effectively addresses their physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.
The event showcased a diverse range of booth exhibitions, featuring esteemed partners such as Kasih Hospice Foundation, ASSISS - Assunta Integrated Social Services, Faith Hope Love Hospice, Hospis Malaysia, Klang Hospice, Pertubuhan Hospice Negeri Sembilan - PHNS and National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). Additionally, several hospitals participated, including the Palliative Care Units from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Hospital Selayang, Jabatan Perubatan Paliatif dan Rawatan Sokongan IKN, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Universiti Institut Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Hospital Batu Gajah.
The event concluded with a lucky draw, adding a festive touch to a day of meaningful dialogue and reflection.
MHPCC also opened a booth to advocate for education, training and support for hospoice organizations. At our booth, we sold copies of our 25 Year Chronicles, The Handbook of Palliative Medicine (2nd Edition), The Care We Share booklet and other merchandises such as Pens and Pins featuring MHPCC logo. Did not get the chance to catch us there? You can buy the publications and soon merchandise too at our Shopee page or catch us at the upcoming World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2024 event in Penang!
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