PCAKK seeks public help as patient numbers rise in KK
Jaswant (fifth from left) accompanied by Meng Tan (third from right) presenting a memento to Tun Musa. – Information Department photo
KOTA KINABALU (May 8): The Kota Kinabalu Palliative Care Association (PCAKK) is actively raising funds to support the increasing number of patients.
Its president, Datuk Dr Jaswant Singh, said there has been a significant rise in patient numbers, impacting the operational costs of their Home Care Programme.
'Our patient numbers increase every year. Two years ago, there were 210 patients; in 2024, there were 280, and this year, there are 300 patients in Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, spanning 45 kilometers to Kinarut, Tamparuli and Tuaran.
'We have one medical officer, three nurses, an executive admin and a driver. Every month, we spend between RM38,000 to RM40,000.
'The government does provide grants, but we need to work harder to raise additional funds so we can help more patients.
'Therefore, we hope the public, corporations and others can contribute,' he explained.
Jaswant, who is also a Consultant Oncologist and Palliative Care Specialist, welcomed volunteers to assist in caring for cancer patients and those with end-stage organ failure.
'The Home Care Programme is beneficial because we want patients to spend their remaining months with their families instead of in hospitals.
'If they are in the hospital, their families suffer. It's difficult for them to visit, as not everyone can do so.
'So, we visit patients at home daily, attending to three or four patients, ensuring each is seen at least once a week. If a patient is critically ill, we arrange hospital admission.
'We are trying to recruit more volunteers. Hopefully, more will come forward. Our center is located in Taman Rose, Penampang,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Palliative Care Patron Meng Tan announced that to raise more funds, the association will organize a charity concert themed 'Tina Heart of Gold' at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on August 8.
'We will start ticket sales soon, possibly next week. Ticket prices are RM20,000, RM15,000, RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000 and RM2,000.'
'We aim to raise RM250,000 from ticket sales to boost the association's funds.
'Our purpose here today is to invite His Excellency Tun to be the guest of honor at the charity concert featuring Tina Turner from Australia, starting at 7:30pm on August 8,' she said.
Officially, PCAKK was established in 1998, but the charity had begun its operations earlier, around 1994.
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