State Govt supports setting up Sabah's first children's hospice
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): The State Government supports the vision of the Malaysia Medical Association (MMA) and Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) to establish the state's first children's hospice, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
'The State Government recognises the importance of palliative care for children. Addressing these challenges will be an important step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare equity and uphold our commitment to people-centred development,' he said.
The initiative by the MMA in collaboration with MAPPAC to raise funds and awareness to build the Children Hospice in Sabah through the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025, a cross-Borneo cycling campaign, is a noble effort, he said at the SEPEDA fund-raising dinner at the Hilton Hotel here today.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech.
'Children with serious and life-limiting illnesses deserve not only medical attention, but also dignity, comfort and a sense of peace – wherever they are, whether in hospital or at home.
'Their families need support, understanding, and the assurance that they are not walking this arduous journey alone.
'Nationwide, an estimated 80,000 children are in need of such care, and right here in Sabah, around 9,000 children live with life-limiting and non-curable illnesses.
'These young children and their families deserve not only medical care, but compassion, dignity and support throughout their journey,' he said.
The Chief Minister noted that while progress has been made, access to specialised paediatric palliative care can still be limited in certain parts of Sabah, particularly in rural and interior areas.
'I was told that at the moment, paediatric palliative care is provided solely by a dedicated team at the Sabah Women's and Children's Hospital, Likas, since 2013. The unit receives more than 100 referrals a year and this number is increasing,' he said.
In this regard, Hajiji lauded the dedication of the Ministry of Health for continuing to develop this service in Sabah as well as the MAPPAC for its efforts to bring free home-based palliative care services to communities across Sabah.
He also congratulated the 17 cyclists from around the world for embarking on this challenging journey in the name of charity, having cycled from Sandakan one week ago and arrived in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
'This cross-Borneo cycling campaign is not just a show of endurance; it is a journey of compassion and hope. By raising both funds and awareness for the establishment of the children's hospice in Kota Kinabalu, you are helping to build a lifeline for children and families in need,' he said.
He said the MMA's leadership in this cause reflects a deep commitment to public service, extending beyond the clinic and the hospital, which is a testament to what the medical profession stands for.
'In this regard, I applaud the MMA's efforts and synergy in serving communities and in this regard, expanding resources to paediatric palliative care, complementing the government's role for a more inclusive and compassionate Sabah,' he said.
'The impact of your initiative will enrich the fabric of our society and significantly enhance the overall well-being of our communities. On behalf of the State Government of Sabah, I thank you for your exemplary efforts,' he said.
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