24-04-2025
Sarawak forms palliative care taskforce, calls end-of-life support basic right
Tiang says the taskforce marks a significant step forward for Sarawak as it works with international partners to advance palliative care services and regional collaboration. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has urged for stronger and sustained investments in palliative care, emphasising that access to quality end-of-life services is a basic human right and not a privilege.
He said this at the launch of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference (ACPH 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.
At the event, Tiang announced the formation of a Sarawak state-level palliative care taskforce, to be led by State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah.
The taskforce aims to address service gaps and elevate the quality and accessibility of palliative care throughout the region.
'This taskforce marks a significant step forward for Sarawak as it works with international partners to advance palliative care services and regional collaboration,' he said at a press conference.
Representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the conference, Tiang underscored the government's commitment to honouring the dignity of individuals in need of palliative care.
The APHC 2025, returning to Malaysia for the first time since 2011, gathers over 1,200 delegates from 30 countries to foster partnerships and exchange insights in palliative care development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Tiang echoed concerns from other speakers regarding persistent challenges, notably workforce shortages and the need for palliative care to be integrated into tertiary and undergraduate programmes.
'We can't have all the hardware like buildings and facilities without the personnel – people are our greatest asset in palliative care,' he stressed.
'Currently, 89 health clinics across Sarawak provide palliative services, but human resource shortages remain a critical issue.
For that, he noted ongoing efforts to expand logistical and support networks, especially in rural and remote areas to ensure equal access to care.
'Be it urban or rural areas, everyone should have equal access to palliative care – no discrimination,' he said.
He also raised concerns over reductions in financial aid for palliative initiatives and appealed for continued support from all sectors.
'Despite the setbacks, we remain hopeful and united in advancing this vital service for all,' he said.
This year's APHC theme 'Embracing Diversity, Empowering Communities', underscores the importance of inclusive, community-driven palliative care and aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation in addressing end-of-life needs.
The event is organised by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN), in collaboration with Palliative Care Sarawak.
It is supported by the Sarawak State Health Department, Business Events Sarawak, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Japan Hospice Palliative Care Foundation.
Present were Dr Veronica and APHC 2025 co-conference chair Associate Professor Ghauri Aggarwal. Michael Tiang palliative care taskforce
