KUCHING: Sarawak has strengthened efforts to expand palliative care services across the state through a strategic collaboration with Hospis Malaysia formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Sarawak Club here on Friday.
The agreement was signed by deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Desmond Douglas Jerukan and chief executive officer of Hospis Malaysia Dr Ednin Hamzah and witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The collaboration aims to enhance access to palliative care services for patients with serious illnesses by strengthening professional capacity, improving healthcare integration and expanding community-based care across Sarawak.
Dr Sim said the partnership reflects Sarawak’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services amid rising demand driven by an ageing population and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Sarawak recognises the growing need for palliative care and remains committed to strengthening services statewide.
“By 2030, projected national needs are expected to exceed 200,000, with Sarawak among the states facing the highest demand — estimated around 35,000,” he said.
He added that collaborating with Hospis Malaysia will enable the state to accelerate capacity building, enhance professional expertise and ensure patients and families receive dignified and compassionate care.
Nationwide, more than 100,000 Malaysians die each year in need of palliative care, yet only about 10 per cent of those requiring such support currently receive it.
Meanwhile, Dr Ednin said the collaboration marks an important step towards expanding palliative care access in Sarawak.
“This partnership represents a meaningful step towards ensuring more Malaysians, particularly in Sarawak, can access and benefit from palliative care.
“By sharing expertise, strengthening training and supporting system development, we aim to build sustainable services that truly meet community needs,” he said.
Under the collaboration, both parties will focus on professional training and education through workshops and attachment programmes, as well as policy development, system strengthening and knowledge exchange to enhance service delivery.
Hospis Malaysia, which has over three decades of experience in community palliative care, currently supports about 1,500 patients and trains more than 800 healthcare professionals and medical students annually.
The MoU is valid for five years and will be subject to review or renewal.
