SIBU: Cancer care services at Hospital Sibu are significantly enhanced following the donation of vital medical equipment.
The contribution was made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with support from the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN).
SCAN president Chris Cheng said that the access to timely cancer treatment can mean everything to patients and their caregivers.
“This donation helps address a critical gap, and it is a strong example of how faith-based organisations and civil society can work together to support our public healthcare system,” he said during the official handover ceremony of the equipment held at Hospital Sibu today.
The donation includes infusion and syringe pumps, vital-sign monitors, and mobile trolleys, which are now being used to expand the hospital’s chemotherapy daycare unit.
With these additions, the unit is able to serve more patients daily, easing delays for those who often travel long distances from rural areas for treatment.
Meanwhile, representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Roger Walker said that the contribution reflects their belief in caring for those in need.
“We are honoured to play a part in supporting cancer patients in Sibu. Our hope is that this donation brings comfort, efficiency and the chance for patients to return home sooner to their families,” he said.
Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu who received the equipment on behalf of the hospital, said the support was timely and deeply appreciated.
“With more functional infusion and syringe pumps, we can improve patient flow, reduce delays, and offer a better treatment experience for the many patients who travel hours to receive care here.
“Patients who previously had to wait for earlier chemotherapy sessions to finish before beginning their own can now receive treatment more promptly, making it easier for them to complete therapy and return home the same day.
“This improvement is especially meaningful for those who travel two to three hours from rural districts in order to get treatment,” he said.
Hospital Sibu serves patients from across the central region of Sarawak, including rural communities where travel to the hospital can take two to three hours each way.
The newly donated equipment is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve same-day treatment access, especially for those coming from outside Sibu.
