KUCHING: Sarawak has begun early planning for the proposed Petra Jaya Palliative Care Centre to strengthen future palliative care services for the state.
The inaugural meeting of the Palliative Care Centre Petra Jaya Development Committee, chaired by Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, brought together representatives from government agencies, healthcare institutions, professional bodies and other stakeholders to discuss the project’s direction.
“This meeting is an important step in the Sarawak government’s efforts to explore and refine the needs for the development of more structured, comprehensive and sustainable palliative care services to meet the needs of the people of Sarawak in the future,” she said during the meeting at the Baitulmakmur building, here on Friday (June 26).
During the meeting, the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) presented a proposed building design for the centre, incorporating a holistic and patient-centred approach that also considers the needs of family members and caregivers.
“This presentation provided an opportunity for members of the Steering Committee to examine and provide views on the proposed physical development of the centre,” she said.
The meeting also discussed potential strategic collaboration models for the operation of the centre, including partnerships involving government agencies, healthcare institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector and community groups.
“I believe the success of a palliative care centre depends not only on infrastructure but also on effective governance, a competent workforce and strong cooperation among stakeholders.
“Today, I presented the letters of appointment to the members of the Petra Jaya Palliative Care Centre Development Committee who will play an important role in providing strategic insights, expertise and advice to the Ministry in refining the development proposal for this project,” she said.
Following that, she said palliative care is an essential component of the healthcare system, focusing on improving the quality of life of patients living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses while also providing emotional, social and psychological support to their families and caregivers.
Fatimah added that with increasing life expectancy and a growing demand for long-term care, it is crucial for Sarawak to strengthen and expand its palliative care services to meet the evolving needs of the community.
She said the ministry will continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure any proposal developed is practical, sustainable and capable of delivering meaningful benefits to Sarawakians requiring palliative care services in the future.
