THE Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH) has recently upgraded its facilities through generous donations to provide a better environment for its patients, especially those receiving end-of-life care.
Its chairman Mervyn Lim announced that the hospital has successfully refurbished its bereavement room and five hospice rooms, made possible through public contributions.
He said the bereavement room was upgraded at a cost of RM110,000, while the five hospice rooms were refurbished for a total of RM85,000.
“These upgrades, though simple in appearance with new flooring, cabinets and thoughtful additions, carry deep meaning.
“They bring comfort not only to patients but also to families who sit beside them during some of the most vulnerable and precious moments in life.
“We have supported 47 Malaysian cancer patients for whom curative treatment is no longer possible through our Hospice Care Programme launched on Jan 1 last year.
“Through pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual care, and end of life support, our hospice team helps patients and their families face this journey with dignity and grace,” Lim said during a press conference today.
Lim also shared that the cost to care for one hospice patient is RM380 per day. With all five rooms occupied, the hospital bears an annual cost of RM684,000, supported by the generosity of donors.
“In 2024, we disbursed RM3.19 million from our Cancer Welfare Fund, which is about double our average of RM1.6 million disbursed in previous years.
“This increase reflects both the rising cost of care and the growing trust patients place in us.
“As of now, our Cancer Welfare Fund stands at RM1,467,334. At our current rate of disbursement, this amount may last for no more than another year,” Lim said.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Lim shared that Mount Miriam will soon launch an Endowment Fund, a strategic initiative to generate stable and ongoing financial support.
For those who wish to contribute, they may contact Mr Clement at 014-3433 894. It is learned that the hospital will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi commended Mount Miriam for continuously expanding access, upgrading facilities, and working tirelessly to raise funds for cancer patients in need.
“For those who cannot afford care, the hospital remains a beacon of hope,” Gooi said.
He noted that Mount Miriam stands out in the healthcare landscape for consistently placing people before profit by delivering compassionate care to all Malaysians, regardless of financial background.
“This is made possible through the unwavering support of the community, including individuals, families and companies who believe deeply in the hospital’s mission.
“In recent years, Penang has developed into a hub for medical tourism, with many hospitals expanding and upgrading their services.
“This is a great step forward, but it also reminds us how important institutions like Mount Miriam are. As healthcare evolves, we must make sure that compassionate care stays within reach for those who need it most,” he added.
Gooi said it is encouraging to see Mount Miriam continue to grow while remaining true to its core values.
Gooi also pointed out that Malaysia currently has around 200 oncologists, and that number is expected to double by 2040. He said the Ministry of Health is actively supporting this growth through initiatives such as Malaysia’s participation in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) in Clinical Oncology, led by the National Cancer Institute (IKN).
Also present at the press conference was Mount Miriam chief executive officer Paul Kang.
Some of the upgraded facilities :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En