PENANG: The Penang Hospice Society raised RM200,000 for its operations and the running of its hospice during its Urban Wave 2023: A Jazz Charity Gala at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel here on Nov 9.
It credited the success of Urban Wave 2023 to the support of sponsors such as Pentech Solution Sdn Bhd, a leading IT solutions provider in Malaysia, which donated approximately RM35,000 to this event.
Pentech later donated about RM10,000 more during the event to help Penang Hospice Society reach its target of raising RM200,000.
The sponsors’ commitment to community welfare played a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of this charitable endeavour, the society said.
“The supply of care hardly meets the demand for care in our country. A study done a few years ago showed that between government and community caregivers, some 12,600 patients’ needs were met against an estimate of 120,000 requiring attention,” said Penang Hospice Society honorary secretary Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj M Dhanarajan.
“Since that study, the deficit has increased and the gap between supply and demand is expected to grow in the future due to the country’s ageing population and the increase in the incidents of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and dementia.
“The situation in Penang resonates with the national situation very much. Against a need of approximately 9,000 patients annually, only about 2,000 patients have received help. For 2030, it is expected that between 15,000 and 30,000 patients require help”.
Considering the optimistic perspective and trust in humanity, he said that the demand for palliative care, both on a national scale and specifically in Penang, can be fulfilled. “Despite the challenges, there is hope,” he added.
Gajaraj pointed out that convincing the government is possible as evidenced by the notable increase in the 2024 Budget for health.
This substantial increment, achieved after years of effort, can be attributed in part to public pressure and advocacy.
It underscores the power of collective voices in shaping healthcare policies and funding allocations, he added.
Last year, the Penang Hospice Society has provided care to 537 new patients and has helped over 11,800 patients since its inception 31 years ago. The latest statistics show that so far this year, the organisation has accepted 501 new patients and will continue to provide care to individuals with various life-limiting illnesses.
Its projected annual expenses for 2023 are around RM1.5 million. Additionally, its new building is projected to be completed in 2025. The estimated expenses, including furnishing, is RM5.5 million.
With RM3.2 million already secured, the society is seeking funding from the public to make its new building a reality for the community of Penang.
As a charitable non-governmental organisation, Penang Hospice Society relies heavily on public donations, which account for about 80% of its funding and the other 20% is contributed by the Health Ministry and the Penang state government.
Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated, as they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of hospice care in Penang, the society said.
Those wishing to contribute can issue cheques to “Penang Hospice Society” or donate via the society’s bank account (CIMB 8003864144).
