BUTTERWORTH: The Health Ministry has urged all government hospitals in the country to set up support groups to help motivate cancer patients.
Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the support and motivation were important as they had a positive impact on patients who could recover faster through an open attitude and by sharing their experiences with other individuals.
“It could also indirectly boost the confidence of the patients to go through the treatments faster. At present, there is only one support group in the country, the Seberang Perai Cancer Patients Support Body (BSPKSP) at the Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ). The group comprises former cancer patients and I believe members of this group can better understand the patients and can interact better with them,” he told reporters after launching the Cancer Day at the HSJ level here yesterday.
At the event, Dr Hilmi who is also Balik Pulau member of parliament, presented donations to 50 cancer patients of various races in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Dr Hilmi said besides providing emotional and social support to cancer patients, the BSPKSP also provided financial assistance through businesses conducted by the group. — Bernama