Palliative care association in need of volunteers

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(From left) Lee, association chairwoman Dr Loh Yunn Hua, Wong, and Kapitan Chai Kuen Ming with the oxygen concentrators donated by Lee.

MIRI: The Palliative Care Association Miri (PCAM) is in need of more volunteers to assist the increasing number of terminally ill cancer patients.

Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the association only has three staff nurses, who serve over 90 patients here and in Bekenu, Bakong, Batu Niah, Suai, Marudi, Lawas, and Limbang.

“The shortage of hands means a lot of work falls on the shoulders of the staff. There is a dire need to have more volunteers to help ease the work burden,” he said during the centre’s Chinese New Year gathering yesterday.

He pointed out there is also a shortage of medical equipment, which are often loaned out to outstation patients.

“PCAM approached me last year on the shortage of equipment, hence the four machines meant to help stretch out to service those in need,” he said of the four oxygen concentrator machines he contributed.

He also pledged to help with the process of land approval and other necessary procedures.

Treasurer Richard Wong said the association has been allocated two acres of land near Eastwood Valley.

“Initial stage has been done and the documents need the final approval from the State Secretary. We are hoping to be able to have it done as soon as possible,” he said.

To volunteer or for more details, send a WhatsApp message to 012-8456480, call 085-650538,
or visit www.palliativecaremiri.org.