By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 9: Chemotherapy patients at Sibu Hospital, many of whom travel hours from rural areas, will now benefit from faster, more efficient treatment following a significant medical equipment donation that has enabled the hospital to expand its chemotherapy daycare unit.
According to a press release, the equipment, including infusion and syringe pumps, vital-sign monitors, and mobile trolleys, enhances the unit’s capacity to serve more patients daily, thereby reducing delays and improving treatment flow.
The official handover ceremony took place today at Sibu Hospital.
“The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has generously donated critical medical equipment to Sibu Hospital, with the support of the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) in facilitating the contribution,” the press release stated.
“This contribution reflects our belief in caring for those in need,” said Elder Roger Walker, representative of The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We are honoured to play a part in supporting cancer patients in Sibu. Our hope is that this donation brings comfort, improves efficiency, and helps patients return home to their families sooner.”
SCAN president Chris Cheng said access to timely cancer treatment can make all the difference for patients and their caregivers.
“This donation helps address a critical gap, and it stands as a strong example of how faith-based organisations and civil society can work together to support our public healthcare system,” he added.
Meanwhile, receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar A/L Thirunavukkarasu said, “This support is timely and deeply appreciated. With more functional infusion and syringe pumps, we can improve patient flow, reduce delays, and offer a better treatment experience for the many patients who travel hours to receive care here.”
The press release further noted that patients who previously had to wait for earlier chemotherapy sessions to conclude before beginning their own can now receive treatment more promptly, allowing many to complete therapy and return home the same day.
“This improvement is particularly significant for those travelling two to three hours from rural districts to access care.”
The initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between SCAN and The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen cancer care and improve access for underserved communities in Sarawak.
“Sibu Hospital serves patients from across Sarawak’s central region, including rural communities where travel can take two to three hours each way.
“The newly donated equipment is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve access to same-day treatment, particularly for those coming from outside Sibu,” it said. — DayakDaily
