SCCS unveils upgraded pediatric ward at Sibu General Hospital

Dr Ngian (right) with Sim (third right) and others showing the customised air conditioner for the Pediatric Ward in Sibu General Hospital.

By Wendy John

SIBU, Dec 13: Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) sponsored RM38,000 to upgrade facilities at the Pediatric Ward of Sibu General Hospital to provide comfort to patients undergoing treatment.

SCCS manager for program and services Jodie Sim told reporters at the handing-over of the facilities today that upgrading work carried out included ceiling repair work, installation of a customised air conditioner, as well as a new toilet for isolation rooms used by childhood cancer patients during their treatment.

Present at the ceremony were Sibu Hospital director Dr Ngian Hie Ung and pediatric specialist Dr Wong Sie Chiang.

“This is one of the two upgrading projects sponsored by the society this year. Another upgrading project, costing RM50,000, was carried out at the Pediatric Ward 2A of Sarawak General Hospital, and was completed in July this year,” said Sim.

SCCS, she added prioritises helping patients to complete their medical treatment provided by the government hospital in Sarawak, as many of these families fell into the middle to low-income group.

To do so, the Society provides financial aid, transportation subsidies, and also medical aid (upon recommendation by the medical doctors) to lighten the financial burden faced by the families.

Sim added that until October this year, the Society has spent more than RM1.4 million on its operations, which includes expenditure of RM420,0000 for medical consumables, medical aid, and financial subsidies.

This included RM150,000 towards a medical procedure for a Sibu-based patient Apart from emotional support, the running of two halfway homes in Kuching and Miri, financial and medical aid, public education, and recreational activities for the families.

“Over the past two years, the Society has also collaborated with Malaysia Stem Cell Registry (MSCR) to increase the number of registrations for stem cell donors in Malaysia, with hopes of giving patients in Malaysia who are searching for a donor, a chance to find a match,” she said.

This weekend, in collaboration with Sibu Cancer Care Society and with the support of Rejang Medical Centre, SCCS will be having a Stem Cell Donor Drive tomorrow (Dec 14) from 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday (Dec 15) from 9am to 12pm.

She said members of the public aged 18-50 who are interested can find out more at Rejang Medical Centre conference room at Level 3.

“With 60 to 70 new cases of childhood cancer diagnosed in Sarawak each year, and an annual estimated operating cost of RM1.5million, support from corporate partners, government, and members of the public is crucial for the society to be able to carry out its services for approximately 200 families yearly,” she added.

Members of the public who would like to support the cause, can sign up for SCCS’ Heart Of Gold recurring donation programme. They can choose to donate monthly or quarterly with a minimum contribution of RM30 per month.

More information can be found on www.sccs.org.my or contact their office at 082-686276. —DayakDaily

Dr Ngian (right) with Jodie (third right) and others showing the customised air conditioner