JOHOR BAHARU, July 10 – The Ministry of Health intends to expand its Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) services in an effort to improve the quality of life and reduce stress among children who suffer from chronic illnesses that lead to death.
Its minister Datuk Dr S Subramaniam said so far, such a service centre was only available at the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) here which has been operating for the past three months and currently treating 57 patients.
“This PPC centre is the first of its kind the country and we intend to expand this service elsewhere as we find the method of treatment is better and is giving encouraging results.
“In contrast to the treatment at normal wards, the children placed in this ward are treated in a more friendly environment while the family also becomes part of the patient’s treatment system,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the PPC centre at HSI by Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, the consort of Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor, today.
Earlier, in his speech, Subramaniam said there are four categories of paediatric patients given PPC treatment, namely children with no hope of recovery such as due to cancer, lung disease and chronic kidney disease. Also children who get intensive treatment which can lengthen their life but still face premature death such as HIV vectors and progressive condition children requiring exclusive treatment as Duchene Muscular Dystrophy were also located in this ward.
The forth category is children suffering non-progressive neurological disease that can cause complications and early death.
He said the unit also provided daily care and treatment as well as patients’ home visits.
He added that apart from helping reduce stress in patients, the unit also provided support to the families in managing their difficult situation.
Meanwhile, Raja Zarith Sofiah said the public often heard about many cases of children suffering from chronic diseases such as terminal cancer who had to face the last minute of life sad and isolated.
“They should have the right to enjoy a perfect, happy and comfortable childhood with the family until the last breath and I therefore greatly appreciate the efforts of the Health Ministry to establish the PPC services,” she said.
She also expressed thanks that HSI was selected to start the PPC services as the hospital specialised in treating people with cancer and other chronic diseases.
– BERNAMA
