The Penang Hospice Society recently held its Urban Wave 2023: A Jazz Charity Gala at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, where they successfully raised RM200,000 for their operations and the running of their hospice. This achievement was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Pentech Solution Sdn Bhd, a leading IT solutions provider in Malaysia, who donated approximately RM35,000 to the event. In a heartwarming gesture, Pentech later contributed an additional RM10,000 during the gala to help the Penang Hospice Society reach their fundraising target.
The society expressed their gratitude towards their sponsors, emphasizing the crucial role that their commitment to community welfare played in amplifying the impact of this charitable endeavor. According to Penang Hospice Society honorary secretary Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj M Dhanarajan, the demand for palliative care in Malaysia far exceeds the current supply. A study conducted a few years ago revealed that only a fraction of patients in need of care were actually receiving it, highlighting the urgent need for more resources and support in this area.
Despite the challenges faced by the healthcare system, Gajaraj remains optimistic about the future of palliative care in Penang and beyond. He believes that with continued advocacy and public pressure, the government can be convinced to allocate more resources towards this important cause. The recent increase in the 2024 Budget for health is a promising sign of progress, demonstrating the power of collective voices in shaping healthcare policies and funding allocations.
Over the past 31 years, the Penang Hospice Society has provided care to thousands of patients in need, with a significant number of new patients seeking their services each year. As they continue to expand their operations, the society is projected to incur annual expenses of around RM1.5 million in 2023. Additionally, they are in the process of constructing a new building, with estimated expenses totaling RM5.5 million. With RM3.2 million already secured, the society is actively seeking public donations to help make their new facility a reality for the community of Penang.
As a charitable non-governmental organization, the Penang Hospice Society relies heavily on public donations, which account for about 80% of their funding. The remaining 20% is contributed by the Health Ministry and the Penang state government. Individuals who wish to support the society’s mission can do so by issuing cheques to „Penang Hospice Society“ or by donating directly to their bank account (CIMB 8003864144). Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of hospice care in Penang and ensuring that those in need receive the support and care they deserve.