SMC, NCSM AND 11 ORGANISATIONS COLLABORATE TO ENHANCE PAEDIATRIC CANCER CARE, AWARENESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to enhance paediatric cancer care and awareness in the country.

The MoU involves 11 other organisations, including the Persatuan Kanser Kanak-Kanak Kami Endah HRPB (PEKA-ENDAH HRPB), Childhood Cancer Support Association of PPUKM (CAKNE-PPUKM), and Malaysian Society of Paediatric Haematology & Oncology (MASPHO).

In a statement, SMC said this strategic collaboration intends to strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities and knowledge in childhood cancer care, as well as raise awareness.

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“Recognising the critical importance of continuously improving paediatric cancer care and public awareness in the country, SMC believes that every child facing a serious health issue or cancer deserves to be treated by a dedicated paediatric team,” the statement read.

SMC’s chief executive officer, Dr Seow Vei Ken, said a multidisciplinary approach is a core principle of cancer care at the hospital's Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit.

"Our specialist team, comprising paediatric haematologists, paediatric oncologists, paediatric intensivists, nurses, psychologists and play therapists, works together to provide holistic care. This approach prioritises the safety, medical needs and emotional well-being of our young patients," he said.

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Meanwhile, NCSM managing director, Associate Professor, Prof Dr M Murallitharan, explained that the resilience of child patients was a key motivator for the collaboration.

"As medical practitioners, we often focus on cell counts. But behind those numbers is a child with dreams and hopes. They are not just statistics; it is their spirit that truly drives our mission," he said.

Last year, SMC launched a Play Specialist Programme, which uses art and play therapy guided by certified experts to help young patients express their emotions and maintain a sense of normalcy during treatment.

SMC offers the country's most comprehensive children's healthcare services, featuring over 26 paediatric subspecialties and more than 50 paediatric consultants.

The hospital is also home to a Child Health and Development Centre. Furthermore, it was the first private hospital to establish a dedicated 24-hour Children’s Emergency Department, separate from the main Accident and Emergency unit.

Complementing these services, the Sunway Cancer Centre provides comprehensive cancer care, including advanced treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy, ensuring patients with all types of cancer receive the specialised care and support they need.

-- BERNAMA

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