PALLIATIVE care must be made more accessible at all levels of the healthcare system so that everyone will be able to receive it when diagnosed with a serious health problem, according to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said, for this to happen, healthcare professionals should have basic awareness on how to recognise patients in need of palliative care.

“Every Malaysian deserves to receive palliative care that is of high quality and acceptable to the ethical standards of healthcare in the nation.

“It will require participation and contributions from much more than that provided by formal healthcare services alone,” he said in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

Khairy said the goal of palliative care was to provide the best quality of life for the patient and their family which includes all types of patients and diseases.

“The patient deserves the best quality of care. This is where in society, you can play your part,” he said.

Emphasising on community palliative care as an essential component of the integrated palliative care service, Khairy said it provides continuity of care to patients once discharged from a hospital.

“Community services help patients to remain at home for longer periods and help to reduce the need for emergency admissions to the hospital,” he added.

Khairy said community services also help provide confidence to families to care for loved ones in their preferred place of care. – Bernama, October 14, 2022.