By Anne Das
The Perak Palliative Care Society (PPCS) has officially opened its new centre at 47, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, marking three decades of service in Perak. The RM2 million project was made possible by donors, corporations, and crucial support from the Perak State Government, which provided the land for PPCS to finally call its own.
The launch was officiated by Her Royal Highness Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, who has pledged her continued support for the society.
The new centre is not a hospice or inpatient facility. It serves as the base where PPCS organises its work, including home care visits, medical equipment storage, volunteer training, and community programmes.
Founded in 1995, PPCS has supported more than 9,000 patients with life-limiting illnesses. Its trained team of doctors and nurses visit patients in their homes, manage pain and symptoms, and train caregivers to provide daily support.
Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen concentrators are loaned so patients can remain at home in comfort. The home visits, caregiver training, and bereavement support are also offered without charge, sustained entirely through donations. Families, however, remain responsible for medication, dressings, and daily consumables prescribed for the patient.
Palliative care does not mean giving up. It is about relieving pain, easing symptoms, and improving quality of life for people with advanced illness. It also includes end of life care, helping patients spend their final days with dignity, often at home with loved ones. PPCS extends its support to families too, guiding them through the grieving process after a patient passes on.
“The society aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families by alleviating pain and suffering through palliative care,” said PPCS President Dr Koh Wai Keat in his launch speech. “These services are free to patients, but they are only possible because of the generosity of the community,” he added.
At present, PPCS accepts referrals for cancer patients living within Ipoh city limits, due to limited nursing staff. Each patient must have a caregiver at home, while PPCS provides medical support, equipment, and volunteer assistance.
With limited staff, PPCS depends on volunteers to keep services running. If you have the time and if you wish to be of service, you can sign up as a volunteer and training will be provided. Volunteers help with home visits and support families when they need it most.
The community can also contribute by sponsoring a Sunshine Hour. This monthly programme is for up to 30 patients and their caregivers. It gives them the chance to step away from daily routines and share a meal, take part in an activity, or go on a short excursion. These outings are only possible when corporations, groups, or individuals step forward to cover the cost.
With the new building as its base, PPCS plans to expand training for healthcare workers and caregivers, extend its reach to rural communities, and continue raising awareness that palliative care is an essential part of healthcare. The centre also provides space for counselling, volunteer training, and small group patient activities which were not possible at its previous rented premises.
PPCS depends on the public to sustain its services. Donations and volunteers are always needed to keep home visits, equipment loans, and programmes like Sunshine Hour running.
Donations can be made to: Perak Palliative Care Society (Public Bank: 309-6888-034)
(Tax-exemption receipts are issued for donations of RM100 and above. Please email proof to admin@ppcs.org.my )
Contact: Tel: 05-546 4732
Address: 47, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh
Website: www.ppcs.org.my Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perakpalliativecaresociety/
