KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has announced a partnership with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to improve childhood cancer care and awareness in the country.
This initiative was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMC, NCSM, and 11 other supporting organisations, including Persatuan Kanser Kanak-Kanak Kami Endah HRPB (PEKA-ENDAH HRPB), Persatuan Sokongan Kanser Kanak-Kanak PPUKM (CAKNE-PPUKM), and the Malaysian Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (MASPHO).
The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration, identify new opportunities and knowledge in childhood cancer care and awareness in Malaysia. Recognising the ongoing need to improve paediatric cancer care and public awareness in Malaysia, SMC believes that every child facing serious health conditions or cancer deserves access to specialised care from a dedicated paediatric team.
Dr Seow Vei Ken, Chief Executive Officer of SMC, shared, “A multidisciplinary approach is one of the key pillars of cancer care at our Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit here in Sunway City.
“Our team of specialists, which includes paediatric hematologist, paediatric oncologists, paediatric intensivists, nurses, psychologists, and play therapists, collaborates closely to provide holistic care that prioritises patient safety as well as the medical and emotional requirements of our young patients.”
The hospital also launched its Play Specialist Programme in 2024. Led by a certified play specialist, the programme employs art and play therapy to help young patients express their emotions and maintain a sense of normalcy throughout their treatment journey.
Another exciting aspect of this programme is the collection of paintings displayed at the hospital lobby area, created by the young cancer patients themselves. These artworks reflect their experiences and emotions, showcasing the power of creativity in their healing process.
Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM, added, “As medical practitioners, we often focus on cell counts. But behind those numbers are children with dreams and hopes. It is their spirit, not just the statistics, that truly guides our mission.”
SMC offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of child health care services in the country, with more than 26 paediatric subspecialties and over 50 paediatric consultants.
It is home to a dedicated Children’s Health and Development Centre and is proud to be Malaysia’s first private hospital to operate a standalone 24-hour Children’s Emergency Department, fully separate from its Adult Emergency Department.
Additionally, the Sunway Cancer Centre provides a comprehensive range of cancer care services, including advanced treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy.
This ensures that patients facing all types of cancer, from the most common to the rarest, receive the support and specialised care they need.
