Hospis Malaysia, the nation’s leading provider of community palliative care, marked a historic moment at the 10th Voices for Hospices Charity Gala Dinner on October 16, 2025.
Themed “A Promise of Dignity, United in Care,” the event held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur celebrated over three decades of service and unveiled Hospis Malaysia’s refreshed brand identity and vision — to become a Centre of Palliative Care Excellence for all Malaysians.
For 34 years, Hospis Malaysia has been a cornerstone of compassionate healthcare, delivering palliative care services that focus not only on end-of-life support but also on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
The organisation’s renewed direction represents both growth and a strong commitment to ensure every Malaysian — regardless of background or condition — can access dignified, compassionate care.
Redefining Palliative Care for a Modern Malaysia
YBhg. Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Chairman of Hospis Malaysia, emphasised that the rebranding reflects the organisation’s evolving role in a rapidly ageing society.
“Palliative care is not about the end of life – it is about the dignity of life itself,” she said. “By 2030, nearly a quarter of a million Malaysians will require palliative care each year. We are fast becoming an ageing nation, and non-communicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions are on the rise. This is a crisis of care that requires urgent attention.”
Dato’ Kathleen also stressed the importance of community-based palliative care, noting that relying solely on hospitals will not be sustainable.
“We need more trained healthcare workers, better community engagement, and improved access to essential medicines. Palliative care must move closer to the people — to their homes, their communities, and their families,”.
Strengthening the Healthcare Ecosystem
Since its founding in 1991, Hospis Malaysia has served as a vital bridge between hospitals and communities. Each year, its multidisciplinary team — comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and rehabilitation therapists — provides home-based care to around 1,500 patients, completing more than 11,000 home visits annually.
Beyond patient services, the organisation also plays a key role in professional training and healthcare education. Hospis Malaysia trains nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals each year through clinical workshops, attachments, and e-learning programmes.
Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education, its senior clinicians help shape policies and frameworks to ensure that future healthcare professionals are well-equipped to deliver quality palliative care nationwide.
Dato’ Kathleen reaffirmed the organisation’s alignment with Malaysia’s Budget 2026, commending the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare accessibility and reduce hospital congestion through community-based initiatives.
“With earlier referrals and better coordination, many patients can be cared for comfortably at home — reducing hospital admissions and empowering families to manage care with confidence,”.
Voices for Hospices 2025: Celebrating Compassion and Legacy
The biennial Voices for Hospices Charity Gala Dinner has become Hospis Malaysia’s signature fundraising event, bringing together philanthropists, healthcare professionals, families, and supporters who believe in the power of compassionate care.
This year’s edition was graced by Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who praised Hospis Malaysia’s dedication.
“Palliative care should never be seen as a last resort, but as an essential part of living well until the end,” she said. “We have one opportunity to ensure our loved ones are cared for with dignity, comfort, and peace — and Hospis Malaysia has consistently shown that this is achievable.”
The emotional highlight of the evening came from Puan Norra Ismail, mother of the late Tijani Batrisyia, who shared her heartfelt journey.
“Watching my child face a serious illness was devastating, but knowing Tijani could be cared for at home surrounded by love and dignity made all the difference,” she said. “Hospis Malaysia made that possible. No family should have to face this path alone.”
A Continuing Promise of Dignity
Funds raised from the Gala Dinner will directly support patient services, training programmes, and advocacy initiatives — reinforcing Hospis Malaysia’s mission to embed palliative care into the national healthcare system.
The organisation’s dedication to inclusivity and compassion ensures that all Malaysians, regardless of age or illness, can access quality care when they need it most.
With over three decades of experience and an unwavering mission, Hospis Malaysia continues to lead by example — proving that palliative care is not just about managing illness, but about celebrating life with dignity, compassion, and love.
As Malaysia prepares to face the realities of an ageing population, Hospis Malaysia stands ready as a Centre of Excellence — championing accessible, compassionate, and community-based palliative care for generations to come.
For more information, visit website www.hospismalaysia.org
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