Taking palliative care to every Malaysian

AS Malaysia approaches ageing nation status in 2030, the need for equitable palliative care is more urgent than ever. By then, palliative care cases are expected to reach 240,000 – a 140% increase from 2014. Currently, 100,000 people suffer serious health-related issues annually, a figure set to more than double in five years, yet only 10% receive adequate care. Bridging this gap requires better accessibility, health literacy, and advocacy at all levels of society.

Despite its critical role in healthcare, many Malaysians remain unaware of palliative care – what it is, who needs it, where to seek it, and how to advocate for quality services. Misconceptions persist, including the belief that palliative care is only for end-of-life cancer patients or that it is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Others, on the other hand, assume that only the marginalised should benefit from it.