Kota Kinabalu:The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sabah Branch has called on the state government to establish a halfway house dedicated to children undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers, especially those from rural and remote areas who must stay in Kota Kinabalu for extended periods.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Brandon Patrick Senagang, chairman of MMA Sabah, emphasized the urgent need for such a facility. The Paediatric Oncology Unit at the Sabah Women and Children Hospital sees approximately 80 to 100 new childhood cancer cases each year, with nearly half of these patients coming from outside the city.
Many of these children hail from distant districts such as Pitas, Kota Marudu, and Kudat, facing long treatment durations that can last up to eight months, particularly for those diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Families from these areas not only grapple with the illness but also with the challenges of securing accommodation, managing transportation and daily expenses, and often leaving behind employment and family for long periods.
Dr. Brandon highlighted that the burden is especially heavy on families from rural communities and lower-income backgrounds, making affordable accommodation near the hospital a necessity. While the Ronald McDonald House provides valuable support, its capacity is insufficient to meet the needs of all families requiring long-term stays, as it also serves patients from other departments.
He suggested that a halfway house could be developed by repurposing an existing government property near the hospital or through partnerships with charitable organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Such a facility would alleviate travel burdens, reduce financial pressures, and ensure uninterrupted treatment for children.
In line with Paediatric Cancer Awareness Month, MMA Sabah has also donated 20 care kits to the hospital's Paediatric Oncology Unit for newly diagnosed patients. Dr. Brandon expressed hope that this contribution would offer comfort and support to children and their families during their challenging treatment journey.