Palliative care in Malaysia: a decade of progress and going strong.
Palliative care first began in Malaysia in 1991, and since then there has been a growing interest in the field and its development both from the government and nongovernmental organizations. It is important to recognize the potential advantages and disadvantages of palliative care provided by both government and private programs to maximize development for the greater benefit of patients. A close relationship between these two bodies must be created so that there is smooth continuity of service and no overlapping of roles. This article highlights some thoughts on how palliative care has developed over the years from the perspective of a clinician who is currently working in the government sector and cooperating with nongovernmental organizations to develop a palliative care network in the region.
Leong
Richard Lim Boon
RL
Palliative Care Unit, Hospital Selayang, Selangor, Malaysia. richard_bllim@yahoo.com
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006699:Home Care Services; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008296:Malaysia; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017149:Private Sector / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D017150:Public Sector / Q000458:organization & administration