SINCE its establishment in 1976, the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital has never slowed down its service for the people.
According to the hospital’s chief executive officer Joan Lim, this is part of the mission to sustain the legacy left behind by the nuns that once were trained specialists in delivering all the cancer-related services in the hospital.
“We want to continue the legacy left behind by our nuns because this hospital was built with the funds collected from the people.
“The nuns back then worked without salaries and the only intention they had was to provide the best service for the affected ones.
“When we have a hospital that was built from what the community had contributed, it is only right we stay true to the mission of providing the best for our cancer patients,” Lim told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview recently.
Being a hospital dedicated for cancer patients, Lim said Mount Miriam was not spared of challenges, struggles and difficulties to stay afloat during this Covid-19 era.
“When Covid-19 first grabbed the headlines in Malaysia in early 2020, we were already monitoring the situation and had increasing concerns as our patients generally belong to the high-risk group.
“We had to take extra precautions to make sure our patients were better protected with the presence of the virus in the community,” she said.
Penang as a famous medical tourism hub in the Southeast Asia, Lim said things only got from bad to worse because foreign patients were no longer allowed to receive treatment at the hospital.
“We provide service for all regardless of nationalities, religion and race, but Covid had other ideas and we are severely affected.
“In 2020, we suffered losses of RM6.0 million. This is equivalent to 10 years’ of combined losses compressed into one year and we are hard hit.
“No matter how unsustainable, we tighten our belts to keep the ship afloat because it is a service industry where so many cancer patients are dependant on us.
“Yes, we had pay cuts and restructuring of contracts within the organisation. We had to do these things just so that we can outlast the pandemic,” she added.
Although monetary donations have slowed down, Lim said the hospital never once stopped its disbursement from the Needy Cancer Patient Fund to aid those in need of financial aid.
“Although there is a tremendous drop of 70% decline in terms of donations received, we still continue to assist eligible cancer patients.
“In 2019, we disbursed RM2.2 million to help 339 patients; and in 2020, it was RM1,666,301 to assist 435 patients.
“This year, as of June, we have provided assistance amounting to RM721,393 to help 245 patients,” she added.
While the hospital has been receiving donations such as face masks, hand sanitisers and other medical-related and safety equipment, Lim hopes people would come forward with monetary donations.
“We have several radiotherapy machines that need specialised maintenance and it is not cheap to do so.
“I appeal to the state government to assist us during this difficult period.
“Even back then, the radiation machines were the most high-tech available at the time and we need to make sure proper and regular maintenance is given to meet the patients’ medical conditions,” she added.
Lim also added that Malaysian nurses in general have been absorbed by countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore due to the attractive packages they have offered during this period.
“Now that the vaccination process is ongoing and many may have been inoculated, these countries have been aggressive in hiring nurses,” she added.
Lastly, she has vowed that the hospital will continue with its mission of providing financial assistance for those in the vulnerable group undergoing cancer treatments at the hospital.
“The nuns back then said, ‘even the poor deserves the best’.
“These were strong words. The nuns gave their heart and soul during their service here.
“Despite these challenges, we will do our very best and continue to serve the community,” Lim said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting