KUCHING: More than 3,000 runners took part in the Kuching Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd (KPJ) Colour Run 2018 at Saradise, BDC, here yesterday in support of the hospital’s cancer awareness campaign.
It was flagged off by Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Besides raising awareness about cancer the event was also to raise fund for non-profitable cancer organisations.
According to Director in Charge of KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Roslan Ahmad through such an event KPJ is undertaking its community services by promoting healthy lifestyles.
“We are also collecting donations which we will donate for a good cause, for example we will be giving RM5,000 each to Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group and Pink Ribbon Sarawak Support Group,” Roslan said at a press conference after flagging-off the run.
Roslan also noted that with the overwhelming response from the public, KPJ is considering to make the event as an annual activity.
Meanwhile, a director of KPJ Kuching Dr David Ling said the run themed ‘Kiss Cancer Goodbye’ celebrated the power of global solidarity in the fight against cancer with the main focus on prevention, early detection, treatment and health education for the public.
He added that local demand for oncology service is increasing dramatically and in order to ensure that KPJ is responsive to the healthcare needs of cancer patients, KPJ’s new nine-storey hospital will provide oncology and hematology services including Oncology Daycare Unit and facilities for Cytotoxic Drug Reconstitution (CDR).
“In order to meet the growing needs for outpatient and inpatient care, improving the experience for the patients and offer spacious environment for them and their family members, it is a tremendous opportunity for the hospital to expand its current specialty services,” Dr David said, adding that the new KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital which will be equipped with state of the art facilities will also enable them to tap into the rising demand for medical tourism.
The KPJ Colour Run 2018 is the second edition held by KPJ Kuching where the first run held in 2017 attracted about 2,000 participants.
