Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is a not-for-profit specialist cancer hospital in Penang dedicated to providing compassionate and affordable cancer treatment and care. Guided by the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), the hospital serves patients regardless of nationality, race, belief or financial circumstances.

The story of Mount Miriam began with Bishop Francis Chan, the first Bishop of Penang, whose own experience with cancer inspired a vision for a place where cancer patients could receive skilled and compassionate care closer to home. At the time, cancer treatment facilities in Penang were limited, and Bishop Chan himself had travelled to Hong Kong for treatment. The care he later received from the Sisters of the Foreign Missions strengthened his desire to establish a dedicated home for cancer patients in Penang.

Although Bishop Chan did not live to see the project completed, his vision was carried forward by his successor, Bishop Gregory Yong, together with members of the medical community, supporters and the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. The FMDM Sisters took on the mission of establishing and operating the hospital, supported by contributions from individuals and organisations within the community.

On 21 February 1976, Mount Miriam Hospital officially opened its doors in Tanjung Bungah. Beginning as a modest 24-bed hospital, its early focus was on providing palliative and compassionate care to people with advanced cancer. From the very beginning, patients were cared for regardless of race, creed or financial means.

Community support continued to play an important role in the hospital’s development. In 1979, fundraising efforts made it possible for Mount Miriam to install a Cobalt-60 radiotherapy machine, marking an important step from primarily palliative care towards active cancer treatment. Over the decades, Mount Miriam continued to develop its cancer treatment, diagnostic and supportive-care capabilities while remaining true to its not-for-profit mission.

In 2026, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital celebrates 50 years of service. What began as a vision to care for people affected by cancer has grown into a specialist cancer hospital supported by generations of staff, healthcare professionals, religious sisters, donors, volunteers and members of the community. That same spirit continues to be reflected in the hospital’s guiding principle: By the Community, For the Community.

For 50 years, Mount Miriam’s work has remained guided by a commitment to compassionate cancer care and the belief that quality treatment should be made accessible to people regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

VISION

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital aspires to bring God’s healing presence through the best and affordable cancer treatment and care.

MISSION

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is a not-for-profit Catholic hospital which shares in the global mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of Divine Motherhood (FMDM), to serve all persons regardless of nationality, race, belief or income with love, respect, compassion and care in compliance with referenced standards of medical ethics, clinical efficacy and safety.

CORE VALUES

Compassion

We endeavour to help our patients attain wholeness, reconciliation, harmony and peace within themselves.

Respect

We uphold the inherent dignity, beliefs and right of choice of each person.

Integrity

We uphold honesty, justice and trust.