The Orang Asli community undergoing health screening at the medical camp.
THE Kedah branch of Malaysia Medical Association (MMA) organised the “Program Santuni Orang Asli Bersama Doktor Pakar” at Kampung Orang Asli in Lubuk Legong, Kedah.
The primary objective was to promote the health and well-being of the Orang Asli community by providing a wide range of screening services.
Free medicine was also distributed to those in need.
A team of eight specialist doctors, 16 doctors, 10 medical assistants, 10 nurses and 16 medical students attended to over 180 Orang Asli at the medical camp.
The health carnival was made possible through the collaboration of various organisations.
Paediatrics consultant Dr Thiyagar Nadarajaw, from Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar, examining an Orang Asli child.
They included Pantai Hospital Penang (main sponsor), Malaysian Medical Association Foundation, Health Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, AIMST University, Lions Club of Kuala Muda, Kedah Tuberculosis Association, and Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital Indian Welfare Association.
The event offered health services like blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, Body Mass Index assessments, dental examinations and eye screenings.
In addition, there were health talks by experts who shared valuable information on various health topics like tuberculosis and dental hygiene.
The medical camp also distributed food baskets containing basic necessities to 88 needy Orang Asli families.
After all the health screenings were completed, the community was served a nutritious lunch.
MMA Kedah said it prioritised health screenings as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The medical camp was part of its efforts to provide early detection which could significantly improve health outcomes.
The programme’s organising chairman Dr Sritharan Rao expressed his gratitude in a statement to the volunteers and the various NGOs for their selfless service to the Orang Asli community.
