KLANG, Sept 5 – Seeking to enhance accessibility to health care among rural communities in Klang, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) recently collaborated with the Klang Municipal Council and the Ministry of Health to organise a community health engagement event for the residents of Pulau Ketam.
Close to 2,000 dwellers on the remote island attended the half-day health camp that was jointly organised with community leaders.
“It is an honour for us to be here today and meet the community. I am happy to see that many have turned out to attend this activity, and it is good to see that the people of Pulau Ketam care for their health, which will contribute to the overall health of the community at large,” said Klang Municipal Council member Lee Fu Haw
Supported by BTMC’s team of medical practitioners, the activity saw participants ranging in age from 30 to 80 years old receiving free health checks that included blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index tests to address common health concerns.
“Our community outreach is very much in line with ensuring healthcare is available for all segments of society here in Klang. We are glad to spend time educating people from all walks of life and raise their awareness on how to better cultivate healthier lifestyles. This is also integral to our hospital’s efforts to give back so we can contribute towards improving the quality of life of all Malaysians,” said Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre CEO Jasmine Lau.
In addition, pharmacists from BTMC were also at hand to attend to the special needs of the elderly who were present, focusing on reviewing medications and other health matters, while dieticians advised on general nutritional needs, especially for those suffering from serious illnesses and co-morbidity.
Several talks on heart health and urology were also conducted, while free consultation was provided by ER (Emergency Room) physicians as well as physiotherapists.
According to Chua Kim Lin, head of the Pulau Ketam community, the residents welcome such initiatives, especially since a 45-minute ferry ride is the sole mode of transportation to the mainland.
“Given the limited access, it has been a challenge for many residents, especially the elderly, to have regular sessions with health care specialists. We are grateful to the Klang Municipal Council and BTMC for organising this health camp and bringing health care to us,” he said.
BTMC is part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group (RSDH), and its initiative falls under RSDH’s philosophy of “People caring for people” as well as RSD Cares commitment to sustainability that includes “Caring for our community” as a key pillar.
