Perak Health Dept Continues To Reach Out To Sungai Klewang Orang Asli Community

By Nur ‘Aina Syazwina Badrul Hisham

GERIK, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Perak State Health Department (Perak JKN) will ensure access to healthcare services for Orang Asli communities in remote areas, including Kampung Sungai Klewang and Sungai Tiang, through mobile health services and referral mechanisms for cases requiring further treatment.

Hulu Perak Family Health Medical Officer Dr Farhana Abdul Khair said the commitment and sense of responsibility of healthcare workers are among the key factors in ensuring services can continue to be provided to communities in remote areas.

According to her, patients requiring emergency treatment will be transferred in accordance with established procedures, while continuity of care for those with chronic conditions will be ensured upon referral to hospital.

“One of the most memorable experiences during my service in remote areas was helping a health team evacuate a premature baby who was born in a village and weighed about 900 grammes,” she said when met at the Kembara Kesihatan programme with media practictioners organised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia recently.

Meanwhile, Sungai Klewang village chief Seblu Gebis said residents welcome the healthcare services provided in the area, particularly for medical check-ups and treatment.

“If an emergency occurs, including cases involving seriously ill patients or pregnant women, they will need to be evacuated for further treatment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gerik Orang Asli mobile team head nurse Azura Abu Bakar said she has been serving the Orang Asli community for six years and has 27 years of overall experience in the field.

She said one of the experiences that stood out most during her service was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health workers went out daily to provide healthcare services to the Orang Asli community.

Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Klewang has a population of 178, comprising 32 heads of household and 146 household members, with most residents belonging to the Jahai tribe. Village chief Hadi Mes of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Tiang oversees the community.

The village is located within the State Park, meaning healthcare services must be delivered with consideration for the location, the surrounding environment, and the needs of the local community.

The Perak JPN’s commitment to reaching out to Orang Asli communities aligns with efforts to ensure no one is left behind in accessing healthcare, particularly for communities facing challenges due to limited access and long travel distances.

-- BERNAMA