KUCHING: KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital (KPJ), with its mission to deliver quality healthcare services, held its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme at Kampung Beradek near here, recently.
The CSR, jointly organised with the village’s JKKK (Village Security and Development Committee), was held to mark International Nurses Day which is celebrated in May every year with this year’s theme being “Nurses: A Voice to Lead, Health for All”.
KPJ general manager Nurhazimah Mahat in her speech said that the CSR programme is organised yearly to promote health awareness and also to promote the importance of regular health screenings to the public, especially in the rural areas.
She added that the programme was part of KPJ’s responsibility to give back to the community apart from strengthening relationships with the local community.
“The hospital is concerned with the wellbeing of the community especially when it comes to healthcare. Hence, we are here today with the hope of educating and fostering awareness on the importance of maintaining good health among the public,” Nurhazimah said.
Among the activities held included a health talk by a medical officer, free basic health screening including sugar level and blood pressure check, hand hygiene tutorial by an infection control nurse, pocket activities, lucky draws and colouring contest for children.
A medical officer, Dr Masni Megey also delivered a talk on diabetes, hypertension and heart coronary diseases.
According to Dr Masni, based on journal published by National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 3) in Malaysia from 2006 until 2015, 34.6 per cent to 35.3 per cent of these diseases were reported, 78.9 per cent to 83.2 per cent sought treatment and 35.6 per cent to 37.5 were aware of them.
Through these statistics, Dr Masni said the three diseases are often associated with daily lifestyles and food intake.
“This may sound normal, but if all the three diseases are not detected early or left untreated, it can cause heart attack or heart failure which can lead to death,” she said.
However, she said the three diseases are avoidable. Hence, adopting a healthy lifestyle, undergoing health screening at least once a year, and getting treatment immediately if found to be suffering from any of the three diseases are ways to prevent the diseases from being further triggered.
The hospital also presented donations in the form of cash and kitchen supplies to five families in the village and surrounding villagers.
