Orang Asli health camp a major draw

NST: KUALA ROMPIN: The Orang Asli in Kedaik and the surrounding settlements about 60km from here, rarely see a doctor because of distance and time constraints. So the response to a one-day health, medical and dental camp on Sunday at SK Kedaik’s hostel complex was overwhelming.
The 37 doctors, including specialists, 40 nurses and 60 general volunteers had their hands full as they attended to the approximately 800 people who turned up.
"The response was overwhelming. Even before the camp was open to the public at 9am, scores of people were already waiting to see the doctors," said organising chairman P.S. Gill.
The camp was organised by the Sathya Sai Baba Central Council of Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) Pahang branch, the State Health Department and the Rotary Club of Kuantan.
Besides medical treatment, the patients were screened for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hearing and eye problems. Pap smear examinations and bone density tests were also carried out, as well as dental examinations and tooth extractions.
"There was a high incidence of skin infections while some had multiple health problems," said Dr R. Selva Malar, Pahang MMA chairman.
"Several people were referred to the Muadzam Shah Hospital and Kuantan’s Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan for further examination and treatment," she added.