Access to healthcare is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. Unfortunately, underserved communities often face barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare services. In Gelang Patah, Johor, a group of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) took it upon themselves to address this issue by organizing a health camp for the local community.
The 2024 Health Camp, led by Year Five MBBS students, offered a variety of health screening services to the villagers of Kampung Pulai and Kampung Ulu Pulai, as well as pupils from SK Kampung Pulai. The services provided included general health screenings, women’s health, children’s health, mental health, and dental health. This initiative aimed to improve the health and well-being of the community, ensuring that everyone had access to the care they needed through health screening.
Dr. Edmund Ong, an honorary professor and consultant physician overseeing the event, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He highlighted how the students, at this stage of their training, were in a position to contribute to the well-being of the community that had supported their clinical training. The health camp played a vital role in fostering a culture of health and increasing awareness about the importance of taking care of one’s health.
Ella Ang Zi Yi, the chairperson of the Health Camp and an MBBS student, expressed her desire to give back to society, especially to the underprivileged community. Through educational talks, booths targeting different groups in the Gelang Patah population, and activities like smoking cessation counseling and blood donation, the students aimed to promote health awareness and healthy habits among the community.
Educational talks conducted by NUMed clinical lecturers covered topics such as learning disabilities and HPV infection and cervical cancer. Additionally, a blood donation booth set up by the Hospital Sultanah Aminah’s blood donation team provided attendees with an opportunity to contribute to a life-saving cause. The event also included a friendly football match, fostering camaraderie among participants and spectators.
The collaboration with the District Health Office, private hospitals, and other organizations like Columbia Asia, Regency Specialist Hospital, and Rotary Club of Johor Bahru, ensured the success of the health camp. NUMed Clinical Affairs dean, Prof. Harinarayan Radhakrishna, commended the students for their hard work in planning and executing the camp, emphasizing the importance of early detection of preventable diseases and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, the 2024 Health Camp in Gelang Patah was a testament to the dedication of NUMed students in giving back to the community and promoting health awareness. By providing free screening and health educational services, the students made a significant contribution to the well-being of the local population. Through initiatives like this, underserved communities can receive the care they need and be empowered to prioritize their physical and mental health for a happier and healthier life.