Main image: Puan Rafeah Mustakim, resident from Taman Keramat getting herself screened at the event.
Collaborating with the National Cancer Society and the Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya to offer health screenings for the communities
Pantai Hospital Ampang, in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, recently organized a two-day Health and Wellness Mobile Clinic as a community initiative. The health clinics were made available at the Dewan Orang Ramai Persatuan Penduduk Pandan Jaya, Fasa 2 Pandan Jaya and the Dewan Serbaguna MPAJ in Taman Keramat and drew more than 100 individuals from the surrounding vicinity.
The mobile clinic was a comprehensive initiative staffed with healthcare professionals from the Pantai Hospital Ampang and volunteers from the National Cancer Society. Its purpose was to provide health services which included primary health screenings, education on breast self-examinations, blood pressure monitoring, glucose and cholesterol screenings, free body composition analysis, medical consultations, and education on breast examinations – all of which were conducted in conjunction with Pink October, highlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. PERKESO participated in the event and representatives offered guidance on healthcare coverage available for women.
Pantai Hospital Ampang’s Chief Executive Officer Chong Soon Mei said: “In championing this community-centric endeavor, our aim is to underscore the reach of our compassion which extends beyond the confines of our physical space. Through this collaboration with the National Cancer Society and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, we are committed to highlighting the importance of healthcare education and early detection of diseases to enhance community well-being.”
In addition to healthcare services, the National Cancer Society also set up an informative booth to engage the audience on the topics of cancer and breast cancer. They distributed essential materials on self-breast examinations and provided vouchers for free mammogram screenings at NCSM.
Eighty percent of the participants were aged 45 and above, with 40 percent in the overweight category and approximately 50 percent dealing with various health issues. The event also saw two women who had discovered lumps but had never sought help and were given guidance by healthcare professionals at the mobile clinic.
Speaking at the event, National Cancer Society Public Health Executive, Mohamad Ishak Ahmad said: “We want to raise awareness that breast cancer can be detected early with self – examinations, especially to those who may not be fully aware of the disease. Improving community health with on-site clinics such as this is an important aspect of preventative healthcare as it encourages engagement and interaction”
