17 October 2016

Volunteers of St John Ambulance Malaysia – Kawasan Selangor Selatan (SJAM KSS) branch are reaching out to villagers of Kampung Orang Asli Kachau Luar and Kampung Orang Asli Kachau Dalam in Semenyih through a mobile outreach clinic programme.

It aims to bring healthcare service directly to the people, using a vehicle specially designed for doctors to provide consultation. It is especially useful in providing medical care to rural folk and underserved communities,

said SJAM KSS area medical officer Dr Lee Kian Yee, adding that the mobile clinic was the first of its kind for SJAM in Malaysia.

We have been treating patients for flu, fever, cough, wounds, eye problems and high blood pressure. However, depending on the severity of cases, some could be referred to a clinic or hospital for further action. The programme provides a learning opportunity for our volunteers and exposure to community service, he said.

The group that visited the village comprised of three medical doctors, one pharmacist, one registered nurse and two student nurses, and 30 first-aiders.

SJAM KSS area commander Kong Min Ho said the mobile clinic programme was initiated by SJAM KSS area president Datuk Seri Chee Hong Leong and businessman Datuk Nelson Tan. Tan and his wife also donated the vehicle used for the initiative.

Village head Tok Batin Zainal Kiong said there were about 70 households in the two villages.

We are happy with the visit and healthcare services provided for us Temuan folk. We had people of all ages coming to the mobile clinic to seek treatment. It’s also good that medicine was provided, said Zainal.

He said the villagers would welcome the mobile clinic should SJAM KSS plan to have regular visits.

It’s a 30-minute motorcycle ride for us to get to the nearest clinic in town. Kampung Kachau Dalam is located a further 15 minutes’ walk into the forest. So the mobile clinic is very useful and convenient for us, said the 40-year-old.