By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, April 8: The people of Long Bedian were recently reminded of the importance of regular health checks.
Addressing this issue during the launching of a health awareness programme for breast cancer and heart disease on Saturday, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said they should not afraid to go for health screenings in order to prevent any life threatening diseases in future.
“Many people are scared to get medical check-ups for various reasons and this should be change today.
“We should inculcate the habit of making health checks a part of life even as early as from teenage age,” he said, sharing his experience from some years ago where a family brought a young boy who was an acute diabetic to meet him.
Dennis said the cost of getting treatment today is expensive especially for rural folks who do not have steady incomes.
“This is made even more difficult as most rural folks do not buy medical insurance…. As a YB I received many calls for financial help from our people who were hospitalised for treatment…. Therefore, please do not take your health for granted,” Dennis emphasised.
He also told the audience of the efforts undertaken by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to bring development to rural Sarawak, especially Telang Usan and Mulu state constituencies in term of infrastructure development and providing economic oppurtunities for rural communities.
“Therefore we need the people to care for their health in order for the rakyat to participate in and enjoy what is offered by the state government,” he said.
More than 500 people attended the programe, coming from Long Bedian longhouse as well as various Kayan and Penan villages nearby.
The programe offered health checks for breast cancer, pap smear, glucose level and blood pressure and heart health.
The programe was jointly organised by Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, Sarawak Heart Foundation, Pusat Khidmat DUN N77 Telang Usan, Telang Usan District Office, Sub District Long Bedian Office, Centraline Ventures Sdn Bhd, Kampung Long Bedian Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK), Long Bedian Clinic, and Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP). — DayakDaily
