KUCHING, Nov 5: Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) has assisted a total of 67 patients requiring cataract and pterygium surgeries during its Eye-Health Screening and Operation Campaign 2023 in Kapit.
According to a Sarawak Energy press release issued today, 44 patients underwent surgeries for cataract and 23 for pterygium to improve their visions.
“The campaign is part of Sarawak Energy’s support for community health carried out by its Baleh Hydroelectric Project team as part of Sarawak Energy’s efforts to ensure project-affected communities are positively impacted by the implementation of important infrastructure projects and at the same time to remain good neighbours to the local community.
“The campaign was done in partnership with Kapit Hospital, Sibu Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department and Klinik Katarak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,” read the press release.
Sarawak Energy went on to say that the surgeries, which took place over three days beginning Nov 3 at Kapit Hospital, were carried out by three ophthalmologists from Sibu Hospital, Sandakan Hospital, and the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital.
“They were assisted by a team of health professionals comprising nine medical assistants and 17 nurses from Kapit Hospital, Sibu Hospital, and Sarawak General Hospital.”
Prior to surgery, patients had comprehensive eye screenings at local government clinics in Baleh and Kapit, which were also arranged for under the campaign. The screenings occurred throughout the month of September.
“This marks the second series of the Eye-Health Screening and Operation Campaign for Baleh since it was first initiated in 2017. The campaign has since helped improve the visions of more than 100 residents.”
Sarawak Energy’s general manager for the Baleh Hydroelectric Project, Ir Tan Hang Kiak, officiated at a ceremony to mark the closing of the campaign. Also present were Dr Joeffrey Sylvester Sabang representing Kapit District Health Office, Dennis Omong, administrative officer for Bukit Mabong, Dr Lim Thian Hou, who heads the Ophthalmology Department at Sibu Hospital, and local community leaders.
“Community health is just one of the social investment initiatives Sarawak Energy is focusing on to help the residents of Baleh and further strengthen our relationship with the community where we operate.
“We are progressing with the Baleh Hydroelectric Project, which is one of Sarawak’s largest State infrastructure projects, which the project is crucial towards securing the energy capacity needed for Sarawak’s future growth and development.
“As we work towards the project’s completion, we have an obligation to give back to the community. This is one way of fostering good relations with our stakeholders and understanding their needs and expectations,” said Tan in his speech.
Tan noted that establishing good relationships with local authorities, agencies, and the community is essential to ensuring the smooth implementation of the Baleh Dam project.
He added that the Baleh project team will continue to work in partnership with local agencies and communities to carry out social investment programmes centred around education for the youth, culture and heritage, community development and entrepreneurship, and environmental management and conservation.
According to the press release, past initiatives include the Baleh Youth Skills Training Programme and the Baleh Education Fund, which benefitted youths from the Baleh areas.
Sarawak Energy also empowers women artisans in Baleh through its handicraft development programmes that aims to preserve culture and heritage as well as support entrepreneurship.
Tan then presented intraocular lenses and other supplies to aid cataract and pterygium treatment procedures to Tuai Rumah Laso Bunya during a symbolic handover to mark the success of the campaign. — DayakDaily
