Relieving their pain: Dr Thiru (right) and Dr Peter attending to a patient during the screening session at Bario, Sarawak.
KUCHING: More than 50 elderly patients from the Kelabit and Penan communities in a remote village in the Sarawak highlands received specialised orthopaedic care during a one-day camp by Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli (YKOA).
The camp on Dec 9 came following another event held by the foundation in October, which saw 31 children from the indigenous community receive vital paediatric treatment.
The camp, organised under the Health Beyond Boundaries Medical Outreach Programme, was held in a remote village in the mountains of Bario, accessible only by a 12-hour drive from Miri or a Twin Otter aircraft.
According to a statement by YKOA, the event was conducted by orthopaedic specialists Dr Thiru Kumaran and Dr Peter Choo, who diligently reviewed and treated the elderly patients.
The on-the-spot treatment addressed tendinitis, strains, sprains and muscle stiffness, thus achieving the event’s objectives and alleviating fears about getting to the hospital.
Upon post-event discussions with Dr Thiru, who is also Hospital Miri head of orthopaedic service, more than 25 patients with orthopaedic conditions were counselled and given a referral pathway, the statement said.
YKOA chairman Dr Andre Ratos emphasised the significance of preventive screening to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
Citing challenges like poor access to specialists, the burden of travel costs and reluctance to seek healthcare, Dr Andre outlined the event’s purpose as building rapport, treating, educating and encouraging indigenous individuals to seek follow-up or surgical care at district hospitals.
Dr Andre thanked the sponsors like BCM Alliance, the Australian High Commission and others for funding the event.
The statement added that event organising chairman Datin Pearl Masna also presented physiotherapy equipment units, given by Innerwheel KLCC, to families with elderly members and demonstrated their use.
YKOA was founded by Datuk Antony Ratos in 2002 to elevate indigenous livelihood and preserve their culture.
The Health Beyond Boundaries Medical Outreach Programme is a series of medical camps that aims to impact indigenous health nationwide, targeting remote villages facing lack of access.
