NUMed's Year 5 MBBS students at the recent Health Camp in Kampung Sungai Melayu.
YEAR 5 students from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed)’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) recently brought their much-anticipated annual Health Camp to the heart of the Kampung Sungai Melayu community.
Held at SK Sungai Melayu, the event aimed to deliver essential healthcare services, promote health awareness, and strengthen community ties – while also offering students meaningful hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
One of the Health Camp’s chairpersons, Bhumika Ramesh Jethnani, shared that the event was centred on delivering accessible, preventive healthcare to an underserved community — a location specifically chosen because it lacks a local health clinic.
“In line with our main goal to reduce health inequality, we wanted to bring healthcare services and knowledge directly to the community, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being,” added co-chairperson Cecilia Koh Zhi Wei.
Multiple booths were set up to cover a wide range of health areas. A general practice booth offered basic health screenings such as blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI) measurements, HbA1c testing, and cholesterol level assessments, aimed at early detection of non-communicable diseases.
In addition, the event featured dedicated booths for mental health, child health, and women’s health, each tailored to address specific health needs within the community.
These provided targeted information, screenings, and support to promote awareness and early intervention in their respective areas.
Professor Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna shared that the Health Camp provides invaluable hands-on experience for students to better understand real-world medical practices.
There was even a global health booth, which addressed environmental concerns like global warming, safe habits in hot weather, and recycling.
Dental check-ups were also provided. Meanwhile, a daycare area allowed parents to undergo their health checks with peace of mind, knowing that their children were cared for in a safe and engaging environment.
According to NUMed Clinical Affairs dean Professor Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna, the Health Camp provides an excellent platform for students to obtain comprehensive training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing them to become compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.
“Students learn the importance of community engagement and collaboration with local leaders, schools, and healthcare facilities, which is crucial for effective public health interventions.
“Giving back to the community instills a sense of civic responsibility and professionalism, as they contribute to improving community health and well-being,” he said.
Both Bhumika and Koh acknowledge that their involvement in the Health Camp has contributed to their growth as future healthcare professionals.
“Being a healthcare professional is more than treating illness; it is also about connecting with people, offering support, and making a difference, even in small ways.
“I learnt the importance of empathy, teamwork, and being present for others. These are lessons that I’ll carry with me throughout my journey as a doctor,” said Koh.
“I am reminded of the importance of giving back to the community. I’d love to work with organisations like Doctors Without Borders in the future, and this event reaffirmed my path in helping underserved communities,” Bhumika shared.
A daycare area offered a creative space for children to engage in colouring and arts and crafts activities.
The Health Camp is an annual initiative organised by NUMed’s Year 5 MBBS students. This year’s event was held in collaboration with SK Sungai Melayu, as well as Regency Specialist Hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital, Alpro Pharmacy, Yakult, National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia, Johor Bahru (LPPKN JB), and the Health Ministry’s Klinik Kesihatan Bukit Indah.
NUMed is the international branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, offering a Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme, as well as undergraduate degrees in medicine (MBBS) and biomedical sciences (BSc).
To find out more, visit http://www.newcastle.edu, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call +607-555 3800, or WhatsApp +6011-1231 5411/+6012-784 9456.
