Group takes healthcare to longhouses in Sarawak

Over 100 indigenous villagers in Long Seridan, Kampung Long Meraan and Kampung Long Balau in Sarawak’s Miri Division have benefitted from Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli’s (YKOA) medical camp.

YKOA director Datin Pearl Jai Mohan said four Health Ministry volunteers and seven locals helped out in the campaign.

The villagers were briefed on health awareness and medical conditions, with 15 of them referred to nearby hospitals for follow-up treatment, she said.

“I’m really grateful to our programme sponsors, especially the Australian High Commission and Klinik Dr Leela Ratos.

Pearl (seated, third from right) with the YKOA team and Health Ministry volunteers as well as locals. — Photos: BK

“Their generous support was instrumental in reaching and serving those in need.

“Heartfelt thanks as well to Dr Chan Zhen Shun and his team from Bario Health Clinic, as their regional expertise and focus on indigenous tribes ensured that the programme ran smoothly,” she said in a statement, as reported by BK.

She said the medical camp also collected data to build a framework for identifying and evaluating issues for future intervention.

“Ascertaining health well-being is a continuous journey and YKOA remains dedicated to building bridges of assistance with its partners to support indigenous communities,” she added.

YKOA chairman Dr Andre Ratos praised the programme’s ongoing support to bridge healthcare gaps for indigenous peoples.

“This camp is part of our commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the indigenous people,” he said.

He added that the three-day camp aimed to enhance health awareness and education by providing critical services such as breast examinations and pap smears.

YKOA’s programmes have been focused on remote villages situated between Gunung Mulu and the Bario Highlands.

These areas are home to various tribes, including the Penan, Kelabit and Sa’ban.