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KUDAT: The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative to provide free health check-ups for B40 citizens was held at the Futsal Hall in Kampung Tiga Papan, recently. It was the second to be held after Kg Tomborungus.

The initial camp faced challenges, most villages are far from one another. 

Another reason was lack of awareness among villagers regarding the importance of regular health check-ups. 

Launched last year by State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, the programme is under the State Health Department.

The event was in collaboration between Tanjong Kapor constituency and Borneo Sinarmas Sdn Bhd, a healthcare provider.

Assemblyman for Tanjong Kapor Datuk Ben Chong expressed concern over the low awareness level among individuals in rural areas about the importance of regular health assessments. 

“Early detection of illnesses can be crucial, late diagnoses can lead to severe consequences,” he said.

Chong noted that while food and monetary assistance typically draw larger crowds, health services receive a lukewarm response. 

“It’s essential to inform villagers that while food and monetary aid are important, free medical check-ups are even more beneficial as they save individuals the expenses of visits to private clinic,” he said.

The second medical camp in Kg Tiga Papan showed improvement, with a more strategic location leading to better attendance, as 13 villagers benefited from the services. 

However, attendance was still slightly impacted by heavy rain (Jan 16-17) in the days leading up to the event. 

Chong hoped that with ongoing awareness, efforts and better logistics, future medical camps would see increased participation and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for the community.

It was discovered that dyslipidaemia and hypertension were the two prevalent disorders among the Rungus community. Many were unaware of the condition as it was their first time being check-up.

Welson Osindang, the village head of Kg Bavang Jamal, said there are 49 households in the village, all of whom fall under the B40 income category. Located 31km from Kudat town, the village’s nearest clinic in Kg Suang Pai, a 30-minute drive away, making access to healthcare a significant issue for the residents.

He expressed his gratitude for Ben’s outreach efforts.

“This is a very important initiative that focuses on people in the interior who have limited access to healthcare. Such initiatives should continue so that villagers can receive the necessary support. 

“Health is the most important thing in our life; without good health, we cannot work to provide for our families,” Welson said.