The Public Health Unit of the Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak held a course for Health Ministry personnel who service the Orang Asli community.
The workshop was held at the Hotel Seri Malaysia in Genting Highlands from 27-29 May 2015 with the theme, “Memahami factor-faktor penentu kesihatan komuniti Orang Asli’ (Understanding the factors that determine the health of the Orang Asli community).
Apart from medical officers from the Health Ministry, other invited speakers included JAKOA’s Deputy D-G for Management Suhaimi Mahud, Dr. Juli Edo of Universiti Malaya and DJ Majid Adik of Radio Asyik FM.
Colin from COAC was the 8th speaker who was asked to present on ways of ‘Collaboration between NGOs and the Health Ministry in Improving the Orang Asli’s Access to Healthcare’.
Among the 30-odd participants was a significant number of Orang Asli healthcare staff, which was a refreshing sight.
Also refreshing was the openness and willingness of the Orang Asli Hospital to engage with others, including NGOs, all with the common goal of ensuring that the Orang Asli get the healthcare they need, and to close the gap in the disparity between mainstream and Orang Asli healthcare delivery.
Much credit must be given to the efforts and vision of Dr. Izandis Mohd Sayed, the head of the public health section at the Gombak Hospital, who is himself an Orang Asli.
It is also evident that the takeover of the Orang Asli health services, including that of the Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak, by the Ministry of Health in 2012 has produced significant changes and improvement for the delivery of healthcare services to the Orang Asli.
With more dedicated healthcare practitioners being assigned to this sector, it is hoped that the shortcomings and the gaps in Orang Asli healthcare delivery will eventually be a thing of the past.
[Photos by Fateinain Ismail & Lily Li]
COAC | 29 May 2015
Radio DJ from Asyik FM, Majid Adik, spoke about the role the Orang Asli radio station plays in disseminating health education and information.
Dr. Raja Mohd Azim of the Raub District Health Office giving suggestions on how to improve the healthcare delivery system for the Orang Asli, including the recruitment of more Orang Asli staff.
Apart from staff from the Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak, others came from the health departments in districts that had Orang Asli communities.
Although it was the last session of the course, and almost 11pm, the participants were generally keen to learn and listen.
Colin speaking about the changes in Orang Asli healthcare over the years and why it is the best interests of the Orang Asli for all parties to work together.
Comparing notes with Dr. Izandis and two other medical officers attached to the Gombak Orang Asli Hospital.