Medical Camp 2013

Bercham, 16th March - If you happened to find yourself at Tesco Extra on 16 March 2013, you could be excused for thinking Valentine’s Day came a little late this year, with the Medical Camp 2013 crew clad in their pink and red T’s. This was the dress code for this year’s Medical Camp, which is an annual event hosted by the Rotaract Club of UTP (RACUTP) with assistance from the Rotary Club of Kinta.

The purpose of the event, according to RACUTP’s Assistant Director for Community Services, Liew Chin Seng (CE, 2nd/1st), is to create health awareness and reach out to the public in order to help improve their lives. This will in turn encourage them to know more about their health status and help them lead a healthy lifestyle. The event was open to all, both the young and old, with the first participants trickling in not too long after the set-up was completed.

Participants checking their blood pressure.

This year’s event, which involved several parties including the Ipoh General Hospital, featured two main services; a health check-up and the other involved collecting blood donations. The health check-up consisted of five tests, namely, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), body percentage fat, blood glucose, and hemoglobin tests which were all conducted free of charge. There was also a “quit smoking” booth where those hoping to kick the habit were assisted and introduced to new medication that could help make the process easier.

Liew hailed this year’s camp as a great success with the turnout for this year exceeding that of last year’s edition. The sponsor involved in the event was also pleased with the outcome. Though these were positive, Liew suggested that more promotions would be held in future to increase the turnout. This could include using venues with many people.

Those who participated in the camp were very pleased and a lady who identified herself as Ritha, who was the first to sign up said the event was okay and even suggested that these camps be held more often. The same sentiments were shared by Zarul Izwan (left), who had a medical check-up and was also the first participant to win prizes on the day. He praised the camp, suggesting it be conducted more often at various locations. It wasn’t only the public that participated, with crew member Yong Kai Bin (CE, Foundation 2nd Sem) taking part by donating some blood and this is what he had to say to those who feared the needle: “Forget the pain and just think of the number of lives you can save.” 

The team setting up before the event.

By Khotso Letsie, ME