Maintaining good health begins at home, says minister
MIRI (May 26): The onus falls upon all members of the public when it comes to taking greater responsibility in maintaining one's own health and wellbeing.
In stating this, Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin says Malaysians are fortunate to have access to affordable healthcare and related services provided by the government, including free consultations and medications provided at public clinics and hospitals.
In this respect, the Senadin assemblyman also points out that maintaining good health begins at home, and at an early age.
'In many other countries, the cost of healthcare is very high.
'Here, majority of us only pay RM1 to get treatment and medication.
'On top of that, our doctors, nurses and medical officers are willing to go the ground, travel to villages and provide advice on how to take care of our health,' he said when officiating at community-based intervention programme, 'Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara' (KOSPEN) at Kampung Tudan Phase 4 and Phase 5, here yesterday.
Adding on, Lee also stressed the importance of community cooperation in supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and its frontliners.
'If you don't take care of your own health, who will?
'Even if a doctor gives you medicine, but you don't follow the instructions, it's meaningless.
'Don't come to programmes like this and then forget everything once you return home.
'To all villagers, take part in more health programmes like this in the future.
'If there are 100 houses in the village, but only a few (people) turn up, it's a waste. This is for your own benefit.
'Come willingly. Don't wait to be asked or forced.'
Touching on the rise in the non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Lee urged the public to cut down on sugar and salt intakes, both of which known to be linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart disease, and obesity.
'One main contributing factor is sugar consumption.
'People like their drinks 'kau kau' — a Hokkien word meaning 'thick' or 'concentrated' — but this is bad for your health.
'For myself, I don't drink sweet tea or coffee, only plain lemon water.
'If you must have coffee or tea, ask for 'kopi O kosong' (black, no sugar) or 'teh O kosong' (no sugar).'
The programme, jointly organised by the Health Department Sarawak, meant to promote health awareness and preventive care among the rural communities.
Among activities carried out included zumba and health talks, which also covered mental health.
Also present were Miri Health officer Dr P Raviwharmman Packierisamy and local community leader Penghulu Nasir Rahim. community healthcare lead Lee Kim Shin public hospitals
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