Latest news with #ArmedForcesHospital
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Bupa Clinics in Mina transform healthcare into a fully integrated digital model
Makkah: In the searing heat of Mina and under the pressure of serving one of the world's largest annual gatherings, Bupa Arabia's healthcare subsidiary, Bupa CareConnect , has redefined the Hajj healthcare experience in 2025. Through its pioneering initiative' Bupa Clinics ' the company deployed a field-based clinic model offering digital-first, people-centric healthcare services to pilgrims—regardless of their insurance status. Set up between June 4–9 in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, the Bupa Clinics offered around-the-clock medical support during the peak days of the pilgrimage. Strategically located near pharmacies and emergency care facilities, the clinic operated under an ambitious model that merged cutting-edge diagnostic equipment with compassionate care tailored to the urgent and often unpredictable needs of Hajj. 1,368 Pilgrims Cared For — With Zero Distinction Between Members and Non-Members Over five days, the clinics handled 1,368 medical cases—75% of them male, 25% female. From treating exhaustion and heat stroke to managing chronic illnesses and responding to trauma, the medical team—comprising six doctors and three nurses working rotating shifts—provided fast, accurate care supported by digital health infrastructure. Notably, 20 critical patients were transferred to the Armed Forces Hospital in Mina, and one life-threatening case required an emergency life-saving intervention. 'The key word was accessibility,' said Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, Executive Medical Director at Bupa CareConnect . 'We treated every pilgrim as our own, offering proactive care with dignity, efficiency, and empathy.' Digital Diagnostics, Real-Time Records, and Psychological Support Equipped with ECG, blood pressure, and glucose monitoring devices—all integrated into Bupa's centralized digital health platform—the clinics enabled instant diagnosis, seamless data logging, and streamlined referrals. This setup not only enhanced the speed and precision of treatment but also allowed for personalized care journeys on the spot. Beyond physical health, Bupa Clinics also addressed emotional and mental stress—especially among elderly pilgrims and patients with chronic illnesses. Staff offered preventative advice, hydration tips, and mental reassurance, ensuring that no pilgrim felt isolated or overwhelmed in the demanding environment. Breaking New Ground in Field Healthcare Traditionally, Bupa Arabia has provided healthcare services through seven on-site clinics at corporate client campuses like SABIC, Savola, the National Housing Company, and King Abdullah Financial District. But the Hajj deployment marked the first time Bupa extended its services into a public, non-corporate setting. 'This was more than a medical intervention,' said Bupa Arabia CEO Tal Nazer. 'It was a statement about our role in society. By bringing our most advanced care model to the heart of Mina, we've shown how the private sector can meaningfully contribute to national healthcare missions—especially in moments that matter.' Smart Care That Travels Beyond the City The Hajj initiative is a natural extension of Bupa Arabia's broader transformation into a digital-first healthcare provider. In recent years, it has launched mobile digital clinics in remote areas, a unified health management app (Bupa App), and a groundbreaking 'Without approvals' insurance program that removes pre-authorization delays. Powered by AI, the system fast-tracks claim processing and improves the customer journey—offering a glimpse of healthcare's future in Saudi Arabia. Through Bupa Clinics, the company brought that same future into the dusty, crowded, spiritually charged space of Mina—proving that high-tech healthcare doesn't need to be confined to sleek hospitals or big cities. It can—and must—meet people where they are, especially when they need it most.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Divers must reinforce safety practices, says Sabah Dive Squad Club
KOTA KINABALU: Divers must reinforce best practices for safety and environmental reasons, says the Sabah Dive Squad Club. Club president Sim Fui stated that, given the recent scuba diving fatalities, they have organised a safety awareness talk to reinforce best practices among members. He emphasised that safety must always be the top priority for divers, and regular reminders, refresher courses, or awareness talks are necessary. "Every certified diver is taught the correct procedures during training, and the number one rule is always to return safely," he said in a statement on Saturday (June 7). "Unfortunately, recent incidents show that some divers are disregarding these procedures with fatal consequences," Sim added. Last week, a 33-year-old Malaysian man from Kuala Lumpur died while diving off Pulau Weh near Sabang in Indonesia, after reportedly panicking in strong undercurrents. In May, two Chinese nationals also lost their lives in separate scuba diving accidents in Sabah waters. "One was an unsupervised tourist who drowned while diving off Sipadan in Semporna, and the other, a certified divemaster, drowned after attempting to retrieve a lost camera near Kakaban Island," Sim said. "These tragic incidents could have been avoided had proper safety guidelines been followed," he added. The diving safety awareness talk scheduled for July 20 aims to prevent further loss of life and remind members of the importance of adhering to established procedures. Sim said the club has appointed two experts to lead the session: Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li as scuba diving medical adviser and First Warrant Officer Almudi Eskal as technical diving adviser. Dr Eugene is an internal medicine specialist and diving medical officer at the Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces Hospital. Almudi is the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Department Chief Supervisor at the Armed Forces Hospital and is also an Army Submarine Escape Instructor. Both will discuss medical emergencies related to diving and offer guidance on technical skills and safe diving practices, Sim said. More information about the talk will be shared on the Sabah Dive Squad Club's Facebook page.
The Star
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Melaka outlines five priorities for Sungai Udang under new initiative
MELAKA: The Melaka state government is prioritising five key focus areas in the Sungai Udang state constituency under the "Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat" (WRUR) initiative. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said these include public infrastructure, healthcare, education, community welfare and development, as well as the Digital Village initiative. Among the infrastructure projects was the RM44.8mil upgrade of the water reticulation system at Kem Terendak, scheduled to begin in May 2026 and be completed within two years. "Additionally, four road resurfacing projects valued at RM1.24mil are being implemented by local authorities, with one completed and the remaining three currently in progress," he said after officiating the closing of the WRUR programme here on Saturday (May 31). Senior state executive councillor and Sungai Udang constituency coordinator Datuk Rais Yasin was also present. In the healthcare sector, a RM325mil Armed Forces Hospital project under the Defence Ministry was expected to be completed by January 2029. Upgrades to the Sungai Udang Health and Dental Clinics, with a combined cost of RM450,000, are set to begin later this year and be completed by March 2026. For education, the computer lab at MRSM Terendak would be upgraded for RM400,000 by October. The government was also acquiring land for a new building at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Udang, estimated to cost RM2mil, and plans to prioritise the construction of a new religious school (SRA JAIM Sungai Udang) in 2025. Ab Rauf said immediate repairs would also be carried out at SRA JAIM Bertam Ulu and SJK(C) Bertam Ulu. On community welfare, the Social Welfare Department was disbursing RM1.21mil monthly to assist 554 eligible recipients in the Sungai Udang area. Under the Digital Village initiative, two villages - Kampung Sungai Udang and Kampung Bukit Mentangau - involving 357 homes have completed the digital address sticker installation. Eight more villages are expected to follow, with full completion by the end of June. – Bernama
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Melaka Unveils Five Key Priorities For Sungai Udang Under WRUR Initiative
MELAKA, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government is prioritising five key focus areas in the Sungai Udang state constituency under the "Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat" (WRUR) initiative, aimed at enhancing the well-being and comfort of the local population. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said these five priorities are public infrastructure, healthcare, education, community welfare and development, and the Digital Village initiative. Among the key infrastructure projects is the RM44.8 million upgrade of the water reticulation system at Kem Terendak, scheduled to begin in May 2026 and be completed within two years. 'Additionally, four road resurfacing projects valued at RM1.24 million are being implemented by local authorities, with one completed and the remaining three currently in progress,' he said after officiating the closing of the WRUR programme here today. Also present was senior state executive councillor and Sungai Udang constituency coordinator Datuk Rais Yasin. In the healthcare sector, a major RM325 million Armed Forces Hospital project under the Ministry of Defence is expected to be completed by January 2029. Upgrades to the Sungai Udang Health and Dental Clinics, with a combined cost of RM450,000, are set to begin later this year and complete by March 2026. For education, the computer lab at MRSM Terendak will be upgraded at a cost of RM400,000 by October. The government is also acquiring land for a new building at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Udang, estimated at RM2 million, and plans to prioritise the construction of a new religious school (SRA JAIM Sungai Udang) in 2025. Ab Rauf said immediate repairs would also be carried out at SRA JAIM Bertam Ulu and SJK(C) Bertam Ulu to support better learning environments for students in the constituency. On community welfare, the Social Welfare Department is disbursing RM1.21 million monthly to assist 554 eligible recipients in the Sungai Udang area, ensuring no group is left behind.
