Members of Vadcares Malaysia, a non-profit organisation, visited eight old folk homes around Ipoh on Saturday, October 20. The homes visited were Procare Home for Senior Care, Pusat Jagaan Warga Tua Eylon, JJ Blessing Care Centre, Twilight Care Centre, Precious Elderly Care Centre, Gloria Old Folks Home, Our Home Care Centre and Trinity Care Centre.
Over 190 residents were medically screened and treated. They ranged in age between 65 and 104. Common ailments afflicting the residents were diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and arthritis. They managed to get 40 elders to acquire person with disability (OKU) cards. The team too helped unregistered homes to get operating permits from the authorities.
A total of 50 volunteers, including medical students and doctors, participated in the programme.
“As a medical student, it’s an opportunity to learn how to handle a patient from different aspects. Doctors too need to learn to communicate with patients,” said Archana, 22, second-year medical student from the same university.
“We’ve been doing this voluntary work for six years now. We plan to open more community clinics to provide medical assistance to the needy,” said Dr Anantha Kumar, National President of Vadcares Malaysia.
Readers keen to donate or to volunteer may do so by calling these numbers: 016 771 0762 and 016 521 0762. Donations can be credited to this RHB account number: 25825300007150.
Qistina Izfarina
