Two pregnant Orang Asli evacuated to hospital
PEKAN: Riding in the back of a four-wheel-drive vehicle through a flooded area was among the challenges faced by three nurses, who went to the rescue of two Orang Asli women at Kampung Permatang Siput, near Temai here, on Friday.
Noorhidayah Abd Halim, 28, Zuhana Ariffin, 33, and Sarina Hashim, 41, from the Permatang Rumbia health clinic were tasked with evacuating the two pregnant women from the settlement, which was cut off after access roads were submerged by floodwaters.
A villager drove the nurses to the settlement while an ambulance waited some 5km away near the main road.
The Orang Asli women — Zulaiha Solek, 26, and Mestikah Merah, 29 — were brought out of the settlement at 4.30pm and taken by ambulance to Pekan Hospital.
Sarina said they were alerted to the emergency situation when floods struck the settlement and it was decided to evacuate the women as a precaution.
“This is a normal procedure for high-risk pregnancies, especially in this case, where both women are in their last trimester.
“We were concerned when their
homes were cut off by the floods. But, now, it will be easier for medical staff to monitor their conditions,” she added.
Sarina said ensuring the wellbeing of those in need of medical care during floods was part of her
job, and making her way to flooded or cut-off areas was routine.
“Reaching out to victims in flood-hit areas is part of our job, as we need to make sure patients receive the care they require.”