Doc on the move

Two doctors have set out to provide affordable medical care for the elderly and those in need in the comfort of the patients’ homes, writes

FOR someone living in the city, going back to one’s hometown to take care of ageing parents, particularly those who are unwell, is not as simple as packing a bag and leaving. Life in the fast lane and having to cope with hectic work schedules makes it quite challenging for many people to balik kampung regularly, take days off for long or make arrangements to ensure their parents’ health and well-being are taken care of.

These challenges inspired a young couple, both doctors, in Slim River, Perak to start a venture called DocMove.

DocMove, which is accessible via Facebook and mobile health applications, provides consistent health and medical services to the elderly. Doctors or paramedics make house visits and do basic health checkups and services every month and update the children of the elderly on their health status.

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS

Dr Hanafi Yahya founded DocMove in July last year with his wife Dr Fariza Hanim Sahir.

The couple, both 35, graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan but left their jobs with the government in 2014 to open a franchise clinic in Slim River, a small town about an hour’s journey from Kuala Lumpur. The location was among the set-up options offered by the clinic’s franchisor.

Dr Hanafi says he was inspired to establish DocMove based on his experience of treating elderly patients in the area, who made up about 30 per cent of the population.

”The stories of the elderly longing for their children’s care, or the dilemma faced by their children in dealing with their personal and work commitments while trying to give their parents attention and access to proper healthcare, led me to create DocMove.

“Most adults today, including myself, face similar situations and that was why I came up with this initiative,” says Dr Hanafi who grew up in Felda Serting, Jempol, Negri Sembilan.

DocMove helps adults whose parents are living far away or those who can’t afford to go back regularly to check on their parents’ health. The service is also meant for patients from low and middleincome families in remote areas who can’t afford to travel frequently for a checkup, or can’t afford a family doctor.

Dr Hanafi and Dr Fariza are providing a service that goes beyond monetary value.

“The concept is simple — rather than the patient going to the doctor, the doctor goes to the patient,” says Dr Hanafi who has been passionate about doing his part for the needy and underprivileged since his university years.

REGULAR ROUNDS

Unlike a house call where the doctor will go to the patient’s house only based on demand, the DocMove doctor duo and their team make rounds or home visits (to those whosigned up for the service) every month.

So far, there are 300 registered members or patients under DocMove in the small town and nearby (including Sungkai and Tanjung Malim), consisting mainly of Felda settlements where the houses tend to be in remote areas.

Every month, Dr Hanafi makes around 30 home visits. He rotates this routine with Dr Fariza.

This service, offered for only RM250 a year, includes basic check-ups for blood pressure or blood sugar level as well as wound dressing, nebuliser and other relevant services according to the patient’s needs and health condition.

Medication is charged separately but is always capped at an affordable price, says Dr Hanafi. The delivery of medication is provided free of charge.

”Having our own clinic makes all this more manageable. We get the medicine

DocMove provides a range of medical services and medication delivery.