UTS, Sibu Hospital, SMA Sibu to hold health awareness campaign on May 21
SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) together with Sibu Hospital and Sarawak Midwives Association (SMA) Sibu will be hosting ‘Cultivation of Health Literacy’ health awareness campaign on May 21.
According to Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, the programme will be held from 8.30am to 4pm at the university campus here.
He said the objectives of the programme are to empower and enhance public knowledge on their medication as well as to enhance the good relationship between government institutions, education institutions and nongovernmental organisations.
“It is also to improve Health Seeking Behaviour (HSB) for early disease detection and prevention to ensure a healthy community.
“If you are not well, don’t just take Panadol at home. Did you know if you have dengue fever, the average HSB for Sarawakians is five days?
“It takes them five days to come to the hospital although their house is just nearby and day five of dengue is bad news.
“They must know if it is dengue as soon as possible. So that is why we want members of the public to seek treatment early when they are not well,” he told a press conference to announce the programme at UTS yesterday.
Dr Nanthakumar also said that UTS was chosen as it has the conducive place that can accommodate more than 500 people.
He assured that Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedure (SOP) will be in place during the programme.
“We are expecting about 500 visitors to the programme,” he said.
He added Sibu Hospital’s expert knowledge and services will be of significant benefit to UTS staff and visitors to the programme.
Among the events planned for the programme are talks titled ‘Importance of Covid-19 Vaccination in Kids’ by paediatric specialist Dr Toh Teck Hock and ‘Rabies Alert’ by Dr Tracy Ting.
There also will be health screening, palliative and wound care demonstrations, blood donation and lucky draws.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee is expected to officiate at the opening of the programme.
The guest of honour for the official closing is Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang.
Also attending the press conference was UTS vicechancellor Prof Datuk Khairuddin Ab Hamid.