SEGi University in partnership with Rotary Club KL Diraja and Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia, held a medical camp for UNHCR-registered refugees from Pakistan on February 26, 2023, in a community school in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The refugees are allowed to use public health facilities, but they have to pay a foreigner surcharge, making it unaffordable for them. The medical camp attempted to examine refugees for fundamental medical and ocular health issues that few had ever been screened for before arriving in Malaysia, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and eyesight.
A total of 215 refugees were checked at the medical camp. The results indicate that 89 need additional attention, such as a new pair of corrective spectacles, an advanced optometric examination, or medical treatment for eye disorders. Furthermore, many were discovered to be at high risk of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and they were allowed to contact an on-site doctor.
24 final year optometry students carried out the eye health examination under the supervision of two SEGi University teachers. The screening includes a BMI check and tests for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Rotary Club KL Diraja contributed $2000 USD to the project.
The community’s leader described the situation to Rtn Taz Kler of Rotary Club KL Diraja, who took the initiative to become the project’s organising chair. The medical camp aims to increase awareness of health issues and provide economic remedies to refugees. The screening results will also help the medical community understand the refugee group’s healthcare needs better.
Rotary Club KL Diraja wants to carry out at least one project per rotary year with UNHCR to maintain the project’s benefits and create a relationship with the refugees. A total of 30 volunteers worked at the medical camp for 500 hours.
The medical camp organised by Rotary Club KL Diraja, Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia, and SEGi University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, provided much-needed medical and eye health examinations for UNHCR-registered refugees from Pakistan. The screening results will assist the medical community in better understand the refugee community’s healthcare needs. Rotary Club KL Diraja plans to continue working with UNHCR to establish long-term healthcare solutions for refugees.
