Participants with Dennis (third row, sixth right) and other guests after the opening ceremony.

LONG BEMANG, Baram: The PH-helmed federal government is urged to continue the previous government’s policy of posting doctors at rural clinics as this is one way to help rural and underprivileged folk lessen their financial burden in terms of getting much-needed healthcare.

“This  policy will also enable rural residents to save money and minimise their spending whenever there is a need for them to see a doctor,” Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau told the sundaypost when met at the ‘Program Sihat Warga Emas 2018’ in Long Bemang Health Clinic here yesterday.

Dennis added that by now all rural clinics should be manned by doctors equipped with proper medical equipment to ensure rural communities have access to the best healthcare services possible.

“I have come across children of sick and poor parents who need follow-up treatment but who had decided to bring them back to their homes in the rural areas just because they could not afford to pay for the expenses when staying in Miri or coming down to the nearest hospital,” he said.

He however expressed his gratitude to the federal government for setting up rural clinics which are now equipped with modern and enhanced medical facilities to ensure rural communities have basic healthcare services.

He also disclosed that rural clinics including those in Long Bedian, Long San, Mulu and Bario have permanent doctors stationed there and hoped that more rural clinics will have doctors in the near future.

Dennis advised the people to go for regular medical check-up as he noted that some people are still reluctant to look after their health.

“The best time to see a doctor is when you are healthy,” he said adding that a healthy diet and lifestyle will help in preventing illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

He commended Long Bemang Health Clinic advisory panel and those running the national-level healthy community programme (Kospen) for organising the health event which saw over 100 rural folk including those from nearby longhouses taking part.

The two-day programme which ended yesterday aimed to encourage rural folk to adopt a healthy lifestyle and increase their awareness of good health in general.

Among the  activities held were taking 10,000 steps, health screening, colouring contest, talks on health, nutrition and diet.

Dennis also announced an allocation of RM10, 000 for the organising committee to carry out similar activities in the near future.

Also present were Long Lama Health Clinic family medicine specialist Dr Samuel Wong, scientific officer (Nutrition) Ariannie Charles, physiotherapist Alexson Anggoi, Long Bemang Health Clinic assistant medical officer Cyprian David, advisory panel chairperson Ubong Jok and Kospen chairman William Seling.