The world of Tzu Chi September 2024 (Vol.151)

TZU CHI 151 21 the Penan people in the interior of Belaga, is surrounded by dense forests and renowned for its majestic waterfall. Despite having a government health clinic, the services are limited, and the monthly Flying Doctor service can only cater to a small number of patients. Unable to afford the high transportation costs, many villagers often delay seeking medical treatment, leading to worsening conditions and, in some cases, loss of life. Since 2017, Tzu Chi has partnered with the Kelab Cabaran Pacuan 4 Roda Bintulu to provide free medical services to remote villages with limited healthcare access. On July 21, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team resumed their services, mobilising over 270 people to conduct a free clinic at a primary school, SK Lusong Laku, where nearly 350 villagers received medical care. The clinic offered a variety of services, including Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dental care, paediatrics, and ultrasound examinations. Among these, dental and TCM services were the most popular. TCM practitioner Kwa Chai Hoon said, “Most of the villagers engage in labour-intensive work, so muscle aches are common. We provide them with acupuncture treatment, as well as medications andmedicinal patches.” Many villagers who were initially unfamiliar with TCM and apprehensive about the treatments, praised the results after receiving treatment. An elderly couple, Munan Budau and Paron Utok, who live on a meagre income from selling home-grown fruits, arrived early at the clinic. After consultation, doctors at the Western medicine section performed ultrasound scans, discovering that Munan had a kidney stone and Paron an abdominal mass—both requiring further examination at a hospital. The couple also visited the TCM section, where they received treatment for backache and adjustments for Paron’s leg length discrepancy. Experiencing acupuncture for the first time, Munan smiled, “At first, I was a bit scared when I saw the needles, but it really helped relieve the pain. I’m very grateful to the doctors for coming from so far to serve us.” Paron echoed this gratitude, saying, “I’m very happy and extremely thankful that the doctors came to treat us. My back feels much better now! I hope you can return in the future to provide medical care for us again.” She shared how some villagers, including her elder sister, had lost their lives due to delayed medical treatment caused by financial and transportation constraints. Dispersing worries and fears Among the patients queuing for consultation was a 36-year-old young man named Joseph Luat. He spoke with teary eyes that he had been suffering from constant chest pain for the past few years. Despite numerous painkillers from the local health clinic, nothing had eased his pain. Dr. Zazali M. Yatim carefully listened to his concerns and found out that the chest pain was likely caused by acid reflux. Noticing a yellowish tint on Joseph’s palms, the doctor also advised him on dietary changes and health tips. Besides the nearby longhouse residents, the free clinic also received some villagers living farther away, who had travelled for about two hours by boat to the venue. This included Lim Gong, a fisherman from Long Abit Village, who brought his young daughter,