Access to healthcare services a persistent issue among rural dwellers, says S’wak activist

MIRI (Nov 7): Despite having gained over 60 years of independence, there are still people living far from cities who are struggling to access healthcare services, local activist Agnes Padan pointed out.

Citing the case of her Orang Ulu community in the remote areas, she said the rural residents have to travel long distances to access healthcare and have to spend more due to the limited transportation options available.

“Sometimes, they have to come down every month for checkups or follow-up treatments and many cannot afford to pay for the travelling expenses,” she said.

Although there are initiatives such as doctors’ visits to the rural areas, she however felt that these services ought to be carried out more consistently.

“There should be more health awareness talks conducted in the rural areas, especially on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

She suggested that the application process for the welfare assistance be simplified for the elderly, especially for those living in the rural areas.

“Those who are 60 years of age and above should automatically receive assistance from the Welfare Department. They should not be asked to fill in forms because the National Registration Department (JPN) has all the necessary data.

“The Welfare Department should instead liaise with them (JPN),” she said, adding that there are some senior citizens in Lawas who have yet to receive any government’s assistance.