Healthy Malaysia's Free Health Screenings: A Lifeline for the B40 Community in Seksyen 8 PJ

On a bright October morning, the residents of Seksyen 8 PJ gathered at STAR KIDS Tadika Bukit Bintang for something that could change their lives—a free health screening event by Healthy Malaysia. In partnership with ProtectHealth and KRT Seksyen 8 PJ, this initiative brought vital health services to the B40 community, offering much-needed checks that many would otherwise not be able to afford.

But this wasn’t just any health screening—it was an opportunity to potentially save lives.

From early morning until late afternoon, residents were able to check their blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and BMI. Professional health counsellors were on hand to offer personalised advice, emphasising the importance of early detection and treatment. For many, this was their first time receiving such comprehensive health services, igniting both relief and curiosity about their wellbeing

What Sets Healthy Malaysia Apart: Immediate, Advanced Screenings

Participants at the event underwent comprehensive health checks, but what truly distinguished Healthy Malaysia’s screenings was the inclusion of advanced diagnostic services—all providing immediate results. These included:

• Carotid Ultrasound: This test detects early signs of stroke by assessing the health of the carotid arteries, providing immediate insights into stroke risk.

• Abdominal Ultrasound: A crucial test for identifying fatty liver disease, a growing concern linked to lifestyle-related factors.

• Pulmonary Lung Function Test: This screening helps assess lung function, particularly for individuals at risk of respiratory diseases.

• HbA1c Testing: A point-of-care test delivering on-the-spot results for blood sugar levels, facilitating early diabetes detection.

These advanced screenings empower participants with immediate feedback, offering critical health information in real time. This rapid process is especially beneficial for communities that often face long waiting periods for diagnostic tests in conventional healthcare settings.

What is ProtectHealth and PeKa B40?

ProtectHealth Corporation, incorporated on 19 December 2016, is a not-for-profit company wholly owned by ProtectHealth Malaysia, established under the Ministry of Health (MOH). Its mission is to coordinate and manage healthcare financing initiatives, making healthcare more accessible to all Malaysians. ProtectHealth plays a key role in ensuring that essential health services, such as the screenings offered at this event, reach those in need.

One of ProtectHealth’s core initiatives is PeKa B40—the Skim Peduli Kesihatan for the B40 group. This government initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Health, addresses the healthcare needs of low-income groups by focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Designed for Malaysians in the bottom 40% household income range (B40), PeKa B40 offers free health screenings to recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and their spouses aged 40 and above. Importantly, no special registration is needed—eligible individuals are automatically enrolled.

These initiatives, like the one held in Seksyen 8, provide vital preventive care that can make a significant difference in catching health issues early.

Behind the Scenes: A Community-Wide Effort

Audrey, a committee member from KRT Seksyen 8, shared the challenges faced in getting the event off the ground. "When we tried to get people to register, we realised many were hesitant—some were afraid of what they might find out," she admitted. "Ignorance is bliss for some, but once they saw how simple the screening was, they started recommending it to their friends."

The event saw 54 participants, but demand far exceeded the capacity. "We had to turn people away due to time and equipment limitations. Each person takes about two hours to screen," Audrey explained. "We wish we could have done more."

Why is this important? Many in the B40 group—especially the elderly—lack access to preventive healthcare. Some had never heard of Peka B40, a government initiative offering free health screenings. This event was their first step towards understanding their health needs.

The Ripple Effect: A Call for More Screenings

For many residents, this event was just the start. "This was our first health screening for Seksyen 8," said Loh Lee Pin, another committee member. "Now that people have seen the benefits, we know there will be more demand in the future. We just need the resources to meet it."

And this is where you can make a difference.

How You Can Help

Healthy Malaysia is eager to bring these life-saving screenings to other communities across Malaysia, but they need public support to continue. With more donations, they can secure additional equipment, train more professionals, and extend their services to other underserved areas.

Your donation could be the difference between someone discovering a health issue early or living unknowingly at risk. Support Healthy Malaysia through Sokong and help them bring free health screenings to those who need it most.

Join Us at MIH Megatrends 2024: A Vision for the Future of Healthcare

Healthy Malaysia will also be participating in MIH Megatrends 2024, the nation’s premier healthcare event, organised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in collaboration with KPJ Healthcare. Taking place from 25-27 October 2024, this prestigious event will bring together global healthcare leaders, professionals, and innovators to explore groundbreaking advancements and discuss strategies to improve healthcare accessibility and sustainability.

Catch us live at the event to discover more about our initiatives and how we are working to make healthcare more accessible for all. We look forward to seeing you there!