Wed, 2010-11-24 10:46 — admin

UCSI University's School of Nursing successfully launched its 1Malaysia community project at the Taman Midah Rukun Tetangga recently. The community project featured health screening packages ranging from RM5 to RM40, with 100 per cent of its proceeds going to Hospis Malaysia.

The health screenings offered during the day-long community project included vital preventive tests, such as blood tests, bone scans and general health assessments. In honour of Pink October, a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, the health screenings also included a special package for women which includes pelvic scans, breast examinations and pap smears.

The event was officiated by Unity Director for Cheras district - Department of National Integration and Unity, Mohamad Yunus Zainuddin together with UCSI University's VC, Dr. Robert Bong. 

Also present was gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr. Sumithra Devi V., and radiologist, Dr. Aspaleka Jayus from Kajang Hospital to assist in diagnosing and counseling patients.

School of Nursing's Associate Dean, Assoc. Prof. Jeya Devi Coomarasamy, said the programme also served as an avenue for UCSI's nursing students to have hands-on learning experience. "Community projects such as this one provide students with real-world learning experience, and are not something one can learn within the confines of the classrooms and textbooks."

Dr. Robert Bong emphasised the importance of early detection - the main mission of the community project. "In a time where heart disease, mental illness and cancer rates are soaring, early detection and prevention are crucial to survival. Breast cancer, in particular is the most prevalent form of cancer in Peninsular Malaysia. According to a 2006 report by the National Cancer Registry, more than 3,500 female breast cancer cases registered in 2006, representing nearly 30 per cent of all cancers reported in women." Mohamad Yunus echoed the VC's sentiments, and he hopes UCSI University will continue to champion the Rukun Tetangga by having more community projects all year round.