BINTULU: Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd yesterday handed over a donation comprising two units of Ultra-portable X-ray machine to the Bintulu Divisional Health Office.
The symbolic contribution was presented by deputy chief executive of Press Metal Group Aluminum Holding Bhd, Choa Wei Keong to Bintulu Divisional Health Officer Dr Melvin Chung Hsien Liang in conjunction with the Bintulu Divisional Level World Tuberculosis Day celebration at Rumah Lampoh Dana, Km25 Jalan Bintulu-Tatau.
In his speech, Dr Melvin expressed his appreciation to Press Metal for the donation which he described as an important achievement in efforts to improve healthcare facilities in Bintulu Division, in general.
In fact, he is confident that the Ultra-portable X-ray machine will be able to improve the detection of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the community and provide prompt and effective treatment.
“With the availability of this machine, rural residents can easily access radiography services without having to go to a health clinic or hospital, he said.
Earlier, Dr Melvin said tuberculosis can infect anyone regardless of race, age or socioeconomic background.
“Symptoms of tuberculosis are cough with sputum that lasts more than two weeks, bloody cough, fever at night, weight loss and loss of appetite.
He also suggested that the concerned parties immediately seek treatment at a nearby health clinic if they have signs of tuberculosis, undergo screening at a nearby health clinic if they are classified as high risk.
He emphasised that every individual should be aware of tuberculosis so that detection can be done by the Department of Health.
He, however, said the detection of tuberculosis is not the sole responsibility of the Health Department.
On the other hand, it is the responsibility of every individual who has symptoms of tuberculosis to come to the nearest health clinic so that the disease can be detected and treated at an early stage, he emphasised.
