UCSI touches more than 300 lives through its recent Public Health Campaign

JOHOR BARU, Jan 12, 2013: Earlier this month, UCSI University joined efforts with High School Muar to organise its 12th Annual Public Health Campaign (PHC).

Themed ‘Know Your Drugs, Love Your Kidneys, Together We Care’, the campaign aimed to create public awareness on the importance of good health – in particular, preventing diseases through health screenings and early detection – in addition to promoting drug awareness.

Among those present to officiate the event were the chairman of High School Muar’s Parent-Teacher Association Dr Mohd Ali bin Salleh, deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Affairs and Research) of UCSI University Prof Emeritus Dr Lim Koon Ong, vice president (Student Affairs & Alumni) of UCSI University Mr Sylvester Lim, dean of the University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assoc Prof Dr Yeong Siew Wei and the principal of High School Muar Puan Hjh Siti Rumjah bt Banaji.

In his speech, Prof Emeritus Lim enthused that such campaigns were in line with the University’s vision of engaging the community.

“Personally, I am pleased that this campaign is held in Muar, away from Klang Valley; it is an indication of the University’s commitment to serve the community, no matter where they are located,” he said.

“It is our hope that the knowledge disseminated in this campaign will benefit the community as a whole,” he added, pointing out that the campaign provided an ideal platform for students to give back to society, and to understand and interact with the community.

It is also worthy to note that the event’s guest-of-honour, Dr Mohd Ali, heaped effusive praise for the University’s pharmacy students.

“Public health campaigns organised by pharmacy students are even better than those organised by some hospitals. I (myself) am a general anaesthetist in Johor Baru and I know that healthcare practitioners are not able to focus as much as PHC members on such events due to their hectic schedule,” he said.

“This is why PHC members play a crucial role in this initiative and I would like to thank all (PHC) members for their time and effort in organising this campaign. Keep up the good work.”

A blood donation drive, health screening tests, colouring contests, a health-related exhibition and student performances were some of the activities organised by the PHC committee this year.

More than 300 visitors participated in the campaign.