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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Welfare Department partnered with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Kota Kinabalu (MRCS KK) to carry out the Homeward Programme, a community-based initiative aimed at providing medical support for more than 90 patients across various districts who are unable to travel to healthcare facilities.

According to MRCS KK Chairman Remy Gunsalam, the programme focused on assisting persons with disabilities (OKU) who have never undergone a full medical check-up due to physical limitations. 

“Our team is committed in helping these individuals receive proper medical assessments. We also share our expertise in home nursing care, including basic wound dressing and movement therapy,” Remy said.

Among the locations visited was Kampung Tampulan in Telipok, where two bedridden patients were found. 

Biana binti Petrus and Gunsiang bin Kuruntu, both from Telipok, were in need of aid because of their immobility.

One case involved an elderly woman, Fatimah Sapong, of Tanjung Aru Lama with disabilities who has never left her home for a health check-up. Her living conditions were extremely poor, with her sleeping area combined with a toilet. 

Due to her physical condition, she was unable to sit upright and could only roll herself to the toilet area.

Another case in Tanjung Aru involved a senior citizen battling cancer and confined to bed. 

The agency provided a ripple mattress to help relieve pressure sores. 

A UPPM (Community Development Leader Unit) officer described the patient’s wounds as severe, caused by prolonged immobility.

The team also assisted a stroke patient living alone without any caregiver. He was provided with a bed and is currently dependent on adult diapers. 

Medical checks revealed he was suffering from a salt deficiency and had multiple infected wounds.

The outreach highlighted the urgent need for continued support and intervention for vulnerable individuals who are often overlooked due to mobility challenges. 

The Homeward Programme is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access by delivering care directly to patients at their doorsteps.

Remy also shared that the MRCS KK branch currently has over 200 members, and it is actively engaged in volunteer work across the community.