By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Sept 12 — The Selangor Saring free health screening programme received an overwhelming response when almost 40,000 individuals participated in the initiative since it was launched in May.
State executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the latest figure showed that Selangor Saring has reached its target of getting at least 39,000 people to benefit from the programme.
“Out of the 55,000 individuals registered from 55 state constituencies, more than 70 per cent attended the screening and this does not include the number of people screened at the programme in Seri Serdang state constituency today (September 11).
“The Selangor people’s attendance at the screening was very good and thank you to all parties who worked hard to make this programme a success,” she said.
She said this after attending the closing ceremony of the Selangor Saring programme for Seri Serdang state constituency at the Dewan Serbaguna MBSJ (Subang Jaya City Council) in Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan.
Dr Siti Mariah said following the encouraging response, the state plans to continue the free health screening programme next year.
“The state government plans to continue this programme as it has just started (this year) and the campaign needs to be held continuously, not just for a year or two, in order to have an impact on the people,” she said.
The state government has allocated RM3.4 million for Selangor Saring, to benefit up to 39,000 people, particularly those with a family history of ailments, obese individuals, or those leading unhealthy lifestyles.
The programme offers physical screenings including blood and urine, eyes, breasts and cervical tests, as well as colorectal and prostate tests.
