A senior citizen getting her eyes checked during the medical counselling session
By Alosious Ignatious Fabian
Sep 5 2023
PENANG – In response to Pope Francis’ institution of Grandparents Day, a medical counselling session for seniors was held at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) on August 13. The half-day event was organised by the Care Team of the parish.
Before the event, Stephen Francis, from the NBVM.SCIC Senior Citizens Ministry, arranged a full and comprehensive blood test through BP Laboratory at a reduced cost for those interested.
Recognising the significance of providing medical guidance post-event, Stephen teamed with the NBVM.SCIC Care Team chairperson, Matron Stella, to arrange a medical counselling session at the parish. This session aimed to assist senior citizens grappling with various health challenges or pressing health-related inquiries, offering them a reliable source to address their concerns and alleviate their anxieties.
The pair worked tirelessly to bring together five doctors, nurses, an ophthalmologist, optometrists, a physiotherapist, and eye and ear consultants from NBVM.SCIC parish. They also arranged for nine Form Four student volunteers and several helpers from Pantai Hospital to make the medical counselling session a reality and a huge success.
The NBVM Nativity Centre was abuzz as early birds seized the opportunity to stream in from 8.00am onwards. The 44 participants who showed up were full of praise for the doctors and their helpers who attended to them. Ten of those who sought medical counselling on their blood test results were impressed by their care, patience, and knowledge of their respective fields. The seniors appreciated the time the volunteers took to answer their queries. They explained what the Low (L) and High (H) in their blood test results meant as well as what they can do to maintain or improve their health.
This time, unlike previous medical camps fielded in NBVM, which offered BMI, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar tests, the Care Team included eye and hearing check-ups and free medical counselling by Drs Devina, Selwyn, Rose and Helena from NBVM.SCIC parish. The Eye and Hearing partners brought their machines to help them with their diagnoses. Although it was Dr Selwyn’s first experience of being involved in a medical counselling session at the parish, he was very happy to be in service.
Elizabeth Ng led the opening ceremony, marked by bursting balloons, at 10:30am after Stephen said a prayer.
James Selvaraj and Lawrence said they found the NBVM.SCIC Care Team helpful, patient, friendly and knowledgeable. Josephine and Patiama were glad to help instil healthcare awareness in the participants who went home happy, having gained a better and clearer understanding of their medical issues. They requested a similar event be held annually.
The event ended at 12.30pm, with a note of thanks to Matron Stella and her hardworking and dedicated Care Team. Stephen expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who served by presenting them with a small token of appreciation for their contributions. – Herald Malaysia
