Bukit Assek rep warns public of ‘free’ health screening programmes at hotels

SIBU (Oct 2): Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng has cautioned members of the public of so-called free health screening programmes held at hotels here.

He said he received several complaints from victims who were misled by the programme run by a private company and ended up paying large amounts of money.

According to him, the victims received calls inviting them to attend a health screening programme, where a heart screening package is also offered.

“When seeing the Ministry of Health (MoH) logo at the hotels, the victims thought the programme was endorsed or supported by the ministry.

“The victims were also told that the amount paid during the programme can be claimed back from Employees Provident Fund (EPF). However, I checked with EPF and they said that it was not true.

“From my understanding, some of the victims want to take back their money but are still unable to get a refund; instead they were given many excuses.

“The victims were also given assurance that they could get their money back if they were not satisfied with the service,” he said during a press conference at Bukit Assek Service Centre here today.

Meanwhile, Sibu Divisional Health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun said so far the Sibu Divisional Health Office (PKB) does not partner with any private company to provide health screening at hotels.

For PKB Sibu, he said such programmes are usually done outside government health clinics or hospital buildings for free.

“We do not charge for health screening. Health screening is very important and it is one of the cores under MoH to screen as many people as possible under National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI).

“Additionally, MoH partnership with private companies is offered through Skim Perubatan Madani and Skim PeKa B40, organised together with private clinics.

“This programme must be done at clinics and not at hotels. For Sarawak, the Premier has announced Senior Citizen Health Benefits, which is also done at private clinics,” he said.

Dr Teh thus advised the public to be careful when paying large amounts for any health screening or medical treatment.

“Please check first whether the treatment is good or useful. If unsure, you can always ask any doctors at health clinics, or call PKB Sibu on 084-315494 for verification during office hours,” he said.