Public urged to be cautious about health screening campaigns with dubious rebate claims

Dr Teh (left) and Chieng alerting the public about the health screenings.

By William Isau

SIBU, Oct 2: The public has been advised to be cautious of misleading health screening campaigns held at hotels.

Speaking at a press conference today, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said he had received a number of complaints from victims who failed to get back their money when they want to opt out from the programme.

“The victims were told that they could get EPF to ‘rebate’ what they had paid for the programme but they are only empty promises. The amount is quite big, of several thousand ringgit,” he said.

Chieng said he himself had received three calls from certain parties who told him that he was “lucky to have been selected for the health screening.”

Chieng said the callers told him that the health screening had been endorsed by the Health Ministry.

“The victims told me that they signed up for the programme as they saw the Health Ministry logo. I hope the people will not believe that the health screening at the hotel has been endorsed by the ministry,” he added.

Sibu Division Health Department chief officer Dr Teh Jo Hun in speaking at the same press conference clarified that the Health Ministry is not collaborating with any individuals in holding health screening at hotels here.

“We do not partner with any private company to do health screening at hotels. If we have health screening campaigns, it is usually at the compound of the hospital,” he clarified.

Dr Teh said the health screening conducted by the hospital is also free of charge.

“We do carry out health screenings and they are free. Our only partnership with private companies for health check is the Protect Health and the Peka B40. Another one is the Sarawak Senior Citizens health benefits with private clinics where 88 clinics had registered to participate so far,” he added.

Dr Teh advised the public to call his department at 084-315494 to check on the authenticity of any health screening campaigns. — DayakDaily