The 7th April is the World Health Day, which is celebrated around the world to create awareness on the importance of current health issues faced by global communities.In view of the escalating number of depression cases as a health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) has named this year’s theme, ‘Depression – Let’s Talk’. According to WHO, depression has been identified to be the world’s leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide with more than 300 million people now living with depression. Although there is no specific studies on depression in Malaysia, it may still be the most disabling disease due to the highest number of days lost due to this disability.Supporting this motion and understanding the importance of creating the awareness of this disease, KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital, in collaboration with International Business School of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM IBS) launched HealEd 2017.
HealEd is the combination of Healthcare and Education whereby both providers act as a platform to reach out to the community towards creating further awareness through continuous health screenings and education.This is the 1st program of its kind whereby this year UTM International Business School (UTM IBS) was selected as the partner in health for this event.‘With UTM-IBS’s strategic venue and strength in assisting KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital in reaching to the surrounding communities, such a program will pave the way on the importance of preventive healthcare with regular physical and mental screenings,’ said Tn Hj Mohd Farid Salim, Executive Director of KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital.
The launch was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Durrishah binti Idrus, Pro Vice-Chancellor UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus. Also present were Prof. Dr. Wan Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail, Dean UTM International Business School, Tn. Hj. Mohd Farid Salim, Executive Director KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital and Pn. Miranda Harumal, CEO KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital.“It is hoped with the launching of HealEd, we have set the pace for closer working relationship among healthcare and education providers as we work towards building a healthier society”added Tn Hj Mohd Farid Salim.Among the highlights at the 2-day event, which commenced on 6th and 7th April 2017, were health talks by Ms. Loheswary Arumugam, Consultant Clinical Psychologist on Depression – Let’s Talk, ‘Stress & Back Pain’ by Dr. Ahmad Shahrid, Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, health screenings, back pain assessment, stress level checks and management, educational booths on mother and baby care as well as continuous education and career pathway by UTM IBS.