Empowering Seniors: A Successful Medical Counselling Event at NBVM, Butterworth

NBVM, BUTTERWORTH: In response to Pope Francis’s institution of Grandparents Day on the last Sunday in July, which coincided with the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim this year, the NBVM Care Team of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM.SCIC) chose to celebrate that day by organising a Medical Counselling Session for Senior Citizens unlike any other. This session took place on September 13th in the NBVM Church from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Prior to the event, Mr. Stephen Francis had arranged a comprehensive blood test at a discounted rate with BP Laboratory for those who were interested. Recognising the importance of medical counselling as a follow-up, Stephen teamed up with Matron Stella, the chairman of the NBVM.SCIC Care Team, to hold a medical counselling session for senior citizens who face numerous health issues and lack someone to turn to for answers to their questions and to alleviate their fears.

Together, they worked tirelessly to bring together five doctors, nurses, an ophthalmologist, optometrists, a physiotherapist, eye and ear consultants from NBVM.SCIC parish, nine student volunteers from Form Four, and even some helpers from Pantai Hospital. Their collaborative efforts made the Medical Counselling Session a reality and a resounding success.

The NBVM Nativity Centre buzzed with activity as early birds arrived as early as 8:00 am. The 44 participants who attended had nothing but praise for the doctors and helpers who attended to them. Ten individuals seeking medical counselling regarding their blood test results were impressed by the care, patience, and knowledge exhibited by the professionals. The doctors took the time to address all their queries, explaining the implications of Low (L) and High (H) readings in their blood test results, as well as offering guidance to maintain or improve their health.

Unlike previous medical camps held at NBVM, which offered BMI, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar tests, this time the Care Team included eye and hearing checkups, along with free medical counselling by five doctors from NBVM.SCIC parish: Drs. Adeline, Divina, Selwyn, Rose, and Helena. The Eye and Hearing Partners brought along diagnostic equipment to assist in their assessments. Although it was Dr. Selwyn’s first time participating in medical counselling in a parish setting, he expressed his happiness to be of service.

The Opening Ceremony, marked by the release of balloons, commenced at 10:30 am with a prayer led by Stephen and was followed by Elizabeth Ng. Aloysious, a young writer for the NBVM media team, quoted Mr. James Selvaraj and Mr. Lawrence, who, during interviews, radiated happiness as they found the NBVM.SCIC Care Team to be helpful, patient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Madam Josephine and Madam Patiama were pleased to contribute to raising health care awareness among the participants, who left with a clearer understanding of their health issues and a sense of contentment. They even requested that the event be held annually.

The event concluded at 12:30 pm with a vote of thanks extended to Matron Stella and her diligent, dedicated Care Team. All those who had served were given a small token of appreciation for their contributions by Stephen from the NBVM.SCIC Senior Citizens Ministry. (ALOYSIOUS IGNATIOUS FABIAN, NBVM.SCIC media team)