HAP Strengthens Inclusivity, Ensures No One Is Left Behind By 2030
BINTULU: The Sarawak government continues to strengthen social inclusivity with the implementation of the Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP) in conjunction with the Special Olympics Malaysia 6th National Games 2026 at SJK (C) Chung Hua Bintulu, enhancing healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that efforts to expand inclusivity are not merely welfare initiatives but constitute fundamental rights of every individual that must be addressed comprehensively.
She said the inclusive approach is aligned with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and data obtained from the programme will serve as an important foundation in formulating future policies to ensure no one is left behind in the state’s development, when speaking at the programme on Sunday.
Throughout the programme, 391 athletes from 11 sports disciplines underwent comprehensive health screening involving eight areas of expertise, conducted by 15 clinical directors and 97 health volunteers.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,321 screenings were recorded, with the value of services estimated between RM3 million and RM4 million, reflecting the importance of free healthcare access for the target groups.
The screening findings also revealed several critical cases including the early detection of suspected conditions such as glaucoma and pneumonia among competing athletes, thereby enabling early intervention to be carried out.
In ensuring the accuracy of medical examinations, an innovative approach was introduced whereby healthcare personnel wore pink attire to reduce the effects of White Coat Syndrome among athletes, thus facilitating more accurate health readings in a relaxed environment.
Meanwhile, Programme Clinical Director Dr Toh Teck Hock informed that approximately 200 medical referral letters had been issued to enable athletes to obtain immediate follow-up treatment at nearby healthcare facilities.
The programme has also been acknowledged as one of the best at the national level, resulting from strategic collaboration between Hospital Bintulu, SEGi University, Bintulu Port as well as the active participation of volunteers including school students and community organisations.
Also present was the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani. -UKASnews
