The RM200,000 facility financed by PruBSN Prihatin, will be equipped with specialised equipment for after-surgery care

by LYDIA NATHAN / pic by AFIF ABD HALIM

The non-profit charitable arm of Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd, PruBSN Prihatin, has joined forces with Friends of the National Heart Institute (Rakan IJN) to launch IJN’s “Paediatric Physiotherapy” centre last Friday.

The RM200,000 facility, which is financed by PruBSN Prihatin, will be operated by a team of highly skilled therapists and will be equipped with specialised equipment to undertake rehabilitation for after-surgery care.

PruBSN CMO Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail said Prudential’s goal is to create a positive impact any way they can, to give back to the community and by making sure that the needs of the children are being met and supported; he believes that it has achieved its goal.

“One of the pillars that we support is the health and well being of the children. The children will need physical and psychological support, especially post-heart surgery, to ensure smooth recovery. The new centre will provide just that and more.

“Equipment for the new wing, which amounted to RM140,000, is on the way from overseas, and this cost does not include maintenance for the room,” said Wan Saifulrizal last Friday.

He added that the remaining RM30,000 was donated to Rakan IJN to provide hygiene starter kits to every child admitted.

“We formed a partnership with Rakan IJN back in 2016 forthispurpose.Sofar,Rakan IJN has given out about 1,000 starter kits; there are different kits for different ages. A typical pack will contain basic toiletries, a bath towel and other essential items,” he said.

He added that this will be a continuous effort from both parties.

Rakan IJN president Datin Seri Raja Zuraida Raja Mansur meanwhile said the new wing willbenefiteveryone,notjust the children.

“The previous physiotherapy room was located downstairs and was not catered specifically to children, whereby the sessions were combined with the adults.

“And because this room is dedicated predominantly for children, they don’t have to go downstairs anymore. Also, the children will enjoy the colours, decoration and the arts, which were chiefly design for them,” she said.

She added that the new wing will benefit nearly 3,000 children annually.

Rakan IJN was founded in 1999 and has 40 members currently, who volunteer in various programmes such as providing basic necessities for patients and families, providing reading materials, as well as giving out recreational toys.

Theresa Jerald, a member for the last 17 years, said she wanted to give back to the community after having her own daughter hospitalised at IJN.

“There is a certain satisfaction I get from helping the children and their families. We want to not only help them, but to also add quality to their lives. We are so excited because we know what a difference this new wing will make to the children,” she told the The Malaysian Reserve.