Photo credit: Malaysiakini
By Stephen Ng
In the midst of all the attacks on Pakatan Harapan, there are stories that would would not do justice if not being told.
I am writing on behalf of a stateless child who was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
As SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease requiring long term and frequent treatment at the hospital, the family had to initially bear the cost of treatment as though she was a foreigner.
In the midst of all the attacks on Pakatan Harapan, there are stories that would would not do justice if not being told.
I am writing on behalf of a stateless child who was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
As SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease requiring long term and frequent treatment at the hospital, the family had to initially bear the cost of treatment as though she was a foreigner.
However, with the help of both Minister of Health, YB Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and his deputy, YB Dr Lee Boon Chye, and their special officers, Dr Pa and Dr Naja, respectively, the case was taken into consideration.
Although neither the family nor I have met Dr Pa and Dr Naja personally, they helped to get the girl's case solved. Knowing her plight, Dr Dzulkefly even donated to the family.
Although neither the family nor I have met Dr Pa and Dr Naja personally, they helped to get the girl's case solved. Knowing her plight, Dr Dzulkefly even donated to the family.
Several Members of Parliament also donated to the family, but now, thankfully, the child is treated like a local citizen. Even YB Ronnie Liu who is based in Sungai Pelek, tried to help the family in his own ways.
At the same time, Segambut MP YB Hannah Yeoh and her assistant Yap Yee Vonne also assisted in bringing the case of this constituent of theirs to the attention of Minister of Home Affairs YB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin so that application for her citizenship could be expedited.
Unless her citizenship issue is solved, past 12 years old, the girl would not enjoy free medical treatment. She has to be warded nearly every month since she was diagnosed of SLE and if not for the help obtained from good politicians, the hospital bill has in fact hit some RM13,000.
In the process of seeking more help for this case, I also wrote to YAB Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Her personal assistant also wrote to both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health to give the case a worthy consideration.
Since the child has a birth certificate which clearly stated that her father is a Malaysian, under the Financial Act, the child was to be treated like a citizen. With this letter from the Ministry of Health, the hospital administration has no problem treating the child.
Since the child has a birth certificate which clearly stated that her father is a Malaysian, under the Financial Act, the child was to be treated like a citizen. With this letter from the Ministry of Health, the hospital administration has no problem treating the child.
The family is now relieved that at least the frequent visits to the hospital would not become a financial burden to them. The girl still needs constant daily dietary such as proper nutrition and healthcare supplements.
On behalf of the child's family, I would like to thank all parties, including doctors at the pediatric rheumatology department, nurses and hospital administrators, who worked hard to help a child in need.
END.
On behalf of the child's family, I would like to thank all parties, including doctors at the pediatric rheumatology department, nurses and hospital administrators, who worked hard to help a child in need.
END.
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