MIRI (Dec 21): Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) Miri contributed RM20,000 from its Medical Assistance Fund to help cover the cost of a cochlear implant surgery for Rhea Moh Ning Xuan.
A presentation ceremony was held at the medical centre today, where BMC Miri chairman Dr Matthew Kho presented a mock cheque to Rhea’s parents, Moh Nieng Chong and Janet Teng.
In this regard, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting said a total of RM73,491.60 had been successfully raised, surpassing the initial target of RM55,000 – although the total cost of the surgery is RM125,000.
Earlier, Dr Kho in his remarks reaffirmed that BMC Miri was committed to providing quality healthcare services to the community.
“We recognise that healthcare can be a significant financial burden for many, especially during challenging times.
“Therefore, this initiative, which was inspired by Miri City Cochlear Implant Society (MCCIS), exemplifies our mission to provide compassionate care,” he said.
Meanwhile Ting, also MCCIS chairman, said the association had brought a life-changing impact to children with congenital hearing loss in the state since its inception.
He added that the association had facilitated five bilateral cochlear impacts and one auditory brainstem implant for children in Miri, with ages ranging from two to four years old.
“Hearing loss is a common congenital birth defect that can lead to speech and language impairment if undetected.
“According to the World Health Organization, in 2009, 0.5 to five babies in every 1,000 neonates and infants have congenital hearing loss.
“As language and speech normally develop within the first three years of life, it is important to detect hearing loss within the first six months of life for the subsequent intervention to work more effectively.
“Therefore, these procedures, totalling over half a million ringgit, represent not just a financial investment, but a profound gift of sound, communication and a brighter future for these children,” said the Piasau assemblyman in his speech, which was read out by Miri Hospital Dr Jack Wong.
