3rd FPMPAM Sabah Medical Camp

1. An account of our journey and work

2. We left Peninsular Malaysia in 3 teams, the Kedah team of GPs and Dispensers, the
dental team, and the GP / Diagnostic team. Mona ( head of diagnostics ) travel alone
and met with the Kedah Team. We all met up in Victoria Hotel, chosen because it
was affordable, reasonably comfortable and near eateries.
Our journey into deep Sabah begins in Victoria Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

3. After breakfast at the neighbourhood coffee shop 7 am, we gathered at the
Victoria lobby to waterproof our baggage with plastic garbage bags, as we were
heading straight to Kg Salung jetty for the boat ride to Kg Babalitan, our first
Camp site.

4. All ready, we departed Victoria Hotel, after a group photo ( medic team with Impian
volunteers, and local helpers. The journey ahead is long. 2 hours across the Crocker
range, then 3 hours to Nabawan, then to Sapulut junction for 4x4 change, another 1 1/2
hours to Kg Salung jetty, then 2 hours boat ride to Kg Babalitan. Eager and enthusiastic
smiles all around. The sun was out.

5. We headed out in 3 vehicles. An 11 seater van. A 4x4 and another pickup to carry
the luggage and one doctor. We headed south to Kimanis and then east, and begin
climbing the steep Crocker range.

6. The Crocker Range is really steep, some stretches I think about 70-80 degrees climb.
The 11 seater van ( newer ) climbed the Range well.

7. However, the 4x4 engine that I was in got
heated and a bit of smoke was seen
coming from the engine. So we stopped
near a hut about 23 Km from Keningau.
So Mr Carrot Ho stopped, seek some
water from the hut, and cooled down the
engine. We had to wait for about 30 mins
for the engine to cool down. I was most
anxious, as I was keen to reach Kg Salung
jetty by 15.30 hrs, so that we can take the
boat ride by 16.00 hrs and reach Kg
Babalitan by 18.00 hrs. We also need a
short lunch break at Nabawan.

8. The only good thing about the 30 mins unscheduled stop to cool the engine, was the scene. The
hut which helped us, was facing a view of the South China Sea, in the direction of KK. The ladies
in the 4x4 also took the chance to ease themselves n a doorless lavatory.

9. The 11 seater van waited for us at the top of Crocker Range. I then transferred myself to the van,
so that the 4x4 had a lighter load. That sped up the journey. We reached Nabawan at about
12.45 hrs and we broke for simple lunch. Also toilet break and prayer time.

10. From Nabawan, we proceeded onto the Sapulut junction, where we stop to change from our
fragile van and 4x4, onto tough 4x4 and tough pickup, as we were entering the timber tracks,
full of holes and crevices, and mudtracks, especially with the rains.

11. The convoy of pickups. The bad mud tracks pictures did not turn out good.

12. We finally reach Kg Salung jetty at about 1600hrs. In heavy rain.

13. We reached the Jetty and saw the locals doing a gotong royong project to clear the jetty
which had suffered a severe flood just a week ago. The jetty was in a mess.

14. Sg Logongon, the river that we will be travelling on, is swollen after the heavy rain.

15. We waited in the jetty hut, until the rain stop. I was most anxious as I did not want to be sailing
when night fall. However, we had no choice. The Kg Salung jetty banner proudly announced our
coming on 13th May. But this was not to be. The YB of this area learned of our coming and ask
that we not hold our last camp at Kg Salung. We had to change to Kg Singkaluan, nearby.

16. Rain had stopped. Walk down Salung jetty for trip down Sg Logongon, to Kg Babalitan. All
was so eager.
Sg Logongon is swollen from the heavy rain.

17. Finally the rain stopped, and after gowning our life jackets, we set sail at about 16.30
hrs. This is our expert dental team in one “perahu”. So happy, we are on our way.

18. We left in a fortilla of “perahus”. The river was swollen with the rain. Of course the river was
rougher. BUT it also meant that rocks and stones at the river bed was less of an issue, and so
we could move faster. We managed to reach Kg Babalitan in about 80 mins, before sunset.

19. Babalitan jetty was muddy. It was a tough challenge for me, to get to the staircase, what
more with my luggage.

20. We finally arrived at Kg Babalitan, after being on the road and river for the last 9 hours. This
is the jetty platform where we park our luggages and life jackets.

21. The children were a great help. They help carry our luggage nd the irregular stairs pose no
problem for them. They literally ran up and down.

22. The children were there to
welcome us. They help us to carry
our stuff up to the community hall
which also served as our quarters,
eat, sleep and also medical camp
site.
The community hall is that yellow
building at the top of the hill.
By then I was so tired, I had
trouble climbing the steps. They
were uneven, the railings were
low, and the height of each steps
was highly variable. It took a while
to get use to.

23. After setting down my baggage, I when to tour the living quarters, which was that
community hall, and the toilet and bath facilities. The toilets were small and kampong
like. I was concerned as they were too far ( except for one ) from the living quarters,
especially at night. One of the 3 offered is at the extreme right of this pic, near the orange
shirt man with the ball.

24. In the evening, after dinner, the children of the Kampong, danced for us. That was nice.
Also, notice the décor in the background. Those wood shavings near the roof is their form of
simple décor.
They told me that in 3 days time, there will be a grand wedding at this community hall. They had
actually build an elevated seat for bride and groom just outside the hall.
In fact they warn me that the patient turnout tomorrow ( day of Camp ) may not be good, as the
bride and groom, with their entourage, had left to go to Keningau to do some shopping for the
wedding. The wedding is on Friday, and they will not be back by tomorrow.

25. After the dances, the children were jumping around and this little girl had a fall. I was informed
that her right hand had become deformed. So I seek out the parents and asked to examine the
child. Indeed, the right forearm, radius was deformed at the distal 1/3. Dr Tan PH is seen here
working to splint the forearm. We arranged for her to be taken out to Keningau hospital for
further treatment.

26. The breakfast tables have been cleared. Time to start setting up the Camp
structures.
Kg Babalitan Camp. 11th May 2017.

27. Getting ready. The medical team. Hez there is measuring 6 meters to set up the Visual Chart.

28. As the medical team was setting up their stations, the Impian team was also getting the
physical structures ready. Some of the planks were loose, and had to be nailed in.
I sustained a foot injury from a loose plank.

29. The crowd was also getting ready, while we got ready. A lot of children

30. The service begins. We started the Camp at about 0900 hrs. The usual layout. Registration,
followed by health screening, GP consult, the option of eye consult or dental consult. This
was our usual package.

31. Health screening to the right of pic, Eye check in far right and GP service in far left. They all
performed amicably under trying conditions.
In Babalitan, we saw 167 patients of which about 91 were paeds,. This may also partly be due
to the fact that there was a school next to Camp site. The students and teachers all come to
school in perahus. So they get checked up before going home.

32. The dental team is busy working behind the screen.
In total, they screen 95 patients, did 45 extractions and did 1
scaling.

33. The pharmacy of course is the last stop. Besides the prescribed medication, the goodie
bags also contain quite a few items, including free tooth brush and tooth paste.
This pic is also for the sponsors of those items.

34. We close Camp at about 1400 hrs, after lunch, after consulting the local leaders. School had
dismissed, and there were no more perahus coming in at this time. No more business, so the
Camp began packing and back to the jetty for the boat ride to Kg Tinanduk for the next Camp.

35. Off again, down the river to Kg Tinanduk. 3-4 in each perahu, with our luggage.
This ride was about 60 mins to Kg Tinanduk.

36. We arrived at Kg Tinanduk at about 1530 hrs. This jetty was probably the most friendly. as there
was a decent landing area ( albeit a bit stony ) and a decent staircase to climb up.
Notice that is how we seal our luggage for boat rides to waterproof them, and also have some
string ID for quick retrieval.

37. The Campsite was next to a school and surrounded by forest. Back to nature feeling and cool air
in evening and morning. It was nice. The living quarters is to the left of this picture and the
toilets here were adequate and decent. We like Tinaduk.

38. I woke up early to wash up and avoid toilet Q. This is the early morning view of the
surroundings. The multi-colored building is the school. To the left of the school is our toilet and
bath room ( next to blue water tank ). The Camp site is infront of the school compound. Our
living quarters is behind me. Notice the telecom tower on the hilltop. That allowed us wifi
connection and communication with the outside world.. The team was so glad, esp the younger
members. They could message family.

39. Day 2. 12th May 2017. Medical Camp at Kg Tinaduk
Getting the Campsite ready after breakfast. The Campsite itself is to the right of Pic.
The Impian volunteers are erecting a canopy as a registration and waiting area for patients.
There was inadequate space in the Camp building itself.

40. Medical team getting ready. Setting up and testing their equipment

41. Medical Camp starts at about 0845 hrs. Notice that it is customary to leave your
footware outside main door, and come into hall bare footed. It took a while to get use
to this.

42. The waiting crowd under canopy.

43. Pharmacy, the last stop. Wow, so many items in goody bag. This pic also for tooth brush
and tooth paste donor.
In Tinaduk, we saw 143 patients ( including HM of school, and extracted 41 teeth.

44. The perahus are ready. Time to leave Tinaduk and also the wifi service.
It was about 14.30 hrs.
Next stop is Kg Singkaluan.

45. Time to leave Kg Tinaduk for Kg Singkaluan, about 60 mins away. The usual routine. Each one
be responsible for his own gear. Put luggage bag in plastic to water proof, get into perahu, 4-5
each perahu and sail upstream to Kg Singkaluan. Initially we were to hold camp in Kg Salung,
but was refused at last minute by the YB.

46. Our first view of Kg Singkaluan. At the jetty, a large banner displaying the “Kem
Kesihatan”. Close scrutiny will show that we should be in Kg Salung, another 10 mins
boat ride up river. They denied us to hold Camp in Kg Salung. Kg Singkaluan is last
minute change.

47. Our first view of Singkaluan. This is the community hall for the Camp. Our living quarters is the
blue roof building behind the community hall. The Tuan Rumah of that house had graciously
vacated the rooms on top for us, and also the ground floor. When I saw the children sleeping on
the floor of the kitchen, I really felt bad. They were so gracious and some of us spurn their offer.

48. Our living quarters. We use the door by the side.. Our bathroom and toilet ( without door ),
is on the left center of the picture. The bath room door ( zinc ) also had a strategically place
tear, which was sealed by a member of our team. There was another bath room cum toilet
placed behind the houses about 100 yds away.

49. A word of thanks to the locals who prepared their best dinner dishes for us. Terima Kaseh.
The food was simple and tasty. The local kuehs were simply wonderful.

50. This is the Tuan Rumah, who
offered his house for us to stay,
upstairs and downstairs.
After dinner ( and before the Tapai
contest ) he made a welcoming
speech to welcome us. He also took
the opportunity to apologise in
case he was not hospitable enough.
I felt uncomfortable, and so also
thank hi for his hospitality and also
apologise for our shortcomings.
After this, it was Tapai Drinking
time.

51. After our short speeches, The Tuan Rumah
challenged the medical team to a Tapai Drinking
contest. You drink the Tapai ( local brew ), chat,
and drink and chat, to see who gets knocked out
first.
Since I was unwell with abdo upset, I nominated
the “boss” to represent the medical team.
The “boss” performed well and easily out did the
Tuan Rumah.
Following this pair, the others also took turns to
try the Tapai. I must mention that the Dentist did
extremely well. Hahahahahahaha.

52. 13th May 2017. Day 3 of Camp at Kg Singkaluan.
0800 hrs. Setting up Camp again. Looks like some members have used up all the
Impian T shirts allocated.

53. Then they came, via perahu, via the jetty. The river is their only means of transport. When
petrol price rose, and without subsidy, these poor folks complained to be that they seldom
go to “mainland” because they can no longer afford it.

54. 0845hrs, Camp starts. Registration begins.

55. Camp in full swing. GPs on the left. Health Screening in front. Dentist behind the blue screen.
Pharmacy on the right. Here we saw 144 patients. Did 40 eye screening, did 79 dental
extractions. &9 extractions in a single Camp, is our record after 2 years of Health Camps.

56. By 1200hrs, the crowd had slowed down. We broke for simple lunch at the verandah.

57. At 1330hrs, I went to take a look at the river. There were no perahus in sight. So I consulted the
Tuan Rumah and the locals. They agreed that they do not expect any more people to come.
However, the Tuan Rumah request that we close Camp at 14.30 hrs. Which I agreed.

58. A group photo, medical team, Impian team, and local helpers.
It was a memorable Camp. Goodbye Singkaluan.

59. After the group photo, we bid our farewell. They asked us to return soon. Then it was
back to the jetty, to the boat, for the short trip to Kg Salung, for the 4x4 to take us back
to Keningau.

60. Back to the perahus, for the short 10 mins boat ride to Kg Salung, and then by tough 4x4 to the
station to change to the Van. I was worried, because the stock checks and group photo took a
while, and 4pm was fast approaching. Remember, we had to clear the treacherous timber
tracks before sunset. Just to be safe.

61. This is the timber track from Kg Salung jetty to the station point. We start this part of
our journey at about 1630 hours.

62. The first two 4x4 reach the station at about 1800 hrs. It was getting dark, as can be seen. There
are two more 4x4 to reach us. The sky also threatened to rain on us. We are still 3 hours from
Keningau and, toilet and a hot shower

63. Where are you friends. Come out safely please. It is getting dark, and may rain.

64. Finally all got out safely and we were on our way back to Keningau. As we began our
journey to Keningau, the sky open up and poured on us. Real heavy. Thank God, our
luggage was still plastic wrapped and so somewhat dry.

65. Finally, Sento Hotel. It was 20.45 hrs, and we were wet.
Our refuge for the night. For many of us, time to clear our bowels, a hot shower, a cat
nap, and dinner at 21.30 hrs.
Tomorrow morning, one taxi leaves at 7am for KKIA and then van and a pick up leaves
at 0830 hrs

66. Camp Site Age Gender BMI (kg/m2) Glucometer ( mmol/L )
< 12 13 –
65
> 65 Mal
e
Fem
ale
? < 20 20 – 24 25 – 30 > 30 No value < 5.6 5.6
-
7.0
>7.0 No value
Kg
Babalitan
167
patients
91 72 4 57 81 19 24 19 6 50 40 12 12 56
Kg
Tinanduk
143
patients
68 67 8 74 64 3 32 25 10 45 38 7 10 49
Kg
Singkaluan
144
patients
71 66 7 63 87 14 35 16 3 54 28 12 18 62
Total 230 205 19 194 232 28 36 91 60 19 149 106 31 40 167
Camp site GP EYE Dental
Screening Cataract Pterygium Screening Extraction Scaling
Kg Babalitan 154 12 1 1 49 45 1
Kg Tinaduk 119 30 3 8 48 41 0
Kg SingKaluan 139 40 4 9 96 79 0
Total 412 82 8 19 193 165 1
3rd FPMPAM Sabah medical Camp.
10th- 13th May 2017
Composite data