Volunteer works wonders

BY OLIVIA MIWIL - 3 NOVEMBER 2014 @ 8:07 AM

KOTA KINABALU: SEASONED volunteer Ooi Kong Eow is a sight for sore eyes each time he steps into a hospital, shelter or house.

Many patients, healthcare and social workers know Ooi, 67, would go out of his way to help the sick, the abused and the needy.

From handling the newly-born to the dead, cooking curry and giving motivational talks over a cup of tea, he will find time to lend a hand.

A registered volunteer under the Sabah Health Department, Ooi has dedicated his life in more ways few could imagine since 2003.

“Illnesses are not the only problem faced by patients, especially those from rural areas or the poor.”

“When someone is diagnosed with an illness, the need for money, equipment and transportation, among others, arise. This is why I am glad I am still healthy.”

Ooi, who has travelled all over Sabah serving as a healthcare volunteer, said he helped by taking care of the physical, emotional and mental well-being of the hospitalised.

“I also mediate between patients and the Welfare Department, other government agencies or non-governmental organisations.”

There are times when Ooi would help coordinate medical camps in rural Sabah.

“I have travelled rough terrains, trekked and taken boat rides for hours to reach some of these places.

“It has to be done because it costs a lot for the villagers to come out,” Ooi, who was self-employed before retiring more than 10 years ago, said.

He said it had not been easy volunteering, especially when he came across cases where he became attached to the patients.

“There was a patient who passed away two years ago after being warded for 12 years at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“It was hard to see her go as I treated her like my own child, cooking and giving her birthday cakes when she was around.”

The girl suffered transverse myelinitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that weakens the muscles and interrupts bodily functions.

She depended heavily on medical devices and help from volunteers like Ooi. She was 16 when she died.