IJN CONDUCTS 'CATCH 'EM YOUNG' PROGRAMME TO INSPIRE HEALTHCARE CAREERS AMONG STUDENTS

KANGAR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The "Catch 'em Young" programme implemented by the National Heart Institute (IJN) under the Santuni MADANI initiative exposes school students to career opportunities in the healthcare field, nurturing their interest in pursuing such professions.

In a media statement today, IJN said the programme, part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, provides a realistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare profession through experience-sharing sessions by IJN doctors and nurses during career talks.

"The 'Catch 'em Young' programme also involves upgrading school sick bays to create a more professional and conducive environment, mirroring hospital settings, to facilitate basic medical care for students and school staff," the statement read.

The statement was issued in conjunction with the Santuni MADANI and "Catch 'em Young" programme at SMK Derma here today, including the handover of a newly renovated sick bay at the school.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who also observed the health screening services provided by IJN during the event.

Also present were IJN Holdings chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min and group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib.

The statement noted that the renovation of the sick bay at SMK Derma began on Nov 15 and involved 16 IJN staff to ensure all upgrades met the high standards set by IJN.

"Besides SMK Derma, SMK Perlis has also been selected for this project. Previously, similar initiatives were completed at SMK Sultan Ahmad Shah in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and SK Keruak in Jerteh, Terengganu, where upgraded sick bays were handed over in July and early November respectively.

"The handover of the upgraded sick bay at SMK Perlis is scheduled for tomorrow, along with a career talk involving Form 4 and Form 5 students from SMK Derma," the statement added.

The statement also said that schools selected for the programme must meet certain criteria, including having a Kelab Doktor Muda (Young Doctors' Club) to nurture interest in the medical profession and develop future medical specialists.

-- BERNAMA