BERNAMA FOSTERS HEART HEALTH AWARENESS WITH ESP PROGRAMME FOR STAFF

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) is continuing its Executive Screening Programme (ESP) at the National Heart Institute (IJN) this year, to ensure the continued health and well-being of its staff.

This year, a total of 59 Bernama employees underwent health screenings under the ESP programme, aimed at raising awareness about heart health and promoting healthy lifestyle practices.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said in its second year, Bernama has allocated RM50,000 for the programme, to enable its employees, particularly from the implementation group, to undergo screening.

“Alhamdulillah, for the second year, we brought 59 of our staff for initial screenings at IJN. The programme was a success last year, and many staff members have expressed their desire for it to continue,” she said.

“We are also grateful to IJN for offering us the opportunity to have a large group undergo screening at a very reasonable rate. In my view, this initiative encourages our staff to take more comprehensive health care measures, following the screening,” she told Bernama at the programme.

Also present was IJN chief clinical officer Datuk Dr Saiful Azmi Yahya.

Commenting on the ESP programme, Nur-ul Afida explained that the initiative was introduced in response to the growing number of heart disease cases among young people today.

“Previously, we had brought in medical experts to conduct various screenings, including cancer screenings. However, after some officers suggested that we focus on heart health screenings, we decided to make this a priority,” she said.

“So, I discussed the idea with Bernama management, and they agreed to allocate the necessary funds for us to bring our staff to IJN. Conveniently, IJN and Bernama are located nearby, making it an ideal choice, especially given their comprehensive facilities,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the ESP programme would continue in the future, citing the positive response from employees as a testament to the initiative's success.

“That’s why we have implemented specific criteria to ensure that those who genuinely feel unwell undergo examinations. Additionally, we have refined the programme to ensure that all units and sections are given the opportunity to undergo screenings, not just select groups,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Saiful Azmi emphasised the risks of a sudden heart attack, which can strike while someone is engaged in everyday activities, enjoying leisure time, or spending time with loved ones.

“To prevent unexpected health incidents, we strongly encourage everyone, particularly those aged 30 and above, to undergo regular health screenings. It doesn’t require much; simple procedures like blood tests to check sugar and cholesterol levels can already reveal a lot about a person’s health status,” he said.

“With just a few additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a treadmill stress test, it’s often possible to detect early signs of serious conditions like heart disease. That’s why screening is so vital, and Bernama’s proactive initiative in prioritising employee health is highly commendable.

Dr Saiful added that high blood pressure and cholesterol are lifestyle-related diseases, which often show no symptoms, yet can result in severe outcomes, like heart attacks or strokes, if left unchecked.

Meanwhile, photographer Mohamad Huzaini Md Daud, 52, who is currently based at the Bernama Putrajaya Bureau, said that the opportunity provided by Bernama was deeply meaningful to him, viewing it as a sincere gesture of appreciation from the organisation towards its staff.

“At my age, I’ve never undergone such a comprehensive health screening, so when Bernama offered this chance, I knew I had to seize it. As soon as the applications opened, I applied without hesitation. Alhamdulillah, I was selected,” he said.

“For me, screenings like this are crucial, because they help determine the true state of our health. Alhamdulillah, if the results show we are in good condition and can continue working as usual. If not, at least we become aware of our limitations, and can start necessary treatments or lifestyle changes,” he said.

Mohamad Huzaini, who has served at Bernama for 22 years, added that the demanding nature of fieldwork often leads staff to neglect regular health check-ups. He hopes that the quota for the screening programme will be expanded, so that more employees can benefit from this valuable initiative.

Bernama Economics Desk reporter, Siti Radziah Hamzah, 43, said that cardiac issues today affect people regardless of age, and Bernama’s health screening initiative has helped raise awareness among staff to prioritise their well-being, despite their hectic schedules.

“I have been with Bernama for 13 years, and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to undergo such a comprehensive health check-up,” she said.

“Alhamdulillah, I arrived as early as 7.30 am, and underwent several screening tests, including X-ray, spirometry, ECG, and treadmill. By around 10.45 am, everything was completed. Today, it’s more important than ever to prioritise health screenings from a young age,” she said.

-- BERNAMA