Day 1 (13.2.11) - The Star City

by Mohanajothi Samasuvam

The day started very early for all 12 of us. I think we woke up even before the rooster cuckooed.  We left AIMST around 7am and the journey to Alor Setar was very exciting. Moreover the sceneries were eye catching. As scheduled, we reached Kota Setar District Health Office on time.  We headed to the main building to meet the respective person, Mr.Tengku Yusof. Before that, as usual, our beloved group mate Leong Chi Mun was on his mission looking for washroom but this time, he had followers as well.

Being led to the correct meeting room (as there were many similar-looking rooms), we were welcomed by Mr.Tengku Yusoff @ Pak Ku (Health Inspector) and later on we had briefing from our coordinator Mr.Zaky (Asst.Health Inspector).  Mr.Zaky showed us around and introduced us to many of the health personnel there.

~ at the meeting room ~

The first unit we were posted to was the Vector Unit. We were told that Mr.Redhuwan (Officer at Vector Unit) and his team were out to field work and will be back only at 11am. So meanwhile waiting for him, some resorted to try the breakfast offered in nearby stalls and the remnants continue with their photography session and collection of required information from the unit.

~ Vector-borne diseases control unit office room ~

~ with Mr.Fauzi ~

We were delighted as Mr.Fauzi shared with us his experience working with the unit. He also briefed us about how the cases are being kept in record and maintained, via health information systems such as e-dengue, vekpro and ambro. As the clock ticks 12 noon, all of us eagerly waiting for lunch. We were told that the briefing will be postponed as the unit officers were busy preparing for meeting on the next day.  Somehow, we managed to get the information required with the assistance from Mr.Fauzi and other available members of the unit.

Our first lunch at town of Alor Setar was appetizing. After the lunch break for more than an hour, we were back in the DHO. We then met Mr.Redhuwan for a short while and he assured us his assistance on the following week. We were told that the briefing with Dr.Hisham (Medical Officer of Health 2) which was scheduled on the second day will cover the essence of our visit there. 


We met Mr.Zaky back in the meeting room of vector unit and our plan for the evening would be with MCH. However, Matron Salmah was busy and hence, Mr.Zaky briefed us about tomorrow’s activity and we call the day off. We headed back to Sungai Petani feeling exhausted but yet it was certainly a fruitful visit today. Leaving all of you today with some thought for mind: 


"The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want."

                                                                                                        -Ben Stein-