THE Penang Community Harmony Care Association (CHC), in collaboration with the Penang Education Department (JPNPP), has launched the inaugural Sihat-Sihat Guru campaign to promote health awareness, access to preventive healthcare and overall well-being among teachers in Penang.
Held at the BeFit Wellness Hub, Setia SPICE, the campaign recognises the contributions of educators and aims to give back through healthcare benefits and services.
It also seeks to encourage teachers to prioritise their health while strengthening collaboration between community organisations, the education sector and healthcare providers.
Sungai Puyu assemblywoman Phee Syn Tze, who attended the launch, highlighted teachers’ contributions throughout their careers, noting that their profession requires physical, mental and emotional resilience.
“Teachers do much more than teach subjects; they shape values, build confidence, inspire ambition and help young people discover their potential.
“At the same time, teaching is a demanding profession requiring physical energy, mental focus and emotional resilience,” she said.
Phee also emphasised the importance of community collaboration in building a healthier society.
“Building a healthier society is not the responsibility of any single organisation. It is a shared responsibility,” she said.
She hoped teachers will take greater care of their health and that the organisers will continue evaluating the programme to strengthen its impact.
“If more teachers pay attention to their health, participate in appropriate screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles, the campaign will have made a meaningful contribution.
“I hope the organisers will continue to evaluate the programme and explore opportunities to strengthen its impact. A successful community health initiative should lead to continued engagement, education and support,” she said.
Evercare Medical Care Centre and BeFit Wellness Hub executive director Dr Feynman Lau said the initiative has an estimated overall programme value of RM5 million.
The campaign will provide 2,000 complimentary Evercare memberships to teachers, along with free health screenings and health talks at 30 selected schools across Penang. Teachers will also be able to access online health seminars.
Lau said the campaign offers an opportunity to give back to educators and demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration between community organisations, education authorities, schools and the private sector.
“For Evercare and BeFit, this initiative is more than a sponsorship; it is an opportunity to give back to the teachers who have given so much to our society,” he said.
CHC president Dr Lee Eng Wah highlighted the importance of health screenings and talks throughout the campaign, saying they are intended to encourage greater awareness and proactive lifestyle choices.
“These activities are intended to encourage greater health awareness and more proactive lifestyle choices. One screening or talk cannot resolve every concern, but positive change often begins with awareness and timely follow-up,” he said.
Penang Education Department senior principal assistant director (Management) Surentharan Mathavan also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and teachers taking care of their own well-being.
“Healthcare should not begin only when someone falls ill.
“Appropriate health screenings, a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management are essential steps in maintaining personal well-being,” he said.
Following the launch, Evercare Medical Care Centre and BeFit Wellness Hub managing director Dr Md Bipul Nazir led attendees and guests on a tour of the facilities, showcasing the centre’s healthcare services and equipment.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer