There are many reasons why we’re proud of our students. High on that list is their dedication to public service, and how they prioritise giving back to society.
On a yearly basis, the Quest Pharmacy Students Society (QPSS) does just that by organising a public health campaign. This year was no different, as they conducted a fantastic four-day campaign on Heart Disease Awareness, themed “Healthy Heart, Healthy You”.
Reflecting the nation’s transition to COVID-19 endemicity, the students conducted a “hybrid campaign”, with a day-long physical event and three days of an online campaign.
Day 1 was held at the AEON Mall Station 18, where experts conducted free glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Body Mass Index and Medicine Management consultation sessions were also available for the public.
The fun-filled day also featured healthy cooking and CPR workshops, exercise sessions with Urbax and Zumba and blood donation drives.
Days Two to Four were filled with online fitness sessions, expert health talks and cooking tutorials by chefs from QIU’s School of Hospitality that focused on diets that maintain a healthy heart.
This was another example of our hands-on education: students learning how to conduct an entire public health campaign while still in university.
Guest of honour Ridzuan Mohd Zaki, Special Officer for the Perak State Health, Environment, Science and Green Technology committee congratulated the students and the University for doing their part to address a serious public issue.
“Heart disease does not recognise age, gender or race. Information about this disease needs to be disseminated among the public, empowering them to practise a healthier lifestyle.”
“I thank and congratulate QIU and the QPSS for conducting this campaign, in the hope that many people can benefit from the programmes they are organising today,” he said.
QIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Zita Mohd Fahmi said it was admirable how our students were raising awareness about this disease at such an early stage in their lives.
“This campaign personifies so many of QIU’s values. We produce students who understand the need to give back to society. We give them the skills, the knowledge, and the opportunity to organise events that help others; and they learn so much from these events.
“When they enter the working world, they will already have hands-on experience in public health campaigns. If they are asked to do something similar, this experience will be invaluable. This is how QIU teaches, throughout all six of our Faculties. This is our legacy,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony were Perak Deputy Health Director (Pharmacy) Zaiton Kamaruddin, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Normi Kamaruzaman, Faculty of Pharmacy Deputy Dean Professor Dr Syed Atif Abbas, and event director Calvin Loh.
Kudos once again to all our incredible students who put on an impressive campaign. Our hearts are full of pride!
