By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SABAK BERNAM, Feb 23 — The Selangor Women's Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) has set aside RM52,000 to ensure its Ziarah Medik programme can be realised this year.
Its chairman Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad said 210 chronic patients in need throughout the state's districts will receive the assistance.
"We have allocated the same funds as the previous year and will conduct visits to each patient's residence. We are unable to target a large number (of visits) due to time constraints, and assistance is provided by Pekawanis members in their respective districts.
"Interestingly, into Ziarah Medik's third year, we are graced by the Tengku Permaisuri Selangor's (Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin) presence. Her Royal Highness offered cash assistance to the patients," she said during the Ziarah Kasih Pekawanis programme in northern Selangor yesterday.
During the event, the Tengku Permaisuri Selangor met and interacted with various people throughout its two-day duration.
Meanwhile, a diabetic patient Siti Khomisah Keling, 58, said Her Royal Highness had a common touch with the people, with a friendly and approachable demeanour when interacting.
"I am deeply touched and grateful to meet Her Royal Highness, besides being able to discuss the problems faced since both my legs had to be amputated due to diabetes.
"With this visit, I hope there will be more parties willing to provide assistance, as I need to undergo dialysis thrice a week, all of which is considerably costly," she said.
The Ziarah Medik programme prioritises patients from single mothers, disabled persons, and those from the B40 category.
For this year, in addition to home visits, Pekawanis will also visit hospitals depending on the patients' conditions.
