Now . Future

A 8 years old orang asli boy named Zul, was admitted yesterday to Banting hospital.
He had syncopal attack prior to admission. His growth was far smaller than the age of 8.

From examination, he looked pallor and had smooth tongue. (because of iron deficiency)
Heart murmur was noticed and it showed sign of heart failure.
His abdomen was bloated. Liver and spleen were swollen as well.
Striking feature was that he was severely malnourished.
Blood test result showed haemoglobin level was 1.1g/dL.(it's superb severe anaemia!!!!)
Hence, blood transfusion was given at stat.

On further questioning, he was born in a family of 5 siblings and he was the youngest.
Both parents did not receive education in school. The mother gave birth to a total of 10 children but 3 of them had passed away in early life due to failure to thrive and the other 2 were miscarriages.

I stressed to the mother why not bring the child to hosp before the condition became worsening?
Her answer was,
' Anak saya sebelum ni pun size ini juga. Tak ade masalah pun dan sekarang dah besar. Saya bawa dia kerane dia pengsan...'

Asking Zul whether staying in ward is nice or not.
He answered,
'Sini lagi baik.'

I asked him further under the drive of curiosity.
He said,' Hosp ade katil.'

My heart was so pain when seeing and talking to this poor child.
Why the parents were so ignorant? No family planning at all?
Those children were suffering because of them!!! They actually can lead a normal child's life.
Orang asli were lacking of knowledge in taking good care of their children.

Proper education to the Orang asli, please??!!!
Where is our Government? Do your job NOW!!!!