On Thursday, 9th July 2009, a group of 35 persons from MMHA comprising committee members, staff, interns, and clients and their family members, went on a study visit to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK) and Kinta Action on Mental Health Issues Association (KAMI) in Ipoh, Perak. The purpose of this visit is to observe the rehabilitation activities and facilities of HBUK and KAMI and to learn from their experience and success.  This visit will also allow our clients and family members to observe and participate in some of the rehabilitation activities conducted at HBUK and KAMI.

SOME FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT HBUK
The oldest and most famous mental health institution in the country, built in 1911 by the British colonial administrators. Originally called “Federal Lunatics Asylum”.

It sits on 544 acres of land in the sleepy hollow of Tanjung Rambutan. Did you know that there is a railway station just across the road from its entrance?

• About 300 acres of the land is used for erecting buildings including wards. Most of the balance of the land is used for patient rehabilitation activities such as agriculture, rearing animals and fish.
• In 2007, about 41 acres of the hospital’s land has been taken over for the construction of an Allied Health Science College.
• There are 80 wards: 25 female and 55 male wards. Officially, there are 2,600 beds.
  Currently, there are about 1,800 residential patients and 1,500 staff,  including 8 psychiatrists.

For more information, visit the official website at http://hbuk.moh.gov.my.

WHAT IS KAMI?
KAMI is an Ipoh-based family support group for carers of the mentally ill. Active since 2003 and registered in 2007, it is made up of carers, volunteers, and family members. KAMI conducts activities for emotional support, education including a Family Education Course, and advocacy For more information, please contact Su at 016-5468003

Reported by Edmund Ewe

Front view of HBUK Psychiatric Clinic	Enjoying homegrown coconut!
Before the tour, Matron Chan gave a briefing about the place and activities conducted.	"Hi, ladies! Ready for a fruitful harvest?"
"You will be following me back, dragon fruit!"	Finally, we grab all the dragon fruits in the farm, and disappear!
The Drum Circle - A brand new experience for all the participants.	Thank you for entertaining us!

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