THE Kelantan Social Welfare Department allocates RM4.5 million for the monthly expenses of 9,034 senior citizens aged 60 and above across the state.

Its director Said Sidup said the department also spends more than RM1.3 million a month to help bedridden patients by providing assistance of RM500 a month through their respective caregivers.

“The list of recipients is updated every year in addition to visits and monitoring to ensure their welfare is well taken care of.

“The department, in collaboration with St. John Ambulance and related health agencies, also provides courses and training in managing bedridden patients with 274 volunteers,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the St. John Ambulance Home Nursing Care Community Course at the District Education Office Training Centre in Pasir Puteh today.

Said said the 274 volunteers were also responsible for treating over 3,000 bedridden patients in their respective homes.

“The majority of caregivers lack the expertise to care for stroke patients and those involved in road accidents.

“This training includes the proper method of administering medicine and exercising to ensure that patients recover quickly,” he said.

According to him, the department would work with various parties including civil society groups and Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian to organise the course in 10 districts in Kelantan. – Bernama, May 21, 2023.