Turning their backs on the oath to serve without prejudice, staff nurses are purportedly refusing to treat Orang Asli patients.

This was among the issues raised during a meeting between the Orang Asli Villages Network of Peninsular Malaysia (JKOASM) and United Nations special rapporteur for health Dr Dairius Puras.

"Most staff nurses do not want to treat Orang Asli patients as they feel they are dirty and uncouth people," said JKOASM representative Shafie Dris in a statement today.

During last Saturday's meeting in Kuala Lumpur, he added that issues such as lack of proper clinics and transportation facilities during emergencies were also brought to the rapporteur's attention.

 

Shafie ( left ) said JKOASM also highlighted problems concerning the supply of clean water, which has led to various illnesses like diarrhoea, eyesore and skin diseases.

He claimed that one of the main reasons behind the Orang Asli’s deteriorating health condition was losing access to their traditional medicines.

"The invasion into Orang Asli customary lands has resulted in the destruction of the source for herbal medicine that can be used to treat diseases like eyesores and skin ailments," he said.

According to Shafie, Dairius was also concerned that the lifespan of the Orang Asli was only 53 years when other races could live up to 75.

"Dairus also told us that he would compile the issues raised into a resolution to be brought up during the UN general assembly," he added.