Arya News - Through a specialised rehabilitation programme, a Malaysian hospital offers work experience at its cafe for patients undergoing psychiatric treatment.
KULIM – Finding a job can be a daunting challenge for those undergoing psychiatric treatment.
However, Hospital Kulim is addressing the issue by giving patients work experience at a cafe through a specialised rehabilitation programme.
Known as Warong Kembara, the food kiosk at the hospital’s Halaman Minda (mental health) Clinic trains patients to prepare and serve tea, lime juice and artisanal coffee to customers.
Hospital Kulim director Dr Mohd Ruhaifi Ali said the activities form part of treatment, particularly for patients requiring rehabilitation.
“It is more than just a place to grab a drink. The patients are trained in social skills, communication, emotional management, confidence-building, work ethics and basic business management.
“The kiosk is set up as a social enterprise rather than just a cafe. It is a platform for practical training. Our approach is not just about treating patients with medication. We are moving toward functional recovery,” he added at the cafe’s opening ceremony here yesterday.
“This programme is designed to help patients regain their confidence and prepare for life beyond the hospital.”
Funded by a private company, the RM115,000 project includes a new food kiosk and cafe, an extended roof over the adjacent dining area, a renovated pharmacy waiting area, landscaping and a new garden gazebo.
Dr Ruhaifi said the hospital had previously implemented various rehabilitation interventions, including providing training through a car wash, gardening activities on the clinic grounds and food sales at existing stalls.
“These activities have become part of psychiatric treatment as we aim to help patients return to work,” he said.
Hospital Kulim Psychiatry Department head Dr Noraisyah Abu Seman said patients are selected based on their progress in their respective treatment programmes.
“The occupational therapist screens them, and those who show improvement in their symptoms and are deemed ready to work are referred for training at the cafe,” she said.
Dr Noraisyah said the programme was intended to be lifelong, as some patients who had secured jobs outside the hospital could relapse and return for treatment.
“They are all outpatients who come here for various mental health-related treatments.
“There are patients who came in with depression and are now working as clinic assistants or in other positions.
“Most of those who find it difficult to secure employment outside are patients with schizophrenia, as they may have cognitive impairments.
“These programmes teach them social skills, how to interact with and speak to others, ask for help, build their confidence and manage money,” she added.
Celestica Kulim (CMY 1) general manager Mark Vasudavan said the initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility outreach.
“We want to help create a pathway for patients to rediscover their potential and find renewed purpose in a supportive environment,” he said.