Rheumatic Fever in NZ - Can we beat it?
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease is a hidden but serious 3rd World Disease that should not happen in a developed country like New Zealand. They are preventable and treatable. Birkenhead Rotary would like to raise its awareness and seek donations to support Cure Kids through an “enditnow” project.
Biography – Dr Yum Keung Ip (YK)
YK was a medical practitioner graduated at University of Hong Kong coming to New Zealand in 1995 after 20 years of clinical practice. With great interest in emergency care and serving others, he joined Auxiliary Medical Service, a Hong Kong Government operated voluntary disciplinary force in emergency and non-urgent medical services. He became the first Force Commander after establishing an Emergency Response Task Force to train and provide paramedic care at the scene within 45min for any disaster or serious incidence to support the regular ambulance and medical services. He was in the editorial board for the first Emergency Care Handbook published by Hong Kong Government for first aid and emergency management training for all disciplinary forces in Hong Kong.
After arriving New Zealand, he studied again in New Zealand on marketing, management, and governance from Diploma in New Zealand business to MBA. He has a strong passion on helping healthcare and environmental issues. He has shared his overseas private healthcare experience and advocating the introduction of latest medical technologies into New Zealand. He was the Marketing director of Ascot Hospital for over 4 years and Director of Healthcare Holdings Ltd from 2002 till 2019.
He has also started eco-friendly lighting business (Eco-lightech Solution Ltd.) since 2011 and participating in water treatment business since 2019 (at Infinite Water Holdings and its subsidiaries in New Zealand and China). Lately, he has also started a company in E-communication (Eco-Comm Solution Ltd.)
He was a late-stage cancer survivor requiring surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Up to now, his body has 11 operations under general anaesthesia and 7 PET-CT from cancer staging to follow-up treatments. Cancer was also affecting his parents. He could understand the needs of patients and their family members in cancer management. YK is grateful to have his rebirth and wish everybody could have longer life with high quality.