AN initiative to improve healthcare support for the ageing population and lower-income groups has led to the introduction of 14 advanced physiotherapy machines, valued at RM2 million, across the state.
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng announced that the machines, known as Physio Wave and imported from Germany, will be deployed in selected clinics and hospitals.
He explained that the machines are among the most advanced physiotherapy systems currently available and are expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from joint, foot, and mobility-related conditions.
“Living without pain significantly improves one’s quality of life. But when people live in constant pain, especially as they age, it affects their mobility, productivity and overall wellbeing,” he said during the launch of the machine at Klinik Kesihatan Butterworth today.
Lim said the initiative was made possible through an RM2 million fund that was raised, which enabled the procurement of 14 units for deployment across Penang.
He highlighted that while the Health Ministry was only able to purchase one unit, the initiative aimed to ensure broader access to the treatment.
“One machine is clearly not enough. That is why we worked with our partners to raise funds to purchase 14 machines for the entire state,” he explained.
Klinik Kesihatan Butterworth is among the selected locations to house the equipment, with the possibility of receiving an additional unit should public demand increase.
Lim said the service will be provided free of charge to senior citizens, while non-senior citizens will only be charged RM5 per session.
“In private hospitals, one session can cost over RM300. We want to make this treatment accessible to the B40 and M40 groups, especially senior citizens who may otherwise not be able to afford it,” he added.
He also pointed out that Penang has one of the country’s highest ageing populations, with about 20% of its residents aged 60 and above, making such healthcare interventions increasingly important.
“With the state becoming an ageing society, facilities like these are no longer optional but necessary. We want our elderly to remain active, mobile and able to continue contributing to society,” Lim said.
In addition to improving access to treatment, Lim also urged the Federal Government to consider exempting or reducing Sales and Service Tax (SST) on elderly care-related healthcare services and facilities.
“This is another form of assistance. If a full exemption is not possible, then at least reduce the SST to lessen the financial burden on those requiring regular treatment,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Lim described the therapy as effective despite being painful.
“I have personally undergone the treatment. It is painful, but effective. Sometimes recovery requires enduring some discomfort,” he quipped.
He also noted that some patients, who had initially been scheduled for surgery, no longer required operations after undergoing the therapy.
The physiotherapy machines are expected to benefit thousands of Penangites, particularly senior citizens and those suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues.
Penang Physiotherapy Department head Hizami Mustafa said the therapy uses an advanced physiotherapy device to treat soft tissue pain by helping to reduce sensitivity and discomfort.
“While a single session may provide some relief, the effects are usually more noticeable after repeated treatments, typically over three to five sessions.
“Each session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the area and severity of the pain. The device allows for adjustable intensity levels, which can be tailored to suit each patient’s condition and tolerance, ensuring a more personalised and effective treatment,” he said.
Also present were Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, former Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, and District Health officer Dr Izani Uzair Zubair.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis