THE field hospital located at the parking area, at the front entrance of the Penang Hospital is set to operate next week.
Commanding officer in-charge of the operation Lt Kol Dr Mohd Zamri Deraman said that all asset movements from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital in Kuala Lumpur began on Wednesday and had arrived at the Penang Hospital yesterday.
He said that the setting up progress had so far reached 70% as of yesterday.
“Among those completed were the isolation ward and administrative area.
“We have been tasked to complete the setting up in 10 days and I am quite confident that it would be completed within the time frame given.
“If all goes well, the field hospital is scheduled to operate by next Wednesday or Thursday,” he told the media when met at the Penang Hospital today.
Dr Mohd Zamri pointed out that the field hospital would have 96 ‘acute’ beds to treat Category 4 Covid-19 patients, while the other four were intensive care unit (ICU) beds.
“A total of four military officers and 50 personnel are involved in setting up the field hospital. Meanwhile, two medical officers and 22 military personnel are responsible for daily safety and management.
“We will be cooperating with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to assist the field hospital.
“I would like to thank the Penang Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia for its effort in assisting us,” he said.
Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Penang) commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong said the charitable organisation had given out 960 pieces of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits, 1,950 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and 3,000 pieces of N95 face masks to the Penang Hospital.
Besides that, Khoo said 2,000 pieces of isolation gowns and 3,000 pieces of N95 face masks were provided to the field hospital.
“We have also provided 10 canopies for the patients and medical personnel,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting