ONE Hope Charity and Welfare (One Hope Charity) has contributed RM1 million worth of medical equipment and healthcare facilities to government hospitals and health agencies in Penang and Kedah, providing a timely boost to both the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The contribution was announced during a mock cheque handover ceremony and press conference in Komtar today, witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, health department officials and representatives from beneficiary institutions.
In his speech, Chow described the initiative as a testament to the power of collaboration among the government, healthcare institutions, and the community to strengthen public healthcare services.
“Today’s programme reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of the people remains a priority,” he said.
Chow praised One Hope Charity for its longstanding contribution to welfare and humanitarian causes, particularly its continued support for public healthcare institutions.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the importance of a resilient healthcare system, prompting the state government to place greater emphasis on improving healthcare accessibility, facilities and service delivery.
“As part of the Penang2030 vision, the state government remains committed to building a healthcare ecosystem that is of higher quality, more accessible and capable of meeting the needs of all segments of society,” he said.
Chow noted that RM191.8 million has been allocated under the state’s Health Strengthening Fund for the period between 2023 and 2030 to improve healthcare infrastructure and services.
The allocation includes projects such as the development of the Sungai Bakap Hospital, the upgrading of rural clinics and the establishment of modern Wellness Hubs.
He said One Hope Charity’s latest contribution complements ongoing efforts by both the state and federal governments to strengthen healthcare facilities throughout Penang.
“What is even more meaningful is that this has become an annual initiative by One Hope Charity, demonstrating its continuous commitment towards supporting the public healthcare sector for the benefit of the people,” he added.
Quoting One Hope Charity founder and chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau, Chow said: “Helping one individual may change a family, but helping a hospital can benefit thousands of families.”
He added that every piece of equipment donated represents an investment that could help save lives, shorten treatment times and improve healthcare outcomes for patients.
Meanwhile, Gooi said the donated equipment is expected to reach the beneficiary institutions within one to two months after the procurement requirements are finalised.
“Once the hospitals submit their list of required items, One Hope Charity will proceed with the purchase and delivery of the equipment,” he told reporters.
Responding to questions on healthcare capacity in Penang, Gooi said the state currently has sufficient hospital beds based on international recommendations, although ensuring access to healthcare services remains an ongoing challenge.
“If we compare Penang’s overall number of hospital beds with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, the numbers are actually sufficient. The challenge is ensuring accessibility and availability for those who need these facilities,” he said.
Gooi stressed that addressing healthcare pressures requires a broader approach beyond merely increasing hospital beds and manpower.
“We must continue encouraging healthier lifestyles and tackle the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are among the key contributors to healthcare demand,” he said.
Touching on Penang’s ageing population, Gooi said geriatric care has become a growing focus in healthcare planning, with Bukit Mertajam Hospital among the facilities being considered for a more specialised role in addressing age-related healthcare needs.
On healthcare development, he noted that close to RM200 million has been allocated by the Ministry of Health since 2023 for projects in Penang, including ongoing upgrades at the Penang Hospital and redevelopment plans involving Kepala Batas Hospital, Sungai Bakap Hospital and Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
Under the contribution programme, the Penang Hospital and Seberang Jaya Hospital received RM100,000 each, while Sungai Bakap Hospital received RM70,000.
Balik Pulau Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital and the Kepala Batas Hospital received RM50,000 each.
In addition, five District Health Offices (PKD) in Penang received RM30,000 each, while five District Dental Health Offices (PKPD) received RM20,000 each.
In a related development, Dr Fazilah extended her heartfelt appreciation to One Hope Charity for their continued support over the years, playing a key role in supporting the state’s healthcare accessibility to the needy in the community.
Also present earlier were outgoing State health department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin and One Hope Charity advisor Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, and senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video Ahmad Adil Muhammad