THE Penang government welcomes the Health Ministry’s move to accelerate the Covid-19 vaccination and medical operations in Penang as well as four other states.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he appreciated the effort by newly-minted Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for shifting his focus now on Sabah, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang which are facing high infections.
“Aside from the medical equipment that are much needed, the frontliners’ manpower is equally important for the five states.
“We need the assistance from the health authorities to stem the rising number of cases and deaths.
“We remember that at one time when Penang was in a more comfortable zone, we and some other states had sent medical personnel to help Klang Valley, which was then facing a critical challenge.
“Hence, we hope the Health Ministry can provide immediate assistance to us as well when we are in need of similar help now,” he told Buletin Mutiara after witnessing the handover of a mock cheque for RM294,400 from Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd to the Penang Hospital.
Greatech Integration donated syringe pumps and hospital beds worth RM294,400.
The medical equipment will be also utilised at the Caring Society Complex in Jalan Utama, which has been converted into a low-risk Covid-19 quarantine centre (LRRC).
Chow thanked Greatech Integration for its contribution during this challenging period.
In a related development, Chow also welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment of providing more vaccine in stages to Penang.
“We believe that Penang can achieve 100% of the first dose vaccination rate for the adult population by this month.
“We also expect 60% of adult population to be fully vaccinated today,” he added.
Also present were Greatech Group Board chairman Ooi Hooi Kiang, Greatech chief financial officer Koay Lin Lin, Penang Hospital director Datuk Dr Teo Gim Sian and Penang Hospital anesthesiologist head Datuk Dr Yong Chow Yen.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting