THE Kek Lok Si Charitable Medical Centre (KLSCMC) in Air Itam received a RM200,000 financial help from the state government today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who represented the Penang government, handed over the mock cheque for RM200,000 to the hospital board member Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan during a simple ceremony at the hospital.
Dr Teng expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation to the state government for the much needed assistance.
“The aid will be used wisely by the management of the medical centre when it is open to the public soon. It will be used to bear the medical centre’s operation cost.
“This is a non-profit medical centre. I would like to thank the Penang government for the help. It means a lot to us.
“This aid will spur us to work harder in serving the community, especially the underprivileged, in Penang,” Dr Teng told reporters after the ceremony.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and KLSCMC board chairman Datuk Seri Ven Seck Jit Heng.
Meanwhile, Chow in his speech, said the KLSCMC would operate largely on donations.
“It has plans to expand further in the future to meet the rising demands. The major challenge is for the management to procure sufficient financial backing to cover the operation cost and the daily expenses.
“The Penang government understands the urgency and need of the charity medical centre in having sufficient funds for its viability.
“Therefore, we have decided to give the medical centre financial help.
“I also urge other organisations and corporations to support this medical centre.
“Together, we can make Penang a better place. With more medical centres, the people can obtain the proper medical attention that they deserve.
The five-storey KLSCMC is located in Air Itam and it has a built-up area of 68,000sq ft.
KLSCMC is a specialist hospital, which has its modern and state-of-the-art medical equipment and devices.
The medical centre has 50 beds and is equipped with various facilities such as operating theatres, a dialysis centre, general wards, imaging department and more.
Dr Teng said the medical centre was scheduled to operate next month.
“The hospital has obtained its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) from the local government. The building is fit and safe to occupy.
“Now, we just have to wait for the issuance of the private hospital operating licence from Health Ministry.
“Once we get the licence, we will commence immediately,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Law Suun Ting