PENANG will soon become the only state in the country to have 14 units of a German-made medical device designed to relieve chronic joint and muscle pain among the elderly, thanks to efforts led by Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng.
Lim said the initiative was mooted after observing that about 20% of Penang’s population are senior citizens, many of whom suffer from joint and muscle pain.
“Many of them cannot afford expensive treatments like physiotherapy or massage sessions at private hospitals.
“A massage can easily cost hundreds of ringgit per hour, and even then, some areas cannot be reached by hand. I wanted to find a service that could reduce their pain, if not cure it,” he said at a press conference at his service centre in Air Putih.
He noted that rehabilitation equipment in hospitals was often outdated, with some machines over 20 years old, and had requested that hospitals explore newer technology for the benefit of senior citizens.
“I volunteered myself and tested one of these advanced machines for a month. The results were positive as it really helped reduce the pain. Since then, I conveyed my message to the Health Ministry, hoping the authorities could do something,” he said.
According to Lim, the machines cost between RM200,000 and RM250,000 each but were secured at a negotiated price of RM150,000.
The Health Ministry initially approved the purchase of only one unit, but Lim stressed that more were needed.
“I then applied for allocations, including my constituency funds, and together we raised over RM2 million to purchase 13 units. With the one unit ordered by the government, we now have a total of 14,” he said.
Charity groups such as One Hope Charity and Welfare, along with private donors who had personally benefited from the treatment, also chipped in.
Explaining how the device works, Lim said it uses a needle-like applicator that delivers shockwave pulses into the tissues.
“It stimulates micro-blood vessels in areas with poor circulation, which helps damaged joints and muscles recover faster. It is extremely painful during treatment, but it’s effective.
“Some conditions, like trigger finger or stubborn joint injuries that never healed properly, were cured after a few sessions. Bruises also disperse quickly, and mobility improves after frequent use,” he said.
Lim stressed that the machines are intended to serve elderly patients.
“This is about giving our senior citizens a pain-free life and a better quality of living. Younger people may not realise it, but the older generation suffers daily,” he said.
All 14 machines will be placed in government hospitals and clinics across Penang, including Seberang Jaya Hospital.
“They must be operated by professional physiotherapists. The cost at government hospitals is only RM5, and it is free for those above 60. This ensures accessibility for the people,” he explained.
Lim acknowledged challenges in securing the machines, which required technical processes involving both the Finance Ministry and Health Ministry.
“Normally, this would take two years. With the persistence and help from higher authorities, we managed to cut it down to six months,” he added.
So far, three units have arrived and are already in use at Penang Hospital, while the remaining 11 are expected soon.
“Once they arrive, Penang will be the first state in Malaysia to have such devices, with 14 units in total,” he added, noting that an official launch would be held once all the machines are delivered
.
Earlier at the event, Lim also presented a total of RM16,000 in allocations to three associations in his constituency: Ng Hien Thye Tee Temple (RM3,000), Pertubuhan Penganut Lean Cheng Keong (RM3,000), and Pertubuhan Perayaan Yu Lan Sheng Hui Choong Nam (RM10,000).
Story by Edmund Lee