By V. Sivaji
It may be Christmas Eve today and for many, the year end holiday season has started.
But for Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, it was another working day as he was up bright and early to officiate the ground breaking ceremony of the new wing of the Kek Lok Si Charity Hospital in Ayer Itam here.
The new 3- storey facility will have 400-rooms and serve as a dialysis centre and also offer cardiology services.
Joining Chow was the hospital’s board of directors, donors and media members.
Among them was Venerable Seck Jit Heng, Trustee and chairman of Yayasan Kek Lok Si, Penang Deputy Chief Minister, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Royal Thai Consulate General in Penang HE Mr Raschada Jiwalai, Dato Dr Teng Hock Nan, Director and Medical superintendent of Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital, Dato Khoo Boo Leong chairman of the board of directors among others.
In his address, Chow congratulated Yayasan Kek Lok Si for planning the opening of the new wing to provide dialysis and cardiology services for the needy community.
“In just two short years, under the guidance of Venerable Jit Heng, the hospital is embarking on this new project.
“Over these two years, the hospital has indeed earned a place in the hearts of Penangites. People from surrounding areas and as far as Seberang Perai and Northern Perak seek treatment here.
“This hospital has given low-income families an affordable option that is hard to find nowadays.
“As the hospital grows, it will also provide more job opportunities to the community and people of Penang. I also express my gratitude to Venerable Jit Heng, Dato Dr Teng, board of directors for your tireless efforts in providing charitable healthcare,” said Chow in his address.
Meanwhile, Dr Teng added that the hospital will provide medical services for the needy community in keeping with the teachings of Buddhist principles.
“The new centre will have MRI facilities along with medical services for stent procedures and other related medical procedures.
Later, Chow joined the VIP guests and donors to perform the ground breaking and launch ceremony.
