THE construction works of the field hospital located at the parking area near the front entrance of the Penang Hospital is now fully completed.
Penang Hospital director Datuk Dr Teo Gim Sian said a dry run would be conducted today to test the logistics and the system of the field hospital.
“If everything runs smoothly, we will transfer the Covid-19 patients (Category Four and Five) by tonight or tomorrow morning.
“The field hospital is equipped with 96 ‘acute’ beds while the other four are intensive care unit (ICU) beds.
“The completion of this field hospital is timely as our bed occupancy has reached more than 95%,” Dr Teo told Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during his visit to the field hospital at Penang Hospital today.
Also present were state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) 2nd Division Commander Mejar-Jeneral Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, who is also the Penang-Federal Covid-19 coordinator.
Meanwhile, Chow thanked ATM for completing the setting up of the field hospital within 10 days only and within the time frame given.
“Thank you also to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for playing a crucial role in assisting the Penang government in terms of providing the necessary equipment at the field hospital,” said Chow.
Arman said a total of four military officers and 50 personnel were involved in setting up the field hospital.
“Meanwhile, two medical officers and 22 military personnel are responsible for daily safety and management,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud