SOME 4,000 Penangites are expected to take part in health checks at the two-day mega health screening carnival at Butterworth Arena from today till tomorrow.
One Hope Charity & Welfare, the organisers, are spending RM1.5 million to hold the event free of charge for the community.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, praised One Hope Charity & Welfare for their effort to initiate the large-scale health screening carnival over the weekend on Penang mainland.
“The money spent on the carnival was contributed by some kind donors and supporters of One Hope Charity & Welfare.
“There are plenty of health screenings here with more than 25 tests available at the various booths. All these tests are conducted by health practitioners as well as doctors without any charges imposed.
“In Penang, we are extremely grateful to One Hope Charity & Welfare for their presence and contributions to the society,” he said in his speech before launching the health carnival at Butterworth Arena today.
Chow said he noted that One Hope Charity & Welfare needs about RM20 million annually to facilitate various programmes and assistance to chronic patients.
He also expressed his gratitude to One Hope Charity & Welfare for consistently playing their role in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the society.
One Hope Charity & Welfare chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau said they took three months to prepare for the carnival.
“This is the largest health screenings as we want to ensure the community can benefit from it.
“They can take part in health checks without any extravagant fees,” he said.
After the opening ceremony, Chow and other dignitaries, visited the booths. Chow also shared some light moments with some of the visitors.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Ramkarpal Singh, state executive councillor Chong Eng, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, One Hope Charity & Welfare advisor Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam and state assemblymen.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Alissala Thian