THE Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) is offering 100 free cataract surgeries to needy individuals in commemoration of its 100th anniversary celebration last year.
The initiative is part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to community service and its mission to restore vision to those in need.
PAH chief executive officer Albin Phua expressed his deepest appreciation to St Nicholas Home for its unwavering support in this noble effort.
“We are proud to begin 2025 with a meaningful act of service, unveiling our ‘100 Free Cataract Surgeries’ initiative. Recognising the urgent need, we have simplified the application process.
“Applicants only need to present their MyKad for verification. Eligibility extends to beneficiaries of PeKa B40 programme, MySalam programme, or residents of non-governmental organisation (NGO) homes.
“This marks the fifth collaboration with St Nicholas Home for free cataract surgeries. Since 2018, the Home has donated RM130,000, enabling us to perform 180 cataract surgeries,” he said in his speech at PAH today.
The total cost for 100 cataract surgeries is RM480,000, with each procedure costing RM4,800. St Nicholas Home Penang has contributed RM50,000, while the remaining funds come from PAH’s Welfare Fund.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, who attended the ceremony, praised the efforts of both PAH and St Nicholas Home.
“This initiative is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing critical healthcare needs. For many recipients, this programme supports the broader social welfare goals,” he explained.
Gooi highlighted the inspiration impact of such efforts, encouraging other organisations to undertake similar initiatives to uplift the community.
St Nicholas Home Penang general manager Carmen Chew was full of praise of this programme, pledging the Home’s continued support.
“This is an opportunity to restore vision and offer hope for a brighter future to those who are visually impaired,” she said.
Notable audiences during the event were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo, PAH Group president Ronald Koh, St Nicholas Home Penang Board of Directors treasurer Joshua Ooi, St Nicholas Home Penang Board of Directors secretary Roy Chai, and other distinguished guests.
For more information about the 100 Free Cataract Surgeries programme, contact 04-2277604.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi