PENANG Adventist Hospital has taken a bold step towards bridging healthcare gaps in Penang with the launch of the ‘WAW On Wheels’ initiative today.
The programme is a collaborative effort between Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) and the Lions Club of Georgetown City.
Hospital chief executive officer Albin Phua said the initiative embodies the hospital’s century-long commitment to promoting comprehensive well-being and enhancing healthcare accessibility for the wider community.
“WAW, or ‘Wholistic Approach Wellness’, reflects our vision for a healthier Penang, where individuals are empowered with not just medical care but also with the support needed for physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
“Healthcare should not be confined to hospital walls. It thrives when it becomes a part of the daily lives of the people it serves.
“At PAH, our ultimate goal has always been to reach out, connect with our community, and ensure that health and wellness are accessible to all,” Phua said in his speech during the launching ceremony this morning at PAH.
The WAW On Wheels mobile unit is designed to provide communities with basic health screenings, physical examinations, eye checks, self-breast examinations, foot assessments, ear examinations, carbon monoxide breath tests, mental health assessments, and health education booths.
Phua added by saying that with each trip, the hospital aims to inspire people to take a proactive approach to their health, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who officiated the ceremony, acknowledged that while healthcare gaps remain a pressing issue, such initiatives will certainly uplift the current scene, bridging the gap and providing accessibility to all.
“By focusing on prevention, early detection, and health education, we can reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our state’s vision of promoting wellness and improving the quality of life for everyone,” Gooi said.
Also present during the ceremony were Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Lions Club of Georgetown City presiding officer Leong Sook Hwa, organising chairperson Datin Chang Yinn Ping and PAH group president Ronald Koh.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat