BEING a healthcare institution, the Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) has been constantly involved in various charity programmes initiated by the hospital itself to cater to the health needs of the poor and needy as such the ‘Gift of Life Programme- The Wishing Well Project’ has given new hope to many lives.
The Wishing Well Project is a joint effort between PAH and the Rotary Club of Penang District 3300 in which the funds raised through the ‘Wishing Well’ will be channeled to the Gift of Life Programme.
The Gift of Life Programme is one which brings about benefit to the less fortunate patients aged 60 years and below who are in need of corrective heart surgery.
In year 2017, a total of RM89,000 was disbursed through the programme where six patients received financial aid for their heart surgery and this year, a sum of RM100,000 (as of November) had been disbursed which benefited six heart patients.
Pulau Tikus state assemblyman Chris Lee who attended the unveiling of a new wishing well ceremony and the Gift of Life disbursement announcement at the PAH today conveyed the importance of taking care of one’s health and having awareness on heart related problems such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
“Malaysian patients have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in particular hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes and most cardiovascular diseases are caused by unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
“The role played by PAH to advocate healthy living is indeed very significant to help reduce these problems, we need to raise public awareness and motivate them to get involved in healthy lifestyles, physical activities, following healthy diet and practice early detection health screening.
“I am happy to announce that through my service centre, we will partner with PAH to organise health screening and health education for the public in near future. This initiative can only be achieved through good partnership just like the one between PAH and Rotary Club of Penang District 3300,” said Lee.
CEO of PAH Ronald Koh thanked the NNR Global Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd for sponsoring the shipping cost (from US) for the new wishing wells, five new wishing well were purchased to replace the old ones.
There are almost 30 wishing wells on the island (including in PAH) in various places such as Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall, Sunshine Square, Sunshine Farlim, Gurney Paragon Mall, Entopia, various hotels, education institutions and restaurants.
So, next time you see a wishing well please drop a coin which could safe many lives!
For further enquiries about the Gift of Life Programme, please contact 04-2227605 or visit www.pah.com.my
Story & pix by Tanushalini Moroter