THE Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) is being adorned with 98 Christmas trees as it celebrates its 98th anniversary.
PAH president and chief executive officer Ronald Koh said the trees are beautifully scattered throughout its premises under a project, called 98 Christmas Tree Fundraiser, as a platform to invite donors to contribute to the hospital’s charity funds.
Thus far, Koh said they have raised a total of RM386,014 in aid of Dr J. Earl Gardner Fund to help needy patients who suffer from chronic illnesses that require them to undergo major surgeries. The hospital still has limited Christmas trees available for donations and naming.
He said the trees are a physical representation of the generosity of the donors, each representing a contribution of RM500 and above.
“Ninety-eight years are certainly a milestone for us, and we know truly well that besides God’s blessings, we have the support of the state government and its leaders, community leaders, government officials, non-governmental organisations, corporate clients, associates, donors, charity patients, friends of the hospital and all staff.
“From its humble beginnings, Penang Adventist Hospital has evolved from a small clinic at Muntri Street to become a tertiary healthcare facility.
“Today, the hospital is supported by more than 80 specialists and offers more than 27 specialisations using up-to-date medical equipment and facilities.
“As a not-for-profit hospital, PAH prides itself on having several charity funds to help those in need, namely the Patient Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, Welfare Fund and Dr J. Earl Gardner Fund,” Koh said during his speech before the Christmas Tree Fundraiser Lighting ceremony at the hospital in Jalan Burma today.
As of November this year, he said PAH has disbursed RM2.7 million to the needy to help those in need and RM98,000 worth of free cataract surgeries for the B40 group.
Koh also thanked Datuk and Datin Steven Cheong from A TU Z Wedding House for sponsoring all the 98 Christmas trees for the fundraiser, and all the donors, especially Mr & Mrs Chen Chin Peng, Datuk Tan King Seng and Datin Alice Ngo.
“Fundraising to help needy patients in our community is an ongoing process for us. It is not so much a job, but a mission,” Koh added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was also present to launch the Christmas Tree Fundraiser Lighting ceremony.
Other distinguished guests present were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, Ibu Lusy Surjandari, consul of Indonesia representing consul-general Bambang Suharto, and also PAH chief operating officer Dr Thomas Tean.
Chow showered PAH with praise for its effort in raising funds and reaching out to the needy in the community by offering them high-quality medical treatment regardless of race, religion and creed.
“Penang Adventist Hospital is synonymous with ‘Poor Treated Free’ and ‘God Heals, We Help’.
“This is very apparent in all the charity and community work you have been doing since the inception of the hospital back in 1924.
“Throughout the decades, you have shown tremendous growth while catering to the needs of our community; yet stay true to the mission set by your founder by reaching out to the needy in our community.
“As the leader of Penang, I am very proud of your achievement and your magnanimous service to our community,” Chow said in his speech.
He said he was informed that last year, a total of RM3.2 million was disbursed and the amount helped almost 4,000 beneficiaries.
This included 20 free open-heart surgeries which amounted to RM1 million for Penang Hospital (GH).
Chow said this was most timely because it helped GH to clear urgent heart cases that were delayed due to the pandemic that saw ICU beds fully occupied.
“This remarkable result can only be achieved with the confidence of the community towards the charitable work of Penang Adventist Hospital.
“I urge all Penangites, corporations and philanthropists to continue to donate to this worthy cause. Support Penang Adventist Hospital to help the needy in our community. It is indeed a blessing to have a medical team like Penang Adventist Hospital,” Chow added.
According to Chow, the state government will work closely with private hospitals and medical centres which are affiliated with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) to support the medical tourism industry.
He noted that tourists are now flocking back to Penang, with the hotel occupancy rate at about 80 to 100%. Among them, he said many from neighbouring countries are here for medical tourism because of the affordable fees, accessibility and wide range of advanced treatments.
To make the celebration livelier, there was a capella performance by ‘God Ambassador’, a group formed by the nursing staff, all of whom are alumni of the Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
They came together to perform a medley of warm and inspiring Christmas songs, such as Go Light Your World, Give Love on Christmas Day, O Holy Night & When You Believe, that brightened up the night.
There was also a nice video presentation of the hospital’s humble beginnings and some of its activities carried out by the hospital till today.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis