THE formation of a community ambulance society is uncommon but needed.
The Sungai Ara Community Ambulance Society, which began operation in May last year, has handled more than 600 emergency cases within 11 months!
The society’s chairman Datuk Liew Chook San said the society had about 20 volunteers and had been working closely with the Penang Hospital’s emergency and trauma department.
“We are also responding to the 999 pre-hospital care integration system. At times, we have to attend to three or four emergency cases,” Liew said at the launching ceremony of two new emergency ambulances today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the ceremony, pledged to contribute RM20,000 from his allocation to the society in addition to what have been provided previously. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin also pledged to contribute RM10,000 to the society.
“We value the formation and contribution from community-based organisations such as this.
“While a voluntary fire brigade is common and necessary, a community ambulance society is uncommon.
“The Sungai Ara Community Ambulance Society has the led way in initiating such services.
“The Penang government welcomes other communities in the state to set up more community ambulance societies to complement the healthcare services provided by the public healthcare services,” Chow said.
He thanked the Sungai Ara Community Ambulance Society for its sacrifices.
He hoped that more corporate companies and the private sector would show their support for community-based organisations.
“More people will benefit from the strong network of community-based organisations that complements the state government’s efforts,” Chow said.
On a separate matter, Chow revealed that there were 35 voluntary fire brigades in Penang.
“State Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh is working on enhancing the voluntary fire brigades’ network in Penang,” he said.
Chow added that the Penang government has formed an emergency response unit in view of climate change.
“I believe that this is just the beginning and there are more things to be done.
“We have to mobilise the resources available to benefit the people in Penang and to build a more resilient ecosystem,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix and video by Darwina Mohd Daud