GEORGE TOWN: The Kek Lok Si Charitable Medical Centre, Penang's first Buddhist non-profit hospital, is set to open its doors to the public next month.
Board member and medical superintendent Datuk Dr Teng Hock gave his assurance that the fees imposed at the hospital would be the lowest among other charitable hospitals in the state.
"This is not the first charitable hospital in the state, but rest assured that the fees here will be much lower than the lowest fee by all the other charitable hospitals here.
"We cater only to Malaysians, especially the needy," he said today accompanying Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on a tour of the hospital.
The Penang government also approved an RM200,000 allocation to the hospital.
Also present were hospital board chairman Venerable Seck Jit Heng and board member Datuk Seri Steven Ooi.
Dr Teng, in thanking the state government for the RM200,000 allocation, also expressed hope that it would consider giving an annual grant to the hospital, especially in the early years of its operations, anticipating the high operating costs.
"We are running fully on donations, and the hospital's expenses is likely to be very high. As such, we hope the state will consider approving annual funding for the hospital in the beginning of the new year," he added.
Chow, in his speech, said no one in Penang should be denied proper medical attention due to his/her situation.
"In this regard, I urge all non-governmental organisations and corporations, the Penang Chinese Town Hall, the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and the multinational companies (MNCs)to come forward to support this meaningful venture by the charitable hospital," he added.
The Kek Lok Si Charitable Medical Centre is a 50-bed hospital with seven resident consultants, two medical officers, two sessional consultants and one visiting consultant. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and devices.
The 130 staff members are ready to serve once approval from the Private Medical Practice Control Section, (CKAPS) of the Penang Health Department, is obtained.