BUTTERWORTH, March 17 (Bernama) — The Penang Government is focusing on expanding the healthcare service, especially at public hospitals as it is a critical sector in the state.
In view of this, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was having discussions with the health ministry to gauge how the facilities and premises could be expanded at the Hospital Pulau Pinang.
“If everything goes well, this will definitely help to offer a greater range of services and of course, make it much less congested for patients.
“We have very exciting days ahead, not just for public health service but also for PMC (Penang Medical College),” he told reporters after opening the PMC Clinical Skills and Education Centre Seberang Jaya here Tuesday.
He said based on feedback from local and international patients, the Penang public health service was one of the best in Malaysia, as compared with other states.
“We are only short of the latest medical equipment and technology but in terms of doctors and nurses, I would say that we are quite proud of what has been achieved,” noted Lim.
He said Penang contributed more than 60 per cent of the total medical tourism received in Malaysia.
Many patients, including those from abroad, sought medical treatment in Penang, especially at private hospitals because it was cheaper and offered comparable health care with other developed countries, added the chief minister.
Meanwhile, Lim said the establishment of PMC in Seberang Jaya was timely and a necessary choice as it would improve the health care system, not only in the island but also the mainland.
“As an added bonus, I know that many of PMC’s graduate doctors return to work in Malaysian hospitals and this can only mean the eventual improvement of our healthcare system.
“This can only further the state and country’s reputation for quality healthcare and advance medical tourism industry,” he noted.
Since its inception in 1996, PMC has to date, more than 1,200 graduates.