Federal govt spent RM1.4b since 2008 for quality health care in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: A total of RM1.4 billion was allocated by the federal government between 2008 and 2017 to ensure quality health care for the people in Penang.
Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman said the allocation was part of investments worth billions of ringgit spent by the federal government to provide various assistance and basic amenities for the well-being of the urban and rural community in the DAP-led state.
"The federal government's aspiration in the state's development has always centred on the people's needs and interests," he said in a booklet published by the Penang Federal Development office under the Prime Minister's Department titled "Inisiatif, peruntukan dan ikhtiar murni Kerajaan Persekutuan demi mensejahterakan rakyat Pulau Pinang — Pencapaian Tahun 2008 — 2017" (Federal Government initiatives, allocations and endeavours for the prosperity of Penang people — Achievements Year 2008 — 2017).
The RM1.4 billion allocation for health included building and upgrading 78 hospitals and health clinics, such as construction of a multi-storey building for Seberang Jaya Hospital, involving an allocation of RM400 million and an additional building block for Penang Hospital (RM297 million).
Apart from that, a total of RM94.2 million was allocated for upgrading of the Health Clinic and Quarters at Tasek Gelugor, Kepala Batas, Bandar Perda and Bukit Minyak; Penang Hospital Quarters (RM75 million); Nursing College in Kepala Batas (RM79 million); Air Putih Health Clinic (RM30 million), Penang Hospital and Seberang Jaya Hospital (RM41.5 million); and 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinic Bukit Mertajam (RM21 million).

The allocation for health care also included for the operation cost of 20 1Malaysia Clinics (K1M) in Penang.
The 1Malaysia Clinics in Penang are located, among others, at Batu Feringghi, Sungai Ara, Taman Seri Genting, Bandar Putra Bertam, Teluk Air Tawar; Penang RTC and Nibong Tebal.
At these clinics, those from the low income group only pay RM1 for treatment. — Bernama