GEORGE TOWN, June 8 — Penang-based non-governmental organisation One Hope Charity has committed to allocating an annual budget from funds it raises to support government hospitals and clinics.

Its chairman and founder, Datuk Chua Sui Hau, said the organisation has been providing continuous support to government hospitals and clinics as part of its efforts to strengthen the public healthcare system.

He said hospitals equipped with adequate medical facilities would enable healthcare workers to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.

He added that this would also allow more patients to receive quality treatment.

“Between 2021 and 2025, our organisation has channelled fundings of over RM100 million to patients in need and also equipment to government hospitals and healthcare facilities,” he said, adding that the organisation’s funds were made up of donations from the public, including generous donors from overseas.

He said the organisation has been donating equipment to government hospitals on a case-by-case basis for the past seven years.

In previous years, the organisation also donated equipment to government hospitals in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We are now committed to donate equipment to government hospitals and healthcare facilities every year,” he said during a presentation ceremony for RM1 million worth of equipment to 20 government hospitals and clinics in Penang and Kedah.

“What is most encouraging for us is that when we revisit hospitals that previously received donations, we still see the equipment that was donated years ago continuing to be used to help patients to this day,” he added.

He said this strengthened their belief that every contribution to the healthcare sector is not just short-term assistance, but a long-term investment that benefits society for years.

Chua said the selected government hospitals and clinics would submit a list of equipment they need based on the allocation provided to each facility.

“We will then purchase the necessary equipment and present it to the hospital or clinic,” he said.

Among the hospitals set to benefit from the programme this year are Penang Hospital (RM100,000), Seberang Jaya Hospital (RM100,000), Sungai Bakap Hospital (RM70,000), Balik Pulau Hospital (RM50,000), Bukit Mertajam Hospital (RM50,000), Kepala Batas Hospital (RM50,000), Kulim Hospital (RM100,000), Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar (RM100,000), Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani (RM100,000) and Baling Hospital (RM30,000).

Additionally, five district health offices (PKD) and five district dental health offices (PKPD) will receive equipment worth RM30,000 and RM20,000 each respectively.

“When government hospitals are better equipped, the greatest beneficiaries are the people at the grassroots level, especially the B40 group,” Chua said.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended One Hope Charity for its continued contributions and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that a strong healthcare system is no longer optional, but a necessity,” he said.

He said this was why the state and federal governments continue to strengthen healthcare facilities and service delivery to make them more efficient, inclusive and resilient.

He said the Health Ministry has provided significant assistance to Penang through various development projects amounting to RM191.8 million between 2023 and 2030.

“In addition, we can see ongoing projects at Penang Hospital—at least two or three major projects that were approved or planned under previous Malaysia Plans and are now being implemented under the current plan,” he said.

He said One Hope Charity’s annual programme would contribute much-needed medical equipment, supplies and healthcare facilities.

“I believe every piece of equipment donated is not just an asset to the hospital, but an investment that helps save lives, speeds up treatment, and improves the quality of healthcare services for our people,” he said.

He added that One Hope Charity has also consistently raised sufficient funds to assist patients in need of surgery and other treatments.

He expressed hope that more parties would emulate the spirit shown by One Hope Charity so that efforts to strengthen the public healthcare system can continue to be driven collectively.