KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29: Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) have donated three oxygen concentrators to Penang Hospital.

Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah said that the concentrators would be added to those currently available at the Penang Hospital Covid care center and would thus provide additional support to patients undergoing Covid 19 treatment.

“Latest official statistics from MoH show that most of Penang is in the Red Zone and the Covid-19 infection rate has been on the rise here.

“It is also reported that the Intensive Care Unit at the Penang General Hospital is operating at full capacity and there is an urgent need for more oxygen concentrators to accommodate the number of patients needing them.

“Upon being informed of this, PHA and TFA managed to buy 5 Oxygen Concentrators, each costing approximately RM3,500.00, and donated 3 of them to the PGH Covid Care Center.

“The remaining 2 will be used in the Free Home Oxygen Concentrator Loan Programme by PHA and TFA for anyone who have been infected by Covid-19 and confined at home, and needs an oxygen machine,” he said in statement.

However, he added, only those with the doctor’s letter certifying that they are Covid-19 positive and in need of an oxygen concentrator will be provided with this loan.

“The doctor’s verification is needed to avoid any misuse of the programme.

“The used of the machine is free of charge and must be returned to PHA or TFA once the patient is not in need of it anymore so that it could be loaned to another patient who needs it.

“The funds to purchase these oxygen concentrators came from voluntary donations from individuals and members of PHA and TFA,” he added.

He also thanked the frontliners including the doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and the sanitary staff at the Penang Hospital who have been relentlessly and tirelessly working round the clock to save as many patients as possible since the pandemic started.

“PHA and TFA would also like to take this opportunity to call upon the NGOs and corporate companies to join hands and support the frontliners and the health sectors through humanitarian programmes such as donating the much needed oxygen concentrators to the Covid Care Centers.

“As Malaysia faces this unprecedented challenge, we all need to do everything we can and stay commitment to protect each other in order to minimise the suffering and loss faced by those affected by the virus.

“Well wishers and donors who would like to donate for the purchase of Oxygen Concentrators can contact PHA or TFA at the following number for further information: 0164449246,” he added.