Continued medical services in Penang despite water supply disruption

The Penang government assures uninterrupted operations at all hospitals and health clinics in the state during the water supply disruption scheduled to begin on January 10.

State Health, Youth, and Sports Committee chairperson Daniel Gooi stated that discussions were held with the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to ensure adequate water supply by dispatching water tankers to all government hospitals, health clinics, and private hospitals throughout the state.

He said that PBAPP has coordinated with these healthcare premises to ensure smooth operations, especially for critical patients.

"Based on our discussions, government hospitals and health clinics have a 48-hour water supply reserve, but PBAPP will still regularly deliver water supplies through tankers to all these healthcare facilities.

"In fact, PBAPP will also deliver water supplies to private hospitals and private dialysis centres to ensure the smooth operation of these premises in providing treatment to patients," he said today.

State Health, Youth, and Sports Committee chairperson Daniel Gooi

Previously, PBAPP announced that approximately 590,000 users, including non-domestic, would experience scheduled water disruption for 96 hours from 6am on Jan 10 to 6am on Jan 14 to facilitate the replacement work of two valves at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant and other auxiliary works at 22 locations across Penang.

Meanwhile, Gooi said that Penang General Hospital would not be affected by the water supply disruption, and all operations are expected to proceed as usual.

However, he said that some other public hospitals would undergo rescheduling for non-critical surgeries during the water supply disruption.

"As for all operations at government dental clinics, they will be postponed because these clinics require a significant amount of water for each operation, especially when treating patients," he said.

He added that for cases with appointments during the water supply disruption, rescheduling would be arranged, with the appointments advanced or delayed.

- Bernama