Penang government is submitting a proposal to Health Ministry to include rehabilitation services in the Peka B40 scheme.
This initiative will enable more low-income families in the state to access rehabilitation treatments at both government and private healthcare facilities.
State youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the proposal was timely as demand for rehabilitation services was expected to rise in tandem with changing treatment needs and Penang’s transition into an ageing state.
He said a more inclusive and sustainable approach was needed to ensure access to rehabilitation treatment would not depend solely on government facilities.
Gooi said this after opening the Kiwanis Rehabilitation Room at Ward C2 of the Penang Hospital, which aims to provide more comprehensive rehabilitation care for paediatric patients.
He said the facility would strengthen rehabilitation services for children by complementing existing treatment processes and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
“As a sub-specialty referral centre and tertiary hospital serving northern Peninsular Malaysia, Penang Hospital plays an important role in ensuring child patients receive optimal rehabilitation opportunities.
“This facility is expected to help reduce complications and hospital readmissions while ensuring rehabilitation interventions are carried out more effectively,” he elaborated.
The rehabilitation room marks the second collaboration between the hospital and Kiwanis Club of Penang Central (KCPC) after the launch of the Kiwanis Sensory Room last year.
“Collaborations like this prove that the public sector and community organisations can work hand-in-hand to strengthen healthcare delivery for the people, especially children,” Gooi said, while thanking the club for its continued support towards the state’s healthcare sector.
Also present at the event were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Penang Health Department representative Dr R. Premalosini, Penang Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang, KCPC president Catherine Kang, KCPC lieutenant-governor Dr Ngoo Seong Boon, KCPC founder and adviser Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, Kiwanis Malaysia founder Puan Sri Christine Khir Johari and Kiwanis Malaysia governor-elect Eric Low.
Dr Goh said the rehabilitation room further reinforced Penang Hospital’s role as a tertiary referral centre offering holistic treatment and rehabilitation services for paediatric patients in the northern region.
He said the paediatric rehabilitation facility focused on improving the functional abilities, independence and quality of life of children and adolescents facing physical, cognitive or developmental challenges.
“Rehabilitation interventions provided while patients are receiving treatment in the ward have been shown to support their reintegration into the community, school and daily life,” said Dr Goh.
He added that the facility would also help caregivers better prepare for the patient’s discharge process in a safer and more organised manner.
