NIBONG TEBAL: A senior Pakatan Harapan leader has denied claims that his visit to Sungai Bakap Hospital was an election gimmick, as it had coincided with the Nomination Day for the Sungai Bakap state by-election.
Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said his visit to the hospital had been planned before the by-election was announced.
"What gimmick can I offer?
"It just so happens that this week, I am in Penang.
He said he was merely performing his duties as a minister, and that he did not make any promises during his visit to the hospital.
"I am merely fulfilling my responsibilities, there's nothing I am offering except engaging with the Penang state Health Department and Sungai Bakap Hospital personnel," said the Health Minister.
During the visit, Dzulkefly was briefed by the hospital’s management about the latest development at the facility.
He also officiated the newly upgraded Emergency Department at Sungai Bakap Hospital.
He said this upgrading project was done to optimise the space previously occupied by the Outpatient Department, which has now been relocated to Sungai Bakap health clinic.
A new screening ward has also been added to the Emergency Department, replacing the old one that was set up in a temporary tent outside.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said patients should be allowed to vote during the Sungai Bakap by-election, provided they get clearance from their doctors.
“If patients are able to manage it, they should certainly be able to vote. It also depends on the medical advice given by their doctors," he said during a press conference after a working visit to Sungai Bakap Hospital on Saturday (June 22).
