GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Health Department has added more beds and amenities including at the intensive care units (ICUs) of three hospitals in the state to accommodate the rising number of Covid-19 patients.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move was taken following a meeting with the department last Thursday on the increase of Covid-19 cases in the state.
“So far, the bed capacity and facilities to treat Covid-19 patients are still sufficient but the Health Department has taken quick action to add more beds and space at the three hospitals, including at the ICUs.
“At the moment, Penang General Hospital and Bukit Mertajam Hospital have been converted into hybrid hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients with the addition of several more wards, while Kepala Batas Hospital has been fully converted into a centre for the treatment and management of Covid-19 patients.”
He said this to reporters at the launch of the state-level National Month 2021 and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaigns, which was held in a hybrid manner at Komtar here today.
Previously, Chow said the occupancy rate of ICU beds in Penang hospitals has almost reached 100% following the rise of Covid-19 cases in the state.
Meanwhile, he said the Health Department had monitored the Covid-19 situation for a week from last Thursday to ensure smooth management of the pandemic in the state.
Chow added that the state government, through the Penang Lawan Covid-19 campaign, will continue its efforts to get 100% of its adult population vaccinated with the first dose by early September.
“This will help us achieve herd immunity earlier than our target,” he said. – Bernama, August 7, 2021
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