TWO mission hospitals marked significant milestones in the country as both strive to meet the needs of localised healthcare.
Recently, the Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a lavish dinner at the G Hotel graced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state executive councillors and officials.
Earlier, the Fatimah Hospital in Ipoh, Perak marked its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites.
At the Adventist gathering, Chow underscored how the hospital has played a significant role in propelling Penang into a preferred medical tourism hub.
Chow said he was proud to acknowledge PAH as one of the state’s transformative institutions, an establishment that shaped Penang into a regional healthcare hub.
“Your recent achievement of being named as one of the Best Specialised Hospitals in the Asia Pacific 2024 for Orthopaedics by Newsweek, is a testament to your world-class standards. This international accolade, alongside your consistent track record of excellence, has played a role in establishing Penang as a premier destination for medical tourism in the region,” he said.
The hospital was founded by the Seventh Day Adventist congregation member Dr J. Earl Gardner from the USA, whose grandson Dr Earl Aagaard was also present at the dinner.
PAH group president Ronald Koh said the hospital’s journey of healing began in December 1924 when Gardner opened a small clinic at Muntri Street.
“The purpose was to provide for the health needs of the community as evidenced by the sign outside the clinic that read ‘Poor Treated Free’. From the very beginning, Dr Gardner was kept busy, seeing over 600 patients in 19 days. With the support of philanthropists and the community, the humble clinic grew into what exists today – PAH."
In Perak, the Fatimah Hospital also received a royal visit by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
The journey of Hospital Fatimah began with the Brothers of Mercy, also fondly called the German Doctors who provided care, treatment and healing to the people in Kinta Valley beginning in 1953.
His Eminence Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, gave the welcome address to those attending the dinner.
"As we celebrate this golden milestone, we also honour the values that have guided us through the years. Compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of service have been at the heart of everything we do."
These values have not only defined our past but also lit the path to our future, he said.
Rev. Fr. Datuk Michael Cheah, the Board of Directors chairman, brought a thunderous roar when he announced that staffers of the hospital will receive a bonus of 2 ½ months with a minimum payable bonus of RM5,000.00. - December 14, 2024.
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