PENANG health, youth, and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi announced that the state government has taken measures to ensure uninterrupted operations at all hospitals and health clinics during the upcoming water supply disruption scheduled to begin on January 10.

Discussions with the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) have resulted in arrangements for adequate water supply, including the dispatch of water tankers to government hospitals, health clinics, and private hospitals.

Coordination with healthcare premises aims to guarantee 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.

“PBAPP will also deliver water supplies to private hospitals and private dialysis centres to ensure the smooth operation in providing treatment to patients,” he said in George Town today.

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

While Penang General Hospital is expected to operate as usual, some public hospitals may reschedule non-critical surgeries during the water supply disruption. The state government, in collaboration with PBAPP, is taking measures to minimise the impact on healthcare operations.

“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, January 4, 2024.