The “Star Frontliners Initiative” under Star Foundation has eased the government’s burden of obtaining personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontliners fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by delivering the vital gear to hospitals nationwide.

The 63,000 pieces of PPE donated included jumpsuit coveralls, medical hoods, head covers, face shields, shoe covers and surgical masks.

They were distributed among hospitals, state health departments as well as state and national Crisis Preparedness and Response Centres (CPRCs) based on their respective needs.

Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) Klang were among the hospitals that received the PPE items.

 

At a handover by Star Foundation on Wednesday, UMMC director Prof Dr Tunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol Abidin said the hospital welcomed the timely donation and was grateful for the public’s contribution.

“The PPE will be designated for the Covid-19 wards and emergency wards, which are treating most of the hospital’s patients at the moment.

“We still welcome PPE donations for our medical frontliners as we are unsure how long the Covid-19 outbreak will last, ” he said.

HTAR Klang director Datin Paduka Dr Hasni Hanapi said the PPE jumpsuits that they received would be given to personnel in the hospital’s isolation ward, emergency department and screening centre.

“At the moment, HTAR Klang is serving as a screening centre for Covid-19 cases and is not a treatment centre. Patients who are detected as positive cases are referred to Hospital Sungai Buloh, ” she said.

She added that they would need more PPE as these items were frequently used daily.

The “Star Frontliners Initiative” was launched by Star Media Group (SMG) with the aim of raising funds to buy essential medical equipment and supplies for hospitals and medical staff involved in the Covid-19 battle.

Over the past few weeks, medical equipment including ventilators, ICU beds, ultrasound machines and computed radiography system have been donated to hospitals in several states.

The initiative has raised over RM2.3mil to date, including RM1mil pledged by SMG to kickstart the fund.

The public are encouraged to support the frontliners by donating.

Donations can be made to Star Foundation-Medical Fund’s Public Bank account (31-9984-9230) via bank transfer, credit or debit cards.

The collection will end tomorrow.

For a tax exemption receipt to be issued, donors need to fill in the Medical Fund Donation Form available on the Star Foundation website.

Established in 2004, Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group.

It is aimed at delivering meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to a diverse group of beneficiaries.

The Medical Fund programme was started in 2015 to help individuals and families in dire need of financial aid and medical attention.

For details, visit starfoundation.com.my.