Responding to the government’s clarion call, Star Media Group’s (SMG) “Star Frontliners Initiative” has delivered nine portable ventilators to six hospitals in the country.

Two ventilators were sent to Melaka Hospital on Friday. The hospital also received a computed radiography system.

Melaka Hospital director Dr Zaharimah Abdul Kadir said she appreciated the timely contribution of the machines.

“We welcome any assistance to ensure better healthcare for our patients, ” she said after receiving the units, adding that the ventilators could be used for all patients ranging from infants to adults.

She explained that the device used Smart Help technology to enhance patient safety by providing real-time, on-screen prompts that would guide medical staff when responding to alarms.

In Perak, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital Ipoh was the beneficiary of two ventilators while Hospital Taiping received one unit.

In thanking SMG, Perak Health Department director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming said they were touched by the timely support given.

“The ventilators for the two hospitals are much appreciated by the anaesthetists as they are easy to use and durable.

“The ventilators are designed with three internal filters and three more external optional filters to prevent the spread of the virus and ease the care for patients.

“They are also energy-efficient and ideal for all types of transport, ground ambulance, critical care and even air transport, ” she added.

Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital and Melaka Hospital had received beds for their intensive care unit earlier this month in the same Frontliners Initiative launched under Star Foundation.

Meanwhile, four ventilators were also sent to hospitals in Kedah and Perlis.

Hospital Tuanku Fauziah in Kangar and Hospital Kulim received one each while Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani received two units.

Kedah Health Department director Dr Mohd Fikri Ujang said the donation came at the right time.

This would help medical staff greatly in treating patients during this pandemic, he said.

The “Star Frontliners Initiative” is aimed at raising funds to buy essential medical equipment and supplies for hospitals and medical personnel in the front line battling Covid-19. It has raised over RM2,299,993 to-date, which includes RM1mil pledged by SMG to kick-start the initiative.

The public are encouraged to support the frontliners by making a donation.

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 on April 25.

For a tax exemption receipt to be issued, donors need to fill in the Medical Fund-Donation Form available on the foundation’s website. For more details, visit starfoundation.com.my