Kuala Lumpur, 26 March 2020 – The International Medical University (IMU) today donated two units of ICU ventilation and monitoring systems to two of its long-term partner teaching hospitals namely Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar (HTJ) in Seremban and Hospital Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom (HEBHK) in Kluang.
“COVID-19 has strained the healthcare system in many ways and ventilators are critical resources at this time. Hospitals would need more ventilators as, unfortunately, positive cases have been on the rise. It only makes sense for the International Medical University to step in to help the healthcare community in any way we can. Therefore, the University has reprioritised its resources for this particular reason, putting the healthcare needs of the public in the forefront,” said Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Aziz Baba.
A ventilator is a medical machine that assist patients in breathing when they are unable to do so themselves by pumping air into their lungs through a tube that has been inserted into their windpipes. Because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, affects the respiratory system, the number of hospitalised patients in need of breathing assistance has since increased.
The IMU has reallocated its resources by deferring some upgrading projects to purchase these two units of ventilators that cost close to RM200,000. The donation is made through the University’s community engagement programme – IMU Cares.
“We are very grateful and thankful for such a wonderful contribution. The generosity and support from IMU to HTJ is much appreciated during this time of need,” said Dr Muhammad Zamri b Harun, Deputy Hospital Director, Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital.
Dr Hjh Azura binti Abu Bakar, Director of Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, Kluang, Johor echoed the same sentiments and appreciation to the University for coming forward to assist in the most crucial time of need.
