Army to set up field hospital at Penang Hospital car park

The armed forces will set up a field hospital for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in the staff car park of the Penang Hospital, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

Speaking at a press conference, he said the field hospital would be for the treatment of patients in Category Four and Five.

“I have already instructed the army to set up a field hospital in Penang,” he said, adding that the hospital would be able to cater to up to 100 patients in the more severe categories with four units for ICU patients.

He added that 50 armed forces personnel would be deployed to the field hospital which is expected to begin operating this Sunday.

Last week, the minister said the armed forces were well prepared to help the health ministry set up field hospitals for the treatment of Covid-19 patients beyond Category Three in the five worst affected states of Sabah, Johor, Kedah, Penang and Kelantan.

He said the armed forces have ample infrastructure, expertise and assets that can be mobilised at any time.