Patients told to drink up to 2 litres but no free water dispenser:PHA

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Kritik
11 Sep 2026
27
SubCategory | Grassroots Movements

Patients told to drink up to 2 litres but no free water dispenser:PHA

By T.C Khor

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has urged the Health Ministry and Penang General Hospital management to install a free water dispenser at its urology clinic.

PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah said the association made the appeal following a recent visit to the clinic, during which he observed elderly and poor patients without access to drinking water.

“Patients are required to drink a significant amount of water, often up to one to two litres, right before their procedure to ensure accurate test results,” he told theSun.

He added that the clinic currently had no water dispenser for patients to obtain or refill drinking water.

He also said many patients attending the clinic were senior citizens, including those over 70, with some partially disabled or wheelchair-bound.

“Forcing vulnerable groups to endure long waiting times without access to free drinking water is deeply concerning.”

He also highlighted the cost of buying bottled water inside the hospital, saying a 500ml bottle was sold for RM1.60 at the shops situated within the hospital, compared with RM1 at the nearby Penang Island City Council retail stalls outside the hospital grounds. Murugiah said the cost could be a burden for poor patients.

“Water is a basic human necessity, especially in a medical environment where it is a prerequisite for clinical testing.”

He urged the ministry and the hospital authorities to look into the matter and expedite the installation of a water dispenser at the clinic.

Water dispensers are provided for patients in some government hospital facilities.

For example, Hospital Selayang’s Diagnostic Imaging Department states on its official website that a water dispenser is available for patients and visitors.

An official asset-disposal notice issued by Hospital Seberang Jaya in 2024 also listed two water dispenser/heater units among its non-medical equipment.

theSun has reached out to the Health Ministry and the Penang General Hospital for comments.

Source: patients-told-to-drink-up-to-2-litres-but-no-free-water-dispenserpha

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