PENANG, 5 April 2024 - In conjunction with the month of Ramadhan Al-Mubarak, the Centre for Drug Research (PPDU) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), continues its longstanding tradition of university-community engagement programme by organising the Pautan Kasih Ramadan programme, as a sign of concern towards the surrounding community by visiting the patients at the children's (paediatric) ward at Penang General Hospital.

This programme has entered its thirteenth year, after skipping three years of not being able to be implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with patients, especially children and nurses on duty, who have to be in the hospital ward during Eid and cannot return to their hometown to celebrate with their families.

Dr. Darshan Singh Mahinder Singh who is the programme coordinator emphasises the significance of unity in diversity, underscoring the importance of elevating this project to a pivotal status within the university.

He highlighted the essence of inclusivity, stressing the need to support and celebrate individuals from all walks of life, thus embodying the MADANI principle.

“My future plan is to expand the programme scope by enhancing the hospital children's library in collaboration with the USM library. This endeavour aims to furnish the hospital library with enriching resources, transforming it into a therapeutic sanctuary equipped with a dedicated reading corner,” he said.

He further explained that the programme is aligned with the university’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), emphasising its role in reaching out to the marginalized communities, particularly those in public hospitals.

According to USM PPDU Director, Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, he hopes that the programme would continue in the future with increased participation from various USM departments.

Meanwhile, Siti Noorlinda Ramli, Penang General Hospital Public Relations Officer, expresses gratitude on behalf of the hospital and ward for the contributions which have brought joy to the patients.

Patients and staff working in the ward were also entertained with the presence of cartoon mascots to brighten up the atmosphere in the ward.

Also present were PPDU Lecturers, Associate Professor Dr. Zurina Hassan and Dr. Farah Wahida Suhaimi; Senior Assistant Registrar of the USM Media and Public Relations Centre (MPRC); principal officers of USM and Penang General Hospital.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa