Penang: The Penang Health Department (JKNPP) is implementing several measures to reduce congestion and waiting times at the Emergency and Trauma Department of Penang Hospital (HPP), particularly during peak hours. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Health director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah said a short-term measure involves upgrading space at the HPP Outpatient Department block to expand treatment areas and integrate patient flow from the Emergency and Trauma Department. He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will provide a more comfortable waiting environment, particularly for senior citizens and people with special needs. Dr Zulhizzam noted the video that went viral on social media last night regarding the long waiting time at the HPP Emergency and Trauma Department. He apologized for the inconvenience, especially to elderly patients and their companions. He explained that patients are managed according to a triage system based on the severity of their medical condit ion, rather than their arrival time, with critical Red Zone cases treated immediately, followed by high-risk Yellow Zone cases and non-critical Green Zone cases. He added that patients in the Green Zone may have to wait longer during peak periods, particularly when there is a surge in critical cases, while the overall waiting time also depends on blood tests and further examinations by specialist teams. For the longer term, he mentioned that the Women and Children Block, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will include a larger and more comfortable Emergency and Trauma Department, while another block for specialist clinics and wards is expected to be completed in 2029. Dr Zulhizzam also urged those with mild, non-emergency symptoms to seek treatment at nearby health clinics to help ease congestion at HPP.