GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya spent his first day of Syawal today visiting staff on duty at several hospitals on the island.
At the Penang Hospital here, he happily chatted with doctors and nurses on hand, and later joined them for a meal.
Several hospital visitors grabbed the opportunity to shake Dr Hilmi’s hand and wish him “Selamat Hari Raya.”
The minister also presented a hamper to representatives of the various departments of the hospital, to be shared among those on duty.
"Not everyone gets to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones at home. Take, for example, the doctors and nurses who have to work today.
"To show our appreciation to them, we presented them with some goodies that they can enjoy (on this special day)," Dr Hilmi told newsmen during the visit.
Earlier, he visited the Balik Pulau Hospital.
Dr Hilmi is expected to visit hospitals on the mainland tomorrow.