This celebration not only acknowledges the impact of the Metta Free Clinic and the Metta Mobile Free Clinic which have been providing free treatment and free traditional Chinese medicine for the lower income group, but also brought together the people who were pioneered, implemented, ran, supported and benefited from services that the Metta clinic provides.

Venerable Wei Wu, abbot of Than Hsiang Temple in his welcoming speech told a crowded hall of supporters, that the Metta Free Clinic was founded in the year 1988. Today, on the 17 th Anniversary,it has both Permanent Clinics as well as Mobile Free Clinics, that goes into the villages to provide these free medical services.

The main objective of the free clinics is to provide free treatment and traditional medicine for the lower income group. Two qualified Chinese Medical Physicians, Miss Choong Siew Ai and Miss Tan Soo Wah have dedicated their services since day one.

In the year 2004 alone, a total of 12249 patients seek treatment at the Than Hsiang Temple and another 10314 were treated at the eleven centers covered by the mobile units, bringing the total to 22563 patients. About RM 18,000.00.was spent just on medicine. Venerable Wei Wu in his gratitude to the generous people and devotees who contributed towards the expenditure. He stressed that, “In Buddhism, the perfection of generosity is one of the foremost practices”.

Venerable Chuan Chao who represented the Malaysian Buddhist Association also gave a meaningful speech. The Venerable said that he was impressed with the success achieved by the Metta Free Clinic for the past 17 years. He said, “It was a great contribution towards the development of great compassion. Under the eminent leadership of Venerable Wei Wu, this project has successfully helped many people in urgent need, and ended a lot of suffering in illness.”

Venerable Chuan Chao ended his with hopes that the Metta Free Clinic will continue to expand and serve the community forever.

Mr. Tai Lee Leong, the Vice President of the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia, Penang State Liaison Committee, in his address said that the Metta Free Clinic has contributed much to society, helping those who are in need of medical assistance. Helping others to be free from illness is equal to the true spirit of Buddha. He added that to set up such a service is not an easy task and that he very much appreciated the contributions made by Venerable Wei Wu and the staff of Metta Free Clinic.

A special lamp lighting ceremony followed. Tens of lamps were lighted by supporters of the Metta Free Clinic, lead by the guests and members of the Sangha.