Three major health projects underway at Penang Hospital
GEORGE TOWN: Three health projects are ongoing at Penang Hospital here, backed by a federal allocation of RM758 million under the Malaysia Plan.
State Youth, Sport and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said these projects represented a critical upgrade to the state's healthcare infrastructure.
The three projects are the RM307 million women and children's block, the RM23 million stem cell services block and the RM428 million specialist clinic and ward block.
Gooi said the women and children's block involved demolishing the existing block and constructing an eight-storey hospital building with 329 beds and a 12-storey car park with 449 parking bays.
"It includes major services such as outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment units, medical support services, administrative offices, and public amenities including a cafeteria, surau and playground.
"This block will consolidate all women and children's services, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for patients to access the main hospital block.
"The project is currently 34.35 per cent completed as of May 22, and is targeted for completion by January 2026," he said during a visit to the women and children's block construction site here today.
Gooi said the stem cell services block was aimed at upgrading stem cell transplant services, including allogeneic bone marrow transplant facilities, apheresis units and stem cell labs.
He said additional infrastructure included 25 parking lots, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room), and utility upgrades.
"This project is 10.19 per cent completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027.
"As for the specialist clinic and ward block, this 14-storey building will house specialist clinics (levels 1–11) and wards (levels 12–14) with 216 beds, along with parking on levels 2–7 and mechanical facilities in the basement.
"The project currently stands at 3.33 per cent progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029," he added.
Gooi said that despite earlier delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and handover constraints, construction had picked up pace, particularly following the piling phase.
He said the implementation of the Industrialised Building System was expected to accelerate progress.
"These upgrades will enhance public healthcare access, reduce overcrowding and resolve long-standing parking issues at the hospital.
"These developments reflect the government's commitment to a more equitable, high-quality healthcare system," he said.
Gooi said they would continue to strengthen public health infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.
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6 days ago
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