Latest news with #PenangHospital
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Public healthcare network making good progress
THREE key expansion projects of Penang Hospital with a combined value of RM758mil, are currently progressing at various stages. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the first project, the Women and Children's Block, had reach 34.35% completion as of May 22. 'The first project worth RM307mil is scheduled for completion in January 2026,' he said in a press conference after a site visit at Jalan Residensi. Gooi said the project was being implemented under a design-and-build tender system and included the construction of a 12-storey parking complex and an 8-storey hospital building with a 329-bed capacity alongside various specialised healthcare services. The parking complex, he added, would be able to accommodate 449 cars at one time. Gooi said the second project, the new Stem Cell Services Centre Block, valued at RM23mil, was expected to be completed by March 2027. 'Additional infrastructure includes 25 parking bays, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room) and utility upgrades. 'This project is 10.19% completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027,' he said The Women and Children Block is 34.35% completed as of May 22. It is expected to be ready by January next year. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star The project, he elaborated, was being carried out using the conventional method under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR). He said the facility would enhance transplant-related services, including apheresis units, stem cell laboratories and other support facilities. 'The third project, the Specialist Clinic and Ward Block, with a budget of RM428mil, is projected to be completed by May 2029. 'The project is being developed through a conventional approach under JKR, where the 14-storey block will house specialist outpatient clinics and wards with a capacity of 216 beds,' he said. He added that the project currently stood at 3.33% progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029. Gooi said these expansion projects, when ready, would mark a significant enhancement to the state's healthcare system and facilities. The projects represented strategic investments by the Federal Government to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure in the state under the 10th and 11th Malaysia plans, he said. 'We are grateful to the Federal Government for approving these allocations. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the people of Penang.' Gooi said the developments would not only strengthen Penang's healthcare system but also significantly improve the quality of medical services for its residents. He said the state government, through his office, remained committed to enhancing the public healthcare network, closing the gap in treatment accessibility and ensuring quality, equitable and comprehensive services for all. Gooi added that these initiatives aligned with the Penang2030 vision and the Malaysia Madani framework, which prioritised values of well-being, justice and compassion in the delivery of public services. Penang Hospital is one of the oldest public hospitals in Malaysia, with a history dating back to the colonial era. Located in George Town, it is the largest government hospital in the northern region and is a tertiary referral centre for Penang, Kedah, Perlis and northern Perak. It was established in the 19th century during British rule to serve the growing population in Penang, which was then an important trading hub. Post-independence, the hospital underwent several modernisation projects, with the addition of new medical departments, specialist units, and upgraded facilities. Over the decades, it expanded to provide specialist medical care, catering to the increasing healthcare demands. The hospital also played a crucial role in handling major health crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic where it served as a key treatment centre.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang Hospital's RM758m development projects progressing as planned, set for completion by 2029, says state exco
GEORGE TOWN, May 30 — The three development projects at Penang Hospital costing a total RM758 million are on track for completion between 2026 and 2029. Penang Health, Youth and Sports committee chairman Gooi Zi Sen said the construction of the RM307 million Women and Children's Block is now 34.35 per cent complete and is expected to be completed by January 2026. 'The project includes a 12-storey car park and an eight-storey hospital building with a capacity of 329 beds,' he said when visiting the construction site today. The block will consist of eight main services, including outpatient and inpatient service, diagnostic and treatment, medical support, administrative offices, medical staff services and public amenities such as a cafeteria, a playground and a surau. He said the second project, a new Stem Cell Centre Block, costs about RM23 million and is expected to be completed in March 2027. He said the project is being carried out under the supervision of the Public Works Department. 'The scope of the project includes upgrading transplant services, such as an Allogeneic bone marrow transplant, an Apheresis unit and a stem cell laboratory,' he said. He said the block will include 25 car park lots, a connecting overhead bridge and other auxiliary buildings. The third project is the RM428 million Specialist Clinic and Ward, which is expected to be completed by May 2029. 'The scope of the project includes a 14-storey building with 500 parking spaces, specialist clinics and a ward with a 216-bed capacity,' he said. All three projects are funded by Putrajaya under the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans. Gooi thanked the federal government for approving the allocation for the projects as it will improve the infrastructure and facilities at Penang Hospital. 'These projects will strengthen the state's healthcare service system and will improve the quality of treatment for patients,' he said. He said the state government will continue to strengthen the public health system and ensure access to treatment for all.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Virologist: Stay vigilant during the school break
Mask up: Doctors are advising vigilance, urging mask wear and hand sanitising. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians have been urged to remain vigilant of Covid-19, especially during the coming school holidays. Virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das said usually, cases would hike when there are large gatherings, as the phenomenon increases the chances of the spread of the virus. 'For example, the spike in Thailand was attributed to the Songkran Festival in April. 'But since this JN.1 variant has been circulating for a while, we are not going to see 20,000 cases a day despite the school holidays,' she said. Dr Kumitaa, who is with Universiti Sains Malaysia, said the country's healthcare providers were also not expected to be overwhelmed. Experts surmise that JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, emerged two years ago in several countries, including Malaysia. She said the current spike in neighbouring countries, like Singapore, was due to the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants, which are offshoots of JN.1. She said LF.7 was actually detected in Malaysia middle of last year. 'This means that many people may have been infected with it in the past and have immunity against it,' she said. She added that the public should always practice caution at all times and wear masks if necessary. 'If you have young children or elderly in your family, wearing a mask will help keep you safe, especially for the high-risk groups,' Dr Kumitaa said. Penang Hospital's infectious disease unit head Datuk Dr Chow Ting Soo said it was important for people not to drop their guard. 'We should always practice good cough etiquette and avoid public spaces when down with respiratory illnesses,' she said. Dr Chow said wearing masks and avoiding crowded areas were a must if one is immunocompromised or elderly. She also urged people to adopt proper hygiene practices and get their annual vaccinations. 'Now, we have the Covid-19 vaccine available at government health clinics. The elderly and those with comorbidities can get their appointments via the MySejahtera app,' she said. State health director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin said that, according to the latest announcement from the Health Ministry on May 16, all states in Malaysia reported Covid-19 cases that fell below the warning threshold for the period spanning Epidemiological Week (EW) 16 to EW19/2025, which includes Penang. She said the ministry would continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and will implement suitable preventative measures based on the current risk assessment. In Kedah, health committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said the situation was also under control. 'Cases recorded are not serious, and there is no indication that there will be an increase,' he said. Schools around the country will take a one-week break from May 29 to June 9.
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Penang Welfare Dept to shelter girl in abuse case if no willing relatives found
GEORGE TOWN, May 25 — The Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM) is likely to place a girl suspected of being abused by her parents under its care if no close relatives are available to look after her. State JKM director Zakaria Taib said the department is still actively tracing the Year Six student's closest relatives or next of kin who are willing to look after the girl, as they hope she can be raised within her family environment. 'The Year Six student is still receiving treatment at Penang Hospital, and efforts to locate her closest relatives willing to care for her have so far been unsuccessful. 'JKM will not force any relatives to take responsibility for her. However, if no willing relatives are found, we will place the victim in a welfare institution under JKM's supervision as a last resort,' he said when contacted today. He said the girl's 15-year-old brother has been living with their grandmother in Balik Pulau since childhood and is in good health. Zakaria added that, according to information received by the department, the girl had lived with her grandmother during her early childhood. However, due to certain circumstances, her father later took her in and became her caretaker. Previously, media reported that the police arrested a couple last Tuesday to assist in the investigation of a girl who sustained bruises and cuts on her back, believed to have been caused by caning in an incident at a house in Sungai Ara near here. — Bernama
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang submits RM17bil worth of projects under 13MP
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has submitted a list of 128 development projects with an estimated total cost of RM17,228,995,534.17 to Putrajaya under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The projects, from 26 departments and agencies, include an allocation of RM1.579 billion for the Pan Island Link (Pil) 1 highway project in 2026. The Pil 1 project, with a total estimated cost of RM8.876 billion, is the most expensive among the 128 development proposals submitted to the various ministries. Other proposed projects include RM1.024 billion for a multi-storey block at Kepala Batas Hospital, RM520.03 million for the northeast district health complex, clinic and mental health block at Penang Hospital, RM400 million for the Penang Islamic Hospital, and RM99.21 million for the new Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Juru. State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP Tanjung Bungah) said the allocation required for 2026 alone amounts to RM2,109,812,452.88. "To ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of federal projects in Penang, monitoring is carried out by the Penang State Development Office (ICU), which acts as the main coordinator, in close collaboration with ministries and implementing agencies at both federal and state levels. "This monitoring mechanism includes periodic meetings of the State Development Action Committee, scheduled progress reports, site visits, and regular reporting to the State Development Action Council. "In addition, the MyProjek System, developed by the ICU under the Prime Minister's Department, is used to ensure that project reporting and monitoring are conducted systematically, in a timely manner, and with transparency," he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PKR Machang Bubuk). Lee had asked for details on the list of proposed projects, including criteria, project types, strategy, and estimated value for the 2026–2030 period. He also sought clarification on the monitoring mechanism used to ensure transparency and efficiency, as well as the state's course of action should project applications be rejected. Elaborating further, Zairil said emphasis is also placed on compliance with project scope, implementation schedules, expenditure, and adherence to established procurement procedures to ensure that each project achieves its intended development goals. "If a project application is not approved by the federal government, the state government will take several measures, including reapplying with improved justifications and implementation designs, and exploring potential public-private partnership models. "We will also consider reprioritising the state's development budget for phased implementation and engage in follow-up negotiations with the relevant ministries to have the project reconsidered in upcoming rolling plans," he added.
