(From third left) Kang and Bukit Mertajam Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang during a visit to the new Bandar Perda health clinic in Seberang Prai.
THE outpatient department of Bukit Mertajam Hospital in Seberang Prai will cease operations effective Aug 1.
Bukit Mertajam Hospital Visitors Board chairman Datuk Philip Kang said after Aug 1, those seeking outpatient treatment would have to go to the new health clinic in Bandar Perda or other clinics in the district.
He said those who had an appointment with the hospital’s outpatient department until July 31 could still receive treatment there.
“After that, all patients with follow-up treatment will be referred to the nearest health clinics.
“Starting July 12, those who turned up at the hospital’s outpatient department without an appointment were referred to the nearest health clinics or community clinics,” he said.
There are nine health clinics and two community clinics in central Seberang Prai district.
Of the nine health clinics, those in Seberang Jaya, Bukit Minyak, Kubang Semang, Berapit and Prai offer family medicine specialist services.
The other four clinics are in Bandar Perda, Machang Bubok, Permatang Pauh and Bukit Tengah.
The public can also seek treatment at the Taman Perwira and Taman Seri Delima community clinics.
There are five health clinics within a 10km radius or 15-minute drive from Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
The health clinics are in Berapit which is 4km away, Kubang Semang (5km), Bandar Perda (6km), Bukit Tengah (5km) and Bukit Minyak (8km).
On the new health clinic in Bandar Perda, Kang said the clinic would now provide outpatient services, in addition to maternal and child healthcare services.
“The health clinic, which began operation in April, also offers specialist services by family physicians,” he said.
Kang said Bukit Mertajam Hospital would now focus on specialist, emergency and inpatient services.
“We will move the Orthopaedic and General Surgery clinics to the site left vacant by the outpatient department.
“We hope to provide a more conducive environment while facilitating the development of specialist services.
“Once relocated, the existing Orthopaedic clinic will be converted into a Palliative Complex,” he concluded.
