Timely upgrade for regional facility

The Women and Children’s Block is expected to be ready by next January. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI, ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

PENANG Hospital is set to undergo a major expansion with the construction of an additional block aimed at improving specialist healthcare services in the state.

The project, listed under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), involves the construction of a new specialist block with 216 beds, eight opera­ting theatres, public amenities, a multi-level parking facility, as well as the provision of medical and non-medical equipment, including ICT systems.

State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the project would significantly streng­then healthcare infrastructure in Penang.

“This expansion will address the growing demand for medical services and improve patient care at Penang Hospital.

“The state government is committed to enhancing public healthcare, ensuring that patients receive the best treatment in a modern and well-equipped environment.”

He said the project would be carried out over 247 weeks.

The signboard detailing construction of the Women and Children’s Block.

Site possession took place last August, with completion expected on May 24, 2029.

It was previously reported that the new specialist block project would cost over RM400mil.

Women and children’s block

An ongoing project at the hospital is the Women’s and Child­ren’s Block, also under the 12MP.

The design-and-build project, valued at RM247.65mil, will feature a seven-storey facility housing 329 beds and span about 1.57ha within the hospital grounds.

“This new block will provide better facilities for mothers, children and newborns, en­­su­ring they receive high-quality medical care in a comfortable environment,” said Gooi.

He said the Women’s and Child­ren’s Block was part of broader efforts to upgrade the public hospital in Penang and was aimed at increasing the facility’s capacity, reducing congestion and improving medical services for the public.

Gooi says the upgrade will strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in Penang.

He said healthcare was a fundamental right and these up­­grades would ensure Penang remained a leading state in providing accessible and high-quality medical services.

He added that the specialist block was about 28% complete. It is expected to be ready by next January.

Advancing Malaysia’s stem cell field

Gooi said the hospital upgrade plans included construction of a stem cell building.

He said the new block would house a bone marrow transplant ward, an apheresis unit, a stem cell laboratory and the procurement of high-grade medical equipment along with other essential support services.

He added that a ceremony to hand over the letter of acceptance for the construction of the new block was held at the Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters in Putrajaya.

The Penang Hospital carpark is typically packed, making it a challenge for patients and visitors to find vacant spaces.

The stem cell building project costing over RM20mil is expected to be completed in 2027.

“The new building will be built to enhance the country’s stem cell treatment capabilities.

“The project, which includes state-of-the-art medical facilities, is expected to bolster Malaysia’s position in advanced medical therapies.”

Gooi said the facility would significantly improve access to life-saving treatments, particularly for patients requiring bone marrow transplants and stem-cell the­rapy.

“It is a major step forward in enhancing Malaysia’s medical expertise in regenerative medicine,” he said.

Once completed, the centre is expected to offer services such as stem cell collection and processing, advanced regenerative treatments and enhanced support for transplant patients.

Gooi stressed that stem cell therapy had become an essential part of modern medicine, with increasing demand for such treatments in Malaysia.

Asiah says the hospital needs to have a bigger space and more modern facilities.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing cutting-­edge medical services.

“Stem cell therapy is a rapidly growing field and having a dedicated facility in Penang will allow us to provide better care and develop expertise in this area.”

Meeting healthcare demands

Factory worker Asiah Hamid, 49, praised the initiative, describing it as the right time to upgrade the facilities at Penang Hospital.

“The hospital not only caters to Penang residents but also those from neighbouring states like Kedah and Perlis.

“It should have a bigger space and more modern facilities,” said Asiah, from Sungai Petani, who was visiting her husband at the intensive care unit.

Housewife Nor Hafizah Talib, 49, said that upon completion, the new parking facilities would benefit patients and visitors.

“Right now, the biggest challenge is finding parking space. It’s always a headache.”

Patients and visitors at the main entrance of the Penang Hospital.

Pensioner Siew Lay Lee, 68, who has routine check-ups at the Penang Hospital, welcomed the government’s initiative to up­­­grade the hospital’s facilities.

“This hospital has been around for a long time, so any upgrade would definitely benefit the people by providing better healthcare servi­ces, modern facilities and equipment.”

She said it was time for the hospital to have its infrastructure improved to meet growing healthcare demands.

Siew hoped that with upgraded facilities and equipment, the healthcare personnel would also improve their level of service.

“Better facilities should come with better services too,” she stressed.

Retired teacher K. Anand, 70, said the hospital badly needed specialist clinics.

“Long wait times remain a pressing issue. I had to wait for a year before I could get an operation to put a stent in my heart,” he said.

Nor Hafizah says her biggest challenge is finding parking space at the hospital.

Colonial-era facility

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.