Cost savings of RM9mil from early delivery of building

KUALA LUMPUR: The operations of Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s new Nephrology and Urology Institute building will begin in stages from the end of October, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said that the seven-floor building, which is equipped with the latest technology and facilities, will help in enhancing the services provided by the institute which has currently reached its maximum capacity.

“The building will support current facilities by providing 252 new beds, 34 acute haemodialysis unit additional points, 14 intensive care unit beds and six high dependency unit beds,” she said.

Dr Zaliha added that the new building is also equipped with five prefabricated modular operating theatres (OTs) and support facilities.

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“Modular OTs built using prefabricated metal wall and ceiling panels will save time if renovation and maintenance of operating rooms (is needed),” she said at the handing-over ceremony which was also attended by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

“The treatment capacity now may accommodate up to three times as many patients receiving haemodialysis and two times as many patients in the intensive care unit,” said Dr Zaliha.

She added that the opening of the new facility is timely as the number of cases received by the institute has increased from 30 cases a year to 92 cases last year.

“A steady rise in demand for treatment has led to a bed utilisation rate of over 100%,” she said.

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The construction of the facility, worth RM171mil, was executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and contractor Johawaki Construction Sdn Bhd.

Nanta said the project was completed ahead of schedule, which resulted in cost savings of RM9mil.

“For this, I would like to thank PWD and the contractor for their commitment,” he said.

He added that the building quality scored 79% according to the Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) and achieved a four-star rating for the Safety and Health Assessment System in Construction (SHASSIC).

“These achievements are a good benchmark set by the PWD in executing high-impact projects,” said Nanta.