BUKIT MERTAJAM: The upgrading of Hospital Seberang Jaya here has received a boost of RM1mil for the procurement of additional machines and facilities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who approved the allocation on his visit to Penang, said the fund is to ease the burden on staff and patients.
“Among the facilities and items urgently needed are ventilators, ultrasound machines, water tanks and a breastfeeding room.
“These will enhance the performance of hospital staff and reduce overcrowding,” he said yesterday.
Anwar said he hoped the upgrading, which had been delayed, would be completed by year-end.
It was reported that the upgrading project of Hospital Seberang Jaya, at a cost of RM368mil, started in 2016 and was supposed to have been completed by 2020.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic and issues involving the tendering of contractors caused a delay.
Once completed, the number of hospital beds will be increased from the current 393 to some 630, in addition to improved bedding and intensive care unit facilities.
The hospital will also get a new multistorey car park.
By then, it can offer more clinical services, rehabilitative medication and treatment, cardiology and paediatric cardiothoracic services.
Later, at another event at the Central Seberang Prai district police headquarters in Bandar Perda, Anwar announced a RM500,000 allocation to build a surau there and another RM1mil to upgrade the police quarters.
