JOHOR BARU: Pasir Gudang Hospital is on track to be completed two months ahead of schedule, says Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He revealed that the hospital's construction has reached 83.5% completion, surpassing the scheduled progress of 72.5%.
"Currently, the project is 60 days ahead of its original schedule. Initially set to be completed in May next year, we now anticipate completion by March.
"When it is completed, we will hand it over to the Health Ministry. The Pasir Gudang Hospital is expected to begin operation in April 2025," he said during his visit to the Pasir Gudang Hospital site on Thursday (June 13).
Ahmad attributed the swift progress to the utilisation of building information modelling and industrialised building system (IBS) technology in the project's planning and implementation.
He noted that the project boasts an impressive IBS score of 79% and has received approval from the Construction Industry Development Board for on-site IBS component provision or casting.
Ahmad added that the use of IBS technology helped to overcome the labour shortage problem post-Covid-19.
“The project, which is implemented as a design and build project involving a cost of RM375.5mil, has six scopes of work, namely building a specialist hospital, quarters, nurses' dormitory, mechanical and electrical building, support building and infrastructure works," he said.
Despite its proximity to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital and Sultan Ismail Hospital, which are 10km and 12km away, respectively, Pasir Gudang Hospital aims to serve the needs of the approximately two million residents in the vicinity, said Ahmad.
"In addition to reducing patient congestion at the two public hospitals, Pasir Gudang Hospital is expected to be equipped with world-class medical and health facilities.
"The hospital, which is built within a 20.6ha land area, will be equipped with 304 beds, 14 specialist services, eight operating rooms, 65 consultation rooms (outpatient treatment), 30 dialysis chairs, 16 delivery rooms, 36 quarters units, 50 nurse dormitory units, more than 1,000 parking spaces and a drive-through pharmacy,” he said.