Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (in white) posing a wefie with the health clinic staff during the visit to Hospital Sungai Bakap here. ( June 22, 2024 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: A new hospital will be built adjacent to the 130- year-old Hospital Sungai Bakap, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the Penang Health Department has identified a suitable site and it is in the process of applying for land ownership.
“We are now in the phase of securing funding. Having a new hospital building is vital as the population is growing in the south Seberang Perai district,” he said after visiting the hospital yesterday.
Dzulkefly said he was continuing the work laid out by his predecessor Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who had previously engaged in discussions with the state government on the matter.
“The ministry has always prioritised efforts to address issues of inadequate facilities, resource mismatches across various service levels, and unsustainable healthcare finan-cing,” he added.Dzulkefly said the building containing quarters at the hospital will be converted into the Sungai Bakap dental clinic, with upgrading work already underway since March 26 and scheduled for completion by Aug 26.
Currently, the dental clinic operates on the hospital’s second floor.
He said the new clinic premises will facilitate public access, especially for the elderly, pregnant women, and the disabled, adding that specialist dental services will also be expanded at the hospital.On the Sungai Bakap state by-election, Dzulkefly said hospital patients would have the opportunity to vote as long as they get the green light from their doctors.“For patients, it depends on the medical advice given by their doctors. The decision should be based on assessments by medical professionals,” he said.
On his visit to Hospital Sungai Bakap on nomination day, the Amanah vice-president said his visit should not be perceived as an “election gimmick”.
“The plan to visit the hospital was made a year ago before the date of the by-election was announced. It just so happens that this week, I am in Penang.
“I am merely fulfilling my responsibility as Health Minister. There is nothing I am offering except engaging with those from the Penang Health Department and Hospital Sungai Bakap,” he said.
