JOHOR BARU: Three new operating theatres will be built at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) before upgrades to its existing 12 operating theatres can begin, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The Economy Minister said mechanical and electrical upgrades are currently being carried out at the century-old hospital, including works involving the operating theatres.
“Initially, the plan was to conduct the upgrades in phases by temporarily closing some of the existing 12 operating theatres, but after several test runs, we found that this was not possible due to technical issues.
“We cannot close only a portion of the operating theatres as there is a risk. We have to close them entirely to make way for the upgrades,” he said during his working visit to the hospital on Friday (Aug 7).
He added that three new operating theatres would be constructed soon so surgeries could be moved there to make way for the upgrades.
He said that after the upgrades are completed, the three new operating theatres would continue functioning, bringing the total number of operating theatres to 15.
Asked about the timeline for the construction of the new operating theatres, Akmal Nasrullah said the relevant agencies would determine the best way forward after examining the governance and processes involved.
He said the mechanical and electrical upgrades were among the seven development and upgrading projects worth RM1.139bil currently being carried out at the hospital.
Other projects include the construction of an Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) and specialist clinics complex, as well as the upgrading of elevators, medical gas systems and pathological laboratory facilities.
He added that the ACC project, which includes a multi-storey car park, is expected to begin after the letter of appointment is issued in February next year.
