PENANG Hospital is set to undergo a significant expansion with the construction of a 14-storey building aimed at enhancing healthcare services. The new building will feature a multi-level parking facility (levels 2 to 7), specialist clinics (levels 1 to 11), and patient wards (levels 12 to 14).
Following the announcement, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen visited the hospital on Feb 19 to review the progress of the project.
In response, Buletin Mutiara conducted street polls to gauge public feedback regarding the initiative.
Retail seller Hidayah, 29, praised the move, calling it a necessary step to meet the increasing patient load at Penang Hospital.
“As the state’s main hospital, it makes sense to expand with more wards and staff.
“Finding parking is a challenge, and a vertical hospital design will make access easier, especially for families with dependents. Hopefully, this upgrade will bring greater convenience to the community,” she said.
Similarly, Ita, 39, a housewife from Perak who regularly brings her child for orthopaedic check-ups, expressed strong support for the project.
“Penang Hospital is one of the most well-equipped hospitals in Malaysia, attracting patients from all across the country.
“With rising demand, adding more public parking and hospital capacity is essential. Currently, most parking spaces are reserved for staff.
“There should be more public parking. A vertical hospital layout will definitely make things more convenient,” she said.
Meanwhile, retired Ustaz Abdul Aziz, 66, from Kuala Nerang, Kedah, highlighted the ongoing parking woes at Penang Hospital.
“Finding a parking lot, even for motorcycles, can take up to an hour. Many of us have to wake up early just to secure a spot.
“Despite the crowd, the service here is good and fast, with all the counters operating at full capacity. However, the priority should be resolving the parking issue,” he stressed.
Bayan Lepas car washer Woo Jia Heng, 29, who frequently brings his mother for cardiology check-ups, echoed similar concerns.
“Sometimes, I’m forced to park wherever I can find space, even if it’s not a proper spot. Thus, a vertical hospital will certainly improve access for everyone.
“It’s good to see that there are plans for affordable housing in Penang, but hospital expansion might fall under Federal government jurisdiction. Regardless, more parking is definitely needed, and I’m excited about the future expansion,” he said.
For H.K. Teh, 69, a retired salesman and cardiology patient, long waiting times for specialist treatments remain a pressing issue.
“I had to wait six months just to get a cardiac MRI. Rising medical insurance costs are pushing more people to government hospitals, increasing demands for services.
Teh also pointed out that Penang’s land scarcity makes hospital expansion difficult, but he welcomed the government’s efforts to improve the facility.
“It’s great that Penang Hospital is upgrading, but I hope the hospitality here will improve alongside the expansion.
“A new cafeteria with diverse food options, including separate halal and non-halal sections, would be beneficial. Additionally, more efforts should be made to help the elderly navigate MySejahtera for medical appointments, as healthcare becomes increasingly digitalised,” he suggested.
Some pictures taken:-
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Law Suun Ting