THE Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) upgrading project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, says Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
According to Gooi, he is hopeful that the upgrading project will progress smoothly and be completed on schedule because of the steadfast commitment of the Federal government.
“It is important to address the congestion problem at the Seberang Jaya Hospital that has been going on for quite some time.
“The state government is committed to ensuring that such projects will be a success in delivering better healthcare services to the public.
“On behalf of the Penang government, I also would like to express our sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the announcement and approval of RM1 million in support of the hospital,” Gooi told Buletin Mutiara when contacted today.
The Seberang Jaya Hospital upgrading project, which began in 2016, cost around RM500 million. It is to enhance bed facilities, the intensive care unit, and parking spaces.
Previously, Anwar also announced an RM1 million allocation for the purchase of ventilator machines, water tanks, ultrasound equipment, and a lactation room at the hospital.
Ilyas Che Wi, who works as a Public Works Department (JKR) technician, expressed the hope that when the upgrading project is completed, it will reduce the overcrowding issue at the hospital.
“I was told that the upgrading project involves the construction of a new multi-storey building with modern facilities, and some of the existing hospital services will be relocated there.
“This is good news to reduce long queues at the hospital,” he said.
Nur Muhammad Aliff Shariff, 31, a software engineer, commends the Federal Government for allocating the necessary funds for the hospital upgrading project.
“I also hope that upon completion, there will be an adequate number of parking lots for vehicles. This would make it easier for patients to access the hospital for treatment. Previously, we had to park our vehicles outside and walk a considerable distance to reach the hospital, he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar