GEORGE TOWN, June 16 – The Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, specifically the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), for their approval and planning to upgrade health facilities in Penang. This announcement brings great news to the people of Penang, and the State Government is fully committed to providing cooperation in the successful implementation of these development projects.
During a media statement at Komtar, George Town, Chow highlighted the significance of this decision by the Federal Government. The planned upgrades to health facilities in Penang will play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure within the state. The aim is to optimize the existing facilities to accommodate increased workload, expand services, and ensure safety and comfort for patients and healthcare professionals.
Among the facilities of concern to the Ministry of Health are Sungai Bakap Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital, and Butterworth Health Clinic. Thorough studies will be conducted as part of the holistic development plan, considering the substantial financial implications associated with such projects. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also provided updates on ongoing and upcoming projects in Penang. The Emergency and Outpatient Department Upgrade Project at Balik Pulau Hospital has already been completed and handed over to the Ministry of Health in March 2023. Additionally, three other projects are expected to be completed in the near future.
These include the Seberang Jaya Hospital Block Multi-storey Construction Project, contributing 316 additional beds, the Tasek Mutiara City Health Clinic (Type 3), and the Air Putih Health Clinic (Type 3) and quarters. Furthermore, five projects are currently in the initial planning, procurement, and design development phase. These projects encompass the Penang Hospital Women and Children Complex, the Penang Hospital Specialist Block and Ward, the Penang Hospital Stem Cell Service New Block, the Mak Mandin Health Clinic (Type 3) along with approved quarters, and the upgrade projects at Butterworth Health Clinic, Penaga Health Clinic, and ILKKM Building in George Town, Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the Ministry of Health’s commitment to upgrading health and medical institutions across the country. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 5,184 projects were implemented, involving an allocation of RM898.4 million. The Ministry has been allocated RM204.2 million for the year 2023 to implement 979 projects aimed at upgrading and repairing health facilities throughout Malaysia. The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of these development projects for Penang and reiterated the State Government’s full support and cooperation to ensure their successful execution.
The upgrades will contribute to the improvement of healthcare services and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the people of Penang and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
