PLANS are underway to upgrade Bukit Mertajam Hospital to better serve the growing healthcare needs of the community.
Minister of Human Resources and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim said discussions are ongoing between the state government, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the hospital management to address long-standing concerns such as insufficient parking, congested patient waiting areas, and ageing infrastructure.
“As part of the effort, the state government has agreed to allocate the land of the abandoned Bukit Mertajam Rest House for the hospital’s expansion.
“The site, which is located near the existing hospital, will allow for a new building with extended wings and blocks,” Sim said told reporters during a press conference at the hospital in Bukit Mertajam today.
Currently, Bukit Mertajam Hospital has more than 200 beds. With the proposed development, the capacity is expected to double, offering better facilities and services to residents.
Sim added that the MoH is now reviewing the design, costing, and other technical details of the project.
“I will be meeting Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad soon to further discuss this proposal.
I will also appeal to him to expedite the process so that the people of Bukit Mertajam and the surrounding areas can enjoy improved healthcare facilities without delay,” he said.
The proposed project is expected to utilise at least eight acres of the rest house site for construction.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi