THE new multi-storey block of Hospital Seberang Jaya officially began operations today, marking a major milestone in the healthcare development of the northern region.
Completed on April 12 this year, the RM486.2 million facility is being opened in phases and is set to significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity and services.
The project, which was approved under the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK10) in 2012, has been one of the most eagerly anticipated developments for residents in Seberang Jaya and its surrounding areas.
The new block adds 316 beds, six operating theatres, and seven types of multidisciplinary wards, including an intensive care unit (ICU) and a high dependency unit (HDU).
With this addition, Hospital Seberang Jaya now boasts a total of 729 beds and 11 operating theatres, cementing its role as a major referral hospital in the northern region.
Buletin Mutiara managed to interview a few Penangites today and below are their views:
Iswan Shafiq Isa, journalist:
“Firstly, I would like to thank the Federal Government for allocating funds for this much-awaited project. With the new block now operational, I hope the newly built parking facilities will be fully utilised.
“At the moment, I still see many people parking their vehicles outside, possibly unaware that ample parking is now available at the new block. This habit of parking along the roadside causes congestion, especially during peak hours.”
V. Sridaran, 74, retiree from Butterworth:
“I’m impressed with the modern medical equipment and facilities here. The new block is well-equipped, and the availability of parking is a big relief — no more parking far away and walking in like before.
“Thumbs up to the Federal Government for making this happen.”
Muhamad Zahar Khalid, 50, private sector employee:
“The facilities and accommodations here are very convenient for the public. This is my first time visiting the new block, and I find the staff to be extremely helpful and professional.”
Ilyas Che Wi, Public Works Department (JKR) technician:
“With the completion of the new block, I hope the long-standing issue of overcrowding at the hospital can finally be resolved.”
Nur Muhammad Aliff Shariff, 31, software engineer:
“I truly appreciate the Federal Government’s funding of this project. Now that there are enough parking lots, it’s much easier for patients and visitors to access the hospital.
“Previously, we had to park quite far away and walk a considerable distance just to get here.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis