PENDANG: Whenever her son is away at work, Azizah Ahmad, 66, from Bukit Jenun here, has to travel 34km by herself to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star for her health check-up.
Today, the retired janitor finally heaved a sigh of relief as Pendang Hospital (HoPe) opened its door to local folk, after a delay of nearly two decades.
"Alhamdulillah, I'm so happy that the hospital has finally started operations.
"It has made my life so much easier. I'm also honoured to be the first patient here, what a pleasant experience," Azizah said after completing her routine check-up.
She rode her motorcycle for 30 minutes to reach the hospital, compared with travelling more than an hour to Alor Star.
"I will come back for another appointment next week. It is such a blessing as the hospital is closer to home," she said.
Her joy was shared by another Pendang resident, Ahmad Zaki Abd Rahman, 46, who brought his sons, Aiman Akil, 6, and Amsyar Afiq, 9, to the hospital for mild fever.
"Our home is 10 minutes from here, so it is a lot easier compared with having to drive all the way to Alor Star to seek medical treatment.
"I'm glad the government has paid attention to the people here by finally completing the project," said the civil servant.
State Health and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman expressed his best wishes to the staff members of Pendang Hospital in providing quality healthcare services to the people in the district.
"Alhamdulillah, I'm proud to announce that this hospital is now operational.
"All the best to all the staff members of HoPe in their services to the people of Pendang," Dr Hayati, who is Tokai assemblyman, said after visiting the hospital.
Pendang residents have had to travel to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star or 46km away to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani to get medical treatment or undergo surgeries.
Pendang Hospital's construction, which cost RM255.27 million, was completed in October and it is now operational as a minor specialist hospital.
The four-storey hospital, equipped with 126 beds and four operation theatres, is offering services in emergency, general treatment, general surgery, orthopaedic, anaesthesiology, radiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, pathology, paediatric and psychiatry.