SERI ISKANDAR: The newly constructed Hospital Seri Iskandar (HSI) will open to the public on Dec 11, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the hospital, built at a cost of RM153.18 million on a 26.78-hectare site, will enhance healthcare services in the Perak Tengah district and surrounding areas.
He said the project was completed within three years, without any delays, setting a benchmark for future healthcare facility projects.
"This success demonstrates that with effective collaboration, healthcare facilities can be completed on time and within budget.
"HSI is designed to improve access to higher-quality healthcare, continuing the role of Hospital Changkat Melintang as a non-lead hospital, with specialist services from Hospital Seri Manjung, the lead hospital," he said in his speech at the handover of the HSI projects and additional blocks of Hospital Seri Manjung today.
The hospital's opening will create 516 new positions, including medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses, and other service staff.
Dzulkefly also said that the ministry planned to increase specialist visits across all medical fields, balancing the service demands between HSI and Hospital Seri Manjung to ensure continuity of care.
He said the potential development of Hospital Changkat Melintang into a hemodialysis centre would serve patients in nearby areas.
Confirming the completion of the RM75 million expansion at Hospital Seri Manjung, he said it would include two new buildings: a four-story facility with various services and a single-story psychiatric ward.
Dzulkefly said the new psychiatric ward would help reduce patient referrals to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, and the expansion is expected to begin operations on Jan 13, 2025.
"This development will help Hospital Seri Manjung meet the healthcare needs of some 250,000 residents in the Manjung area and alleviate congestion at major hospitals like Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun and Hospital Teluk Intan," he added.