Perak Prioritises Upgrading Of Ageing Hospitals Under 13MP

IPOH,  Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The Perak Health Department (JKN) is prioritising the upgrading and refurbishment of ageing hospitals across the state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Perak Health Director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said priority would be given to upgrading existing facilities, particularly those that had deteriorated and were no longer suitable for staff and patients.

“Our current focus in Perak is primarily on upgrading and conserving ageing facilities. Malaysia’s oldest hospital is located in Taiping, Perak, so many of these facilities require ongoing repairs.

“These repair projects have been included under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and future planning, as we have also drafted a specific blueprint for this purpose,” he told reporters after officiating the MMA National Convention and Scientific Congress 2016 here today.

The convention, which began today and runs until Friday (Sept 12), brings together about 1,000 participants, including private medical practitioners, healthcare industry leaders and dignitaries from Malaysia and abroad.

The convention’s main objective is to discuss challenges facing the healthcare workforce in ensuring the sustainability of the national healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Dr Feisul said multi-level parking facilities at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB), Taiping Hospital and Seri Manjung Hospital are expected to be fully operational by early next year to address parking shortages at the three hospitals.

He said discussions were currently underway with a private company to establish the facilities.

“The reason we are implementing these multi-level parking facilities is that space is quite limited at all three hospitals. Therefore, the facilities will help alleviate parking congestion frequently faced by patients and visitors,” he said.

-- BERNAMA