PENANG's main public hospital is now undergoing two major upgrades to cope with the rising demand for healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic.
There is now a growing demand for affordable healthcare as the public are now more health-conscious.
State executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who oversees the portfolio of health, youth and sports, said the upgrades are now focused on constructing a new block for specialists, and a new block near the Polo Ground for paediatrics and gynaecology.
"I think many people are aware of the upgrades. It is a testament to the realisation that there is need to constantly look at improving our healthcare."
Gooi said this after visiting the children oncology ward with the ASP Medical Group.
Among those present were the ASP chief executive officer Datuk Dr Tan Meng Lee and the group's president Dr Doreen Yeap.
Gooi presented toys to the children at the ward in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Alongside the main annex building of Penang Hospital, is the plan to construct a 14 - storey building to house the specialist clinics and other supporting facilities.
Across the main hospital, is the new building which caters for paediatrics and gynaecology - both upgrades are listed under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Gooi spoke about the need for the people to place importance on general wellness with the notion that prevention is better than cure.
"It is the most effective tool rather than building new healthcare facilities. We need to place the importance on becoming responsible for one's own health."
Gooi said that it is pointless to increase the hospital beds if the people are not practising good wellness habits and eating right.
"A healthy lifestyle is only successful if there is a huge buy in from the people." - February 20, 2025.
