KUCHING: The Petra Jaya Hospital when fully operational in 2025 will improve the issue of congestion and overcrowding at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that nevertheless a development plan is still needed for the SGH.
“The development plan not only comprises the facilities, but also healthcare services.
“The Petra Jaya Hospital is progressing well under the rescue contractor, and the construction progress of the second largest hospital in Sarawak is ahead of its original schedule.
“This hospital will be fully completed on November 25 next year, but there will be several processes that need to be carried out, such as the handing over of the project, and the equipment installation phase before it can fully operate,” he said.
He made these remarks during a recent exclusive interview with the New Sarawak Tribune here.
The Petra Jaya Hospital began its construction in May 2013 and was originally scheduled to be completed in November 2016.
However, its completion was delayed due to the previous contractor’s failure to complete the project according to the schedule.
The project was retendered in 2020 after being categorised as a sick project, and Blackfox Engineering Sdn Bhd was appointed as the new contractor at a cost of RM410,300,000.
Lukanisman pointed out that the construction of hospitals and clinics is very complex in comparison to other types of buildings such as residential or commercial areas.
Referring to the health clinic (KK) project in Tabuan Jaya, he said it is progressing well and the contractor appointed has prior experience from previous projects in Sri Aman.
“We introduced this contractor to the Public Works Department (PWD) because we know they can deliver. Contractors who wish to undertake projects for the Ministry of Health (MOH) must attend certification courses and examinations to specialize in the ministry’s facilities.
“This is why we need to be cautious in Sarawak because we understand that when PWD handles such projects, progress may be slow, and we need certified contractors to assist. It is similar to premium projects because we will face problems if they are not implemented properly,” he said.
