Hospital’s operating theatre out of action for 5 years

KUALA LUMPUR: The Auditor General’s 2017 Report revealed that for five years, the Alor Gajah Hospital’s operating theatre could not be used.

The report said this was because of the noise level that was not in accordance with soundproofing standards, as well as repeated breakdowns of the airconditioning and building-monitoring systems.

The hospital was completed on June 14, 2012. The operating theatre could not be used since Feb 18, 2013 to Sept 18 last year.

Although the hospital project complied with regulations in terms of acquisitions, documentation and insurance, there were weaknesses in its contract, which affected the project management’s effectiveness.

The audit highlighted nine points that required the Works and Health Ministries’ attention. These included the hospital’s failure to provide its final financial statement, as well as failure to implement preventive maintenance.

The audit carried out between November 2016 and July last year revealed that 29 surgical and rehabilitation equipment worth RM1.58 million at the hospital had not been used.

To overcome the weaknesses and prevent recurrences in other projects, the department had recommended that the Works Ministry cooperate with the Health Ministry to take action.

“The first step involves blacklisting contractors and owners of companies appointed to carry out projects, and present a report on their failure.

“Secondly, there has to be a revision of the project directors’ jurisdiction in terms of design and construction, as the contractor had failed to fulfil the contract’s obligations.

“Thirdly, the appointment of a third-party contractor must be done quickly.

A time frame must be fixed for the repair to be completed, with close monitoring,” read the report.

Auditors recommended that the two ministries ensure that designs and plans were discussed and agreed upon at the early stage by the agency in charge and contractors.

“An internal investigation committee must be established to probe into reasons behind the defects and unused equipment. If any negligence is discovered, action must be taken.”

An internal investigation committee must be established to probe into reasons behind the defects and unused equipment. If any negligence is discovered, action must be taken.