Electrical wiring system of 50 hospitals to be upgraded
SEGAMAT: The Ministry of Health will upgrade the electrical wiring system of 50 government hospitals at a cost of between RM500 million to RM600 million.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said priority for the upgrading work would be given to hospitals of over 50 years old, which would be done in stages.
“We have also identified hospitals that are over 30 years old which needed their electrical wiring system upgraded to ensure the safety of the buildings.
“We have also discussed with the prime minister for additional provisions and hope the upgrading works can be expedited,” he told reporters after inspecting the aftermath of a small fire at Segamat Hospital yesterday here yesterday.
Also present were Johor Health director Dr Rooshaimi Merican A Rahim Merican, Segamat Hospital director Dr Mohtar Ahmad and Bandar Putra Fire and Rescue Station head Mohd Aizat Mamat.
Among old hospitals involved are those that are over 100 year old, namely Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), Johor; Batu Gajah Hospital, Perak; Kuala Lumpur Hospital; Balik Pulau Hospital, Penang and Penang Hospital.
Meanwhile Dr Subramaniam said the minor fire that occurred at the storeroom of a ward in Segamat Hospital yesterday might not be due to human negligence.
Dr Subramaniam, who is also Segamat MP, however said his ministry was awaiting the investigation report for a concrete answer.
The fire destroyed 10 per cent of the hospital’s storeroom in the linen room in Ward 3 causing 45 patients from Ward 3 and 16 patients from Ward 4 to be evacuated as a safety measure. — Bernama