Tiong seeks govt hospital, private medical centre built next to each other in Bintulu
BINTULU: Bintulu incumbent Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is looking into the possibility of a cooperation with the private sector such as Hospital Universiti Malaya to have a government hospital and a private medical centre built next to each other.
“We are currently conducting preliminary research to find suitable land and locations to build a hospital with the aim of reducing congestion in the existing hospital and clinic, especially when waiting for treatment,” he said.
However, the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president said due to the location of the existing hospital, the authorities cannot build more parking spaces.
Tiong said the parking lot problem at Bintulu Hospital has not yet been resolved because there is a problem with the water reservoir above the hospital.
He had discussed with the contractor before whether it needed to be demolished or rebuilt, as the reservoir was cracked and the demolition process would have to be done sooner or later.
“But let’s not wait until a big crack occurs to deal with it,” he said.
Tiong said in order to provide sufficient parking space, he had proposed to build a car park under the multi-storey building, while the addition of the ward could be built on top of the car park.
However, he said it was important that after the upgrading of the government hospital, it would not lead to an increase in medical expenses.
“After examining the messages posted on Facebook Live, I found that many people have misunderstood by thinking that Bintulu wants to establish a private hospital. For me there is no need for now.
“I cannot stop any party from building a private hospital in Bintulu, but what is important is to ensure that the government hospital charges should be cheap and of good quality,” he said.
He added no matter how many private hospitals are established, the middle- and lower-income groups would not be able to afford it and this would make the medical system fail to cover all communities.
“I will do my best to upgrade Bintulu Hospital so that the hospital can provide the best service to the people.
“At the same time, I will also work to upgrade various hospital equipment. This is what I want to do for Bintulu Hospital and the people of Bintulu,” he said.