Materia Medica Malaysiana

New hospital closed after fungus found on walls

JOHOR BARU: The Pandan Specialist Hospital near here has been temporarily closed after fungus was found on the walls and in some of the clinical equipment.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the RM500mil hospital, barely two months in operation, would be closed immediately.

The decision to close the hospital was made by a special committee comprising representatives from the Health Ministry, Public Works Department and scientists from Universiti Malaya, he said on Saturday.

He said the fungus, caused by high humidity inside the building, had been detected on the day the hospital was opened to the public.

“At first, the authorities thought it was a minor problem and they could overcome it without having to postpone the opening.

“But after about two months, the fungus had spread beyond control and the problem needed immediate attention,” he said after launching a lantern festival in Kulai on Saturday.

Dr Chua said initial investigation showed that the high humidity was caused by inefficiency of the hospital’s air-conditioning system.

There were two other serious defects at the hospital which also needed immediate attention, he said.

“The oxygen piping and the sewerage system are also posing problems,” he said, adding that many of the hospital’s equipments did not meet the specifications set by the ministry.

“These problems are serious and we are not taking any risks. We are of the opinion that it is best to close the hospital so that we can carry out remedial work without obstruction,” he said.

Dr Chua said the hospital’s contractor would carry out remedial works, which were expected to complete within three to six months.