Materia Medica Malaysiana

Forensic Ward An Example Of Govt's Social Responsility, Says Sultan

IPOH, May 16 (Bernama) -- Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak, Monday said the building of a new forensic ward at the Hospital Bahagia in Ulu Kinta near here was another example of the government's social responsibility.
He said the government's concern for those who suffered mental illnesses resulted in the ward being built for their care and rehabilitation.
"Coupled with caring doctors and support staff I am sure patients will get the best service available," he said when opening the ward, Monday.
Also present were the Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad.
Building of the forensic ward, which cost RM10.7, nillion began in 2002 and was completed in April last year. Forensic wards are meant for people suspected by the courts to be suffering from mental illnesses and are sent there under Section 342 of the Penal Code to be observed and the findings reported back.
People are also sent there for crimes committed because of insanity. Prisoners and drug rehabilitation centre inmates found to be suffering from mental illness are als0 transferred to forensic wards. There are currently 234 male and 19 female patients at the ward.