‘Sick’ hospital ready to serve

NST : After a long wait and a RM11.5 million bill for decontamination work, the Sultan Ismail Specialist Hospital in Pandan, Johor, is ready to re-open.
The 740-bed hospital, built at a cost of RM557.8 million, began operations in July 2004 with the opening of the outpatient department and the haemodialysis centre.
Two months later, it was closed because of fungal infection.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the hospital was now safe.
"The hospital’s indoor environment microbial activities are under control," he told the New Sunday Times.
Only three floors of the hospital would initially be opened.
Members of the Public Audit Committee visited the hospital in December last year and were satisfied with the decontamination work done by Germguard Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd.
Samy Vellu said the treated surfaces would not have microbial growth, mould and mildew odours provided they were maintained in a reasonably clean condition.
The work by Germguard Technologies, carried out between April 15 and July 30 last year, comes with a two-year warranty.
Samy Vellu said the company handed the hospital to the Public Works Department on Aug 14 last year.
The Health Ministry took possession of the hospital on Jan 15.
Although there are indications that the hospital would re-open soon, the date has yet to be announced.
Samy Vellu said a maintenance programme, which started on Aug 15 last year, would continue until Aug 14 next year.
He said the relative humidity and temperature in air-conditioned spaces in the hospital would be monitored 24 hours a day and monthly reports would be submitted to the PWD.
The Sultan Ismail Specialist Hospital is the second largest hospital in Johor after the Sultanah Aminah Hospital.