Sultan Ismail Hospital Is Safe For Use, Says Health Minister

JOHOR BAHARU, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- The Sultan Ismail Hospital in Pandan near here, which was closed in September 2004 due to a fungus attack, began operation in stages Thursday.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the hospital was in satisfactory condition and had begun operations with the opening of the first phase involving the out-patient service, haemodialysis clinic and specialist clinic.
"Almost 82 per cent of the defects, including the fungus attack, had been rectified by the appointed contractor who gave a three-year guarantee," he told reporters after visiting the hospital Friday.
Present was Johor Acting Health Director Dr Daud Abdul Rahim and the hospital director, Dr Mohamad A. Majid.
Dr Chua said the remaining 18 per cent involved minor defects which could be repaired in three months.
He said the hospital's Emergency Unit, Operating Theatres, Intensive Care Unit, Intensive Coronary Care Unit and Catering Division would be fully operational end of the year.
Shortage of staff, especially specialists and medical officers, was the main reason for the hospital opening in stages, he said.
"Of the 124 posts for professionals, only 18 have been filled and the problem is expected to be solved by October."
He assured the public that the hospital, which specialises in radiotherapy and oncology treatment and plans to be made a centre for cancer treatment for the southern region under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, was safe for use.