The RM371 million Seberang Jaya Hospital block brings specialist services closer to residents, part of wider health infrastructure upgrades for Penang.
BUTTERWORTH: The completion of the new Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) building reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the RM371 million facility underscores this dedication for Seberang Perai and Penang residents.
HSJ serves as the main referral hospital for the Seberang Perai cluster, covering Bukit Mertajam, Kepala Batas and Sungai Bakap Hospitals.
The new nine-storey block began operations on May 5 last year and features 316 beds, increasing the hospital’s total capacity to 729.
It is equipped with six operating theatres, seven Intensive Care Unit beds and a 16-bed paediatric cardiac rehabilitation ward.
“The new building expands treatment space and supports a more efficient patient service flow,” Dzulkefly said.
He added it provides a safer and more conducive working environment for hospital staff.
“Residents no longer have to cross the bridge to Penang Hospital for specialist treatment.”
“This facility brings specialist services closer to the community,” he said at the launch ceremony.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening, attended by state and federal leaders.
Dzulkefly said the Ministry of Health received RM191.8 million in development funds for Penang this year.
RM16.6 million is allocated to upgrade health facilities, while RM9.3 million is for repairing dilapidated clinics.
Anwar also approved allocations for an initial study to construct an additional building at Kepala Batas Hospital.
The ministry is discussing with the state government to acquire land next to Sungai Bakap Hospital for its redevelopment.
Redevelopment plans for Bukit Mertajam Hospital are also currently under review.
Dzulkefly said approved projects like the Bandar Tasek Mutiara Health Clinic are slated for completion this year.
The Mak Mandin Health Clinic began construction in September 2025 and is expected to finish in September 2028.
The design process for the Bayan Lepas Health Clinic has been expedited to start the tender process immediately.
Under Budget 2026, Anwar approved the Kubang Semang Health Clinic and Seberang Perai Tengah Integrated Health Complex.
The total cost for these two new facilities is RM94.6 million.
