SRI AMAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a RM200 million new hospital for Sri Aman, which will start construction this year.

Najib, who was in Sri Aman together with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, made the announcement at a press conference here after touring the current hospital.

“In line with the 1Malaysia’s slogan ‘People First, Performance Now’ and after being informed of the troubles faced by the people of  Sri Aman, I am glad to announce a new RM200 million hospital that can accommodate 108 beds, which will start construction  this  year,” said Najib.

According to Najib, the new site of the hospital has been identified and ground works will be done first as half the site is on swampy land,  before   foundation  and building can be constructed.

Najib also announced an immediate placement of at least one or two specialists at the current hospital.

“At present, patients with serious cases  at  this hospital are referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching, which takes about three to four hours journey.

“Therefore, the Health Ministry will place at  least one or two specialists to tackle this problem,” said the prime minister.

The current Sri Aman Hospital was build in 1959 and has six doctors currently treating patients.

Najib earlier toured the hospital and spent 10 minutes visiting and handing out gifts to patients at several wards, before heading to the town bus terminal where around 1,000 residents of Sri Aman gathered for his arrival.

He made a quick speech, announcing the new hospital, which received a loud applause by everyone before thanking the people for their support.

Urging the people to believe and trust in Barisan Nasional’s capability, Najib reminded the people to vote for BN as people were given priority in every matter.

Also present were Simanggang incumbent Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Lingga incumbent Simoi Peri.