SIMANGGANG: After a delay of many years, the construction of a new hospital here will be completed and local folk will finally be able to enjoy quality healthcare.

       The people are relieved to know that in the next few months, they would not have to endure a three-hour journey to the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching – some 200km away – for specialist treatment.Simanggang resident Harold Lo said it was arduous trip along the Pan Borneo Highway to Kuching to accompany his mother-in-law for her specialist appointments.

       “It takes about three-hours each trip and it is time consuming. I’m very happy the new hospital will be completed soon,” said the 35-year-old businessman.

       Retiree Mahdar Bakar was pleased with this development, adding that it could not come at a better time as his wife has been unwell.

       “The old hospital was built in 1959 and there are not enough amenities. With the new hospital opening soon I need not think about the long drive to Kuching anymore.

       “It is good that we don’t have to see another election for the hospital to be completed,” he quipped.

       Another retiree, who only wanted to be known as Chan, was also grateful that the new hospital will soon be completed.

       “Thank God for this. I’m simply too old to keep driving down to Kuching for three hours,” he said.

       Services to be offered at the new hospital include general surgery, orthopedics, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, psychiatry, rehabilitation (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), pathology level II, blood transfusion and emergency services.

       It will also have six labour wards, women’s ward, children’s ward, men’s ward, intensive care units, among others.

       The proposal to construct a new hospital here was approved in 2007 but construction only began in 2016.

       The new hospital, when it commences operations next year, will also benefit locals in surrounding areas such as Betong, Engkelili, Mantu and Lingga.