Bukit Mertajam:Bukit Mertajam Hospital, a historic government healthcare institution, marked its 136th anniversary, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing healthcare services for residents of Seberang Perai Tengah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the hospital, established on October 1, 1890, began with 52 beds and four wards and has evolved into a minor specialist hospital with 242 beds. It now serves hundreds of thousands of patients annually.

Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted the hospital's historical significance and its vital role in community healthcare, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the importance of upgrading the hospital's infrastructure due to the increasing number of patients with chronic illnesses, while maintaining its original location.

Sim, also the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, pledged to collaborate with the Health Ministry and Penang government to ensure the hospital's expansion, modernization of equipment, and acquisition of additional land. Nearly RM10 million has been allocated for these developments over the past five years, including RM3.5 million from the Federal Government this year.

Hospital director Dr. S. Prashant was also present at the anniversary's charity gala dinner, underscoring the collaborative efforts to address infrastructure challenges and improve patient and healthcare worker conditions.