Seven-decade old Queen Elizabeth Hospital hopes to get 400-bed comprehensive clinical block, says Sabah DCM

KOTA KINABALU: The seven-decade Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) here is set to receive a new 400-bed comprehensive clinical building to enhance its capacity and services, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister. 

Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the additional block is aimed at addressing longstanding issues at the hospital, particularly overcrowding and inadequate facilities.

“The state government will work closely with the Sabah Health Department and request the Federal Government to prioritise the need for a new building for Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

“As a referral hospital for the whole state and beyond,including Labuan and parts of northern Sarawak such as Lawas, we need better services and upgraded facilities. 

"Manpower will also be upgraded as part of the project,” he told the media after visiting most of the areas in the seven-decade old hospital. 

Present were Sabah Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Mojungki and Queen Elizabeth hospital director Datuk Dr Abd Kahar Abd Asis. 

The proposed development would cover a full range of clinical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, a new emergency department, specialist clinics and surgical facilities.

He added that the new building is under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), with hopes it will be included in the later rolling plans or under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

During the visit, the entourage was briefed by the traffic congestion within the hospital compound, but also congestion involving patients inside the hospital, as well as shortages in equipment and facilities. 

On infrastructure concerns, Joachim said traffic congestion around the hospital is also being addressed, with a proposal for a one-way traffic system currently under study.

He has tasked the Public Works Department (JKR) to produce a report within a month to plan the next steps.