Private hospital set to open in Teluk Intan by 2013

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THE setting up of a new hospital is a clear indication that a particular town is growing.

Come 2013, folks in Teluk Intan would no longer need to travel some two hours to Ipoh to seek medical treatment at a private hospital.

Instead, private healthcare would be right at their doorstep with the district’s first private hospital, Anson Bay Medical Centre, opening its door to serve the public in the first quarter of 2013.

It’s official: Liow (second left) releasing balloons to mark the ground-breaking ceremony for the Anson Bay Medical Centre in Teluk Intan. With him is Perak Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (left).

Healthlink Service Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Goh Boon Kwai said it was a norm for Teluk Intan folk to travel to Ipoh seeking private healthcare services.

“We had taken into consideration the distance between both districts when setting up the hospital.

“In cases of emergency, the travelling time and distance can make a difference between life and death,” he said, adding that construction on the RM50mil hospital had started in September.

On Nov 24, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the hospital.

It will offer services such as obstetrics, paediatrics, radiology, cosmetic surgery and dermatology.

Dr Goh said the hospital would have about 10 specialists and equipped with modern medical facilities to cater to the needs of its patients.

“We have also obtained an approval to set up 100 beds.

“However, we will begin operations with 50 beds initially and add on the remaining number of beds in stages within a five-year time frame,” he said.

Dr Goh added that a team of specialist consultants had started training its nurses and other medical staff.

“We hope to have them ready at least six months before the hospital is fully operational,” he added.

Insurance agent Kok Yon Yin, 55, said the hospital would be a great advantage to the town’s people.

“I know of many of my customers who travel to Ipoh to seek treatment.

“It is especially troublesome when there is an emergency and medical attention is needed right away,” he said.

Office worker Alice Yong said the hospital would not only serve Teluk Intan folk but also people living in nearby areas including Bagan Datoh, Coldstream, Bidor and Hutan Melintang.