New Miri Hospital block to become fully operational in stages, all wards expected to be functional by Jan 2026

Lukanisman (left), Nanta (second left), and others touring the new Miri Hospital block on July 1, 2024.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, July 1: Miri Hospital’s new block is expected to become fully operational in stages, with all wards expected to be fully functional by January 2026, says Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

“We will take the time from July to December (this year) to fill the building (with equipment), and by January 2026, all wards will be functional,” said Lukanisman.

Lukanisman said this after witnessing the handing over ceremony of the hospital block to the Sarawak Health Department today.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved 1,719 new posts to meet the needs at the new Miri Hospital.

The new block adds 328 beds, bringing the total capacity to 677 beds.

The eight-storey building, which offers first-class health service treatment, also includes additional parking spaces for 900 cars and 300 motorcycles.

The construction project, managed by the Public Works Department’s Special Project Team 2 (PPK2), includes three main services: the Emergency and Trauma Department, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, and the Paediatric Department. The new building, known as Block B, complements the existing main building, which will be referred to as Block A.

The project began in 2020 with a contract cost of RM289.2 million and was implemented by design and construction. The contractor appointed for the project was Riaplus Sdn Bhd.

Utilising industrialised building system (IBS) technology, including Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, precast beams, and precast slabs, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

Also present at the event were Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Public Works director-general Roslan Ismail, Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah, and Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong. — DayakDaily