The Star

Wednesday, 27/04/2011

Govt hospitals to go 'green'

TEMERLOH: Government hospitals nationwide will turn to green technology to reduce their electricity bills which amount to thousands of ringgit per month for each hospital.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the move would not cost the Government anything as the 'greening exercise' would be conducted by the private sector.

He added that hospitals could save power by using energy-saving lighting and air-conditioner units.

"We are working out the rate of payment for companies that embark on the effort. The rate can be based on the amount of energy saved.

"Companies should propose the best possible ways to help the Government reduce electricity costs at hospitals,'' he told reporters after a visit to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Hospital (SASH) here yesterday.

Liow said the monthly electricity bill for SASH amounted to RM650,000.

On another matter, Liow said the ministry would increase the number of scholarships from 400 to 800 this year for medical officers who want to pursue their studies and specialise.

"There is a need to station more medical specialists at district hospitals as state hospitals have their hands full,'' he added.

Liow said the country has about 2,500 specialists and 30,000 doctors.

He also noted that more infectious diseases are being reported as the country progresses.

Among those who accompanied Liow were Temerloh MP and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, state health director Dr Nooraini Baba and SASH director Datuk Dr Bahari Datuk Tok Muda Awang Ngah.

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