Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, announced that the construction of Central Bengkulu Hospital in Bengkulu province is expected to be completed by December 2025.

"Today, we officially launched the development of Central Bengkulu Hospital. With adequate facilities, we hope that healthcare services in this area will become more affordable and accessible, reducing the need for patient referrals to other regions," he stated on Wednesday.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital was held on the same day, marking the start of the project jointly initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Central Bengkulu district government.

The hospital is expected to enhance healthcare access, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for medical treatment.

Deputy Minister Harbuwono led the groundbreaking event, which received full support from the Bengkulu provincial government.

According to Harbuwono, the Ministry of Health has allocated a budget of Rp150 billion (approximately US$9.1 million) for the hospital's infrastructure development.

Additionally, Rp20 billion (around US$1.1 million) has been set aside for the procurement of medical equipment, including MRI and CT scan machines, as well as other essential facilities.

Furthermore, the hospital will be staffed with highly qualified healthcare professionals, including specialist doctors and medical personnel, to ensure the provision of top-quality services to the community.

Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan expressed his appreciation for the ministry’s support in developing the hospital, emphasizing the facility’s potential to improve healthcare services in the region.

"God willing, this hospital will be a source of pride for the people of Central Bengkulu. However, we hope it will not always be full. It is important for us to maintain our health so that we do not need medical treatment. Hopefully, we will all remain healthy," he remarked.

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Translator: Boyke, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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