By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 4 November 2026
Penang General Hospital (Hospital Pulau Pinang) will get two new buildings to ease overcrowding: a Women and Children’s block due in 2027 and a Specialist Clinic and Ward block due in 2029. State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen gave the timeline at the state assembly on 4 November 2026, in reply to Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung.
The two new buildings
| Building | Expected completion | Details reported in May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Women and Children’s block | 2027 | RM307 million; 8-storey hospital building with 329 beds, plus a 12-storey car park |
| Specialist Clinic and Ward block | 2029 | RM428 million; 14-storey building with 216 beds and 500 parking bays |
The cost, bed and floor figures were given by Gooi in May 2025, when the Women and Children’s block was targeted for completion in January 2026. The latest reply puts it at 2027. Both projects are funded by the federal government.
Why the hospital needs them
The hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Department sees about 300 cases a day, according to Oriental Daily, and it is also the referral centre for the northern region. Gooi said overcrowding comes partly from a shortage of ward beds. Up to July 2026, most emergency cases were not critical:
| Triage zone | 2025 | 2026 (to July) |
|---|---|---|
| Red (critical) | 6.79% | 7.14% |
| Yellow (semi-critical) | 18.92% | 19.81% |
| Green | 40.13% | 40.06% |
| Non-emergency | 34.16% | 32.99% |
Other steps include longer opening hours at some government health clinics, an open bed policy, more multidisciplinary wards and a discharge lounge to free beds earlier in the day.
What it means for George Town residents
More beds and specialist clinics at the state’s main public hospital will help families across Penang, especially in central George Town. Easy access to healthcare is one of the things many buyers, especially families and retirees, check when choosing a home.
Projects in central George Town:
| Project | Location | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott @ Logan | Logan Road | RM496,800–RM1,664,800 | 2028 |
| Lumina Residence | Pykett Avenue | RM1,256,000–RM1,307,000 | 2027 |
| Green City Residence | Macalister Road | RM1,529,398–RM2,706,050 | Completed |
| G’Vinton | Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah | RM560,500–RM1,931,000 | 2028 |
See more on the George Town area page.
Frequently asked questions
What new buildings is Penang General Hospital getting?
A Women and Children’s block and a Specialist Clinic and Ward block.
When will they be completed?
The Women and Children’s block in 2027 and the Specialist Clinic and Ward block in 2029.
How many beds will they add?
In May 2025, the state said 329 beds for the Women and Children’s block and 216 for the Specialist Clinic and Ward block.
Looking for a home in George Town?
I can send the latest price lists for projects in central George Town. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Malay Mail: Penang Hospital to complete new blocks in 2027 and 2029 to tackle overcrowding
- Oriental Daily: 槟中央医院急诊室长期拥挤 轻症及非急症占73%
- Malay Mail (May 2025): Penang Hospital’s RM758m development projects progressing as planned
This article is general information based on state assembly replies and published reports as of 4 November 2026. Timelines may change. Project prices are indicative and depend on availability.