When a person goes to a hospital, he or she expects to be treated and to leave the place in a healthier state. The last thing a patient should be concerned about is the roof caving in.

But that is the situation in Serdang Hospital, where on rainy days, both patients and staff, keep gazing at the ceilings with dread.

NONESpeaking to Malaysiakini, Vimala Singram (right), said her brother who has been admitted in the hospital for dengue since last month, has been afraid of such a mishap happening.

“My brother is very worried, especially when it rains. First they said it was new building, and that was why the roof collapsed. But it has happened so many times,” Viimala, 50, said.

Since the first incident on Jan 30, 2011, there have been seven such cases, four of which took place this year.

She then revealed how she witnessed one of the incidents in 2011.

“It was near the registration counter, where the glass ceiling collapsed. Luckily, it happened after 5pm (when there were less people around),” she said.

Another visitor, who wanted to be identified only as Rani, also expressed concern over the situation.

“My niece told me about the recent incident. I was shocked. But we have to come here again to see the doctor. What can we do?

“I am afraid, but we have no choice but to come here,” she added.

Who is to be held responsible?

NONESimilarly, mother-of-three Siti Shahirah Mohd Harris (left) admitted feeling a chill run up her spine  whenever she comes to the hospital.

“Just now, I scolded my children for playing near the lobby area. I was worried that the ceiling, which is very high up, may collapse.

“Everybody blames the contractor but I feel that even the architect must be held accountable because all the approvals come from the architect,” Siti Shahirah said.

Zainol Mohd Ali, who was also visiting a patient, stressed that somebody must be held accountable for these incidents.

“In my opinion, the structure of this hospital is deplorable. They did not hire experienced contractors. The architect must also be blamed.

“Similar ceiling materials are used in other places, but there are no problems,” Zainol added.

Also expressing frustration was another visitor, who identified himself only as David.

NONETaking the authorities to task, David said tenders for such projects should not be awarded to inexperienced or crony companies.

“The hospital must quickly identify the cause... As for the government, it must be serious when awarding contracts.

“You have to look at the (credibility and experience) of the contractor. Don’t give out projects just because they are your friends,” he added.

In the latest incident, the ceiling collapsed in Block D of the staff quarters, nearly injuring the wife of a hospital employee and the couple’s four children.

Malaysiakini’s visit to the hospital revealed that many people are still in the dark about the incidents, while the staff refused to comment on the matter.

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