HOSPITAL AT KALLANG AIRPORT SITE

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Health-

(i) whether plans for the proposed Hospital at the Kallang Airport site have been completed; and

(ii) whether Government has decided to establish a temporary cottage hospital there pending completion of the District Hospital.

Mr A. J. Braga: Mr Speaker, Sir,

(i) plans for the Kallang Hospital are practically completed but the finalisation of the detailed plans, which are under study by the P.W.D. architects in consultation with the Ministry of Health, is dependent upon the site. The site at the old Kallang Airport ground presents two difficulties. First, it has been ascertained that the hospital will be in the "flight funnel" for the take-off and landing of all civil aircraft. The question whether the noise created by the aircraft will be detrimental to the health of the patients has been put before the Medical Advisory Council. The next difficulty is the extra expense in piling, for it has been found that the foundations of a multi-storeyed building will be comparatively costlier. An alternative site at Bedok is under consideration. The delay in the final decision on the site is in no way hampering the planning of the building. It is expected that it will be possible to start construction of this hospital sometime in 1957.

(ii) Government has decided to allot the old Terminal Building to the Singapore Youth Sports Centre. A detailed study of the requirements of a cottage hospital reveals that expenditure on a temporary project cannot be justified by the resulting benefit to the public. It is considered better to press forward with the plans for a permanent district hospital. Government, however, has been given the Malayan Airways canteen which is planned to be converted into an out-patient clinic and dispensary. This will be able to cater for 600 patients a day and work on that will commence almost immediately.

Mr Lim Koon Teck: I thank the Minister for Health for his information. Something is better than nothing and I hope the target date of 1957 will -

Mr Speaker: Order, please. Can I have a supplementary question, if there is any?

Mr Braga: Oh, I appreciate the thanks!

Mr Speaker: Order.