Malaysia: New Horse-pital Opens In Terengganu

Bernama.com

April 30, 2010 15:24 PM

SETIU, April 30 (Bernama) -- Staff at a hospital which today begins operations at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) here, are horsing around.

Now, hold your horses. It's not what you think. On the contrary, the hospital's intentions are honourable.

The aim of the RTES/UPM Equine Hospital is to provide basic medical treatment to horses.

The first of its kind in the East Coast, the hospital can cater to up to 300 horses at one go, offering facilities which include X-ray, ultrasound and blood tests.

State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said that for starters, the hospital would treat horses from the Royal Terengganu Equestrian Stable.

"For the time being, the hospital will operate every Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

"However, operating hours will increase when there is public demand and a mechanism will be devised to determine payment for personal horse owners," he told reporters Friday.

Abdul Rahin said, through the hospital, horses could receive treatment faster and at a cheaper price as compared to sending them for treatment in Kuala Lumpur.

He added that cases which required surgery would be referred to another hospital to be set up at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort in Kuala Ibai, Kuala Terengganu.

"This other hospital is expected to begin operating in June," he said.

-- BERNAMA