Sittwe General Hospital Masterplan, Myanmar
Sittwe / Myanmar
Why the development of Sittwe Hospital matters
As the only large general hospital in Rakhine State in Myanmar, Sittwe General Hospital provides services to over 3 million people. The original hospital building was built in the early 20th century; this was followed by ad hoc expansion of some twelve buildings over its 4-hectare site.
Article 25 were appointed by UNOPS to plan the future development of a modern 500-bed hospital, and arrange medical services so they can function efficiently. The brief also required new housing for the hospital staff and provision of necessary infrastructure of water supply, wastewater treatment, electricity and data distribution. The existing buildings are in very poor condition and the site is highly prone to flooding during the monsoon season.
The design
The masterplan outlines a phased rearrangement of hospital services to create better workflows for doctors and staff, and a more intuitive patient journey around the hospital. A central ‘Reception Hub’ is planned as a walk-in assessment centre that patients pass through before being referred to Outpatients or Emergency. Highly serviced functions, such as operating theatres and laboratories, are grouped together to simplify the hospital infrastructure. Key adjacencies were established early in the concept: maternity next to operating theatres, imaging and pathology next to Accidents and Emergencies. Wards are grouped around central services and sized for efficient staffing. A flexible design allows wards to be used for treatment of infectious diseases like dengue and malaria that peak during the monsoon season. The historic main building will be refurbished and retained as the public face of the new hospital.
The impact
When completed Sittwe general Hospital will have modern, clean and comfortable facilities which will allow the doctors and nurses to bring 21st century healthcare to Rakhine State. New landscaping and civil design will create a safe, healing environment and improve drainage and put an end to annual flooding.
Aerial view of the proposed masterplan for Sittwe General Hospital
PROJECT TYPE: Health
PROJECT PARTNERS: UNOPS, Rangoon General Hospital Reinvigoration Charitable Trust and Sittwe General Hospital
STATUS: Masterplan stage
