PENDANG: Whenever her son is away at work, Azizah Ahmad, 66, from Bukit Jenun here, has to travel 34km by herself to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star for her health check-up.

Today, the retired janitor finally heaved a sigh of relief as Pendang Hospital (HoPe) opened its door to local folk, after a delay of nearly two decades.