JOHOR REPURPOSES NANYANG MARKET INTO RM4 MILLION CLINIC

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The state government has repurposed the Nanyang Market in Mount Austin here into the Sultan Ismail Health Clinic (Maternal and Child Health Unit) for RM4 million.

Johor Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon said the new clinic has begun phased operations and will be fully operational by Dec 15, reducing congestion at the Sultan Ismail Health Clinic (KKSI).

He said KKSI receives about 1,500 patients daily, including up to 300 individuals who come for services at the Centralised Drive-Thru Follow-up Medication Supply Centre (PPUSS).

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"Therefore, together with the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ), we decided to transform this building, unused for about two years, into a clinic that will serve as a pilot project and a model to be replicated at other locations or clinics experiencing congestion.

"We have paid the rent for 10 years, amounting to RM2.4 million, while upgrading works cost RM1.08 million, and another RM760,000 was allocated for equipment purchases. The state government has spent no less than RM4 million for this initiative," he told reporters after visiting the KKSI Decanting site here today.

Ling said the child health services and the PPUSS were relocated to the new clinic on Dec 1, while maternal services will be moved on Dec 15.

"Every day, KKSI receives an estimated 500 expectant mothers and infants seeking treatment. Therefore, we have diverted these services here (to the new clinic), which will significantly reduce patient numbers at KKSI.

"Secondly, we diverted the PPUSS, where at least 200 vehicles would otherwise go to KKSI to queue for medication collection. With this initiative, patients can enjoy a more comfortable and conducive environment, in addition to reducing the number of vehicles queuing at KKSI for medication collection," he said.

Ling added that the state government and JKNJ remain committed to ensuring more comfortable, conducive and professional healthcare services for the people, including by relocating certain services to the new clinic to reduce congestion at KKSI.

-- BERNAMA