Sedili:The construction project for the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Teaching Hospital (HPU), with an estimated value of RM900 million, is set to commence next year in Sedili. The project aims to enhance health services and conduct medical research focused on rural communities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative was proposed by Kota Tinggi member of parliament Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during his tenure as Higher Education Minister. It has received government approval and is projected to take three to four years to complete. Mohamed Khaled, now serving as Defence Minister, noted that a contractor has been selected, and he hopes the necessary processes, including the construction plan's approval, will be accelerated to enable preliminary work to start next year.

The teaching hospital is expected to play a crucial role not only in producing doctors and medical specialists but also in conducting vital research. Mohamed Khaled emphasized the importance of research, noting that 70 percent of new knowledge discoveries occur in the health sector.

Currently, most teaching hospitals are located in the Klang Valley, focusing on urban health issues. The USIM HPU will be the first university teaching hospital in Johor, broadening medical research facilities in the state. Mohamed Khaled highlighted the absence of such facilities in Johor, unlike other states such as Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak.

The selection of Sedili as the project site is expected to spur regional development and facilitate comprehensive research involving rural communities. Efforts are underway to expedite the project processes, with a ground-breaking ceremony anticipated as early as next year. Mohamed Khaled expressed that the project aligns with the vision for regional development and will bring significant changes to the Sedili area.