Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved a special allocation of RM1.8 million to upgrade facilities at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital (HSNI) in an effort to strengthen healthcare service delivery for residents in the Batu Pahat district. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the allocation, which includes an additional RM800,000 on top of the original amount, focusing on upgrading the Visitor Centre, as well as enhancing existing infrastructure and assets at the hospital.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the funds will also cover the procurement of medical and non-medical equipment, along with paving works at the hospital's parking area to enhance the comfort of patients and visitors. Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the ministry's commitment to ensuring improvements in healthcare facilities at the grassroots level in line with current developments. He made these remarks in a post on his official X account following a two-day working visit to Batu Pahat.
In addition to the upgrades at HSNI, Dr Dzulkefly revealed that RM3.421 million has been allocated to upgrade four health clinics in the district. These include the Parit Yaani Health Clinic, Seri Gading Health Clinic, Tongkang Pechah Health Clinic, and Parit Raja Health Clinic, aiming for a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that the country's current stability has enabled the government to manage the economy effectively despite global challenges, allowing continued investment in the healthcare sector for the benefit of the people. He visited the four health clinics before continuing his visit to HSNI.
Established in 1894, HSNI currently operates with a capacity of 610 beds and serves over 500,000 residents in the Batu Pahat area, making it one of the busiest hospitals in Johor after Johor Bahru. The hospital offers services such as emergency care, paediatrics, anaesthesiology, orthopaedics, and psychiatry and mental health services.
During his visit, Dr Dzulkefly also inspected several key facilities, including the proposed site for the Day Treatment Unit, medical wards, the Emergency Department, and the Radiology Department, to assess the hospital's readiness and the quality of services provided. The visit was attended by several key officials, including Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon; Sri Gading Member of Parliament (MP) Aminolhuda Hassan, Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar; Penggaram assemblyman Gan Peck Cheng; Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut; and HSNI director Dr Fairoz Azlim Muslim.