Melaka: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is spearheading the development of several health infrastructure projects in Melaka under the Rolling Plan Two (RP2) of the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP), valued at RM1.8 billion, as stated by its Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the major projects includes the establishment of a Type 2 Specialist Hospital in Ayer Keroh, spanning 24.2 hectares and costing approximately RM875 million. This facility will house 400 beds and specialize in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic, Neurosurgery, and Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) services. Additionally, the construction of a RM697 million Women and Children's Block (WCC) at the Melaka Hospital, which will have a capacity of 476 beds, is being prioritized to address current capacity issues. The project is currently in the tender phase.
The announcement was made during a working visit to the Melaka Hospital by Dr Dzulkefly, who was accompanied by prominent figures such as Hang Tuah Jaya Member of Parliament Adam Adli Abd Halim, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, state Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, and Melaka Health Department director Dr Husnina Ibrahim.
Dr Dzulkefly further elaborated that the MOH intends to demolish and reconstruct the 64-year-old Jasin Health Clinic (Type 2) and Jasin District Integrated Health Complex, with an estimated budget of RM126.99 million. The project will also encompass the construction of a new Jasin District Health Office.
The ministry also plans to seek approval for Preliminary Work Details under RP2 of the 13MP for the Bukit Katil Health Clinic (Type 2), projected to cost RM50 million. This facility aims to become a fully equipped Health Referral Centre to serve a growing population expected to exceed 80,243 by 2030. Similarly, a Preliminary Work Details request will be made for the Duyong Health Clinic (Type 2), estimated at RM50 million, to alleviate space constraints at the Ujong Pasir Health Clinic.
These initiatives underscore the Unity Government's dedication to maintaining a competitive health ecosystem in Melaka. Additionally, Dr Dzulkefly announced a special allocation of RM6 million to address urgent repair needs and upgrade facilities, as well as to provide necessary medical and non-medical assets across six health facilities: Durian Tunggal Health Clinic, Jasin Health Clinic, Jasin Hospital, Bukit Katil Rural Clinic, Melaka Hospital, and Alor Gajah Hospital.
Dr Dzulkefly expressed hope that the immediate allocation approval and long-term planning will enhance patient comfort and support health personnel. His visit to Melaka also included the inauguration of a Mobile Dental Clinic at the Jasin Health Clinic, aimed at improving dental health access for the local community.