Johor bahru: The Health Ministry (MOH) is evaluating the Johor government’s proposal to utilize ministry land in Kempas for the development of affordable housing. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the receipt of the proposal during a media conference following the Pasir Gudang Hospital handover ceremony.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly stated that the MOH has acknowledged the proposal and is considering it seriously. This initiative aligns with the state’s vision to address housing affordability and provide citizens with better living conditions.

In a related development, Dzulkefly highlighted the government’s plan to establish a new healthcare ecosystem aimed at mitigating rising private healthcare costs and medical inflation. This initiative is part of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Cost’s considerations, which aims to enhance public healthcare facilities to counter inflationary pressures.

Addressing the critical issue of nurse shortages, Dzulkefly announced plans to increase the intake of trainee nurses and collaborate with the private sector to address staffing gaps. He emphasized the importance of improving morale and working conditions for nurses, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the necessity for time to develop effective solutions.