Ling (in white) checking out the new ultrasound machine during his visit to the Gelang Patah clinic.
JOHOR government plans to relocate mother-and-child healthcare services at Klinik Kesihatan Gelang Patah to a new facility in Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters (SILC), Iskandar Puteri.
State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said Johor health department had identified a suitable building to be renovated and converted into a dedicated clinic.
“The Gelang Patah clinic receives about 800 visitors daily, so we plan to reduce congestion by relocating the mother-and-child healthcare services to SILC.
“Once completed, it will be handed over to the state health department for operations,” he told reporters after a medical equipment handover ceremony at the clinic.
Ling added that the new facility at SILC was expected to be ready by July.
“For the long term, the state government has identified a piece of land for construction of a permanent facility, pending approval and funding under the Malaysia Plan.
“This will require at least another three years of study before we can reach a decision,” he said.
At the clinic, Ling saw over RM630,000 worth of medical equipment from Bridge Data Centres being donated, including ultrasound machines.
“This is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to upgrade three clinics in the state, namely those in Gelang Patah, Tebrau and Majidee.
“The aid will help improve facilities in these clinics, including furniture and essential medical equipment, replacement of non-medical equipment and procurement of additional medical devices,” he said.
Ling added that with the increasing number of patients, particularly expectant mothers, having only one ultrasound machine per clinic led to long waiting times.
“The additional ultrasound machines will speed up the process and improve service efficiency,” he said.
Ling also encouraged private entities operating in Johor to participate in CSR programmes to support the state’s healthcare facilities.
In addition to medical upgrades, he said the state government would provide three new ambulances to enhance emergency services at these clinics.