IPOH: The largest Social Security Organisation (Socso) Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre will be built in Bandar Meru Raya here.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the centre, which is being built over 37.5ha and expected to be completed at the end of 2024, would be equipped with 700 beds.
“The first phase includes several blocks of buildings housing the nucleus, neuro-robotics, medical, aquatic and administration departments.
“The second phase will focus on advanced work injury trauma and occupational disease treatment, while the third phase will be a research and development centre,” he said after the ground-breaking ceremony.
“It will be a one-of-a-kind facility and cater to twice more patients than our other centre in Melaka.
“The centre is expected to draw many medical tourists and bring revenue for Socso and the state government,” he said, adding that the first phase of the project was estimated to cost around RM654mil.
“Socso told me that Terengganu has also requested a rehabilitation centre. Hopefully, we will have one there soon,” he said.
Something big is coming:Saarani (centre) and Saravanan (right) at the new Socso rehab centre project site in Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh. — Bernama
The first centre – the Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre – is located in Bandar Hijau, Melaka.
The centre offers three main services: medicine, physical rehabilitation and vocational skills.
Saravanan said the services would help a lot of folk in Malaysia, especially those from rural areas.
“We have seen a lot of Malaysians, especially those in rural areas, who had an accident and thought their life was over.
“They can recover through rehabilitation. Even the ones who can’t walk can use robots,” he said while thanking the Perak government and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad for helping with the land acquisition.
Saarani said the centre would create around 400 jobs.
“We certainly welcome Socso setting up a rehabilitation centre here. Not only will it boost health tourism, but it will benefit the locals, too,” he said.
