JOHOR BARU: More than RM10mil has been allocated by the Johor government to support the state's healthcare system this year, says Ling Tian Soon.
The Johor health and environment committee chairman said that although public health was not under the state government's jurisdiction, it still played a proactive role.
"The nation’s public health sector requires serious attention. However, budget constraints often hinder the implementation of these plans.
"Although public health is not under the state government, we have not stood idly by.
"Instead, we have played a proactive role in assisting health institutions in Johor through allocations and appeals to the Federal government," he said in a Facebook post Saturday (Dec 21).
Ling, who was presenting his report card on the social media platform, also outlined several initiatives implemented by the state government under his health and environment portfolios.
Among the health initiatives was the free medicine delivery service, which delivers 12,000 packages of medicines monthly, supported by a RM900,000 allocation.
"On top of that, RM170,000 was allocated for 354 medicine lockers in six locations to help over 1,000 patients reduce their monthly visits to hospitals and clinics.
"We have also allocated RM2.885mil to upgrade 577 pantry rooms for healthcare workers, allowing them to rest and ease their burden," he said.
He added that RM2mil has also been allocated to purchase equipment and basic necessities for clinics facing shortages in equipment and assets.
"A total of 55 clinics and rural clinics were upgraded this year, bringing the total number of clinics upgraded to 98 over the past two years," he said.
Ling said efforts to address drug addiction have resulted in 16 out of 17 areas listed as drug hotspots last year being reclassified.
"The state government allocated RM1.13mil to address this issue.
"As a result of these efforts, 16 areas have successfully been reclassified as green zones, while one area remains under improvement," he said.
Ling also highlighted several environmental and sustainability development initiatives under his environment portfolio.
"We managed to swiftly resolve and take legal action against companies involved in two river pollution cases.
"We also conducted river clean-up activities in ten districts and successfully collected 25 tonnes of waste," he said.
Other initiatives include reforestation, the opening of the Johor Elephant Sanctuary, the installation of wildlife cameras, and the establishment of the Johor Green Development Council, he said.
He added that RM2mil has also been allocated to upgrade Johor National Parks, including Gunung Ledang Waterfall and Bukit Soga Eco Forest Park in Batu Pahat.
"We acknowledge there are still gaps and room for improvement in achieving developed state status.
"However, with a clear vision and a spirit of teamwork, we are confident in reaching this target.
"The Johor government does not have time for internal disputes because the people want to see meaningful achievements," he said.
