Study on proposed Mara Hospital to be done in 3 months

The feasibility study for the proposed Mara Hospital is set to conclude within three months, following which pre-implementation work can commence, according to Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Rubiah Wang. The committee, comprised of experts and professionals, will evaluate the proposal's feasibility and implementation model.

The study encompasses various aspects such as healthcare needs, location, service capacity, staffing, costs, financing, legal and regulatory requirements, and alignment with Mara's mandate. Establishing a hospital is a complex endeavor that necessitates a thorough examination, as stated by Rubiah in her response to Isam Isa from BN-Tampin, who inquired about the justification for the hospital's establishment and its planning progress.

The proposal, originating from Mara's management with support from alumni, aligns with the agency's 60th anniversary. One potential direction for the hospital is to function as an integrated healthcare hub, offering treatment, clinical training, specialist development, applied research, and Bumiputera healthcare entrepreneurship.

The hospital could also stimulate the Bumiputera healthcare value chain by generating opportunities for training, careers, research, and innovation, while fostering Bumiputera involvement in pharmaceuticals, medical technology, equipment maintenance, facilities management, and logistics.