Construction of first teaching hospital in Johor starts in 2027, says Khaled

Kota Tinggi MP Khaled Nordin, who now serves as Defence Minister, has proposed the construction of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) teaching hospital, with an estimated cost of RM900 million. The hospital is set to commence building in Sedili, Johor, in the coming year, aiming to provide healthcare services and conduct medical research catering to rural residents.

Khaled, who previously held the position of Higher Education Minister, proposed the project and believes it will be completed within three to four years. The contractor has already been chosen, and he hopes the approval of the construction plan will be expedited to commence preliminary work next year.

The teaching hospital holds significant importance, not only in producing doctors and medical specialists but also in conducting research, as 70% of new knowledge discoveries occur in the health sector. Most teaching hospitals are currently concentrated in the Klang Valley, including prominent institutions such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and MAHSA. However, USIM's teaching hospital will be the first in Johor, expanding medical research capabilities in the state.

Currently, teaching hospitals for USIM and Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia are located in Kelantan and Pahang, respectively. Universities in Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak also have hospital facilities, but none are situated in Johor. Khaled proposed building the hospital in rural areas, particularly near Felda settlements and fishing communities, to better understand community health issues and conduct research relevant to those populations.

The selection of Sedili as the project location is expected to stimulate the development of the area and open opportunities for comprehensive research activities involving rural communities.

Khaled expressed optimism about the project's impact on the Sedili area, stating that it aligns with the vision of appropriate development for the region. The ground-breaking ceremony is anticipated to take place as early as next year, marking a significant step towards the establishment of the first teaching hospital in Johor.