IPOH: Social Security Organisation's (Socso) largest-ever Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre at Bandar Meru Raya here will be completed by the end of 2024.

       Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the 37.52ha centre would be equipped with 700 beds.

       “The first phase includes several blocks of buildings, housing departments for nucleus, neuro-robotics, medical, aquatic and administration.

       “In the second phase, it will focus on the advanced work injury trauma and occupational diseases treatment while the third phase will be for a research and development centre,” he told a press conference after the ground-breaking ceremony of the centre here on Saturday (June 11).

       The centre is the second after Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Bandar Hijau, Melaka.

       It offers three main services including medicine, physical rehabilitation and vocational skills.

       Saravanan added that the centre would be a one-of-a-kind attraction to neighbouring countries and could cater to twice the number of patients compared to the one in Melaka.

       “The centre is expected to draw many tourists in the medical-tourism industry that would add revenue for Socso and the State government," he said, adding the first phase of the project was estimated to cost about RM654mil.

       “I was told by Socso that Terengganu has also requested for a rehabilitation centre in the east coast, hopefully we will have one there soon," he said.

       Saravanan said the services offered by the centre would be of help, especially those from rural areas.

       “We have seen a lot of cases, especially those in rural areas who had accidents, thinking that their life is over when it is not.

       "They can recover through rehabilitation programmes. Even the ones who can’t walk use robots,” he said, and thanked Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad for helping with the land ownership process for the project.

       Saarani meanwhile said the centre would create about 400 jobs.

       He said the centre not only helps the health tourism sector but also benefits the locals.

       “From small traders, hotels and homestay owners, the more people come to Ipoh, the better it will be for the local economy,” he added.