JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has presented its upgrade plans for the Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) to the Health Ministry, says Ling Tian Soon.

       The Johor health and unity committee chairman said he discussed plans to replace the hospital's existing polyclinic and construction of a car park during his meeting with Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on Friday (Jan 19).

       "I told him our plans to upgrade HSA with the RM500mil allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit on Sept 3 last year.

       "I also brought up the state's hopes for the HSA 2 project, which is a second hospital to complement HSA," he said in a Facebook post.

       "At the same time, I reported to the minister about the lack of medical staff in Johor and hoped he can assist the state to overcome this issue," he added.

       During the meeting, Ling briefed Dr Dzulkefly about the construction progress of Hospital Pasir Gudang, which will be completed next year.

       Once constructed, the hospital will require 2,305 medical staff to cater for its 304-bed capacity, said Ling.

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       "I took the opportunity to tell the minister about the state's efforts, which was announced in the state budget 2024, to improve the healthcare system such as upgrading the queue system, medicine delivery services and upgrading staff pantries.

       "Dr Dzulkefly also expressed his appreciation for the state government's efforts to take care of the healthcare workers' welfare and working environment," he added.