Johor allocates RM66 million to strengthen public health sector over four years

The Johor state government has significantly invested RM66 million over the past four years to strengthen public health services, a sector primarily managed by the federal government. This substantial allocation underscores the state's commitment to the well-being of its roughly four million residents.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that the initiative was necessary due to bureaucratic constraints and the critical nature of public health. "We don't want to blame anyone, but we are aware of bureaucratic and other constraints. If we followed the old ways, the state government would not have had to spend more than RM66 million for the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ)," he explained.

Ghazi emphasized that the health of the state's population is paramount. "This involves the lives of four million people in this state, it is impossible for us to close our eyes and cover our ears. That is why I have never been afraid to go down to the field to empower JKNJ. I will continue to pay attention to the public health sector of this state," he added during the Johor State Nurses Day celebration.

The state government is also actively working to address staffing shortages for nurses and doctors in Johor. To support healthcare professionals, Ghazi announced a RM500,000 allocation for nurses and RM100,000 for medical assistants across Johor. State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon noted that the RM66 million expenditure also covered improvements to health and non-health infrastructure, including facilities, restrooms, and medical equipment.

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This involves the lives of four million people in this state, it is impossible for us to close our eyes and cover our ears. That is why I have never been afraid to go down to the field to empower JKNJ. I will continue to pay attention to the public health sector of this state.