KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) does not only appreciate and fully support the efforts carried out by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) medical staff including at the Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital (AFH) but has a concrete plan to raise the services level and the health facilities of MAF nationwide.
Senior Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn said, the plan includes all the five AFHs will go through the maintenance and up grading processes. The processes will be involving AFH Tunku Mizan, AFH Kem Terendak, AFH RMN Lumut, AFH Kota Kinabalu Territory and Malaysian Army Hospital (MAH) Kem Syed Sirajuddin, Gemas.
“For this plan RM4.67 million will be allocated to upgrade the medical facilities, RM2.6 million for building maintenances and RM30.66 million for medical supplies.
“All 19 Armed Forces Hospitals (AFH), 48 Armed Forces Medical Centres and 40 Armed Forces Dentistry Centres will go through maintenance and upgrading processes. For this RM13.3 million has been allocated for maintenance and RM61 million for medicines and medical equipments,” Hishammuddin said in statement.
He said that in conjunction with his visit to the AFH Tuanku Mizan today (27th Sept.) to focus on the health initiatives of MINDEF staff, MAF personnel, MAF Veterans and their families.
Hishammuddin added, MAF will be purchasing two additional Field Hospitals costing RM47 million. This purchase is very important for MAF to be ready for more Field Hospitals in case the Ministry of Health is in future need including during the monsoon season which is expected to hit the country at the end of the year.
The Senior Defence Minister stressed that MAF has purchased 50 units of Field Ambulance costing RM27 million. These ambulances are scheduled to arrive in December 2022.
“Besides receiving report on AFH Tun Mizan, I have also received report that AFH Kem Terendak is in need of attention more than just the normal maintenance. The Chief Secretary of MINDEF has been instructed to speed up the process of new building tender of AFH Kem Terendak costing RM325 million.
“Through the close relationship between Malaysia and United States of America (USA) the Medical Command, USINDOPACOM cooperation with MAF in health field for five years has been finalised. It is aimed at developing the MAF Health Service capacities in various aspects.
“For a start, the US has contributed several types of medical equipments to the Royal Medical Corps costing USD3 million and agreed to cooperate to develop the Military Medicine Centre of Excellence,” Hishammuddin said.
Hishammuddin also expressed his appreciation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia and Saudi Arabia for their support and involvements in the development of the Military Medicine Centre of Excellence.
On the whole, Hishammuddin said, MINDEF is very grateful for the cooperation given by all parties including Ministry of Health in the efforts to empower MAF health initiatives. – Malaysia World News
