Siena:Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang announced that the feasibility study for the proposed MARA Hospital is anticipated to be completed within the next three months, paving the way for pre-implementation work and necessary approvals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a special committee has been established by MARA, consisting of experts and professionals, including alumni and internal specialists, to evaluate the hospital's feasibility and proposed implementation model. The study will examine healthcare needs, location, service capacity, professional staffing, financial aspects, and regulatory requirements, ensuring alignment with MARA’s mandate.

During Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted the complexity of establishing a hospital, noting that decisions regarding location, bed capacity, specialisation areas, costs, funding, and operational timelines are still under consideration. This response came in reply to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the strategic rationale and status of the MARA Hospital project.

The proposal for the hospital emerged from MARA's management, supported by its alumni, as part of the agency's 60th-anniversary initiatives, reflecting its commitment to healthcare education. The hospital aims to function as an integrated healthcare hub, combining treatment, training, research, and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for the Bumiputera community.

The hospital is envisioned to enhance the Bumiputera healthcare value chain by fostering opportunities for training, careers, research, and innovation. It also aims to support Bumiputera vendors in areas like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and facilities management. Performance metrics for the hospital would include not only patient care and financial outcomes but also graduate placements, specialist development, and community benefits.

The feasibility study will further consider MARA's primary objectives of advancing Bumiputera participation, ownership, and control within the socioeconomic sector prior to finalising any decisions regarding the hospital's establishment.