Pasir gudang: The Pasir Gudang Hospital (HPG) in Johor will commence operations once it achieves at least 50% readiness, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is collaborating with the Johor government to ensure that essential amenities, medical equipment, and human resources are adequately prepared before the hospital begins functioning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized the need for meticulous preparations, stating that both he and the Johor Menteri Besar have agreed on the 50% readiness target. This includes not only the physical infrastructure but also the necessary equipment and staffing. Speaking at the launch of the Malaysian Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, he mentioned that the staff intake process is expected to conclude by the end of this year or by the first quarter of 2026 at the latest. The state government is committed to assisting the MOH to meet the human resource requirements for the hospital's operations.

Previously, the HPG, which is situated on a 20.6-hectare site in Bandar Seri Alam, was slated to start phased operations from August 1. The facility is equipped with 304 beds and offers 14 specialist services. In related news, the Prime Minister's recent announcement to expedite the filling of over 4,000 positions at public health facilities, including contract appointments for doctors, was welcomed. Dzulkefly expressed gratitude for the allocation of 4,253 positions and noted that the official letter from the Public Services Commission (SPA) has been received.

Dzulkefly stated that efforts will be made to fill these positions promptly, focusing on transitioning the status of doctors and health workers from contract for service to contract of service, and eventually to permanent positions. He described the announcement as a motivational incentive for health workers to continue their service with the MOH.