KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) is studying a proposal to establish its first hospital as an integrated healthcare hub offering treatment, clinical training and research, while creating opportunities for Bumiputera healthcare entrepreneurs.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the feasibility study was expected to be completed within three months. Pre-implementation work and applications for the necessary approvals would follow.
She said a special committee comprising experts, professionals, Mara alumni and internal specialists had been formed to assess the proposal.
The study covers demand, location, capacity, scope of services, staffing, costs, financing, and legal and regulatory requirements.
"The establishment of a hospital is a complex proposal and requires a very detailed study," she said in parliament.
Rubiah said the hospital's location, bed capacity, specialisations, estimated cost, funding sources and operational date had yet to be determined.
She said the proposal originated from Mara management and received support from alumni during an engagement session held in conjunction with the agency's 60th anniversary.
The hospital could complement existing public and private healthcare services while creating opportunities in training, employment, research and medical technology.
It could also support Bumiputera vendors and healthcare entrepreneurs, she said.
Rubiah was responding to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who asked about the rationale and progress of plans for Mara's first hospital, including its proposed location, capacity, cost, funding and expected opening date.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd