Johor repurposes the unused Nanyang Market into a new RM4 million clinic to reduce congestion at the main Sultan Ismail Health Clinic.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government has converted the long-vacant Nanyang Market in Mount Austin into a new Sultan Ismail Health Clinic branch focusing on maternal and child health.
State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon said the RM4 million facility has begun phased operations and will be fully functional by December 15.
He explained the new clinic will significantly ease congestion at the main Sultan Ismail Health Clinic, which handles approximately 1,500 patients daily.
This includes up to 300 individuals using the Centralised Drive-Thru Follow-up Medication Supply Centre.
“Together with the Johor State Health Department, we decided to transform this building, unused for about two years, into a clinic,” Ling told reporters after a site visit.
He said the initiative serves as a pilot project that could be replicated at other congested clinics statewide.
The state government has committed RM2.4 million for a 10-year rental of the building.
A further RM1.08 million was spent on upgrading works, and RM760,000 allocated for medical equipment purchases.
Child health services and the drive-thru medication centre were relocated to the new clinic on December 1.
Maternal health services will move to the new facility on December 15.
Ling said the main clinic receives an estimated 500 expectant mothers and infants daily for treatment.
Diverting these services will significantly reduce patient numbers and improve comfort.
“At least 200 vehicles would otherwise queue at the main clinic for medication collection,” he added.
The new setup provides a more comfortable and conducive environment for patients.
Ling reiterated the state’s commitment to delivering professional and accessible healthcare services.
The initiative aims to ensure more comfortable and efficient service by relocating specific high-demand services.
