PM ANNOUNCES EXTRA RM3M FOR KL EYE SURGERY CENTRE
It is for equipment for centre to offer better services
DATUK Seri Najib Razak yesterday said an additional allocation of RM3 million will be provided to improve facilities at the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP)-Selayang Hospital Cataract Surgery Centre here to help people, especially the underprivileged.
The prime minister said the allocation was for the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment to enable the centre, in Jalan Kuching here, to improve its services.
Najib yesterday had a firsthand look at the centre’s facilities and operation during his visit to the centre, which offered its services for as low as RM103 or even for free, especially to the hardcore poor.
The centre, managed by MAIWP with the cooperation of the hospital, offers its services to people regardless of race and religion.
“I’m really impressed with the service. I was made to understand that about 30 patients receive treatment for their eye problems daily.”
The patients were surprised to see Najib greeting them.
Accompanied by Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Najib spent time with patients and staff, who took selfies with him.
Najib visited each floor of the three-storey centre and was briefed on the service and operations by ophthalmologist-inchief Dr Nor Fariza Ngah.
Najib said when tabling the 2018 Budget in October, he announced an allocation of RM27 billion for the construction of new hospitals and upgrading of wards, medical supply and support.
“We will continue this effort. I believe the allocation will help the centre and its staff to render better services.”
The centre, which began operations on Jan 16, 2013, is manned by seven medical officers, nine nurses and an ophthalmologist, and is open from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Dr Noor Hisham said on his Facebook account that the centre had received 12,100 patients since its establishment.
“Each patient needs to pay only RM103 for the surgery, while the underprivileged will be given free treatment.
“Compare this with the charge of at least RM3,000 if they seek similar treatment at a private hospital or eye clinic.”
He said the centre was proof of a smart partnership between MAIWP and the Health Ministry.
He said MAIWP provided the funds to turn the shoplot into the centre and also prepared the equipment for cataract surgery, while the ministry provided eye specialists.