IPOH: The government has allocated RM654 million to build the largest Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre in Southeast Asia, in Bandar Meru Raya here.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the centre would be equipped with the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) robot suit, the latest neuro-robotic technology from Cyberdyne Inc, Japan and is expected to be completed in 2024.
Saravanan said the initial cost of the 37-hectare centre was about RM500 million but because of the increase in necessities such as cement and steel, the cost has increased to RM654 million.
"This is an iconic project in Perak and, it will be a destination for health tourism. This project is also fully monitored by the state government, Menteri Besar and Sultan of Perak (Sultan Nazrin Muizziddin Shah)," he said.
Saravanan told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the project here, today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the ministry's Deputy Secretary-General (Operation) Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar and Perkeso chairman Professor Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Haniffa Abdullah.
He said after the rehabilitation centre is fully operational, almost 400 permanent jobs would be created which will have a positive impact on human capital development and the job market in Perak and surrounding areas.
"This is the second Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre after Perkeso Tun Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Melaka. Since the commencement of operations on Oct 1, 2014, over 10,000 Perkeso Insured Persons have undergone an intensive rehabilitation program at this centre (in Melaka).
"Based on the statistics of the admission of Insured Persons to the Perkeso Rehabilitation Center from 2014 until now, on average, 30 to 35 per cent of the total cases received are from the Northern Zone.
"The number of cases of accidents and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country is also increasing every year. The establishment of another rehabilitation centre in Ipoh here is relevant," he added.
The international standard complex will accommodate up to 700 patients at a time and will focus on holistic medical and vocational rehabilitation based on the whole life-cycle rehabilitation concept.
In addition, this health complex will also act as a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation and Return To Work Programs, not only in the country but also in Southeast Asia and globally.
It's facilities services would also include Neuro-robotic Rehabilitation, Advanced Virtual Rehabilitation, Intelligent Neuro-Robotic Gym and Cybernics Research Center, Physical Rehabilitation, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Geriatric Rehabilitation, Cancer Rehabilitation, Burns Rehabilitation, Vocational Retraining and Advanced Return To Work and Recreational Program.