KUALA PILAH, 31 July 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Health (KKM) officially launched the Negeri Sembilan-level Program Semarak Merdeka at Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah (HTAN), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening public healthcare while fostering patriotism among its workforce.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated the event, which brought together more than 1,000 KKM personnel.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Jalur Gemilang to nine responsibility centres (PTJ) as a symbol of patriotism, unity and solidarity among healthcare workers in conjunction with the National Month celebration.
HTAN was selected as the launch venue due to its role as the main specialist referral hospital for Negeri Sembilan’s eastern cluster, covering the districts of Kuala Pilah, Tampin and Jempol. Since commencing operations in 1995, the hospital has expanded to a capacity of 458 beds and is supported by 1,377 healthcare personnel serving more than 280,000 residents.
-Advertisement-
In his address, Dzulkefly said true independence is achieved when Malaysians are free from the burden of disease, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease, as well as mental health issues and childhood stunting.
He stressed that every Malaysian deserves to live a healthy, dignified and fulfilling life into old age, adding that KKM remains committed to reforming the national healthcare system through infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation of services including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), reducing hospital congestion, expanding access to specialist care, improving the welfare of healthcare workers and developing a more sustainable healthcare financing system.
The ministry, he said, will continue strengthening healthcare delivery through improved infrastructure, workforce development and greater access to quality healthcare services.
Also present were KKM Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam Hj. Ahmad, Negeri Sembilan Health Director Dr. Zuraidah Mohamed, Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Director Dr. Noor Fakhrul Azman Mohd Ali, and senior ministry officials.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, the programme reflects the ministry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the country’s healthcare system while promoting patriotism among its personnel. – The Capital Post
