Ford Ranger becomes a mobile clinic; offering healthcare to remote communities

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) has introduced the Ford Mobile Clinic in Malaysia, in association with Yayasan Sime Darby. This initiative aims to enhance medical services in rural communities. 

The sole authorised Distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Auto ConneXion, leads the facilitation of this project while Ford Philanthropy, Yayasan Sime Darby, and MyFundAction support it through their joint efforts. 

Each organization plays a significant role in supporting the initiative.

• Auto ConneXion and Yayasan Sime Darby donated a Ford Ranger that has been modified as a mobile clinic.
• Ford Philanthropy provided financial assistance with a contribution of USD 55,000 (approx RM 250k) for modification of the vehicle, setting up the mobile clinic, and its operational costs.
• MyFundAction coordinates healthcare professionals and volunteers to deliver medical services to remote areas. 

Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group CEO of Sime and Council Member of Yayasan Sime Darby, said, “Healthcare is a basic human right, yet access remains a challenge, even until today, for many in rural and remote areas due to distance, financial constraints, and limited facilities. No one should have to travel long hours and distances to see a doctor nor suffer in silence due to a lack of medical care. We’re honoured to introduce the Ford Mobile Clinic, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will bring to healthcare accessibility and community wellbeing.”

What does Ford Mobile Clinic offer?

• Offers a wide range of healthcare services such as outpatient care, emergency medical support, health screenings, and group immunizations for immediate health concerns.
• Ensuring people receive timely treatment with medication for minor ailments.
• Promotes health education and encourages proactive health management by organising awareness campaigns in rural communities.

Ford Mobile Clinic supports the Malaysian government’s efforts to expand healthcare services in areas with limited access to regular clinics. It primarily operates in Kelantan, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan.

Ford Mobile Clinic aims to serve up to 9,000 patients annually in underserved areas, including agricultural regions, traditional villages, and Orang Asli settlements.

Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of Ford Philanthropy, shared, “We remain steadfast in our mission to support community welfare, including assisting communities during floods and disaster relief. Our goal is to reach more communities, ensuring that no one is beyond the reach of healthcare services. By working hand in hand with our local partners, this initiative will bridge gaps in community health, fostering greater equity and improving health access nationwide.”

Dr. Ghafur Rahim Mustakim, Chief Executive Officer of MyFundAction, said, “Our collaboration with AutoConneXion, Ford Philanthropy, and Yayasan Sime Darby will be transformative, allowing us to drive meaningful change in underserved communities. Thanks to our generous partners, we are able to expand access to rural areas, reaching more individuals and families. We are confident that, together, we will empower communities for a brighter future.”

In a nutshell, this transformative initiative brings healthcare services directly to remote areas and is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Malaysians.

Also read: Ford Raptor Rev: Malaysia’s first off-road event for Ranger Raptor owners draws a crowd