a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
KPJ eyes medical travellers from Indonesia
KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd is focusing on boosting its medical tourism segment, with a strong focus on attracting patients from Indonesia.
Its president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the group is aiming to tap into the large pool of Indonesians who travel abroad for healthcare.
He said currently, an estimated 20 per cent of Indonesia's 270 million population, or about 54 million people, are seeking medical treatment in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
"According to data from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, more than 40 per cent of those Indonesian patients are coming to Malaysia, which is contributing significantly to our health tourism industry.
"This is an immediate business opportunity, especially as the group expands its workforce and increases the number of beds in its hospitals," he said in a press conference after the group's 32nd annual general meeting today.
Chin also noted that KPJ is optimising its existing medical equipment and technology, including MRI machines, CT scanners, and other advanced diagnostic tools, to support the expected growth in patient volume.
The group is executing long-term strategies to expand its specialist talent pool, enhance research capabilities and embed digital solutions across the organisation.
"These are critical to delivering better outcomes and positioning KPJ as a leading, integrated healthcare provider in the region," he added.
Meanwhile, KPJ expects about 70 per cent of its business this year to come from age-related and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to Malaysia's ageing population, with around 15 per cent of the population now aged 60 and above.
The group plans to focus on treating NCDs such as heart disease, lung disease, neurological problems, strokes, cancer, and orthopaedic issues using advanced medical and surgical treatments.
In financial year 2024, KPJ invested RM406 million in capital expenditure, a 66 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The investments supported infrastructure upgrades, digital expansion and the launch of its 30th hospital, KPJ Kuala Selangor Specialist Hospital.
Furthermore, KPJ also continued to improve its digital ecosystem last year, including the use of smart technologies, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and updates to the KPJ Cares mobile app.
The group also carried out initiatives related to environmental and community health through its Klinik Waqaf An-Nur network, along with measures aligned to its Net Zero 2050 target.
Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar described 2024 as a significant year for the group as it continued to push forward with its transformation efforts.
He said that apart from the group's financial performance, KPJ also made progress in implementing the KPJ Health System, a framework that integrates care, education and research.
"This strategy reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering long-term value," he noted.
Looking ahead, KPJ is looking to expand its presence in the region and improve access to healthcare services in Malaysia.
The group plans to continue developing its Centres of Excellence and improving integration across its clinical, research and education areas, while also working to optimise hospital operations under the KPJ Health System.
