Latest news with #TimberlandMedicalCentre
Business Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
With medical costs under the microscope, IHH Healthcare group CEO continues to eye expansion
[SINGAPORE] As IHH Healthcare looks to streamline its operations and expand in its current markets, it is also keeping its eyes peeled for opportunities to grow in new countries, said group chief executive Dr Prem Kumar Nair. When Dr Nair took over the role of group CEO in 2023, he aimed to transform the company to become leaner so that it can continue to grow. 'This is a group that has grown by M&A (mergers and acquisitions) – every time we buy something or we expand, we try to synergise as much as possible… but what happens is, over a period of time, the red tape and bureaucracy build up,' he said. But he noted that 'most of (the) countries (where it operates) have got scope for expansion' by adding hospital beds, or acquiring new hospitals, or building ambulatory care centres. The healthcare operator, which has a presence in 10 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, India, Turkey and China, has grown steadily over the years by acquiring new hospitals. In 2024, it bought Island Hospital in Penang and Timberland Medical Centre in Kuching, Sarawak. Before that, its Indian subsidiary Fortis also bought two hospitals, while its Turkish subsidiary Acibadem Healthcare expanded into East Europe. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Its acquisitions aim to be earnings accretive. For example, Dr Nair said, Island Hospital added 'a new dimension' to its Malaysian operations, with 60 per cent of its patients being medical tourists. To expand in a more cost-efficient manner, it is looking at brownfield expansion – or adding beds – for markets with bigger land space, such as Malaysia and India. The group has a five-year plan to add 4,000 beds, or 33 per cent of capacity, by 2028. By 2024, it had already added 1,004 beds across its markets. Meanwhile, in Singapore and Hong Kong, it is moving towards the ambulatory care sector, or what it terms as the 'out-of-hospital' strategy. This is because it is not possible to open more private hospitals in these two markets, due to regulations, high costs and lack of space, Dr Nair said. Nevertheless, he noted several similarities in healthcare that can be dealt with at the group level. 'The truth is, a lot of healthcare is the same – (such as) licensing of doctors, accreditation of specialists, nurse licensing, building controls,' he said. 'What we try to standardise are things that may have some variation – quality is one area where we feel that we need to have some standardisation because we want the same outcomes.' By ensuring that patients are able to achieve the same results wherever they choose to engage with the group, Dr Nair said, this will push the group from being just a leader in business to a leader in healthcare services. Medical inflation, insurance premiums Dr Nair noted that as a group, it sees issues that may turn up in different markets from time to time. In 2024, Malaysia went through a bout of medical inflation that likely caused the group 'some softening' in patient admissions and revenue. In June 2025, insurer Great Eastern temporarily suspended pre-authorisation certificates for IHH Healthcare's Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, citing higher costs compared to other private hospitals. Dr Nair noted that payer-provider issues are not new to the healthcare industry, nor to the group. He added that the company is likely 'the most risk diversified healthcare group in the world', operating in 10 countries from the far east to the west. 'We are a heavily regulated industry, and we will continue to be – and it's good because we are dealing with people's lives,' he said. But costs are a perennial issue for an industry that should not compromise quality for price. Hence, to manage costs, Dr Nair said, IHH Healthcare tries to procure equipment at the group level. Technology, digitalisation and innovation also remain key priorities as the ageing population will likely increase healthcare utilisation and push up healthcare costs. Looking ahead, Dr Nair noted that the group is already operating at an average capacity of more than 70 per cent – 'fairly high' for a private hospital – so it needs to continue expanding. He also noted opportunities in Indonesia and Vietnam – two new markets in South-east Asia where the hospital operator is already operating. 'Our preference would be for continued growth in (our existing) countries… but as a responsible global healthcare group, we will have to look at opportunities down the road.'
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
CVLB adds Saujana-Kampung Benuk bus route to enhance Kuching connectivity
Kong (second left) and others pose for the camera during a stop along the new route. KUCHING (May 22): The sixth Saujana-Kampung Benuk route under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) Kuching initiative has been officially launched to provide better connectivity for the community. Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong said the new route is a significant addition to the city's growing public transport network. 'It is aimed at enhancing connectivity for residents from Kota Padawan, Bung Barau and Kampung Benuk to downtown Kuching. 'What is especially exciting about this new route is that it overlaps with the existing Saujana-Bau route at several key stops, including Timberland Medical Centre, Boulevard Shopping Mall, Farley Mile 6 Mile, and Mile 7 Bazaar. 'With this, commuters now have more flexibility and convenience in choosing between two service options for these destinations,' he said in a statement today following the launch. According to Kong, the first bus for the Saujana-Kampung Benuk route departs at 5.30am from Kampung Benuk and 6.30am from Saujana, with the last bus at 7.30pm on weekdays. He said the service operates from 6.30am to 8.30pm on weekends. 'Following our recent test run, we have identified 6.30 to 8.30am and 4.30 to 7.30pm on weekdays as peak hours. In response, we will increase the frequency of buses during these periods to every 30 minutes, ensuring that commuters have a timely and reliable alternative to private vehicles,' he explained. Kong said the launch is part of CVLB's broader mission to build a more accessible, sustainable and efficient public transport system for greater Kuching, while also helping to lower household transportation costs. He said public transport is not only a viable alternative, but also a smarter, more environmentally-friendly choice that helps reduce traffic congestion and lower household transportation costs. As such, he urged the public, particularly those living in areas served by the new route, to take advantage of the service. 'Your support and usage of the SBST Kuching services will ensure its long-term sustainability and growth, as we continue working towards an integrated, people-focused public transport ecosystem.' He also thanked the public for their continuous feedback and pledged CVLB's commitment to improving connectivity across Sarawak. bus route CVLB Kuching Michael Kong Saujana-Kampung Benuk
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Silent hero: Woman who saved life at Kuching International Airport steps forward, declines recognition
A screengrab of the viral post shows the woman performing CPR on Mr Law. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Tang Sie Hing KUCHING (May 10): The young woman who helped save a man's life after he collapsed at Kuching International Airport (KIA) recently, which had gone viral on social media, has finally come forward, offering her account of the dramatic incident. Identified as a staff member of Timberland Medical Centre (TMC), she recounted the event to TMC cardiologist Dr Tang Sie Hing, who shared the story on his Facebook page today after a 10-day search to identify the good Samaritan. 'She was on the same flight as Mr Law, travelling from Sibu (AirAsia) to Kuching, she saw Mr Law collapsed and immediately she and a male doctor together with other allied health professionals took turns to do CPR. He added that three shocks were delivered using the airport's automated external defibrillator (AED) before medical assistants and nurses arrived at the scene. Mr Law was then rushed to Sarawak General Hospital. According to Dr Tang, the woman has chosen to remain anonymous and declined any recognition or praise. 'She wishes to remain anonymous. I respect her wishes. I hope this ends the journey of looking for this awesome lady,' he said. The woman was widely hailed as a hero for her swift action in administering CPR and using the AED on 55-year-old Mr Law around 11.30am on April 30.
