PSHMSB records RM2 mln unaudited profit in 2019

MELAKA, Jan 11 - Putra Specialist Hospital Melaka Sdn Bhd (PSHMSB) has recorded an unaudited profit of about RM2 million last year after three consecutive years of losses under the old administration.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who is also Primary Industries deputy minister, said based on its good financial performance, PSHMSB was able to pay its 630 staff an average bonus of 1.2 months at the end of last month.

He attributed the profits to the implementation of proactive measures taken by the company to cut operation costs and improve the service and delivery system.

"One of the measures was to streamline the process of collecting hospital bill payment. As of December last year, the unpaid bill payment had declined by 22 per cent or RM6.5 million compared to May 2018 which was under the previous management.

"New procedures were also introduced to enhance operational efficiency, including the installation of a biometric system for a more efficient patient registration to save time and avoid cases of falsifying patient identities," he told a press conference on PSHMSB’s performance and achievements in 2019, here Friday.

Also present was PSHMSB deputy chairman Low Chee Leong, who is also the State Health and Anti-Drugs committee chairman.

According to Shamsul Iskandar, the company spent almost RM6.8 million on renovations and acquisition of medical equipment last year.

The renovations included upgrading the infrastructure such as the lobby, ward, intensive care unit, operating room and a new lounge area for the doctors.

"Among the medical devices purchased were a machine for heart bypass surgery costing RM500,000 and endoscopy system costing RM400,000," he said.

He said RM15 million had been allocated this year for upgrading certain sections of the hospital that are operating in the building that is more than 25 years old and for purchasing new equipment.

PSHMSB has also applied to the Private Healthcare Practice Control Branch for approval to renovate the wards and add more beds, which currently totals 241 units. 

"Last year, the number of patients who received treatment at the Putra Specialist Hospital Melaka increased between three and five per cent from that in 2018. We hope the staff and management of government-owned companies in Melaka would seek treatment here as a show of support for the state government and this hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said PSHMSB’s management would use social media as its main marketing medium to attract customers particularly from among the younger generation aside from expanding the market to become a major contributor to the medical tourism industry in the state and country in the future.

-- BERNAMA