GEORGE TOWN, Feb 17 — In its bid to become a leading private healthcare operator, Selgate Corporation Sdn Bhd is teaming up with MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd to set up a private specialist hospital in Balik Pulau via its healthcare arm Selgate Healthcare Sdn Bhd.
Selgate Corp group chief executive officer Noor Hisham Mohd Ghouth said the hospital is targeted to be ready by 2025 and would add about 150 beds to its healthcare operations.
“In terms of funding, we have not yet finalised the structure, or whether MTT or Selgate Healthcare will build the hospital, but we will come in as the hospital operator,” he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MTT group chairman Datuk Seri Kenny Ong Kean Lee here today.
He said the group aims to operate seven hospitals with approximately 1,000 beds over the next five years and that its first hospital in Rawang is expected to start operations early next year to serve the increased demand for quality healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Ong said MTT Properties & Development has allocated 2.02 hectares for its first healthcare venture at its Botanica CT Garden Township, and that this collaboration would result in establishing Balik Pulau's first private specialist hospital.
The partnership is a milestone for stakeholders and paves the way for the development of a self-sustaining township, providing quality healthcare beyond the township to Balik Pulau and neighbouring communities.
“It will also serve to enhance our first integrated aged-care facility Eden @ Botanica CT which will be launched later this year,” he said.
Witnessing the event, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the new hospital adds to the state's current 18 private hospitals and would solidify Penang’s position as the country's top healthcare travel destination.
“According to Malaysia’s Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, Penang leads the way in healthcare travel revenue, earning RM750 million from 500,000 patients who flew here in 2019. It is named as the ‘most established state in healthcare travel',” he added.
— Bernama
