New Tech Spend Fuels KPMC's Shift Towards Digital Hospital

By Mohd Noor Azeery Idris

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Kajang Plaza Medical Centre (KPMC), a local private healthcare provider, is actively investing in the latest medical technology (tech) as part of its digital transformation strategy to become a more patient-friendly hospital. 

Chief executive officer Datuk Saroni Judi said investments in technology, including the hospital information system (His), digital kiosk systems, and mobile applications, have led to a significant improvement in customer experience and reduced reliance on human labour. 

He said this effort is crucial for meeting KPMC’s future needs without the need to add premises or staffing. 

“It (investment) can be divided into two categories -- first, technology that is directly related to the treatment of diseases, such as modern medical equipment. 

“Second, technology is more about the 'soft skills' aspect, namely facilities that help patients interact with hospitals, for example, simplifying registration procedures, reducing waiting times, and improving the overall patient experience,” he said in Bernama TV's “Bual Bisnes” programme aired on Saturday. 

Saroni said that, at KPMC, patients can now book appointments with doctors directly through an application that integrates with the HIS system, simplifying the appointment booking process. 

He added that the His system also allows patients to check in using MyKad at the “QueueMed Healthtech” (Qmed) digital kiosk and wait for their turn systematically.

“The system not only speeds up the treatment process, but also provides maximum comfort to patients," he said. 

He said the digital approach is in line with KPMC's efforts to become a “boutique” hospital, a new concept that emphasises the comfort and holistic needs of patients and their family members. 

"Robotics technology in the medical sector is now very advanced. Recently, I visited China and witnessed how the robotics technology there far surpasses what I understand about robotics in Malaysia.

"They are very sophisticated in collaboration between robots and automation systems, such as elevator doors, room doors, as well as food and medicine delivery, which is done without the need for human labour," he said. 

He said the latest technology also allows doctors to perform surgeries even without being in the operating room, with only the assistance of a doctor's assistant. 

Hence, KPMC is committed to accelerating digital transformation to ensure that the medical centre continues to advance in line with the future of healthcare services, which is increasingly dependent on digital and virtual platforms. 

However, Saroni said KPMC continues to be an institution that prioritises empathy and sensitivity towards customers, as well as close collaboration with the community, as the main pillars in forming a modern, visionary, and future-oriented hospital. 

-- BERNAMA