THE HEALTH | DECEMBER , 2023

KPJ Healthcare reported revenue of RM925.4 million for Q3 FY2023 , a 16 per cent increase as compared to RM798.7 million in the third quarter of Financial Year 2022 ( Q3 FY2022 ). Its Profit After Tax ( PAT ) and Profit Before Tax ( PBT ) of RM97.3 million and RM133.1 million , respectively , is an increase of 71 per cent and 50 per cent .

KPJ Healthcare showcased commendable growth of 29 per cent in Earnings Before Interest , Taxes , Depreciation , and Amortisation ( EBITDA ), reaching RM254.8 million in the third quarter of FY2023 , as compared to RM198.1 million in Q3 FY2022 .

This stellar performance by KPJ Healthcare was mainly thanks to a significant rise in inpatient visits , totalling 96,968 in Q3 FY2023 , up from 85,655 in Q3 FY2022 . The Bed Occupancy Rate ( BOR ) has experienced a noteworthy rise , increasing from 66 per cent to 73 per cent , contributing to the robust financial accomplishments of KPJ Healthcare .

Consequently , KPJ Healthcare

ROCHE ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd and Roche Diagnostics ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with Premier Integrated Labs ( PILs ) in their ongoing efforts to spread the awareness and understanding of the Comprehensive Genomic Profiling ( CGP ) to improve patient access to CGP within the country .

CGP allows personalised cancer treatment for patients with specific genome profiles . CGP can analyse a broad panel of genes known to drive cancer growth using a single test . These tests can procure comprehensive patient reports with broad and deep assessments of the possible underlying causes of cancer .

“ At Roche , we have a passion for innovation , and we strive to improve patient access in Malaysia as healthcare that is built on people ’ s needs , strong data and clinical insights is healthcare that saves lives ,” said Roche Diagnostics General Manager , Heng Chai Yin .

Heng added : “ Roche understands the importance of cancer genomics and is actively has declared an interim dividend of 1.05 sen per share and a special dividend of 0.25 sen per share , amounting to a total aggregate payment of RM56.7 million to be disbursed to the shareholders on Dec 28 , 2023 .

The declaration of the special dividend arises from the completion of the divestment of its interest in all entities in Indonesia ’ s region as part of its strategic plan to focus more on KPJ Healthcare ’ s core Malaysia segment .

“ Our record-breaking quarter is a powerful indicator of the Group ’ s strategic agility and the relentless drive of our team ,” stated KPJ Healthcare President and Managing Director Chin Keat Chyuan . “ These achievements are just the beginning . Our roadmap for 2024 will see us deepening operational efficiencies , embracing digital transformation , and solidifying our leadership in

working towards increasing the awareness and understanding of CGP , staying true to Roche ’ s vision of continuously innovating diagnostics , shaping healthcare and changing lives .”

“ Our partnership with Premier Integrated Labs is a testament to the power of collaboration and a testament to our shared values , aspirations , and the belief that together , we can shape a brighter future for a better Malaysia .” Premier Integrated Labs Chief Executive Officer , Hareeff Muhammed , expressed his enthusiasm for the MoU inking .

“ We are thrilled to formalise our partnership with Roche , health tourism .”

Chin continued : “ The divestment of our Indonesian hospitals is strategic , allowing us to focus on our core businesses within the domestic market . This decision aligns with our broader financial strategy to sharpen our focus on the Malaysian market , where we see the greatest potential for growth and innovation . By streamlining our portfolio this way , we can direct our resources and investments more effectively .

“ This approach is key to ensuring that KPJ Healthcare maintains its current momentum and accelerates its performance in both financial and healthcare excellence . The strategic realignment of our operations is fundamental to our ongoing pursuit of superior healthcare innovation and to enhancing the value we deliver to our shareholders and patients .”

marking a landmark moment that holds the potential to reshape healthcare in Malaysia ,” he said . “ Our commitment to raising awareness about CGP and ensuring broader access to this innovative medical advancement reinforces our dedication to personalised medicine , unlocking the power of genetics for more precise , tailored treatments .”

He added : “ Together with Roche , we aspire to make CGP accessible to all patients , transcending socio-economic boundaries and geographic constraints . This partnership signifies our shared vision for a healthier , brighter future in Malaysia healthcare .”

CLINICAL Research Malaysia ( CRM ), a Global Trusted Research Management Organisation by the Ministry of Health , revealed that Malaysia has now over 2,200 sponsored research studies conducted since 2012 with over 25,000 trial participants in these studies across different therapeutic areas . CRM was also given the mandate to catalyse sponsored research in the nation through building a robust clinical research ecosystem .

As clinical research has always been the vanguard of drug development and emerging innovative therapies , the value of clinical trials has gained the recognition of the Malaysian government . Since then , clinical research was built as an agenda within the 2010 National Economic Plan , leading to the foundation of CRM to allow a facilitative ecosystem for global institutions ( e . g . pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies ) and the local industry to conduct clinical research in Malaysia .

CRM ’ s formation has expanded clinical research in Malaysia , which has impacted patients enrolled in these studies . Thirty per cent of these studies were in cancer , cardiovascular diseases , and diabetes .

These three diseases are also the top three noncommunicable diseases in Malaysia . These studies also assist in addressing the unmet needs of the trial participants , especially in having early access to innovative investigative therapies when all other treatment options have been exhausted .

The range of patients who can access these trials has been case wide , with many of the tertiary public hospitals , university hospitals and several private centres having clinical research conducted by respective institutions ’ clinicians .

“ As all medical procedures and clinical care of trial participants within sponsored clinical research are funded by the study sponsor , sponsored clinical research is also viewed as means that could help alleviate the healthcare burden of the institution ,” added Head of Oncology & Radiotherapy Department Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Head of Oncology & Radiotherapy Service Ministry of Health , Dr Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustanam when asked about the added value of clinical research .

Since the establishment of CRM , the growth of global clinical research in Malaysia remained consistent , especially during the previous four years , generating annual surplus growth . CRM also recently announced the highest record of new trials in Malaysia , breaking prior years of achievements with 245 clinical research approved by ethics committees in 2023 alone .

CRM has spearheaded the improvement of accessing clinical trials into Malaysia through global engagements . CRM ’ s past activities showcased engagements during the European Society for Medical Oncology ( ESMO ) Congress that was held in Madrid , Global Partners Consultation programme by Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada , Regional Asian Clinical Trial Annual ( REACTA ) Forum in Chiba , Japan and Clinical Research Governance World Conference in Hong Kong , to bring impactful trials to Malaysia in addition to exploring collaborations that would further enhance Malaysia ’ s clinical research capabilities .