Revived hospital going strong

Seremban facility to expand with another building, multi-storey carpark

A 91-YEAR-OLD hospital in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, has experienced a remarkable resurgence over the years.

CMH Specialist Hospital, previously known as the non-profit Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Hospital, was established in 1932 with the aim of serving the underprivileged, including immigrants.

A decade ago, the hospital was partially closed by the authorities due to significant debt. However, it has now successfully turned its financial situation around and currently generates revenue of over RM100 million, with no outstanding debts.

Furthermore, the hospital has agreed to allocate 50% of its profits to a medical welfare fund, as well as for educational, religious, and other charitable purposes.

Under the leadership of philanthropist Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock, who has been responsible for the hospital’s transformation, annual aid of RM300,000 will be provided to Chung Hua High School Seremban, RM200,000 will be allocated to Chung Hua High School Port Dickson, and RM150,000 will be distributed to both SMJK Chan Wa and SMJK Chan Wa II, located in Seremban.

During the hospital’s annual general meeting, Lee stated, “As of June 28 this year, the hospital management has settled an advance given by Datuk Tan Suan Ching and me, totaling RM21.3 million.

“I have confidence that CMH Specialist Hospital will become the most trusted community hospital here.”

Lee, who is the founder and group executive deputy chairman of Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, also serves as the president of the Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Association (NSCMA), which owns CMH Specialist Hospital.

Lee (front, right) launching a coffeetable book on the hospital after the annual general meeting.

Unlike four other hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, and Klang, which have either been acquired by other groups, renamed, or closed down, CMH Specialist Hospital, established by Chinese philanthropists, remains the sole surviving hospital of its kind in the country.

In 2014, the hospital faced financial difficulties and was partially closed by the Health Ministry due to multiple violations of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act.

As a result, many of its specialists left due to unpaid dues and the in-patient services were suspended, leading to the transfer of warded patients to other hospitals.

However, following a corporate restructuring exercise and dedicated efforts, the hospital’s fortunes began to improve.

Lee reported, “The gross profit for the financial year 2023 was RM33.1 million, averaging RM2.2 million per month, compared to RM1.5 million per month in 2021, representing a growth rate of 44.2%.

He expressed optimism that the hospital will achieve a revenue of RM115 million and a pre-tax profit of RM10 million in 2024.

Furthermore, Lee revealed plans to have the hospital listed on the local stock exchange within the next three to five years.

He elaborated, “We plan to internally raise approximately RM25 million by June next year to construct a multi-storey carpark with 240 parking bays as part of our expansion plans.

“The second phase will involve public fundraising. We need between RM70 million and RM80 million to build another eight-storey medical building, which will enable the hospital to accommodate more beds and acquire additional medical equipment,” he added.

Lee also confirmed that NSCMA would continue subsidizing dialysis patients at CMH Specialist Hospital and 11 other centers across the country.

He noted, “This alone costs us between RM150,000 and RM200,000 per month.

“We will ensure that the incoming committee carries on the legacy of the hospital’s founders in assisting those in need,” he added, highlighting that the hospital has spent RM5.1 million over the past decade to support the underprivileged.