Mahkota Medical Centre launches first Next-Gen Smart Ward

Mahkota Medical Centre (MMC), a member of HMI Medical, has marked its 30th anniversary by launching Malaysia’s first Next-Gen Smart Ward. This groundbreaking initiative signifies a transformative leap in patient care, leveraging cutting-edge smart health technologies to deliver personalised, efficient, and sustainable healthcare services.

The Next-Gen Smart Ward integrates IoT-driven devices with the hospital’s existing Hospital Information System (HIS), streamlining workflows and enhancing decision-making for healthcare professionals. Key features include real-time monitoring, task simplification, and tools for patient-centered communication, all of which are aimed at improving the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

“This marks a significant milestone in our ambition of becoming a truly smart hospital,” said Teo Chin Yee, Chief Executive Officer of MMC. “With real-time updates, our healthcare professionals can respond more quickly and accurately, enabling our nurses and doctors to dedicate more quality time to patients.”

Efficiency Redefined: Results from Pilot Programme

Before its official launch, MMC conducted a two-month pilot programme to assess the capabilities of the Next-Gen Smart Ward technology. The findings demonstrated impressive outcomes:

• Faster and safer care: Response times for critical notifications improved by 16%.
• Enhanced patient engagement: Self-service tools allowed patients to actively participate in their care, reducing response times for specific requests by 22%.
• Bedside empowerment: Doctors used integrated digital tools to explain diagnoses, fostering better communication with patients.
• Operational efficiency: Automated ID scanning significantly reduced procedural errors.

By eliminating 67% of manual administrative tasks and reducing paper usage, the initiative also aligns with MMC’s sustainability goals, ensuring a greener and more efficient hospital environment.

Boosting Malacca’s Role as a Healthcare Hub

The launch event, officiated by YAB Datuk Seri Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Malacca, highlighted the state’s commitment to becoming a premier healthcare hub. The Chief Minister emphasised the pivotal role of digital healthcare innovations in attracting medical tourists, aligning with the Visit Melaka 2024 campaign and national ambitions to position Malaysia as a leading destination for medical tourism.

“This initiative enhances Malacca’s reputation as a forward-thinking healthcare hub, ensuring patients receive world-class services while contributing to our medical tourism goals,” he remarked.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

The Next-Gen Smart Ward was developed in collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a testament to MMC’s commitment to global partnerships. During the launch, an MoU was signed to strengthen the exchange of expertise and foster innovation in digital healthcare transformation.

“The innovative Next-Gen Smart Ward aims to improve workflow efficiency, enhance patient safety, and deliver a seamless healthcare experience,” said Prof. Chen Yu-Ray, Honorary Chairman of the Chang Gung Steering Committee.

Ms Chin Wei Jia, Group CEO of HMI Medical, echoed this sentiment: “This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to advancing healthcare innovation through shared expertise and promotion of medical collaborations.”

With plans to expand smart technologies across all wards and operating theatres in the next two years, MMC is poised to become Southeast Asia’s most reputable referral hospital, setting a new standard in healthcare excellence.