BUKIT MERTAJAM Hospital has been recognised as the Most Sustainable Hospital at the Hospital Management Asia (HMA) Awards 2025, held during the 24th HMA Conference at GEM Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Sept 10 and 11.
The hospital earned the accolade for its outstanding energy-saving measures, which saw an 11% reduction in energy consumption in 2024.
Last year, the hospital consumed 4,085,570 kWh of energy, down by 496,580.33 kWh compared to previous years.
This reduction was equivalent to planting 3,791 trees and cutting 344.63 tonnes of carbon emissions, while also generating cost savings of RM252,759.39 in 2024.
Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim, who visited Bukit Mertajam Hospital today, commended the achievement while highlighting ongoing improvements at the facility.
“There are three objectives for my visit today. First, I came to inspect the development of the CT scan machine, which has been in operation since last year.
“This effort was finalised when I was still at the Ministry of Finance in 2023,” Sim said.
The CT scan machine, worth RM5 million, has served over 6,500 patients in the past year.
“Previously, patients had to be transferred to Seberang Jaya Hospital or Penang Hospital for such treatment.
“This took up manpower, as medical staff had to accompany patients during transfers. Now, with the CT scan machine available here, treatment and diagnosis can be done faster, without wasting precious time.
“Every second and minute counts in medical care.
“This also eases the burden on patients, especially those with severe injuries or limited mobility,” he added.
Sim also officiated the hospital’s upgraded toilets, which were improved with a RM200,000 contribution from his office.
“Toilets in hospitals must be clean, hygienic, and of good quality. I am glad to see the allocation being put to good use,” he said.
Earlier, Sim was accompanied by Bukit Mertajam Hospital director Dr Prashant Subramaniam and other hospital staff.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi