Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) is experiencing a surge in T20 and VIP patients, moving away from its traditional image as a hospital mainly serving the B40 community.
Image credit: New Straits Time
Public hospital with private-level care
HKL director Datuk Dr Harikrishna K.R. Nair said the hospital’s reputation for medical expertise and advanced facilities is drawing patients from across all income groups, including the traditionally private-hospital clientele.
“People now recognise the quality of our care. We have over 400 specialists and state-of-the-art technologies like robotics and laser systems. That’s why not just the B40, but M40 and even T20 patients come to us,” he said during a recent interview with Berita Harian.
Image credit: Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Reasons for choosing HKL
Dr Harikrishna explained that many of HKL’s wealthy and VIP patients end up at the hospital after exhausting their insurance coverage at private medical centres, a pattern that has become increasingly common over the past decade due to rising medical costs. In some cases, patients are also referred to HKL because private facilities lack the specialised expertise required for complex treatments.
He emphasised that accommodating these patients is not an issue, as HKL offers class wards depending on availability, while medical treatment remains the same for everyone.
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Advanced services and facilities
HKL accommodates patients across all groups with first-, second- and third-class wards. Wealthier patients may opt for first-class wards if available, but treatment remains uniform.
The hospital’s oncology centre is especially sought after by M40 and T20 patients, while its Urology Department uses cutting-edge robotic systems available only at HKL and one other hospital in Johor.
Currently, HKL operates with:
- 417 medical specialists
- 896 medical officers
- 446 assistant medical officers
- 3,817 nurses
- 2300 beds across 100 wards
With its advanced facilities and affordable prices, the hospital now sees an average of 2 million patients annually.
Image credit: Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Affordable care that rivals private facilities
One of the biggest draws remains affordability. Patients pay just RM5 to see a specialist, compared to hundreds at private hospitals. Medication worth RM500 to RM2,000 is available for as little as RM1.
“If we look at other countries, none offer healthcare services at RM1, not even in Southeast Asia,” Dr Harikrishna said.
Image credit: Code Blue
For patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, HKL provides up to two months’ supply of medication, easing the burden of frequent hospital visits.
The Specialist Complex and Ambulatory Care Centre at HKL currently treats about 2,000 patients daily. The hospital aims to ensure patients are attended to within 90 minutes, though multiple-service cases may take longer.
Dr Harikrishna maintained that while queues can be long, the trade-off is access to world-class specialists and technology at a fraction of the cost.
Image credit: Sinar Daily
Equal Treatment, regardless of wealth or titles
Despite the surge in affluent patients, Dr Harikrishna stressed that social status has no bearing on medical treatment at HKL.
“No matter the status of the patient, whether they are a Datuk Seri or Tan Sri, they receive no special privileges. Treatment is provided equally to all.” he said.
Low-income (B40) patients remain a priority at HKL, with the hospital maintaining that treatment is never denied based on income and that the same standard of high-quality care is provided to everyone.
Image credit: Malaysiakini
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