{
  "id": 8902558,
  "title": "CMH keeps healthcare costs in check",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/cmh-keeps-healthcare-costs-in-check",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-21T10:22:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1537728/cmh-keeps-healthcare-costs-check"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Association president Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock highlighted that CMH Specialist Hospital's average inpatient bill is approximately RM7,800, which is substantially lower than the RM12,500 average at larger private hospitals. Lee emphasized that CMH's priority is to strike a balance between affordability and quality healthcare, alongside upholding professional standards. He underscored that a RM4,700 difference is far more than just a number, and it is a crucial factor in CMH's enduring connection with the community. During the 92nd annual general meeting of the Negri Sembilan Chinese Maternity Association, Lee expressed that the hospital aims to offer healthcare that does not escalate in price, while maintaining professional medical standards and service quality, ensuring community members can access reasonably priced and reliable healthcare options. The group reported a revenue of RM80.74 million for financial year 2026 (FY26), marking an 11% decrease from RM90.9 million in FY25. Net profit also fell to RM1.96 million in FY26 from RM3.4 million in FY25. The annual bed occupancy rate dipped to 71% in FY26 from 79% in the previous financial year, primarily due to temporary impacts from ongoing expansion and construction activities. Despite these challenges, Lee set a target for FY27, projecting revenue of RM92 million, profit after tax at RM10 million, and a 75% bed occupancy rate. As of August, the group's revenue reached RM40.22 million, five percent above its target for the same period. The company announced a dividend of 17.5 sen per share on July 22, with a total payout of RM10.15 million. Lee clarified that this dividend was funded solely by cash flows from past operations, and none of the RM45 million raised through a private placement was utilized for this payout. He reiterated that the funds from the private placement are earmarked for the development of the medical block and acquiring medical equipment, and should not be mistaken for funds available for distribution. The private placement exercise was launched in August last year and successfully completed on September 5, 2025, raising RM45 million to support the hospital's century development and its journey towards a centennial vision.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: CMH Specialist Hospital aims to continue offering affordable and trusted healthcare to the community while maintaining quality services and professional medical standards.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}