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 the GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Sept 10–11.
The hospital earned the accolade for its energy-saving initiatives, achieving an 11% reduction in energy consumption in 2024. Last year, the hospital used 4,085,570 kWh, a decrease of 496,580 kWh from previous years. This reduction is equivalent to planting 3,791 trees, cutting 344.63 tonnes of carbon emissions, and generating estimated cost savings of RM252,759.39.
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During his visit, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim commended the hospital’s sustainability efforts and reviewed recent developments, including the operation of a RM5 million CT scan machine, which has served over 6,500 patients since its installation in 2023.
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“Previously, patients had to be transferred to other hospitals for CT scans, which required additional staff and time. With this facility now available here, treatment and diagnosis can be carried out much faster, saving precious time especially in critical cases,” Sim said. He added that these improvements not only enhance efficiency but also ease the burden on patients, particularly those with severe injuries or limited mobility. [3]
Sim also officiated the hospital’s upgraded toilets, funded with RM200,000 from his office. “Toilets in hospitals must be clean, hygienic, and of good quality. I am glad to see this allocation being put to good use,” he said. The minister was accompanied by Hospital Director Dr Prashant Subramaniam and other staff members during the visit. [4]
The hospital’s initiatives exemplify the Penang2030 vision, which aims to create a family-focused, green, and smart state. By improving healthcare services while implementing sustainable infrastructure, Bukit Mertajam Hospital contributes to equitable access, environmental responsibility, and enhanced community well-being across the state. Its healthcare services also support balanced regional development, reducing the need for patients to travel to other hospitals and ensuring that high-quality medical care is accessible locally.
This recognition highlights how strategic service improvements and sustainable practices can transform public healthcare facilities into models of smart, efficient, and community-focused institutions, supporting Penang’s broader long-term goals for innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
Beyond its environmental and operational achievements, the hospital’s progress reflects how local public institutions can inspire greater community confidence and participation in social development, aligning with Penang2030’s vision of a caring and inclusive society.
FOOTNOTES
[1] Kevin, V. (2025). Bukit Mertajam Hospital wins ‘Most Sustainable Hospital’ award. Bulletin Mutiara, September 14.
https://www.buletinmutiara.com/bukit-mertajam-hospital-wins-most-sustainable-hospital-award/
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[2] See Footnote 1. ↩︎
[3] See Footnote 1. ↩︎
[4] See Footnote 1. ↩︎