KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 1): KPJ Healthcare Bhd (KL:KPJ) has appointed Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Lokman Saim to a newly created role of chief medical director effective immediately, as part of the healthcare group’s strategic focus on strengthening its clinical leadership and enhancing its clinical governance.

In his new role, Lokman will lead efforts to align clinical operations with the strategic goals of KPJ's health system, which aims to integrate clinical care, education and research to achieve excellence in patient outcomes.

"His focus will be on enhancing clinical governance, standardising best practices and optimising operational efficiency, ensuring patient care remains at the heart of KPJ’s mission to become the preferred healthcare partner," KPJ said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lokman brings over 40 years of expertise in clinical medicine, academic leadership and medical innovation. He is a pioneer in otology and neurotology in Malaysia, introducing cochlear implant surgery to the country and establishing the UKM cochlear implant team.

"Professor Lokman has also served as the vice-chancellor of KPJ Healthcare University (KPJU) since 2012. During his tenure at KPJU, he has been instrumental in aligning education and training with the group’s needs, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals," said KPJ, adding that Lokman’s current role as the vice-chancellor of KPJU will transition to a new appointee, which will be announced soon.

Prior to this, he was the founding dean of medicine and a director of UKM Medical Centre, where he spearheaded efforts to integrate medical education, research and hospital services as part of its mission to establish an academic medical centre.

KPJ president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the appointment of a chief medical director reflects the group's steadfast commitment to enhancing patient-centric care, advancing clinical governance and elevating the quality of healthcare services.

"It also reaffirms our determination to set new benchmarks in private healthcare excellence and drive meaningful progress within the industry. This appointment further underscores KPJ’s strategy to position clinical functions as a core component of its operations, ensuring seamless integration with the group’s overall objectives," he added.