KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): IHH Healthcare Bhd (KL:IHH) is acquiring Afiniti Wellness in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, as part of plans to expand Gleneagles Hospital Johor into an integrated healthcare campus spanning approximately 18 acres.

In a statement Monday, IHH said the acquisition, undertaken through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pantai Medical Centre Sdn Bhd, will see the property converted into a dedicated ambulatory care centre offering consultations, diagnostic services, day surgery and other outpatient treatments.

The acquisition price was not disclosed. 

The expansion is aimed at meeting growing healthcare demand in Johor, particularly as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to attract more businesses, investments and residents to the state.

The new centre will allow Gleneagles Hospital Johor to shift selected outpatient and same-day treatments away from its main hospital, freeing up existing facilities for patients requiring more complex medical care.

Upon completion, the integrated campus, comprising the hospital and IHH's existing landbank in Medini, is expected to support approximately 350 inpatient beds.

IHH is also evaluating the development of an additional 150-bed inpatient block as part of its longer-term expansion plans.

IHH Healthcare Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Kamal Amzan said in the statement the investment reflects the group's commitment to strengthening healthcare capacity in Johor as the JS-SEZ takes shape.

He said the expansion was not merely about increasing the hospital's size but also strengthening its specialist capabilities and improving access to advanced treatment.

Since opening in 2015, Gleneagles Hospital Johor has handled more than 1.7 million inpatient, daycare and outpatient episodes of care. It currently has over 100 specialists and more than 1,200 healthcare professionals.

IHH operates 18 hospitals across Malaysia with approximately 3,600 beds under brands including Gleneagles, Pantai, Prince Court and Island Hospital.

The acquisition is in line with IHH's earlier plan to expand its day-care and medical tourism businesses in Malaysia, alongside selective hospital expansions.

In May, IHH reported a 3% rise in first-quarter net profit to RM528 million, supported by higher inpatient and day case volumes and more complex treatments.