KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Malaysia is now home to yet another private medical centre and this one intends to set higher standards for healthcare.

The Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC) situated at Jalan Kia Peng officially opened its door to the people yesterday.

At a news conference, its chief executive officer Stuart Rowley said: 'We want to raise the standard of quality healthcare available in the country and to set the benchmark for international medical best practices for Malaysia and Asia.'

Rowley said the centre targeted to have its patients comprise about 70% Malaysians and 30% medical tourists.
From its bold and unorthodox facade, the PCMC looks like a five-star state-of-the-art prestigious private medical centre.

However, Rowley dismissed claims that PCMC rates and charges were higher than other hospitals and private practices.

'We cater for people who are looking for world-class medical facilities and services at market prices. Compared to other private hospitals in the country, our room rates are highly competitive and medical fees are priced the same,' Rowley added.

PCMC boasts five centres: heart and lung; urology, nephrology and men's health; women and children; plastic surgery, cosmetology, dermatology and burns; and oncology.

Since it started low-key operations in October last year, PCMC has treated 5,305 local patients and 235 medical tourists from 38 countries. -- The Star