IHH Healthcare to Double Hospital Capacity in Johor, Malaysia, to 600 Beds

The expansion comes as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen economic ties through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract investment and facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

Malaysia-based IHH Healthcare plans to double the inpatient capacity of Gleneagles Hospital Johor from 300 to 600 beds over the next five years, citing rising healthcare demand driven by economic development and stronger cross-border connectivity with Singapore.

The proposed expansion in Iskandar Puteri will involve constructing a new 300-bed block behind the existing hospital, Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, told Nikkei Asia. The development forms part of the company's longer-term plan to establish an integrated healthcare campus in Johor.

The expansion comes as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen economic ties through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract investment and facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

The upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, scheduled to begin operations in February 2027, is also expected to improve connectivity between Johor and Singapore, potentially making healthcare services in the Malaysian state more accessible to Singapore-based patients.

According to Kamal, Johor's economic and infrastructure development is expected to drive demand for specialist healthcare as more businesses, workers and families move into the region.

IHH Faces Growing Competition in Johor

IHH's expansion comes amid increasing competition among private healthcare providers in Johor. In September, Sunway Healthcare broke ground on an 800 million ringgit ($195.8 million) hospital in Iskandar Puteri, with plans to add 400 beds by 2030. The group is also planning a fertility center by 2027 and an outpatient clinic near the RTS Link by 2028.

Meanwhile, Singapore-listed Thomson Medical Group announced a multibillion-dollar integrated development project in Johor in August, which is expected to include a 500-bed hospital and elderly care facilities.

Expansion Beyond Inpatient Capacity

Alongside the hospital expansion, IHH Healthcare is developing outpatient and specialist services in Johor. Through its subsidiary Pantai Medical Centre, the company has acquired Afiniti Wellness in Medini and plans to convert the property into a dedicated outpatient center.

The facility is expected to become fully operational between the second and third quarters of 2028. It will offer specialist consultations, diagnostic services, health screenings and day procedures, including endoscopies, cataract surgery and dental care.

IHH has not disclosed the acquisition price or the total investment required for the conversion and medical equipment.

The outpatient center is expected to enable Gleneagles Hospital Johor to focus on more complex treatments, including cardiac procedures, neurosurgery and oncology.

IHH Healthcare's Presence in Malaysia

IHH Healthcare operates hospitals across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, India and Turkey. Its Malaysian operations comprise 18 hospitals with approximately 3,600 beds under brands including Gleneagles, Pantai, Prince Court, Island Hospital and Timberland Medical Centre.

Established in 2015, Gleneagles Hospital Johor currently has 300 beds, more than 100 specialists and over 1,200 healthcare professionals. The hospital has delivered more than 1.7 million inpatient, daycare and outpatient care services.

While the expansion could support international patient volumes, IHH said domestic demand would remain central to its Malaysian operations, with a focus on improving access to advanced specialist care within the country.

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