Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Landmarks provides health screening in Indonesia

Landmarks Bhd's healthcare units MediScreen Sdn Bhd and Qualitas Medical Group Sdn Bhd have inked an agreement with an Indonesian group to provide medical screening services for Malaysia-bound Indonesian workers.

Under a memorandum of understanding with Indonesian Manpower Services Association (APJATI), MediScreen and Qualitas will bring its medical expertise in the health screening of foreign workers in Malaysia to the republic.

Indonesian workers in Malaysia would also benefit from preferential rates for medical check-ups and treatments at both the MediScreen and Qualitas panel of clinics and hospitals, Landmarks managing director M.A. Halim Ahmad said.

Speaking to reporters yesterday after the signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Halim said it was still too early to give a projected revenue from the venture.

APJATI chairman Husein A. Alaydrus said about 8,000 Indonesian workers came to Malaysia monthly. APJATI represents almost 400 licensed manpower agencies in Indonesia.

"Healthcare is a growing business that is not affected by economic fluctuations," Halim said, adding that people would still need healthcare services despite negative economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Halim said healthcare now contributed less than 5% to Landmarks' total revenue, but the company planned to grow the business.

Qualitas' network comprises 68 outlets in the Klang Valley, Johor and Perak. Halim said it had expanded to Chennai, India, with a screening and family centre for foreign workers coming to Malaysia.

Qualitas is expected to open between 15 and 18 new centres in Penang and up to 25 centres on the east coast within 18 months.

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