SEBERANG JAYA: Sunway Healthcare Group has invested about RM400 million to set up the Sunway Medical Centre Penang (SMCP), its first hospital outside of the Klang Valley.

SMCP chief executive officer Stephanie Lee Wai Fern said the SMCP is the third hospital under the Sunway Healthcare Group after Sunway Medical Centre in Bandar Sunway and Sunway Medical Centre Velocity in Kuala Lumpur.

"For the first phase, SMCP offers 180 beds and 54 outpatient specialist clinics which began operating last month," she told reporters after the media tour here today.

She said the group plans to continue with phase two of SMCP's development next year after getting the Ministry of Health's approval.

"Subsequently, the hospital will have a capacity of 333 beds, 93 specialist consultation suites and 10 operating theatres," she said.

Lee said SMCP aims to provide quality and compassionate healthcare to families and communities in the surrounding area.

"At SMCP, we believe in making sure that our patients would have smooth and seamless experiences. Patient care is our main priority," she said.

Lee said SMCP currently offers more than 30 medical specialties, state-of-the-art technologies, top-notch facilities and is also incorporating automation into its healthcare systems.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Sunway Healthcare Group president, Datuk Lau Beng Long said the group plans to establish more hospitals in the country over the next few years.

"More hospitals will be set up, including the Damansara Selangor by the end of next year, another one in Ipoh, Perak in 2024, as well as in Kota Bahru, Kelantan and Iskandar, Johor, as well as a rehabilitation centre in Paya Terubong, Penang," he said.