10 minutes with Lee Suen Ming, C.E.O, Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore

It might have just been few months that Suen Ming had taken charge at Gleneagles Hospital, but in this very short period of time the highly experienced CEO has managed to prove his worth. 

There is a popular saying that some speak and some others just do, Suen Ming definitely falls in the second category, actively expanding the business operations and fine-tuning the service excellence at Gleneagles. 

A brief interview with the CEO gave us a better view of the reputed Singaporean Hospital, specialising in liver transplants. 

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL THAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER HOSPITALS IN SINGAPORE? 

Most Singapore hospitals provide world class service. To make Gleneagles Hospital different from the others, we have focused significantly on improving patient-staff relationship and other hospital services.

We understand how important the human touch factor is for our patients. At Gleneagles, we understand that when a patient arrives at our hospital, they might not be at their best state of health or mental condition. We try to empathise with them in all conscience, attempting to alleviate their pain as much as possible. 

For this to happen organically, we stress on extensive training of the hospital staff. At the hospital, we want our USP to be "best hospitality along with the best medical services."

Do you have any collaboration ideas with local hospitals in Bangladesh?

I have had the opportunity of visiting two hospitals in Bangladesh, Apollo-Dhaka and United Hospitals. Both of these hospitalsoffer excellent services. Apollo, Dhaka is even JCI accredited, which is a highly recognised international accreditation and certification.

What we are looking forward to the meeting with the management on the matter of regional collaborations. A detailed discussion on how we can help each other across the borders is currently underway.

I have high hopes for our future together, as both the local hospitals were exceedingly keen on collaborative work.  

We can provide continued medical support to each other. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff can also learn from each other in exchange programs.

My personal view is that in the medical service industry there must never be any competition; the only way we can grow together is through cooperation and collaborations. 

Every hospital has it specialty and sub-specialty. What is it for Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore?

True. We agree that every hospital has it specialty. While we address all kinds of medical problems at our hospital, we are best known for our liver transplants and all kinds of liver disease treatments.

Gleneagles Hospitals has a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ward for liver transplants patients. We also have pre-transplant assessment of donors/ recipients, post liver transplant follow-ups, living donor liver transplants, liver dialysis and much more.

Our other specialties are in oncology and orthopaedic diseases. But top of mind would always be liver transplants.

Treatment at Singaporean hospitals is slightly on the expensive side. Why do you think Bangladeshi patients would want to visit Gleneagles Hospital when cheaper alternatives are available elsewhere?

As I mentioned earlier, quality of care is very important for us. We know that comparatively expense might be a little on the upper side but then again you can never put a price on life or excellent services. 

Accordingly, we provide only the best of possible services and care so that our patients feel satisfied considering the value for money. 

Interview by Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury

Photo: Parkways Hospital Dhaka Office