IHH Healthcare Berhad | Annual Report 2024 48 Trend Impact to Group Prolonged Global Economic Uncertainty Although inflation has shown signs of easing in most countries, geopolitical tensions and energy market disruptions continue to fuel global economic volatility. Potential policy changes in major economies may have cascading effects on IHH’s operational costs. Increased Healthcare Spending The global healthcare landscape is experiencing a significant surge in demand, driven by an ageing population, the escalating prevalence of chronic diseases linked to lifestyle factors, and the rapid advancement of medical technologies. These trends, while indicative of the sector’s vital role, also necessitate substantial investments in development and implementation by the Group. Advancement in Medical Technologies The rapid advancement of medical technologies, including fitness trackers, remote monitoring devices, and artificial intelligence-driven hospital solutions, is fundamentally reshaping the healthcare landscape. This influx of real-time data presents a significant opportunity to optimise operations and drive superior patient outcomes. Notably, the increasing adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, accelerated by recent global events, underscores the critical role of technology in delivering accessible and efficient care. Increasing Pressure to Adopt Sustainable Healthcare Practices The healthcare industry accounts for over 4% of the world’s carbon emissions. As a leading healthcare network, we are obligated to lessen our environmental impact by relooking the resources we use, from single-use disposables to anaesthetic gases and energy sources, and waste management practices. Strategic Report Market Outlook 1 2 3 4
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDgzMzc=