The Kota Sentosa Occupational Health Clinic (KKP) has made Sarawak proud after clinching the National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Award 2024 under the Public Sector Innovation and Technology category, marking it as the only government agency from the state to receive national recognition this year.
The award-winning project, titled ‘Optimistic Occupational Health Clinic Services Using the Lean-Kaizen Approach’, was led by Dr. Yasoktaran Ananthan and Suzana Minsion, whose team redefined how efficiency and care can coexist in Malaysia’s public healthcare system.
The Lean-Kaizen approach, widely recognised in industries for it’s focus on continuous improvement was adapted to fit the unique needs of occupational health services. According to Dr. Yasoktaran, the concept revolves around making small, incremental changes that significantly enhance service quality, safety, and timeliness.
“In occupational health services, it means reducing process delays, minimizing waste (such as unnecessary steps or waiting time), and optimizing workflows to deliver faster, more efficient, and safer health services for workers”, said Dr. Yasoktaran.
The project stemmed from a pressing need to address service inefficiencies and rising workloads at KKP Kota Sentosa. Limited manpower and growing demand for pre-employment and periodic health screenings prompted the team to adopt a structured, data-driven method to streamline operations.
From conceptualisation to implementation, the project took about six to nine months, involving stages such as problem identification, process mapping, and Kaizen workshops, and pilot testing. Throughout the process, measurable improvements were recorded particularly in service turnaround time and client satisfaction levels.
One of the key factors behind the project’s success was the mindset shift among staff, who transitioned from routine-based work to an innovation-driven culture. Team members receive Lean-Kaizen training, learning to identify waste, map value streams, and propose small but meaningful improvements in daily operations.
The results were transformative. Clients began experiencing shorter waiting times, smoother service flows, and better communication during their visit. The overall experience became more transparent and client-centered, strengthening the clinic’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.
The project also incorporated digital solutions such as automated health intake systems, real-time monitoring dashboards, and standardised work practices, improving accuracy and reducing administrative burden.
Dr. Yasoktaran shared that the journey doesn’t end with an award. The team now aims to expand the Lean-Kaizen culture across other occupational health units, integrate more digital monitoring tools, and continue regular staff engagement to ensure sustained innovation.
The National OSH Award, organised by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and PERKESO, celebrates initiatives that strengthen workplace safety, health, and innovation across Malaysia.
KKP Kota Sentosa’s success stands as a national example of how continuous improvement can reshape public healthcare delivery, proving that even small, consistent changes can create lasting impact.
Sources: Utusan Borneo
All information has been provided by Dr. Yasoktaran.
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