Private healthcare provider Raffles Medical Group reported a 16.5% rise in net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 to $9.1 million. Earnings per share was 1.74 cents, compared to 1.50 cents last year.

Revenue for the group grew 10.2% from $51.0 million in Q1 to $56.2 million in Q1 on the back of growth from both its healthcare services and hospital services divisions which increased by 8.8% and 12.0% respectively.

Higher patient load, a wider range of medical specialties and improved operating efficiencies contributed to the improved profit of $11.2 million from operating activities, an increase of 15.8% over the corresponding period in 2009.