These past years, Malaysia has earned recognition as one of the best choice for medical tourism. Here are top reasons why individuals opt for Malaysia for their medical care and recuperation.
Malaysia is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical sites, drawing tourists from around the globe. But did you realize that Malaysia is also gaining prominence as a burgeoning center for medical tourism? If the phrase “medical tourism” conjures images of international tourists touring local healthcare facilities, it’s worth noting that it’s quite the opposite. Medical tourism actually involves visitors from abroad seeking holistic wellness solutions in Malaysia.
The Malaysian government has implemented various measures to position the country as a reputable choice for medical travelers, notably establishing the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) in 2005. This agency, operating under the Ministry of Health (MoH), aims to “facilitate and promote Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry partnerships and robust public-private collaborations, both domestically and internationally.” Through these concerted efforts, Malaysia endeavors to emerge as a premier medical destination for global medical travelers. The country’s initiatives have received accolades, including the prestigious “Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year” award at the 2020 International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Medical Travel Awards.
In line with this objective, the MHTC recently introduced the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Blueprint 2021-2025. This blueprint aims to generate RM1.7 billion in healthcare travel revenue by 2025, focusing on strategies to fortify Malaysia’s reputation as a quality healthcare destination. This includes enhancing the quality of medical services, transitioning towards digital healthcare processes, and ensuring continued accessibility to affordable healthcare.
As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, its medical tourism sector anticipates a much-needed revival. With a significant influx of 1.22 million medical travelers in 2019 and boasting some of the world’s most competitive healthcare costs, Malaysia appears poised to welcome an even larger number of visitors from 2024 onward.
Strategic Location
Throughout history, Malaysia has held a strategic significance, particularly in maritime shipping. Its tourism sector has experienced substantial growth since the inaugural Visit Malaysia Year campaign in the 1990s, partly due to its geographical positioning on the globe.
Notably, Malaysia sits near the Equator, resulting in its characteristic warm climate accompanied by intermittent rainfall and seasonal monsoons year-round. This climate has nurtured extensive rainforests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, picturesque coastlines adorned with stunning beaches, and a myriad of islands boasting captivating landscapes and sounds. The allure of Malaysia’s natural diversity and consistent sunny weather (interspersed with occasional rainfall) appeals to many tourists, especially those from colder climates or accustomed to four distinct seasons, including harsh winters.
Moreover, Malaysia serves as a gateway to Asia, sharing borders with numerous Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Simultaneously, it remains accessible to travelers from other Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, and China.
Affordability
Besides Malaysia’s burgeoning medical expertise, the significant attraction lies in the comparatively lower costs compared to medical expenses in other countries. Particularly, Western medical tourists favor Malaysia as their destination of choice because undergoing medical procedures in Malaysia can save them thousands in their home currency. As of the current writing, one US Dollar equals RM4.63
This financial advantage greatly appeals to international tourists, enabling them to afford top-notch medical treatments without incurring exorbitant expenses. Certain procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, may cost about half the amount compared to what one might pay in Western nations. For instance, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, which could reach USD77,000 in the United States, costs approximately USD16,000 after conversion in Malaysia.
Not only do they benefit from substantial savings while receiving equally excellent treatment, but they also retain sufficient funds to enjoy a vacation in the country. Furthermore, collaborations between hotels and hospitals offer customized stay packages termed as “post-treatment friendly.” These packages ensure accessibility, excellent service, and additional amenities available at both the hotel and the hospital, enhancing the overall experience for medical tourists.
Internationally Recognized Hospitals
In a bid to offer top-notch healthcare to both citizens and medical tourists, numerous hospitals and healthcare providers in Malaysia have diligently pursued and secured accreditation from international healthcare bodies. This includes recognition from the Joint Commission International, an independent non-profit organization advocating stringent healthcare standards to enhance healthcare performance and outcomes. Additionally, some have obtained accreditation under the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee’s (RTAC) International Code of Practice, ensuring the safe delivery of fertility treatments.
Earning these accreditations demands the strict implementation of quality care practices at every stage, ensuring the unwavering maintenance of high standards. They aren’t merely tools to elevate a hospital’s reputation but rather reflect a commitment to prioritize exceptional healthcare outcomes while upholding quality. Accredited hospitals are held to a high level of accountability, persistently striving to meet the most elevated healthcare treatment standards.
The blend of international accreditation alongside the industry’s provision of high-quality services has propelled several hospitals in Malaysia to attain international acclaim. Notable accolades include Sunway Medical Centre securing the “2019 Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year in the Asia Pacific” award, Prince Court Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre both earning the title of “2019 Hospital of the Year Malaysia,” and IJN receiving the “2019 Cardiology Service Provider of the Year” recognition. These awards significantly contribute to Malaysia’s aspiration to establish itself as a distinguished medical hub.