Malaysia Medical Tourism

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.

 

A Leader in Medical Research

With a rich history of medical research dating back to the 1900s, Malaysia remains actively engaged, initiating a total of 215 new clinical research projects in 2021. This positions Malaysia alongside regional counterparts like Singapore, signifying a significant step toward becoming a prominent global medical hub.

The oversight and support of clinical trials in the country are managed by several organizations, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Committee for Clinical Research (NCCR), and Clinical Research Malaysia. The NCCR is tasked with devising clinical trial strategies and policies in Malaysia, enhancing medical infrastructure, and promoting sound clinical and laboratory practices.

Established by the MoH in 2012, Clinical Research Malaysia supports clinical research by providing training, facilitating communication about clinical research programs with the public and industry players, and offering consultation, management, and review services. These efforts ensure adherence to regulations and best practices throughout the entire clinical research process, contributing to increased participation in clinical research, further solidifying Malaysia’s status as a burgeoning medical hub for both conventional treatments and innovative healthcare approaches.

Malaysia places utmost importance on maintaining high standards in clinical research and has established various systems to ensure the integrity of medical research endeavors. The National Medical Research Register, a web-based system, streamlines the application, review, and approval process for research conducted within the MoH. This system aids the government and relevant bodies in monitoring ongoing medical research, reviewing methodologies, and addressing ethical concerns before granting approval.

Amazing Hospitality

Just as Malaysia is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Malaysians are highly commended for their gracious and individually tailored service extended to visitors from around the globe. This exceptional hospitality seamlessly translates into the healthcare sector, where nurses and doctors consistently deliver exceptional service at every stage. They approach their patients with a blend of professionalism and genuine care, effortlessly captivating medical travelers with their warmth and attentive aid—an attribute frequently praised and often cited, encouraging return visits.

This dedication to excellence stems from a commitment to personalized care for every individual undergoing treatment or recovery. It encompasses not only the diagnosis and treatment provided but also extends to the service offered during hospitalization or while awaiting test results. Nurses and doctors meticulously attend to the needs of their patients, offering assistance wherever necessary, arranging special accommodations that enhance their patients’ well-being, and consistently going the extra mile in their care efforts.

 

Excellent Healthcare Quality

Malaysian healthcare places a strong emphasis on patient convenience by providing same-day results for health screenings and other examinations, complemented by top-notch facilities and amenities during the waiting period. This ensures that medical travelers have ample comfort and various activities to engage in while awaiting results. They can even explore nearby attractions before returning promptly for the next steps in their healthcare plan.

Staying abreast of medical advancements has led to the introduction of minimally invasive surgical treatments that offer quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries. For instance, procedures like the Micra AV pacemaker, executed with precision and followed by attentive post-surgery care, exemplify this progress. Notably, Subang Jaya Medical Centre achieved a milestone by performing the country’s inaugural daycare total knee replacement in late 2021, a success built upon two decades of continuous enhancements aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and minimizing complications. Malaysia remains dedicated to propelling the medical industry forward, as evidenced by its consistent track record in delivering exceptional care.

Accessibility stands as another pillar of Malaysia’s impressive healthcare system. The country has established efficient channels to streamline the flow of medical tourists, reducing waiting times for treatments significantly. This enables individuals to swiftly connect and secure appointments with doctors in Malaysia, circumventing the prolonged waiting lists encountered in many other parts of the world. Interestingly, Malaysia has witnessed an influx of medical tourists from Thailand and Singapore, as both these countries struggle to manage the surge in medical tourism.

 

Highly Trained Medical Professionals

In Malaysia, healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and various specialists, are extensively trained individuals, with many holding qualifications from esteemed foreign universities and institutions. Whether practicing in local clinics or renowned hospitals across the country, these professionals possess the necessary expertise to address healthcare concerns of medical tourists while upholding confidentiality, comfort, convenience, and confidence. Additionally, a wide spectrum of medical specialists can be found within numerous healthcare institutions nationwide.

To fortify the medical industry and ensure the welfare of both patients and practitioners, entities such as the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) play pivotal roles. These organizations oversee the delivery of high-quality healthcare, mandating that all healthcare professionals must be government-registered, adhere to governmental ethical standards (including the Hippocratic Oath), and consistently enhance their practices through continuous learning and research efforts. Their presence serves to maintain and elevate the standards of healthcare provision in Malaysia.

 

A Fabulous Tourist Destination

While medical tourists flock to Malaysia for its exceptional and cost-effective healthcare, they often discover themselves extending their stay due to the country’s diverse and captivating tourist attractions. From sandy beaches to stunning hillside vistas, majestic cave formations, and immersive explorations of historical cityscapes, Malaysia offers a plethora of experiences catering to a wide range of preferences. Tailored medical tourism packages include accommodations in premium hotels situated conveniently near leading hospitals and nearby scenic spots, providing visitors with abundant choices and an array of activities.

Moreover, with the relatively affordable cost of goods appealing to most foreign tourists, there is an abundance of leisurely pursuits to indulge in during their stay. Whether it’s shopping excursions, hunting down delectable street food, seaside picnics, immersive nature treks, or more, medical tourists find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to passing the time between medical appointments.