Health Tourism

Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers travelling internationally to deliver healthcare.

Services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well as complex specialized surgeries such as joint replacement (knee/hip), cardiac surgery, dental surgery, and cosmetic surgeries. However, virtually every type of health care, including psychiatry, alternative treatments, convalescent care and even burial services are available.

Over 50 countries have identified medical tourism as a national industry. However, accreditation and other measures of quality vary widely across the globe, and some destinations may become hazardous or even dangerous for medical tourists.

Health Tourism in Malaysia

Malaysia is focusing on the health tourism industry. It is a fast-growing sector due to the affordability of medical treatments coupled with the large number of world-leading medical facilities established in Malaysia.

In support of this sector, foreign visitors are welcome to seek healthcare services in Malaysia under the Health Tourism programme.

Medical expertise in Malaysia ranks among the best in the world and most private hospitals in the country have internationally recognized quality and standards. These include the MS ISO9002 or accreditation by the Malaysian Medical Society for Quality of Health (MSQH). All private medical centres must be approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health.

Malaysia growing reputation as a preferred health and medical destination sees it welcoming visitors from around the world seeking remedies for a range of medical needs. These include both critical health services as well as cosmetic and remedial care.

Medical charges and hospitalization costs here are very competitive compared to those in many developed countries, and expertise ranks among the best in the world. For example, a normal cardiac bypass surgery (CABG) would cost in the region of USD6,000 - USD7,000.

There is a plethora of state-of-the-art, well-equipped and well-staffed private medical centres. All of which have extensive diagnostic and therapeutic resources such as endoscopic suites, haemodialysis centres, cardiac catheterisation and magnetic resonance imaging facilities among others. Medical specialists are also highly qualified professionals with extensive international qualifications and are supported by well-trained para-medical staff.

Most private hospitals in Malaysia offer accommodation ranging from comfortable to luxurious, including private rooms and suites. Meals are included and rates vary depending on the level of service required as some establishment offer personal butlers or full-time private nurses. Sleep-in facilities can also be easily provided for travelling companions and again, given Malaysia relative low costs yet high standards of living, long term stays are an acceptable option.

But perhaps the best thing about undergoing medical attention in Malaysia, especially for less critical care cases, must be the recuperation period. Patients have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing and other tourist activities during their recuperation and convalescence. Visits can be made to Malaysia beautiful beaches especially since some medical centers are located at popular beach or tourist locations. Indeed, for most patients, taking in a bit of sightseeing or going on a shopping spree could stimulate a quicker recovery!

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) was established under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) on 3rd July 2009 upon the approval of the Malaysian Cabinet. MHTC has been set up as the primary agency to develop and promote the healthcare travel industry and to position Malaysia as the healthcare destination of choice in the region.