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The Future of Medical Tourism in Malaysia: A $5.1 Billion Industry by 2028

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The medical tourism sector in Malaysia is on a growth trajectory, with projections indicating a rise to a valuation of $5.1 billion by 2028 . The market, which was worth $1.2 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at a consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028.

A significant portion of this growth is attributed to individuals seeking cosmetic surgery, which accounts for approximately 17% of the total market value.

Malaysia: A Preferred Destination for Medical Tourism

Malaysia has become a preferred choice for medical tourists due to its high-quality healthcare services. The country offers a diverse array of medical treatments and procedures, including specialized surgeries, dental services, fertility treatments, and wellness services.

Cost-Effective Healthcare Services

One of the key attractions of Malaysia’s medical tourism industry is the affordability of its healthcare services. Compared to many other countries, Malaysia offers significantly lower treatment costs without compromising on the quality of care. This cost-effectiveness makes Malaysia a desirable destination for those seeking high-quality healthcare at a reasonable price.

State-of-the-Art Healthcare Infrastructure

Malaysia’s healthcare infrastructure is top-notch, featuring modern hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities equipped with the latest technologies and equipment. The country’s medical institutions are internationally accredited and adhere to stringent quality standards, ensuring the provision of safe and effective healthcare services.

Highly Trained Healthcare Professionals

The country boasts a highly skilled healthcare workforce. Many of these professionals have received their education and training from prestigious institutions globally, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, personalized medical care.

Cultural Diversity and Language Proficiency

The multicultural society and diverse population of Malaysia make it a welcoming destination for international patients. English is widely spoken in the country, facilitating easy communication for foreign patients. The healthcare system is well-equipped to cater to patients from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Reach Your Full Potential in Medical Tourism With MTB

At MTB, we are dedicated to supporting professionals and organizations in the medical tourism industry as they strive for success. As a leading provider of certification, contracts, marketing, and support,  we offer comprehensive programs , expert guidance, and valuable resources that are designed to help our members achieve their goals and reach their full potential in the global healthcare market. With a focus on excellence and innovation, we help our members stay ahead of the competition and navigate the complex and dynamic world of medical tourism.

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Malaysia’s medical tourism sector seeing signs of growth

14 Oct 2020

Since the start of this year, Hemakumari Sugayindran’s main mission was to ensure the smooth implementation of plans to harness the potential of healthcare tourism.

The senior executive of International Patient Centre (IPC) at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and her team were committed to positioning PHKL as the hospital of choice among foreigners seeking medical care in various fields.

PHKL had been expecting a rise in healthcare visitor arrivals this year as the government had initially promoted 2020 as Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel, alongside Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

However, the COVID-19 outbreak threw a spanner in the works, resulting in downturns in many industries and business sectors, including healthcare tourism, in Malaysia and globally.

Hemakumari said PHKL’s healthcare tourism business has seen rapid growth over the years and in February this year it opened the IPC, a special unit dedicated to providing top quality services to international patients.

“The IPC is not only designated to handle the needs of our healthcare tourists but is also spacious and located on the ground floor, thus facilitating registration and consultation processes,” she told Bernama.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF GROWTH

Hemakumari said IPC was set up in anticipation of a hike in the admission of international patients this year.

Although the ongoing pandemic has to a certain extent impacted the hospital’s healthcare tourism sector, the situation, nevertheless, did not dampen their spirit and the hospital continues to provide its best healthcare services to its international patients, who are mainly cancer patients from Indonesia.

They were admitted to PHKL before the Movement Control Order was imposed in March and were reluctant to return to their homeland as they are worried that they may not be able to return to Malaysia for follow-up treatments as long as the country’s international borders remain closed.

Malaysia’s healthcare tourism industry showed some encouraging signs of growth after the government opened its borders in phases to international patients, beginning July 1 after the Recovery Movement Control Order set in.

“During the (initial phase of) MCO, we didn’t get many calls from international patients as our borders were closed. But after our government announced that the borders will be reopened for healthcare travellers, IPC was inundated with calls.

“Most of the callers were new patients who wished to know how to go about seeking treatment and enquired about our oncology, paediatric, cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic and gastroenterology treatments,” Hemakumari said.

Although Malaysia’s borders are open to foreigners seeking medical care in Malaysia, only critically ill patients and those in need of urgent medical attention with serious health issues such as cancer, and neurosurgery and paediatric cases are allowed entry. The patients must have a supporting letter from the hospital, which has to be a member of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC).

Approval for the patients to enter Malaysia is also subject to compliance with stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as screening for COVID-19, securing the green light from the Immigration Department and travelling to Malaysia by air ambulance, personal jet or chartered flight in order to stem COVID-19 transmissions.

Hemakumari said even though the government has reopened its borders for international patients, PHKL is not in a rush to admit them as the safety of the Malaysian public and its doctors and staff is its top priority.

“We at IPC will first seek the approval from the treating doctor concerned whether he or she is willing to accept and treat the international patient based on the medical reports from their country of origin,” she said.

Interestingly, from their recent telephone conversations with potential international patients, it was clear that many of them did not view the pandemic as a deterrent to seeking treatment in Malaysia, she said.

“The callers didn’t ask if our hospital has any COVID-19 case or how the situation was in Malaysia. They just wanted to know how to seek treatment,” she said.

They are obviously not worried about the current spike in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and are confident that the health authorities are capable of flattening the infection curve once again.

Last month, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was quoted by the media as saying that Malaysia has been recognised by the World Health Organisation for its strong health system and universal health coverage amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

And last month, Malaysia’s healthcare tourism sector received another feather in its cap when it won the Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year title for the fourth time at the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Medical Travel Awards 2020 ceremony in London.

DIGITAL APPROACH

Besides PHKL, international patient arrivals at other private hospitals in Malaysia and in the region have also seen a downward trend this year.

Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok was affected by the plunge in medical tourists travelling to Thailand as more than 50 percent of its patients came from overseas.

Like PHKL and many other hospitals worldwide, Bumrungrad International Hospital has also activated its online teleconsultation services.

PHKL emergency department senior medical officer Dr Mohd Ridzuan Abdul Razak said the teleconsultation services allow the hospital’s international patients to be remotely monitored by their doctors.

“This service is only offered to existing patients whose medical records are with PHKL. Teleconsultation is not offered to new patients as we don’t know what their health record is like.

“As for patients who need treatment like physiotherapy, it’s best that they see a doctor in their country. We will email their medical reports and discuss their progress and treatment they underwent previously with their doctor,” he said.

PHKL also offers postal delivery services for medicines required by their foreign patients who sought treatment at the hospital previously. However, the delivery service would depend on the drugs’ resistance and where the patient lives.

SECTOR WILL RECOVER

MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli, meanwhile, acknowledged the pandemic has hit the healthcare tourism sector hard and expected the market to decline in 2020 and 2021.

Nevertheless, MHTC is prepared to address any disruption in the inflow of medical tourists by continuously engaging with the government and industry leaders from public and private sectors to upgrade existing SOPs so that they fulfil the needs of the current situation.

The negative economic impact of the pandemic has forced MHTC to slash its 2020 medical tourism revenue target by 70 percent to RM500 million from the original projection of RM2 billion.

“Based on Malaysia’s excellent response to stemming the COVID-19 pandemic (based on its previous experience), the nation has been able to implement a healthcare travel bubble and resume medical tourism activities.

“It is carried out in ways that are safe for the patients entering the country while also taking into account the factor of national security. Stringent SOPs have also enabled our economy to recover gradually,” said Sherene.

She said although they have projected a decline in the healthcare tourism market in 2020 and 2021, MHTC has taken proactive measures to maintain its ties with its partners and stakeholders through webinars and discussions.

“Through these steps, we hope to focus on efforts to drive this industry’s sustainable growth so that Malaysia continues to be known as the ‘World’s Healthcare Marvel’,” she added.

Malaysia has successfully positioned itself as the destination of choice for international patients seeking treatment in the fields of cardiology, fertility, orthopaedics, urology, dentistry, cosmetic surgery and others.

Last year, its healthcare tourism sector generated revenue of RM1.7 billion from 1.3 million medical tourist arrivals from various countries.

“About 60 percent of our medical tourists are from Indonesia while the rest are from Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Brunei and other countries,” she added.

Source: Bernama Posted on : 14 October 2020

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• How South East Asia is...

How South East Asia is rebooting medical tourism in a pandemic world

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• Megan Tatum , freelance journalist
• Penang, Malaysia
• wordsbymegantatum{at}gmail.com

Southeast Asia is taking the lead on a reboot of medical tourism, even as the pandemic continues, reports Megan Tatum

For two years, the number of tourists arriving in Malaysia specifically for medical treatment has plummeted.

2020 had been earmarked as a record breaking year for the medical tourism sector, with two million international visitors forecast to arrive for treatment as part of the Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel.1 Private hospitals had rolled out 15 000 additional beds in anticipation, hotel chains had partnered with specialist agencies to prepare all-inclusive tourist packages, and members of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) toured international trade expos.

Covid-19 thwarted those ambitions. From March 2020 until April 2022, Malaysia’s borders remained closed to all but a few inbound tourists. Healthcare facilities shifted their focus to emergency management of the pandemic, and providers that had once relied on medical tourists turned their attention to local patients.

Now though, three months after international tourists were once again allowed to enter the country, signs of recovery are evident. In fact, by 2025 revenue from healthcare travel could once again match pre-pandemic levels, contributing up to 7bn Malaysian ringgit (RM) (£1.3bn) to the national economy, MHTC says.

Slow recovery

The pandemic did huge damage to Malaysia’s previously thriving medical tourism sector, says Kuljit Singh, president at the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, and ear, nose, and throat specialist at Kuala Lumpur’s Prince Court Medical Centre. “At many clinics and hospitals we went to zero [international patients] and the only medical tourism we saw was evacuation of patients for emergency care. In terms of tourists coming through the normal channels, it was almost zero.”

Individual specialists were also affected, some of whom say they relied on medical tourists for up to 25% of their total patient numbers before the pandemic. Overall, 2020 revenues more than halved after seven years of consecutive double digit growth. Two thirds (68%) of that business came from foreign patients living within the country, such as expatriates and holders of the Malaysia My Second Home visa.

The sector did see a limited number of patients, even during the worst of the crisis. In September 2020, the government introduced a medical travel “bubble” that allowed tourists to enter the country for treatment as long as they arrived by private aircraft and were not exposed to the wider community. According to MHTC, the “stringently monitored” bubble enabled the healthcare travel industry to make RM551m in 2021.

Since April the sector has started to recover, although it has been a slow start for those practising outside the capital, according to Boon Chong Tan, an orthopaedic surgeon in Penang. International flights to smaller states were not added to airline schedules until May, and medical tourists were reluctant to consider transiting on to a domestic route. But that’s now beginning to change, he says.

New world, new markets

In 2019, more than two thirds of Malaysia’s revenue from healthcare travel came from Indonesia and China, according to MHTC figures. China continues to face restrictions on outbound travel but remains a key focus for Malaysia in the longer term. One niche service Malaysia provides is fertility treatment, where it plans to target the approximately 90 million couples in China estimated to be looking to conceive a second child following abolition of the country’s one-child policy in 2015. Forty million of these couples are estimated to be over the age of 40.

In the shorter term Indonesia will remain the prime source of medical tourists, says Lee Kim Siea, a plastic surgeon based in Penang.

For travellers from Singapore, the US, Australia, and the UK, Malaysia is appealing because of its comparatively cheaper medical care compared with domestic healthcare. Before the pandemic, these four countries represented just 6.2% of all medical tourists arriving in Malaysia, but local experts say a greater focus on alternative treatments, or wellness, could increase that figure.

Already “a lot of new centres are emerging that now provide wellness services, or even standalone clinics that see wellness as their core business,” says Singh. The definition of wellness could be broad, he adds, encompassing everything from comprehensive health screening to minor cosmetic procedures, or even rehabilitative facilities designed to care for patients who have had more invasive procedures elsewhere. “To increase the portfolio of foreign tourists coming into the country, centres will certainly be looking at this option.”

It’s a strategy already being pursued by Thailand, which hosts the greatest number of medical tourists in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, bringing in revenues of $1.8bn (£1.5bn)in 2019. The government has announced plans to grow its medical tourism sector by 5% in 2022, and has also focused on “wellness” facilities, from high end centres for covid-19 quarantine and recovery, to nutrition, herbology, traditional medicine, and anti-ageing treatments.

Singapore has set aside nearly SGD$500m (£300m) to support the recovery of tourism, and ministers forecast that SGD$1.1tn will come from “wellness tourism” by 2025 because of an increased interest in holistic healthcare post-pandemic.

More than just hospitals

To provide more holistic experiences means the onus isn’t just on hospitals or private clinics to adjust to a big influx of inbound medical tourists. “The challenge is the preparedness of the country to accept the number of medical tourists that could come to this country,” says Singh. “We’re still recovering from post-pandemic issues. We’re hoping that hotels are able to cope, but we need workers in the hotels and the hospitality sector to return to the levels they were prior to 2020. In hospitals we have the manpower, we did not let our staff go, but medical tourism requires a lot of other sectors to work together.”

For some individual doctors, meanwhile, the merits of medical tourism simply don’t outweigh the negatives. For Victor Cheong, a plastic surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, a brief stint working with specialist medical tourist agencies was enough. “I found there were too many negatives,” he says. These included not having a direct relationship with the patient prior to their arrival in Malaysia, pressure to carry out cosmetic procedures such as weight loss surgery that may be unnecessary, and the ethics of selecting a doctor based on price. “Most are coming here because it’s cheaper, and to me that’s a very bad way to start a doctor-patient relationship,” he says.

Cheong does treat international patients, including recent arrivals from Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Ireland, but he relies on word-of-mouth recommendations and prefers to focus on local patients instead.

All of the local doctors that spoke to The BMJ described a change in the makeup of their practices post-pandemic, with a greater proportion of local patients and expatriates. The flipside of the global crash in medical tourism was a new stream of patients turning to their local providers, adds Kim Siea.

“There was a pool of patients that were intending to seek treatment overseas, but due to the restrictions on travel they sought treatment locally instead,” he says. “This additional income helped us to make up for the loss of foreign patients and hopefully, even now the borders have opened, they’ll continue to stay with us rather than going overseas.”

Competing interests: I have read and understood The BMJ policy on declaration of interests and have no relevant interests to declare

Provenance and peer review: Commissioned, not externally peer reviewed.

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) said in a statement yesterday that the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme played an instrumental role in transforming the healthcare ecosystem in Malaysia and the region...

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Malaysia’s medical tourism back on track, say healthcare providers

Six months after reopening its borders, Malaysia is seeing a return of foreign patients seeking medical care, say healthcare providers.

“[Since April 1,] we have seen an increasing trend of health tourists coming to seek treatment at Sunway Medical Centre. In August, we saw more than five times the growth of health tourist numbers in our hospital compared with April, with over 31,000 international patient visits recorded from January to July,” Sunway Healthcare Group managing director Datuk Lau Beng Long tells The Edge.

“The top treatments sought by foreign tourists are mainly cancer, blood disease, obstetrics and gynaecology, hepatology, orthopaedics, and ear, nose and throat, to name a few. We are also looking to develop new clinical services and niche products,” he says.

Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) has also observed a 10% pickup in its international healthcare patients from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. RSDH, which is equally owned by Sime Darby Bhd and Australia’s Ramsay Health Care Ltd, operates four hospitals in Malaysia and three in Indonesia. It also owns a day surgery centre in Hong Kong.

IHH Healthcare Bhd says its foreign patient numbers have recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, with some of the markets in which the group operates in such as Turkey and Europe “having rebounded when borders reopened in 2021 and grown beyond pre-pandemic levels”.

“Foreign patients tend to visit IHH hospitals for high acuity treatments, which may not be available in their home countries. Such specialities include clinical and radiotherapy oncology, neurology, cardiology and orthopaedic surgery,” the group says in an email reply to The Edge. It adds that the hospital brands under the group such as Pantai, Gleneagles and Prince Court continue to underpin the recovery, demand and eventual growth of its foreign patient numbers.

However, the three healthcare providers declined to reveal their market share in the local medical tourism market.

“Currently, data with regard to international patient contribution for 2022 is scarce. However, we know from our earnings calls with management that international patients contributed 7% and 15% to KPJ Healthcare Bhd and IHH’s revenue respectively in 2019,” says an analyst with a bank-backed research house. “Many players are [also] hesitant to commit to revenue targets from the medical tourism segment for now, but that market is certainly set to look more upbeat as we go into 2023 and beyond.”

In a Sept 21 note, MIDF Research says it likes IHH for its “resilient financial performance on the strength of increasing inpatient volume and returning medical tourists post-pandemic, strong balance sheet and efficient local, regional and international collaborations”. It is maintaining a “buy” call on the stock with an unchanged target price (TP) of RM7.96.

The research house also has a “buy” call on KPJ Healthcare, with a revised TP of RM1.18 from RM1.14 previously. It points to KPJ Healthcare’s “favourable outlook in view of higher demand for hospital care and treatments, improving medical tourism, rising demand for elective medical procedures, demographic shift to a growing ageing population, and continuous utilisation of digital healthcare for its day-to-day operations”.

RHB Research analyst Jim Lim Khai Xhiang says while RSDH is a non-core business for Sime Darby, he believes Sime Darby and Ramsay are not in a rush to divest RSDH as it is a profitable business, usually contributing between 2% and 4% to Sime Darby’s operating profit.

“We think Sime Darby will continue to explore all options for RSDH, potentially including an IPO (initial public offering),” he writes in a Sept 12 report. Lim maintains a “buy” call on Sime Darby but with a lower TP of RM2.55 from RM2.75 previously after the group’s discussions with IHH to sell RSDH fell through last month.

Analysts covering Sunway Bhd are upbeat on its healthcare division Sunway Healthcare Group’s expansion, which includes pivoting to elderly living and post-natal confinement centres, a move seen as maximising revenue generation, as well as its targeted listing by 2029. Sunway Healthcare Group is 84% owned by Sunway and 16% by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd.

Kenanga Research analyst Lum Joe Shen points to Sunway Healthcare Group’s RM75 million net profit recorded in the first half ended June 30, 2022 (1HFY2022), noting that this is record-high profit as patient count has recovered nicely and is now above pre-pandemic levels.

“While we anticipate the healthcare segment to register all-time-high profits in FY2022, FY2023 and FY2024 will see slight negative earnings growth before showing growth again in FY2025, given the gestational losses expected from the three new incoming hospitals. That said, the new hospitals are expected to break even faster than the industry norm as established doctors with existing patients are coming on board,” he says in an Oct 5 note. He is maintaining an “outperform” call on Sunway, with a TP of RM2.05, while Loong ascribes a “buy” call on the counter with a TP of RM2.06.

According to Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) CEO Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, medical tourism in Malaysia is on course for a continuous and sustainable industry growth, which has been strategically proposed for rollout over the next four to five years, guided by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025 released in January.

He says Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry, branded Malaysia Healthcare, is considered a key economic growth driver, with a potential to contribute up to RM2 billion to the economy by 2025 with estimated spillover effects on air travel to accommodation, food and beverage, and leisure activities.

“For every ringgit spent on healthcare, an estimated three ringgit is spent on such ancillary services based on the pre-pandemic economic impact,” Mohd Daud tells The Edge. He adds that 1.2 million healthcare travellers from Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Japan, the UK and the US in 2019 represent the top international arrivals seen also over the last decade, with orthopaedics, cardiology, fertility, neurology, oncology and health screenings recorded as the top fields sought for treatment.

The council’s data shows that Malaysia earned RM1.7 billion in medical travel revenue in 2019, with an estimated RM6 billion from other non-related healthcare expenditures such as air travel, transport, food and drink, accommodation and tourism activities.

MHTC says the Malaysian government is targeting hospital revenues (medical receipts only) from medical tourism to hit RM1 billion this year, increasing to RM1.3 billion in 2023, RM1.7 billion in 2024 and RM2 billion in 2025.

“While there is no specific data detailing the exact total count of medical tourists in Malaysia now, the tourist arrival figures published by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) include international medical patients and their expenditure,” Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Christina Toh says.

Tourism Malaysia’s website shows that Malaysia registered 26.1 million arrivals and RM86.1 billion in tourism receipts in 2019. Arrivals plunged to 4.33 million in 2020 and just 130,000 in 2021, with tourism receipts falling to RM12.7 billion and RM240 million in the respective periods.

For 2022, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has revised and set a new target of tourist arrivals at 9.2 million with tourism receipts of RM26.8 billion, after the country reportedly nearly surpassed its original 2022 target of 4.5 million tourist arrivals with RM11.1 billion in tourism receipts within the first seven months of the year. A total of 3.21 million tourist arrivals and RM9.35 billion of tourism revenue were recorded during the January-July period.

In MHTC’s blueprint, the council slated 2021 to 2023 to be a recovery phase, with 2024 and 2025 the period to rebuild the Malaysian healthcare industry.

Accelerating growth amid challenges

Over the next few years, healthcare groups in the country are planning to advance their offerings in services and products such as oncology, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, gastrointestinal, paediatrics and robotic services to tap foreign demand.

Sunway Medical Group, for instance, intends to also strengthen its quaternary services such as kidney transplant, paediatric heart surgery and bone marrow transplant, says Lau.

KPJ Healthcare will be targetting more surgical referrals from neighbouring countries, especially Asean and Asia-Pacific, says  its chief corporate officer Ariesza Noor.

However, healthcare players will face economic headwinds as high inflation remains, impinging on healthcare spending; there is a shortage of talent, especially nurses, with many being lured abroad by better remuneration packages in “bigger currencies”, as well as increasing competition; and rising healthcare costs are eating into profit margins.

In terms of healthcare players creating an ecosystem to address the international patient’s needs, Sunway City is an example, with its infrastructure as an integrated hub providing healthcare, travel, accommodation and leisure services within close proximity. “At the hospital side, we have invested in modernising our façade, enlarging physical spaces of clinical areas, putting up signage in different languages and, most importantly, developing a one-stop International Patient Centre that is equipped with medical officers, nurses and interpreters,” says Lau.

As for venturing into new areas of treatment to tap international demand for medical services, he says Sunway Medical Group sees “some potential in wellness, preventive medicine and niche offerings using advanced technologies in treating cancer and other diseases”.

“As inpatient days are getting shorter and cost of healthcare is rising, there are predictions that healthcare could eventually shift to the home. More investments and initiatives will be driven around establishing our cancer services, in particular, the areas of hemato-oncology and interventional radiology,” RSDH group CEO Peter Hong says.

MAH’s Toh says hospitals are currently working with hotels to host domestic and international patients who come to Malaysia for health screenings with accompanying persons such as family members. Its promotion is only in its infancy, but this will be increased in time to come. The price for these packages complete with the medical screening and a short stay comes in at RM1,000 to RM2,000.

Complementing regional treatments

Last December, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced the construction of the Bali International Hospital in Sanur — the country’s first health-focused special economic zone — to recoup IDR97 trillion (RM29 billion) in annual losses from wealthy Indonesians travelling to receive treatment in neighbouring nations. Jokowi reportedly said two million Indonesian patients were lost to overseas healthcare systems every year, and that the new hospital in Bali is expected to be completed and operational by mid-2023.

When asked if the new hospital would mean less medical visitors coming from Indonesia, MHTC’s Mohd Daud says there is an existing and mutually beneficial relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia in the healthcare sector for expert consultancy services, patient referrals and the facilitation of a seamless end-to-end journey for healthcare travellers. “For instance, we saw more than 670,000 healthcare travellers from Indonesia (coming to Malaysia) in 2019.”

MAH’s Toh concurs. “Indonesia is aggressively promoting its new Bali hospital and we may anticipate a slight loss of Indonesian patients, but as the population in Indonesia is very large, incoming patients from the nation should continue to grow.”

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Medical Tourism

Malaysia: a rising star in global medical care.

‍ Malaysia is increasingly recognized as a global hub for medical care, attracting patients from around the world with its high-quality healthcare services, advanced medical technologies, and cost-effective treatment options. This Southeast Asian nation offers a unique combination of professional medical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a warm, welcoming culture, making it an appealing destination for medical tourists.

High-Quality Healthcare Services:

‍ Malaysia's healthcare system is known for its high standards and is supported by well-trained, experienced medical professionals. The country boasts a large number of internationally accredited hospitals, ensuring that patients receive care that meets or exceeds global standards.

Advanced Medical Technology:

‍ Investments in medical technology have placed Malaysia at the forefront of modern healthcare. Malaysian hospitals are equipped with the latest medical equipment, enabling them to offer a wide range of specialized treatments and procedures.

Cost-Effective Treatment Options:

‍ One of the key attractions of Malaysia's medical tourism industry is the affordability of its healthcare services. Patients can access high-quality medical treatments at significantly lower costs compared to many Western countries, without compromising on the quality of care.

Wide Range of Medical Services:

‍ Malaysia offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including elective procedures, complex surgeries, and wellness treatments. Whether it's cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, or cosmetic surgery, Malaysia has become a one-stop destination for diverse medical needs.

Accreditation and Safety Standards:

‍ Malaysian medical facilities adhere to strict safety protocols and are accredited by international bodies, ensuring that patient care and hospital management meet rigorous international standards. This commitment to quality and safety gives patients confidence in choosing Malaysia for their medical needs.

Cultural and Linguistic Compatibility:

‍ With a multicultural society and widespread use of English, international patients find it easy to communicate and feel comfortable in Malaysia. The cultural diversity also means that patients can enjoy a range of cultural experiences during their stay.

Ease of Travel and Visa Policies:

‍ Malaysia's favorable visa policies for medical tourists, including visa-on-arrival and extended stay options, make it convenient for international patients to seek medical treatment in the country.

Post-Treatment Recovery and Tourism Opportunities:

‍ Malaysia's beautiful landscapes and tranquil environment offer ideal settings for post-treatment recovery. Patients can recuperate in serene surroundings, benefiting from Malaysia's natural beauty and hospitality.

Government Support and Promotion:

‍ The Malaysian government actively promotes medical tourism, implementing policies that support the growth of the sector. This government backing ensures continuous development and improvement in healthcare services for medical tourists.

Patient-Centric Approach:

‍ Malaysian healthcare providers are known for their patient-centric approach, focusing on personalized care and patient satisfaction. This philosophy extends beyond medical treatment to include patient comfort and overall experience.

Growing International Recognition:

‍ Malaysia's medical tourism industry has gained international recognition, receiving various awards and accolades. This global acknowledgment further cements its reputation as a top destination for medical care.

Collaboration with International Healthcare Providers:

‍ Malaysia actively collaborates with international healthcare providers, sharing knowledge and expertise. This global networking enhances the quality of medical services offered in the country.

‍ Malaysia's rise as a key player in global medical care is evident in its blend of quality, affordability, and hospitality. With its advanced healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical professionals, and a welcoming environment, Malaysia stands out as an ideal destination for medical tourists seeking top-notch medical services in a culturally rich setting. As the country continues to evolve and expand its medical tourism sector, it is poised to become an even more attractive destination for patients from all corners of the globe.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

For those seeking medical care abroad, we highly recommend hospitals and clinics who have been accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). With a strong emphasis on exceptional patient experience, GHA accredited facilities are attuned to your cultural, linguistic, and individual needs, ensuring you feel understood and cared for. They adhere to the highest standards, putting patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront. Explore the world's top GHA-accredited facilities here . Trust us, your health journey deserves the best.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Medical Tourism in Malaysia: Tail Winds Driving Growth

Medical tourism is a big business, and Malaysia wants to make it even bigger. Long known as a hospitable and quality destination for medical and wellness treatment, Malaysia mainly competes with Singapore, Thailand and India for the $9 billion spent each year in the region by international travelers seeking medical care.

Key Factors Driving Medical Tourism:

• Promotions/Awareness
• Healthcare Quality
• Proximity and Ease of Travel
• Cultural Affinity

In a recent article A&M's Manas Tamotia , Ram Panda and Sheair Chua provide a comprehensive look at the factors influencing this burgeoning market and the multi-faceted efforts by The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council to capitalize on Malaysia’s many assets. Read the full article to explore insights on competition within the Southeast Asian medical tourism market and other key factors that drive tourists to a particular destination.

Read the Full Article Here

Manas Tamotia

Sheair Chua

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Stronger comeback for Malaysia's medical tourism sector after pandemic

Sunday, 12 Sep 2021

Medical tourism, an industry that is heavily reliant on international travel, has certainly been badly affected by Covid-19. But experts still believe that the sector will come back bigger – and most importantly, better – after the pandemic.

Tapping into this growth, however, would require hospitals and medical tourism providers to rethink their strategies. ALSO READ: Time to focus on Malaysian healthcare travellers amid the pandemic

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Tags / Keywords: medical tourism , healthcare travellers , medical tourist , Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council , MHTC , hospitals

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10 Reasons Why Malaysia Is The Best For Medical Tourism

In recent years, malaysia has been voted the best destination for medical tourism. here are 10 reasons why medical tourists choose malaysia for care and recovery..

by Calvyn Ee

Make Home Care Personal To Your Loved One

Malaysia is well known as a popular tourist destination for its natural, cultural and historical destinations, but did you know Malaysia is also recognised as a fledgling hub for medical tourism? If the term “medical tourism” makes you think of international tourists taking a guided tour of our local and private hospitals, you might want to know that that is not the case at all. In fact, medical tourism actually refers to travellers from abroad who come to Malaysia to receive medical treatment.

The government has taken numerous steps to make Malaysia a reputable choice for medical travellers, chief among these being the inception of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) in 2005. The MHTC is an agency under the Ministry of Health (MoH) tasked to “facilitate and promote the healthcare travel industry of Malaysia by coordinating industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships, at home and abroad.” Through their efforts and initiatives, Malaysia seeks to establish itself as a leading medical destination for medical travellers from all over the world. The country’s efforts were even recognised numerous times, including its win of the “ Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year ” title at the 2020 International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Medical Travel Awards.

In its bid to achieve this goal, the MHTC recently unveiled the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Blueprint 2021-2025 , with its aspiration to achieve RM1.7 billion in healthcare travel revenue by 2025. Its key strategies will focus on strengthening Malaysia’s reputation as a quality healthcare destination, by improving the quality of medical care given; moving towards digitisation of medical processes; and continuing the provision of affordable healthcare.

With the country now entering the endemic phase, Malaysia’s medical tourism is set to see a much-needed revival . With 1.22 million medical travellers in 2019 alone, and having some of the lowest healthcare costs in the world , Malaysia looks set to welcome a much higher number from 2022 onwards.

Pioneering Medical Advances

Part of the reason why Malaysia is such a popular medical tourism destination is that it constantly keeps up with the newest breakthroughs in medical technology. One such example is the National Heart Institute’s (IJN) successful implantation of the Micra AV pacemaker , used to treat irregular heartbeats, in 2020. IJN would be the first hospital outside of the United States to perform this surgical procedure. The small size of the pacemaker makes it easy to implant it without requiring significant open surgery, requiring only a minimally invasive procedure in a much shorter time, and with far fewer complications in the long term.

Malaysia is also one of a few countries that is taking concrete steps to consolidate both modern and traditional medical practices as part of the healthcare industry. The Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 is one such move to better incorporate traditional and complementary medicine in the country by establishing legislation, policies and guidelines on T&CM. This helps T&CM to provide high standards of quality care, ensures practitioners are properly registered and trained and helps contribute its growing influence to medical tourists seeking safe, alternative methods to treat their illnesses.

Strategic Location

Historically, Malaysia has always been recognised as a strategic location for many things, most notably maritime shipping. Malaysia’s tourism has grown significantly since the first Visit Malaysia Year campaign in the 1990s, and part of that success stems from its location on the planet.

Of particular note is Malaysia’s location close to the Equatorial line, giving its characteristic warm climate with occasional rainfall, further characterised by seasonal monsoon periods throughout the year. As such, Malaysia’s climate has led to vast rainforests full of diverse flora and fauna species, beautiful beaches along its coasts, and a variety of islands with equally beautiful sights and sounds. The natural diversity and sunny weather all year long (with the occasional bout of rain) is what attracts many tourists, especially those from colder climates, or whose four seasons include cold winters.

Malaysia can also be viewed as a gateway to Asia itself, with its location bordering many Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, while also still accessible to travellers from other Asian countries like Japan, South Korea and China.

Affordability

The biggest draw besides Malaysia’s growing medical expertise is the relative cost compared to that other countries’ medical costs. Specifically, Western medical tourists choose Malaysia as their destination of choice because it would save them thousands in their own currency to have medical procedures done in Malaysia than in their home country. At the time of writing, one US Dollar is equal to RM4.35.

This is a huge draw for international tourists, as it means they can afford top of the line medical treatments without having to break the bank. Some procedures – such as cosmetic surgery – maybe half the amount of what someone might have to pay in a Western country. For example, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may cost as much as USD77,000 in the United States. In Malaysia, the cost for the same surgical treatment method is approximately USD16,000 after conversion.

Not only do they save a significant sum for equally excellent treatment procedures at a fraction of the cost, but they will also still have enough funds on the side to enjoy a vacation in the country. There are even collaborations between hotels and hospitals, where the hotels offer customised stay packages that are touted as “post-treatment friendly” while providing accessibility, excellent service, and other benefits that can be enjoyed at the hotel or the hospital.

Internationally Recognised Hospitals

As part of efforts to deliver the best healthcare to citizens and medical tourists, a number of hospitals and other healthcare providers in Malaysia have pursued and attained accreditation from international healthcare bodies. These include accreditation from the Joint Commission International , an independent, not-for-profit organisation that advocates rigorous standards of healthcare and improves healthcare performance and outcomes; and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee’s (RTAC) International Code of Practice for the delivery of safe fertility treatments.

Earning these accreditations requires rigorous implementation of quality care delivery every step of the way, and ensuring that these high standards are maintained at all times. They are not simply a means to boost a hospital’s popularity or prestige, but instead demonstrate the importance of prioritising excellent healthcare outcomes without sacrificing healthcare quality. They also promote strong accountability on part of the accredited hospitals, as they constantly strive to meet the highest healthcare standards of treatment at all times.

The combination of international accreditation, bolstered by the medical industry’s high-quality services provided, has enabled a number of our hospitals to achieve international recognition, winning prestigious awards that serve to boost our country’s desire to become a renowned medical hub. Among the accolades won include “2019 Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year in the Asia Pacific” for Sunway Medical Centre; “2019 Hospital of the Year Malaysia” for both Prince Court Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre; and “2019 Cardiology Service Provider of the Year” going to IJN.

A Leader in Medical Research

With a long history of medical research that has flourished since the 1900s, Malaysia continues to play its part and has conducted a total of 215 new clinical types of research that were initiated in 2021. This has put Malaysia on par with other regional partners like Singapore and is viewed as a positive sign of putting Malaysia on track as a leading global medical hub.

Clinical trials in the country are overseen and supported by various organisations such as the MoH, the National Committee for Clinical Research (NCCR), and Clinical Research Malaysia. The NCCR’s role is to “establish policies and plan clinical trial activities for the short, medium and long-term in Malaysia” by finding ways to strengthen medical infrastructure and promote good clinical and laboratory practices.

Clinical Research Malaysia, established by the MoH in 2012, supports clinical research through training related to clinical research, communicating with the public and industry players on clinical research programs, and helping to consult, manage, and review aspects of clinical research to ensure all regulations and best practices are met from start to finish. Through the combined efforts of these organisations, clinical research participation has increased significantly through the years, further bolstering Malaysia’s position as a growing medical hub for conventional treatments and the research of new methods that can help deliver better quality healthcare for everyone.

Malaysia takes clinical research very seriously and has various systems in place to ensure all medical research that takes place meets the highest standards. One such system is the National Medical Research Register , a web-based system that “streamlines the application, review and approval process to conduct research in the MOH.” This helps the government and relevant organisations to keep track of ongoing medical research in Malaysia, and to review their methodology and ethical concerns before their approval.

Great Hospitality

Much as Malaysia is well known for its beautiful natural sights and rich cultural history, Malaysians are well praised for the polite and highly personalised service they provide to visitors from all over the world. This has translated very well in the healthcare industry, with nurses and doctors providing outstanding service with every step of the way. They treat their charges with professional, but genuine, interest, easily winning over medical travellers with their kindness and careful assistance. It is an oft-cited quality among medical travellers which encourages them to return in the future.

Part of this excellence comes from a desire to provide personalised care for each person undergoing treatment or recovering from it. This translates not only to the diagnosis and treatment they can or will receive, but to the service they receive while warded, or when waiting for the test results. Nurses and doctors pay close attention to the needs of those under their care, offering help where needed, making special arrangements that benefit their care recipients, and going the distance whenever they can.

Excellent Healthcare Quality

Malaysian healthcare also prioritises patient convenience, offering same-day results for health screenings and other checks, while top tier facilities and amenities are provided while waiting for the results. This grants medical travellers sufficient comfort while they wait, and gives them various activities to do in between. They can even venture out to explore nearby attractions before returning in time to find out what is next for their healthcare plan.

Keeping up with medical breakthroughs allows for newer surgical treatments that are less invasive and have a faster recovery time than open surgeries. The Micra AV pacemaker is just one of many such procedures, handled with precision and timely post-surgery care. In fact, Subang Jaya Medical Centre performed the country’s first daycare total knee replacement in late 2021, a success that comes from over two decades of improvements and adaptations to greatly enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Malaysia takes great pains to drive the medical industry forwards, and its track record continues to prove the country’s ability to deliver.

Accessibility is another key to Malaysia’s great track record. Various channels exist to help ease the flow of medical tourists and prevent long waiting times for treatments. Thanks to these effective channels, it can be effortless for someone to engage and almost immediately make an appointment with a doctor in Malaysia, instead of being relegated to a very long waiting list elsewhere in the world. One interesting caveat is that Malaysia has seen an influx of medical tourists from Thailand and Singapore, as both these countries are having difficulty in managing the influx of medical tourists.

Highly Trained Medical Professionals

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals working in Malaysia are all highly-trained individuals, many of which have credentials from foreign universities and institutions. Whether they operate from a small-town clinic, or work in one of the many prestigious hospitals around the country, Malaysia’s medical professionals have the necessary credentials to help medical tourists with their healthcare-related concerns without compromising on confidentiality, comfort, convenience and confidence. Moreover, medical specialists covering a wide variety of fields can be found in a majority of healthcare institutions around the country.

As part of efforts to strengthen the medical industry and safeguard patients as well as doctors, entities such as the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) exist to make sure that the healthcare given to care recipients is of the highest quality without any compromise, and that all healthcare professionals are to be registered with the government, must maintain ethical standards set by the government (and as per the Hippocratic Oath ), and consistently improve their practice through continuous learning and research.

Halal-Certified Medications and Treatments

Halal pharmaceuticals and medical treatments are becoming more and more prevalent in recent years, especially in Muslim majority countries like Malaysia. This has helped to draw in Muslim medical tourists from places such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. There have also been formal agreements with Kazakhstan, Libya and Oman to send their medical tourists to Malaysia, as part of efforts to bolster our country’s medical tourism sector.

The offering of new halal-certified, or Shariah-compliant, medications and treatments is a rapidly expanding field in Malaysia, with the need to cater to Muslims looking for such products and services. In a bid to meet these growing needs, the “ MS2424: 2012 Halal Pharmaceuticals – General Guidelines ” was developed and implemented in 2012, becoming the world’s first Halal pharmaceutical standard. The standard was devised as a way to effectively address the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry while ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of certified medications and treatments. This is in tandem with the recent introduction of the MS2636 standard for halal medical devices, further widening the net for Muslim-friendly medical tourism in Malaysia.

Malaysia has also created halal-certified medical products of its own, including the GranuMas synthetic bone graft. GranuMas is also internationally recognised, earning accreditation by the British Standard Institution and enabling its sales in the European market. The MoH has also implemented guidelines for the use of non-halal medications or treatments for Muslims, making sure that Muslim medical travellers are aware of the medications and procedures that are used in the event that they may not be halal-certified.

A Wonderful Tourist Destination

Medical tourists may come to Malaysia for its top-notch and affordable healthcare, but they will also find themselves staying a while longer for its rich diversity as a tourist destination. Whether it is sandy beaches, beautiful hill views, majestic cave formations, or even a stroll through the historical parts of a city, Malaysia has a lot to offer travellers and a wide variety of tastes. Medical tourism packages offer stays at the finest hotels that are well within the range of a premier hospital and nearby sightseeing attractions, leaving medical travellers spoiled for choice. Coupled with the relatively low cost of goods for most foreign tourists, there is a lot that they can do to pass the time – shopping, street food hunting, beach picnics, nature treks, and more!

Medical Tourism in Malaysia

If you’re travelling to Malaysia for medical tourism , you can connect with Homage for assistance via email at [email protected] .

You can also get in touch with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) to help you find a healthcare provider:

+603 2726 8688 (Call Centre) 1-800-188-688 (Toll Free – inside Malaysia) [email protected] malaysiahealthcare.org

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• Volume 3, Issue 16: Retro Spotlight Interview Looking Back to A Discussion with Eul-Sik Yoon, M.D., Ph.D. Chairman and Board of Directors, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, President, Korea University Anam Hospital
• Retro Spotlight: Eul-Sik Yoon, M.D., Ph.D. Chairman and Board of Directors, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, President, Korea University Anam Hospital
• Industry News: Volume 3, Issue 16

Medical Travel & Digital Health News

The authoritative newsletter for medical tourism and digital health, medical tourism in malaysia.

• Industry News

• Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur for International Hospital of the Year
• Imperial Dental Specialist Centre KL for International Dental Clinic of the Year
• Prince Court Medical Centre KL for International Infertility Clinic of the Year
• The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council was awarded as the Industry Association of the Year at the 9th World Health Tourism Congress 2014.
• Prince Court Medical Center, in Kuala Lumpur, was named the top hospital for medical tourists in the World’s Best Hospitals for Medical Tourists, 2013 by Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA).
• Malaysia ranked second under the “2013 Health Care Survey: The Best Havens for Quality Care Overseas” by International Living.
• In 2013, Malaysia was the first country in Asia to use the parachute ventricular partitioning device for heart failure patients.
• In 2013, UKM Medical Centre was the first hospital in Asia to use the aid of automated periodic stimulation combined with a nerve integrity monitoring system in thyroid surgery.
• In 2011, UKM Medical Centre performed the world’s first laparoscopic pancreatectomy on an infant less than 30 days old.
• I n 2011, Tropicana Medical Centre was the first hospital in Asia for PGD-CGH (Comparative Genomic Hybridization) baby.
• In 2009, the National Heart Institute of Malaysia was the first hospital in Asia to perform a trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) with Core Valve to treat severe aortic stenosis.
• Malaysia ranked in the world’s top five medical tourism destinations that presented the most attractive opportunities for medical tourists based on the quality and affordability of care by Nuwire in 2008.
• In 2001, Selayang Hospital performed the world’s first arm transplant in a neonate.

Significant Medical Savings for American Tourist Thanks to a favorable exchange rate ($1 = RM3.21), a lower cost of living in Malaysia, and single-tier pricing for both locals and foreigners, visitors to Malaysia enjoy Western-quality healthcare at less than half the cost of comparable procedures in the U.S.

• Caps imposed by Ministry of Health further reduce procedures and treatment fees.
• Standard – RM250/day (USD $78)
• Suite – RM1,288/day (USD $401) – Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel
• Deluxe room – RM 336/night (USD $104)
• Deluxe Suite – RM 818/night (USD $255)
• Comparative Costs (USD) of Major Procedures

For more information, please contact: Juan Villalpando T: 213 683 2110 E: [email protected] Shobena Singam T: +6 03 2283 2003 E: [email protected]

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Medical Tourism

Breast cancer care in malaysia: leading hospitals and expert reviews.

Malaysia, renowned for its vibrant culture and natural wonders, has also carved a niche for itself in the realm of medical excellence. Among its myriad medical specializations, breast cancer care stands prominently. As we navigate through 2023, this guide offers a detailed overview of Malaysia's top-tier hospitals specializing in breast cancer care, emphasizing the cutting edge of treatments and the pivotal role of patient experience.

Understanding Breast Cancer Care

Breast cancer care encompasses a spectrum of interventions aimed at diagnosing, staging, and treating breast malignancies. These treatments can range from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and more, often combined in a tailored care plan to address each patient's unique needs and cancer stage.

Malaysia's Leadership in Breast Cancer Care

Over the years, Malaysia has seen significant advancements in its infrastructure tailored for breast cancer care needs. The integration of the latest treatment techniques with unparalleled oncological expertise has positioned Malaysia as a prime destination for these transformative interventions. High-tech hospitals, combined with an unwavering commitment to continuous research, ensure patients receive the most contemporary and effective breast cancer treatments.

Characteristics of Leading Hospitals

For those considering breast cancer care in Malaysia, identifying the features of high-caliber hospitals is crucial:

• Advanced Treatment Facilities: Premier hospitals are equipped with the latest treatment facilities, ensuring precise and successful interventions.
• Multidisciplinary Teams: Leading centers have teams that include oncologists specialized in breast cancer, ensuring comprehensive care.
• Research and Development: Top breast cancer care hospitals often spearhead groundbreaking research, ensuring they remain at the forefront of treatment advancements.
• Transparent Patient Feedback: Genuine testimonials provide insights into the quality of care and overall patient satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Hospital

When it comes to breast cancer care, making an informed decision is of utmost importance. Here are factors to consider:

• Reputation: A hospital's past record can offer insights into its efficiency and success rates.
• Facilities: Ensure the hospital is equipped with the necessary facilities for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Specialized Care: Hospitals with dedicated breast cancer departments are often better equipped to handle the specific needs of breast cancer patients.

Potential Risks and Outcomes

While breast cancer treatments offer numerous benefits, they come with inherent risks. Common concerns include complications from the treatment itself, post-treatment infections, and potential challenges in adjusting to new lifestyle changes post-treatment. However, with Malaysia's advanced landscape for breast cancer care, these risks are substantially minimized. Post-treatment, patients often report improved health metrics, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life.

The Essence of Patient Experience

Patient experience in the realm of breast cancer care is paramount. Leading centers ensure:

• Clear Communication: Patients are informed about the treatment, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
• Emotional Support: Beyond the physical intervention, emotional and psychological support plays a pivotal role in a patient's journey through breast cancer treatment and recovery.
• Post-treatment Care: Comprehensive recovery plans and follow-up consultations ensure patients are on the right track towards achieving and maintaining their health goals.

In conclusion, Malaysia's breast cancer care landscape in 2023 stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to oncological excellence. By understanding the nuances of advanced breast cancer care, the benchmarks of leading hospitals, and the importance of patient experience, individuals are well-equipped to make informed decisions. As Malaysia continues to excel in the realm of breast cancer care, patients from around the globe can anticipate treatments that are not only of the highest caliber but also holistic in their approach.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation:   https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/healthcare-home

Exploring the Surge of Cosmetic Tourism: Trends and Considerations in Aesthetic Procedures Abroad

Holistic healing: exploring integrative medicine and wellness retreats, meeting the surge: the growing demand for knee replacement surgeries and advances in the field, innovations in medical technology: how cutting-edge technology drives medical tourism, stem cells have powerful anti-aging properties, new shift for thailand’s medical travel landscape as mta launches new moves, continue reading, best countries for stomach cancer treatment: a global perspective, ponderas academic hospital: elevating medical tourism with jci accreditation and personalized care, brno and south moravia - a hidden treasure of central europe, featured reading, dominican republic’s giant strides to becoming a global leader in medical tourism, exploring niche markets in medical tourism, medical tourism magazine.

The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

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Medical tourism: A passport to wellness

The ups and downs of traveling abroad for health care.

By Ethan Bauer

Every year, millions travel abroad seeking health care they can afford. “Medical tourism” is an estimated $92 billion industry that is growing by 15-25 percent each year, promising cheaper access to dental implants, plastic surgery, fertility assistance and even exotic cancer treatments — and doubles as something like a vacation to countries like Thailand or Mexico. The practice has become common around the world, but it’s particularly cost-effective here; the average American pays more than $12,500 on health care each year, outpacing the citizens of any other wealthy nation by $4,000. Some insurance companies have embraced the practice, too, but the savings come along with new risks and potential complications. Is medical tourism a boon for the marketplace, or a symptom of something rotten?

Free-market triumph

Access to doctors and clinics abroad empowers Americans to make the best choices for their own health by introducing competition to a stagnant system, dramatically expanding a growing range of options. Consumers can save up to 80 percent of what they’d pay at home, according to Patients Beyond Borders, a North Carolina company that promotes the practice. For many, these savings constitute a lifeline.

“Our market has always been what I call the ‘working poor’ and they just keep getting poorer,” Josef Woodman, the company’s CEO, told The New York Times in 2021. “The pandemic has gutted low-income and middle-class people around the world, and for many of them the reality is that they have to travel to access affordable health care.” The differences in cost are most salient for elective procedures, like plastic surgery, fertility treatment and dental work, which are not usually covered by insurance.

Institutions and corporations can also benefit from even a quick jaunt into a neighboring country. In Utah, the public trust that insures state employees offers a “pharmacy tourism program,” flying clients to San Diego and shuttling them across the border to buy low-cost prescription drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Or if they prefer, they can choose to travel to Vancouver, Canada. In 2021, researchers at the University of Chicago argued that even medical tourism to other markets within the United States could be the most cost-effective way to fill the gap left by vanishing rural hospitals. Less glamorous, perhaps, but utilitarian.

Some patients travel for personal reasons, like getting access to cutting-edge treatments or privacy for elective procedures like cosmetic surgery. “Many can return home from their ‘vacation’ without anyone knowing they had a procedure at all,” writes one registered nurse for the physician-reviewed health website Verywell Health. Others may travel for treatments that aren’t approved or allowed in the U.S., like stem cell therapy or other experimental procedures.

Despite the inevitable hand-wringing over quality of care, the independent nonprofit The Joint Commission has recognized over 1,000 medical facilities worldwide that meet its standards. The same organization has accredited American hospitals since 1951 and is the largest health care accreditor in the nation, so its approval carries weight.

Systemic failure

Medical tourism is an indictment of our nation’s health care system, masked in pleasant terminology. “I prefer the term ‘outward medical travel,’” writes MSNBC health columnist Dr. Esther Choo, “and would argue that (this industry) should remind us of how inaccessible health care is here and the lengths to which people will go to get the care they want or need.” Patients may not realize what they’re risking, whether at their own initiative or nudged by insurance providers. “Quality and safety standards, licensure, credentialing and clinical criteria for receiving procedures are not consistent across countries and hospitals.”

These are not academic concerns, but vital issues with life-threatening consequences. One analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 93 Americans died between 2009 and 2022 due to complications from botched cosmetic surgeries in the Dominican Republic alone. The federal agency has also found outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that were linked to medical tourism in Mexico and warns that the most common complications among medical tourists are infections.

Medical tourists seeking access to treatments that have not been tested and approved by regulatory agencies in the U.S. may not be aware of the risks they are taking with a practice that researchers at Canada’s Simon Fraser University call “circumvention tourism.” They warn of potentially enormous pitfalls, from shattered hopes to money-sucking quackery. “Individuals may be desperate for a cure and vulnerable to engaging in decision-making that’s predicated on hope,” they write, “without a full understanding of the likelihood of success.”

Perhaps the most common problems are the most obvious: Patients are traveling far from home to get treatment from doctors who cannot participate in long-term follow-up, often coming up against linguistic and cultural challenges. Much more prevalent than the risk of getting targeted by opportunistic criminals are these impediments to communicate their needs. “It might be a no-brainer,” observes Henry Ford Health, one of the largest health care companies in Michigan, “but if you don’t speak the local language, it might be difficult to explain any feelings of discomfort or apprehension as they come up.”

This story appears in the April 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine . Learn more about how to subscribe .

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