Medical Value Travel in Malaysia: Scope for Improvement

Medical Value Travel Plans of Malaysian Government

The number of foreigners visiting Malaysia for medical value travel and healthcare has increased over the years.  In 2004, Malaysia received about 175,000 foreigners seeking medical treatment in the country’s hospitals generating RM104 million.  In 2005, the number of medical packages increased to 230,000, which generated foreign exchange revenues of RM105 million.  The majority of foreign patients in Malaysia are Indonesians who opt for low end medical packages which explains why the medical value travel industry hasn’t been able to translate increased travel to massive profits.  Speaking at a seminar on public health as part of “Visit Malaysia - Year 2007,” Malaysian Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek stressed the need for focusing on comprehensive medical packages in Malaysia, including sophisticated medical treatments and alluring spa vacation packages. At the event, Dr Chua launched a book named “Guide to Healthy Traveling: Have a Pleasant Vacation in Perak,” published by the Perak Health Department. 

Hospitals in Malaysia to Promote Medical Packages and High-End Treatment

Malaysian hospitals are gearing up to promote medical packages with high-end medical treatments including heart surgery, dental treatments, and plastic surgery. However, out of 200 Malaysian hospitals, only 20 are accredited, and Dr Chua urged the non-accredited hospitals to obtain proper accreditation from the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health, which would serve as a benchmark for service quality. This would boost confidence among foreign patients who intend to visit the country for medical travel and spa vacation packages.  

Malaysia has become a favored medical value travel destination due to factors like economical prices, favorable exchange rates, well trained English speaking medical specialists, and alluring spa vacation packages at some of the most picturesque destinations in the country.   

Source: “Provide high-end treatment, hospitals told,” Financial Times Information Limited - Asia Intelligence Wire, January 9, 2007