Malaysia Healthcare, Showcasing Excellence:
Known for its sandy beaches, extraordinary cuisines and tropical rainforests--which lead into exotic and exciting jungle trekking, Malaysia has always been a prime tourism destination. The friendliness of its people is common; yet, surprising to first time visitors. Over centuries, Malaysia’s history has influenced its culture. Several “invasions” (Europeans, Chinese and Arabs) have all contributed to a multi-ethnic mix of Chinese, Malays and Indians; all living together under, what Prime Minister Najib’s new government likes to call: “One Malaysia”.
Few outsiders know of Malaysia’ progress in the medical field, a strong health system and high standards of treatment are one of the country’s strongest assets. Recent government initiatives have placed emphasis on developing human capital; healthcare plays an important role. In fact, the ninth Malaysia Plan--a government road map for the period 2006-10-- places emphasis on health for social and economic reasons, with ultimate goals to improve the standard and sustainability of the quality of life.
With high profile branding exercises, followed by intensive follow-up campaigns, it only would seem natural that Malaysia jump on the medical tourism train (as have done its neighbors: Thailand and Singapore) to woe the tourists from as far afield as Germany and the United States.
According to research provided by Nu Wire Investors, an investment information service, Malaysia ranks as one of the top five health tourism destinations. The necessary criterion for the survey was affordability of medical care, as well as receptiveness to foreign investment.
In the eyes of Stuart Rowley, CEO of Prince Court Medical Centre, a state of the art hospital in downtown Kuala Lumpur (owned by Petronas), “Malaysia is still in its infancy, with regard to medical tourism, and is only just begun to realize its full potential.”The majority of Malaysia’s health tourism patients come from Indonesia and other South East Asian countries; followed by Australia Britain, Korea Japan and the Middle East.
Coupled with a sophisticated infrastructure, the exceptional English language skills practiced in Malaysia will subdue any lingering doubts of foreigner’s, once they are shown the international accreditation process which hospitals must undergo. MS ISO 902 and the certification, by the Malaysian medical Society for Quality of Health, are only two of many standards applied.
Josef Woodman, an expert on Medical Tourism and author of “Patients beyond Borders”, the Michelin guide to international medical tourism, just recently launched the “Malaysia Edition” of his book. Woodman asserts that Malaysia now ranks as one of the world’s leading healthcare destinations. He adds that Malaysia’s welcoming language and friendly surroundings as well as its high quality health care, will propel the country to the top of the list. It is easy to see why medical tourism to Malaysia is growing at a 30% clip!
