Malaysia: Your world class health and wellness destination

Medical tourism at its best.

By Jayne Kam 

Your health at the hands of expert professionals

Mention Malaysia and you’ll most likely have thoughts of serene beaches, eco-activities, modern cities and traditional values. In recent years, medical tourism has been added to this equation of the many things to do in this country of melting pot of cultures, thanks to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

     Helming Malaysia’s medical tourism, MHTC’s tasks include placing Malaysia on the global map as one of the top destinations for healthcare in the world while promoting pioneering efforts by local medical facilitators. It also functions as a governing body to ensure that policies are in place and constant efforts are made to give the best quality service to patients. Because of these, plenty have visited from across the globe to seek top-notched healthcare at reputed medical centres here. Why, you ask. The reasons are obvious.

     For a start, you get excellent care for less. Yes, competitive pricing and holistic healthcare by highly-skilled, world-class practitioners make the choice so much easier. That and the fact that the latest medical equipment is provided for your piece of mind. You also have the option of recuperating post-treatment amongst the natural wonders in the country.  One thing’s for sure, you’ll never look at recovery the same way again!

Feel at ease with warm Malaysian hospitality

     Other factors like social and political stability, great infrastructure, tropical climate and easy visa applications help influence decisions to opt for medical care here. Expect warm, friendly Malaysian hospitality that will help you feel comfortable throughout your entire medical care. Waiting for hours is also a thing of the past as integrated medical systems ensures that you will receive your consultation as quickly as possible. Language barrier? Very minimal. You’ll be secured in knowing that English is widely spoken and interpreters are available upon request.

     Maybe having a look at proven track records, testimonials and great recovery periods will help seal your treatment deal. Or perhaps internationally-certified accreditations like Joint Commission International (JCI) and the national Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) at almost every private medical centre will do it for you.

     In addition, plenty of tour agencies and private hospitals are offering healthcare and stay packages starting from RM1200 so that even families can enjoy their time here while offering their support to their loved ones. If you prefer to select your own, there are plenty of budget to six-star accommodations as well.

     So now you know where you should seek medical treatment, be it for cosmetic reconstruction or enhancement like rhinoplasty, liposuction and chin augmentation; or serious medical issues. Having the Malaysian experience of food, culture, nature and heritage in between treatments is a plus point too!

FACTS

• Malaysia has medical achievements including many ‘firsts’ such as key-hole (endoscopic) surgery and mechanical heart assist device implant (Thoratec IVAD), the first in Asia and Australasia. (Source: www.myhealthcare.gov.my / Healthcare Malaysia magazine)
• All healthcare facilities are strictly monitored by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and regulated by Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. (Source: www.myhealthcare.gov.my)
• Extended stays and visa application for medical tourism can be found in detail at www.imi.gov.my

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