Rise of Medical Tourism in Malaysia

The government of Malaysia, following in the footsteps of its neighboring countries, is trying to promote Malaysia as an upcoming hub for medical tourism.  Malaysia is proving to be stiff competition for other medical tourism destinations in South East Asia.  Over 100,000 medical tourists visited Malaysia in 2006.

Thanks to the government, the medical sector is equipped with the latest equipment and uses the latest in medical technology and procedures to cater to a variety of high-end treatments.  The medical industry is divided into the government and private sector.  Most hospitals in the private sector are built to have a look and feel of a five star resort.  Foreign tourists visiting these hospitals are always pleasantly surprised.  

Medical infrastructure and treatments

Most doctors and medical practitioners in Malaysia complete part of their training in either European countries like Britain, or in the USA or Australia.  This is due to government promoted affiliations to various medical schools abroad.  The Malaysian government provides doctors with many incentives to return home and practice, unlike many other countries that lose top doctors to “brain drain”.  Medical staff is well versed in communicative English as well.  This country also has an excellent patient-doctor/ nurse ratio, which provides patients much needed personal care and attention.  

Malaysia caters to patients looking for treatment for both pre and post operative healthcare. Various medical treatments include cardiology treatments, complicated heart surgeries, laparoscopy as well as cosmetic surgery like liposuction, breast augmentation and more. This country is one of the best places to unwind and recover from treatments due to its slow and unhurried pace of life, beautiful climate and breath-taking natural sceneries. Medical treatments are usually combined with health related activities and exercises. Malaysia has many spas as well where patients can pamper themselves in a five-star atmosphere and also get relevant naturopathy treatments to rejuvenate the mind and body. It also encourages patients to bring along friends and family members to par-take in the recovery process.  Most private hospitals have private rooms for relatives to stay in.  The cost of flying to Malaysia can be expensive from North America and Europe, but once there the cost is low.