KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA has been recognised as a medical and health tourism attraction in Asia since 2015, thanks to the healthcare initiatives introduced under the National Transformation Programme (NTP). The recognition, given by the International Medical Travel Journal, has made Malaysia a popular destination for healthcare tourists from countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. More than one million healthcare tourists visited the country last year, with domestic hospital revenue standing at RM1.3 billion, and is expected to hit RM2.8 billion by 2020. According to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Ravindran Naidu, the government was committed to focusing on health tourism, and hence, the setting up of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) to monitor and coordinate health tourism activities. Dr Ravindran said healthcare tourists chose Malaysia for its higher quality treatment and professional care, besides the affordable rates.

Source: New Strait Times April 27, 2018 00:00 UTC