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w of Health Care in Thailand : Advantages and Disadvantages of Hospitals in Ba

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Health Care in Thailand : Hospitals in Bangk

Add On : Heart CT-scans
Related articles about health issues : Hospitals in Bangkok (this page) | Dental Services |
Eye Clinics | Pharmacies | Shortcomings of Thai Healthcare

Entrance to Bumrungrad
Hospital. Very popular
with foreigners the
hospital is accessible
through soi 1 and soi 3
on Sukhumvit Road.

About Hospitals in Bangkok - Some comments

We have experience with Bumrungrad Hospital (Sukhumvit Road) and Bangkok General
Hospital (Petchaburi Road). Both cater to foreign patients and are all set up for that.
The technical equipment and expertise is all there. For instance, it is not difficult to get
an MRI of your brain of limbs if necessary, while at least in some so called developed
countries in Europe, this is not always possible.
We had some surgery, requiring epidural anesthesia on two occasions. The procedures
involved are very well organized, and you will feel in good hands altogether when going
for treatment. You may not see the doctor as often as in Europe or the U.S. (see above),
but the nursing staff will give you ample attention, so much so that it might be difficult
to get a good sleep in hospital, because they seem to turn up around the clock to check
on your condition.
The price of treatment seems to be well fixed, and not at random. You will be told before
treatment how much it will costs, you pay in advance. Small additional costs or
reimbursements are handled before discharge. The doctor's fees are not particularly low,
although less than what you would pay in Europe and certainly the U.S. What is
astonishing are the low costs for nursing care, the room etc. Estimate your room and
nursing costs for about 3,000-6,000 baht a day only. So if you are uncertain and
uncomfortable leaving the hospital soon, and being confined to your hotel room, just try
to stay a little bit longer in the hospital, where you do not have to worry too much, in
case some small additional problem occurs.
Outpatient treatment is also well organized in the well reputed hospitals mentioned
above. At least here you will not have to pay in advance. The doctor's fee will be in the
500-800 bath range (may have risen now though). Some more fees : a standard chest Xray about 250 baht, electrocardiogram 500 baht, MRI (including radiologist fee) about

[data 2004 : costs have risen since then]

Bumrungrad prides itself on having quite a few food and drinks outlets on its mezzanine
floor. You will find an Au Bon Pain outlet (the best bagels in town), a Starbucks, but
unfortunately also a McDonald's. We seriously think a hospital should not include a fast
food chain like McDonald's in its services. McDonald's likely is the world's biggest retail
distributor of trans fatty acids, directly contributing to heart disease. It is always a bit
painful to see families with young children 'enjoy' hamburgers and french fries while
Concept and website
G.V., Bangkok
walkingdesign
past atby
Bumrungrad.
I do not mind so much the adults having a hamburger, it is
Go to Top of their
this Page
free choice. But certainly, it is irresponsible to offer this food to your offspring.
Even McDonald's should not want to associate itself with anything related to 'health' in
our opinion.
Thailand is the largest medical tourism hub quality of care, low prices and easy travel
by low cost airlines makes it a popular overseas health care destination for people who
are seeking comprehensive medical exams, dental work and cosmetic surgery treatment
abroad. Thailand offers irresistible and breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples,
renowned hospitality, exotic cuisine and pristine beaches.
Samitivej Hospital (part
Best Health Check-up Programs in Thailand
of the Bangkok General
Hospital Group) is
Providing quality integrated healthcare for more than 35 years the Bangkok
upmarket and is another
Hospital has developed into today's Bangkok Hospital Medical Center comprising
health care provider for
of four outstanding hospitals: Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok Heart Hospital,
foreign residents of
Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital and Bangkok International Hospital.
Thailand. It is located
3 kmininto soi 49,
Bangkok Medical Center (BMC) is one of the most technologically advancedabout
hospitals
Sukhumvit Road.
medicine today. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, BMC is an expansive state-of-the-art
medical campus that provides the most comprehensive medical care available anywhere.
Composed of four hospitals and a broad range of specialized clinics, BMC is JCI
accredited and has delivered world class, award winning health care since 1972.
Now Offering One of the Best Health Check-up Programs!!!
Though having otherwise up-to-date facilities and offering a pleasant environment,
Ultimate Ultimate
Bumrungrad Hospital clearly failsVital
in 'access
and transportation'.
Getting to the hospital
Description
Supreme
Male
Female
from either Soi 1 or Soi 3 on Sukhumvit Road can be a slow process. Some staff seem to
Age be working as traffic police when14
- 30 31
45 or
46 exit
UP the46hospital
UP
trying
to -entry
at Soi 3. However,
they
do
not
attempt
to
provide
any
service
for
pedestrians
(and
there
are quite a few
Physical Examination
*
*
*
*
visitors to the hospital who actually walk there) wanting to cross the road.
CBC
*
*
*
*
Annoying is also that reaching certain floors of Bumrungrad can be a bit difficult.
FBS Possibly in an attempt to entice doctors,
*
*patients and
* visitors
* to exercise, it looks like the
slowest available elevator service*has been
SGPT
* installed
* in the *hospital. We have been there
quite a few times, mostly as a visitor,
and* it not uncommon
to have to wait a full 10
SGOT
*
*
*
minutes before an elevator arrives, and then to take a ride with the elevator stopping on
Alkaline
Phophatase
floor.
* Not even
* the simplest
*
the way
down or up, on every single
computer-guided aide
GGTto provide a more convenient service
seems
to be *installed.*
Bilirubin (Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin)

Update Bumrungrad Hospital (2 August 2008) :

Total Protein (Albumin, Globulin)

*
*
Bumrungrad International Clinic has been officially opened in August 2008. The
BUNbuilding has 22 floors and offers acapacity
of seeing
* 6,000* outpatient visits a day (by
2012). Plans are underway to also* upgrade
Creatinine
* inpatient
* facilities
* and expand the number of
beds available.
TSH

*
*
At the new facility a spacious sky lobby is available with separate space for Thai and
Free resident
T4
and
*
*
expatriates on the one hand,
international
visitors
on the other hand. At first
this seems like an odd arrangement, but possibly the hospital management want to keep
local and Western patients separate from mostly Middle Eastern (international) patients.
The facilities (on the 10th floor) are available to members of Bumrungrad's new Healthy
Living Club. A number of international restaurants also operate in the new building.

smaller hospital, but the standard doctor's fees are much lower than mentioned above.
Recent physicians' fees (july 2007) seem to be 400 baht for a first visit and 300 baht for
follow-up visits. Like all other hospitals they will charge you an additional 80-120 baht
or so to use the facility (under 'other charges') So if you have minor ailments, like a
persistent cold, stomach upset, skin rash etc. this much cheaper facility can be
recommended. A very good thing about Bangkok Christian Hospital is also that the
do not shy away from using
costs only a fraction
Uric doctors
Acid
* drugs.
* They usually
*
generic
(sometimes
as
little
as
10%)
of
the
'real'
drugs,
and
in
our
opinion,
are as effective. Major
Cholesterol
*
*
*
*
savings here!
Triglyceride
*
*
*
In januari 2009 Bangkok Christian
Hospital
opened
a new *wing, a completely new
HDLbuilding with close to 20 floors. Some
*
*
*
of* the outpatient
clinics
have moved there already.
The
place
looks
brand
new
and
clean,
is
functional
and
very
spacious.
However, it does
LDL
*
*
*
*
not look fancy like some of the other hospitals in Bangkok. A visit at the time with a
AFP
*
*

specialist costs us 600 baht (+ 100 baht for services). So maybe prices have gone up
CEAsubstantially, but we are not sure,
*
*
had a rather
since we
prolonged
extensive visit with
PSA this physician.
*

of the
UrineThere
Exam is an outlet of Au Bon Pain*on the*ground floor
*
* new building, so you enjoy
a decent snack, after or before your visit to the doctor.
Stool Exam with Occult blood
*

[Jan. 2009] A 'lipid profile' at Bangkok

Christian
Hospital,*costs just 600 baht (HDLChestcholesterol,
X-ray
*
* same *test at Bumrungrad hospital
LDL-cholesterol and *triglycerides).
The
costs
about
1,200++
baht.
[prices
do
not
include
visit
to physician
to discuss results]
EKG
*
*
*

Eye Exam Screening

Digital Mammogram

BNH Hospital is part of the Bangkok Hospital Group. It is located in Convent road.
Hearing
Screening
*
* facilities
* at Bumrungrad Hospital or
or flashy
Facilities
do not closely look as new
as the
Bangkok
services
though
seem to be at similar
Dental
ScreeningGeneral Hospital. Pricesfor outpatient
*
*

levels.
Since
facilities more likely than
Exercise
Stress
Test it is affiliated with Bangkok
* General,* its medical
*

not are quite up-to-date, but we never were an inpatient or had intensive investigations
Ultrasound
*
*
*

there. Whole Abdomen

BoneWhat
Densitometry

is good about this smaller hospital

is that it
is not too* far walking distance from the
Silom
BTS
station
and
Silom
subway
station.
Bumrungrad
ABI
*
*Hospital (although one could

walk from Nana or Phloenchit BTS skytrain station) and certainly Bangkok General
Thin Prep Pap Test
*

Hospital kind of necessitate a taxi ride.

One other
Ultrasound
Breasthospital

(we have no personal

experience
used by foreigners and in
*

here) often
the upper price range bracket is Samitivej
Hospital,
located17,700
in Sukhumvit Soi 49.
2,600 8,100
12,700

Special Price

(THB) (THB)

(THB)

(THB)

List of hospital-websites | List of Cosmetic Surgery providers

* Package is valid till June 30th, 2009.

Please Click Here to request more information about Health Check-up Programs
from Bangkok Hospital Medical Center.
BNH Hospital (formerly
knows as Bangkok
Have you ever gone to another country on vacation? Have you ever marveled at their
culture Home)
and
Nursing
is part
their way of life? There are many countries such as Thailand, India, and even Costa Rica that
of
the
Bangkok
General
have hidden treasures you may not be aware of. Treasures that once discovered can change
Hospital Group. It is
your life and your health forever.
located in Convent Road
There have been medical treatments that have been practiced for centuries in Asia and
other
(connecting
road
parts of the world. The use of these techniques has been proven to work and are continued
be
betweentoSilom
Road and
practiced today. The great thing about these ancient remedies is that they usually do not have all
Sathorn Road, Bangkok)
of the health side effects that some more modern techniques and medications have today. Just
turn on the television. It is full of commercials promising that the new pill that just hit the market is
a miracle drug. While you see images of healthy happy people, the announcer tells you how
peoples lives have been changed by this new life saving drug. Then toward the end of the

Heart Scans
The health conscious among you may have noticed the frontpage (at least in Thailand)
article in TIME dd. September 5, 2005. In it various potential exams of the heart, their
benefits and suitability are described. It so happens that soon after this publication,

advertisement in the Bangkok Post to indicate that they are providing 64-slice CT scans
of the heart. On contacting the hospital heart hotline to get information about this
procedure, we were told we should first see a cardiologist, get examined, and have our
kidney function checked. We were advised to not eat prior to the exam (for the kidney
function, we assume). Costs (not including doctor's fees) would be around 16,000 baht.
For your information, we are talking about 64-slice CT scans of the heart. This exam,
commercial, in an almost whisper, the announcer rattles off a whole list of side effects that sound
aided by high speed x-ray computer technology, provides quite accurate and precise
like a horror show. The only thing that is a miracle is that someone would actually take the risk of
trying that newvisualizations
drug of the day.of the heart and the coronary arteries. Supposedly nearly as good as a
coronary angiography.
Are you, like many others, tired of this roller coaster of being sick and never really getting better?
Some people have
found
theiskey
to getting
healthier,
health
Whata is
health tourism?
So this
exam
available
for
what could
betourism.
considered
reasonable
price. It is a difficult
People are going to other countries to seek alternative, yet proven treatments of getting healthier
issue to consider in our opinion whether one is advised to get this exam when not having
and better.

cardiac symptoms, and having undergone less expensive evaluations of the heart.
Conclusions
may
beinthat
there
arepeople
no obvious
narrowings
theas
coronary
Instead of just going
to see the
sites
other
lands,
are going
to placesof
such
the Jiva arteries, and
Ayurveda and Indus
Valley
in India of
to get
treatments
availablewhen
to them
that can
be aAyurveda
relief to Center
many people
a certain
age, not
especially
they have been
where they live.smoking or eating a poor diet for the whole of their life. Problems arise when
abnormalities are found. What to do about it? Of course, there are clearcut indications to
Its not just alternative treatments people are seeking; there are modern treatments they are
docountries
something
in certain
severe,letupustosay
then
not
seeking in other
as well.
For instance,
you
arerealized
looking conditions.
for Lasik surgery to
On the other
hand,consider
quite possilbly
some
abnormalities
be found,LASIK
without the
improve your eyesight,
you might
going to the
Thailands
TRSCcan
International
examined
personsurgery
havingthat
anyyou
symptoms
leading
normal
life. To
Center. What about
orthopedic
have beenand
needing
butahave
not been
ablefind
to abnormalities
schedule with local
doctors
because
they
have
waiting
lists
that
are
months
long
or
is
significantly
can be good if it convinces people to stop smoking, start exercising etc. Whether it is
expensive, yougood
couldto
gohave
to thefurther
Knee/Orthopedic
Center
in India.
treatment, Surgery
especially
invasive
procedures such as coronary stenting,
bypass surgery is a totally different matter. To put it simple, according to available
Its not only medical treatments that people are traveling to get help with; there are also dental
knowledge,
it is notCosta
so that
any
narrowing
the coronary
arteries
clinics like the Advanced
Dentistry
Rica.
They
handle aof
variety
of different
dental needs to be 'fixed',
there
may
be
a
choice
of
therapies,
including
just
medication.
However, in a setting
procedures to help you get that smile you have always wanted.
where money is involved, there may be a tendency to push people into undergoing
You might be wondering
how you canThis
find these
places
up appointments
Keep
invasive treatments.
depends
alsoand
to asetlarge
extent on thetoday.
doctor
who is treating
reading because there is a wonderful free site called PlacidWay that can help you.
you, and whether he is 'conservative' or 'interventionist'. It is always possible to get the
resultsindustry
and getisagrowing
secondby
opinion,
if in
doubt.People are traveling out of country
The medical tourism
leaps and
bounds.
But
for those
whocountry
wheretoalready
thinking
ofand
having
this exam,
and even places
within
their own
seek both
modern
alternative
healthpossibly
services.you can get it
There had been
some
bad press
prior
years about people seeking health treatments abroad,
done
cheaper
herein in
Bangkok!
but this is not true
anymore.
Places
like Thailand
famous
for Lasik
surgery
[Bangkok
Heart
Hospital
can beare
called
at 66(0)
1 375
2222or- dental
66(0) 9care
814and
7064]
India for Orthopedic surgery use modern technologies and procedures, while offering world class
treatment to you for less. This is because in places such as the Untied States, doctors have to
hospitals
also provide
64-Slicefees
CTthat
scanning
of the
heart
organs. We
pay outrageousOther
rent, medical
insurance
and licensing
they have
to hike
upand
theirother
prices
found
the In
procedure
is alsothe
done
Hospital
and and
Praram
9 Hospital.
just to make ends
meet.
other countries
costatforBumrungrad
these items are
much less
therefore
they can charge
lesscan
for read
their procedures.
You
more about it here (info provided by Bumrungrad Hospital)

If you are interested in a heart scan, we suggest you read this article first. Apparently,
(like

Treatment centers
world
want to do business
from these
travelingoutweigh
health tourists
so
therearound
still isthe
some
controversy
as to whether
the benefits
the risk
they are getting international accreditations and certifications ensuring that they are using and
radiation).
practicing medical
and alterative medicine procedures at the highest standard possible.

articles
about
health issues
: Hospitals
in Bangkok
(this places
page) |toDental Services
Places such asRelated
India and
Thailand
are catering
more to
health tourist.
With modern
stay, traveling to
these
destinations
has become
easier andof
more
affordable.
These countries are
Eye
Clinics
| Pharmacies
| Shortcomings
Thai
Healthcare
becoming serious
health
destinations
for those
people that
have Statistics
discovered| the
tourism Treatment in
More
: Medical
Tourism
in Thailand
| Health
Costhealth
of Medical
secret.

Thailand

You may live in a country that has socialized medicine. This means long wait times, procedures
Sendand
comments
not being available
doctors and facilities becoming health factories. They do not give you the
time and care they should because they are so overburdened. When you make appointments in
places such as Bangkok Hospital Medical Center, they take the time and are ready for your
arrival. You can go
when itabout
is convenient
for you
and the
wait time is much
then places
Articles
other topics
(travel
destinations,
imageless
galleries,
shopping centers
located in countries with socialized medicine.

etc.)
Reviewing Health Care in Thailand : Healthcare and Hospitals in Thailand | Life expectancy
causes
of death,
health
risks |treatment
Thailand's
Fertility
Rates | Dental Hospital, S
One of the biggestpeople,
areas that
people
are seeking
medical
fordeclining
is cosmetic
surgeries.
49 | Rutnin
Hospital
Eye
Clinics |and
Chulalongkorn
University
Ramathibodi (public) Ho
These types of procedures
areEye
rarely
covered- by
insurance,
are rather costly.
People |have
Premium Clinic

Shortcomings in Thai Healthcare System | Medical Tourism in Thailand | Cost of Medical Tr

Medical Check-ups and Health Screening in Bangkok
Green Bangkok | Asbestos in Thailand | Smoking and Drinking in Thailand
Health Insurance in Thailand | Local vs International Health Insurance

Pharmacies and Medical Drugs in Bangkok | Stem Cell (umbilical cord) Collection and Stora
Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok!
About Thai Massage.

Fitness and Exercise : California Wow, Fitness First | True Fitness | GMM Fitness Club | Ben
discovered that they can get the same procedures for less in other countries than they would
Submit
a Website
Link to Us | Link Partners
locally. This includes
the cost
of travel| expenses.
Are you interested yet? Do you want more information? I mentioned earlier a site called
PlacidWay. This revolutionary site provides for all of your medical tourism needs. Some of the
benefits at the site are search engines that not only allow you to look at what various countries
around the world have to offer, but you can also search just using the procedure you are looking
for. The site provides lists of where the best providers are and links to their sites so that can you
can learn more. PlacidWay provides you the ability to book travel and hotels right from their site.
What could be easier? There are monthly articles to feature what procedures are available and
the best places to seek those procedures. Did I mention this was free? Yes all of the services are
available for you to use for free. From finding out where to get your next liposuction treatment to
getting heart surgery can all be found at PlacidWay Site. Try it today; see what others have found
to be the next great frontier in medicine, Health Tourism.

Thailand Medical Tourism: The Best of Health and Wellness

March 18th, 2009
by Denise
Thailand Medical Tourism has become famous for its excellent medical facilities and
healthcare for foreigners. One of the most popular medical tourism destinations in the
world, Thailands surgeons and health care facilities are known for superlative care in
cosmetic, plastic, orthopedic and cardiac care surgeries as well as for their weight loss
and obesity programs, dental care and many others.
Medical travelers may save between 50% and 75% on surgical procedures and other
medical care found throughout Thailand over costs found in the U.S. This savings does
not reflect the quality of care, however. Thailand physicians, surgeons and healthcare
facility staff are held to rigorous standards of training and care and take pride in offering
all medical travelers the best that experience and expertise may offer.
Medical tourism in Thailand offers a variety of medical treatments and specialties.
Doctors in Thailand offer excellent training and certification. Bangkok hospitals are
renowned around the globe for cancer treatments. Affordable surgery in Thailand is
drawing millions of people not only from the U.S. but other international destinations to
enjoy various medical treatment in Thailand.
Whether youre looking for cosmetic or plastic surgery care, or cancer treatment or
fertility treatments, Thailand hospitals and clinics in Thailand can meet your needs, while
at the same time providing quality health care at affordable prices that wont leave you
healthy but destitute.
Check out medical tourism in Thailand and see what all the fuss is about. Research
Bangkok health centers and see for your yourself that Thailand offers the best for less.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 1:23 PM and is filed under
Medical Tourism, Thailand Medical Tourism.

Medical Tourism Thailand The Best for a Reason

March 17th, 2009
by Denise
Have you ever been to Thailand? It used to be known as the Kingdom of Siam, is filled
with friendly people and things to do and see. From bustling, noisy Bangkok to the
seclusion of native beach getaways, Thailand offers high-class accommodations to
hammocks on the oceanfront. From the mountainous landscapes to the north to the sand
that meets the sea to the south, Thailand offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities and
activities for all ages. City entertainment is at its best in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and
Phuket, where visitors can enjoy nightclubbing, ethnic entertainment, fine dining and the
best in world-class hotel accommodations.
Even better than that, medical travelers to Thailand can save between 50% and 75% on
surgical procedures and other medical care found throughout Thailand in such cities as
Bangkok and Klongtan. Doctors in Thailand and surgeons in Thailand offer healthcare
that is held to rigorous standards of training and care and take pride in offering all
medical tourism travelers the best that experience and expertise may offer.
Take for example the Yahnee Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. This clinic -one of many
clinics in Thailand, offers the best of old and new in technological equipment and
methods while blending traditional medicine and board-certified experts in affordable
cosmetic surgery. If that doesnt convince you, visit the website of Superior A.R.T. for
the best Fertility and IVF treatments offered by Bangkok health centers. If youre looking
for affordable eye Lasik care, research the TRSC International LASIK Center in
Bangkok.
No matter what you need, hospitals in Thailand and surgeons in Thailand offer the best in
care and quality, which is why Thailand is the largest medical tourism hub of Southeast
Asia.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 at 11:49 AM and is filed under
Medical Tourism, Thailand Medical Tourism.

MALAYSIA HEALTH TOURISM

The one stop destination for all your medical and tourism related needs.
malaysiahealthcare.com networks the services of the top notch hospitals and tour
operators in Malaysia, helping you plan your complete treatment and holiday in
Malaysia. '
KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia is gaining prominence as a destination for medical
tourism despite its business activities being impacted by the global economic downturn.
More international tourists are seeking medical treatment in the country and the number
of private healthcare providers catering to medical tourism has sprung up in recent years.
Medical tourism refers to the practice of travelling across international borders to seek
medical services at lower costs.
Statistics from Tourism Malaysia revealed that 75,210 foreign patients were treated in
2001 and, by 2006, that figure had grown to 296,687, amounting to US$59mil in revenue.
According to the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, the Malaysian medical
tourism sector is expected to contribute RM540mil in 2010 by treating about 625,000
medical tourists. Currently, Indonesians account for 70% of medical tourists to Malaysia.
It also forecast the number to increase by 30% next year.
Like other foreign companies seeking to carve a niche in medical tourism, global health
information technology (IT) provider iSOFT sees Malaysias potential in this sector and
aims to further tap into the lucrative market.
iSOFT also intends to provide its expertise to hospitals nationwide. It currently provides
IT software and solutions to 10 government hospitals and 11 private hospitals in
Malaysia.
The private hospitals include Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Metro Specialist Centre,
Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre and the NCI Cancer Hospital.
iSOFT executive chairman and chief executive officer Gary Cohen said medical tourism
and healthcare were growing businesses worldwide and Asia was fast gaining
prominence amid the global financial crisis.

Revenue from medical tourism is forecast to grow more than 10 times in the next five
years on a global scale. The high cost of medical treatment in the US and Europe is
causing more people to seek treatment in Asia.
About 60% of the world population is spending their healthcare budget in Asia and this
figure is expected to go up in the coming years, he said in an interview.
Malaysia, he added, had the potential to be a regional hub in medical tourism as it had the
right infrastructure in terms of healthcare system and it was cost competitive compared
with regional and international markets.
The Government is also encouraging this sector to further thrive as a potential foreign
exchange earner in these tough times when exports and other business activities are
declining, he noted.
To boost medical tourism, one of the key ways was having the right product and software
that would ensure efficient healthcare processes with lower costs, he added.
iSOFT, a subsidiary of Australia-based IBA Health Group Ltd, is one of the largest
specialist health IT providers in the world and its software is used by more than 13,000
healthcare organisations worldwide.
iSOFT Asia president and CEO Dr Wim Botermans said its Lorenzo software enabled
patients medical records to be connected electronically, hence helping healthcare
providers make faster and better decisions by bringing them the right information at the
right time along the patients healthcare journey.
The product also allowed healthcare providers to manage their processes more efficiently
and at lower costs, he added.

s a complete facilitator for health tourism, MHC acts as a most convenient channel to network, integrate,
facilitate and manage all aspects of health tourism - for both the health tourist as well as the service
providers i.e. hospitals, medical service providers, travel agents, insurance providers, airlines, hotels, etc.
MHC provides tourists a one-stop destination for all medical and tourism related needs, by bringing
together all related service providers on a single platform to Malaysia.
This conference is an ideal platform to showcase our core services as a complete facilitator of medical
tourism and to assist the organizers to communicate their primary objectives of this international exhibition
to the industry players, according to Vijayan Samuel, COO of MHC
MedHealth and Wellness 2009 is an International Exhibition of Health Products and Equipment, Sports &
Fitness and Medical Services that will showcase the wide range of health products and services that are

now available locally or easily accessible from other countries.

Malaysia looks set to become a major Asian player in the thriving market for health/medical tourism. For
the first nine months of 2008, over 282,000 foreigners came to Malaysia for medical treatment, generating
revenue of about RM222.25mil a 16% increase from the year before.
We are looking forward to a successful conference in the Sultanate of Oman this year, and hope that the
objectives of the organizers, exhibitors and visitors are met to further spur the growth of this industry
globally, Samuel continues.
MHC helps health/medical tourists to do away with cumbersome arrangements with the numerous service
providers for the multitude components of his/her treatment needs and holiday to Malaysia.
Using www.malaysiahealthcare.com health/medical tourists can plan, arrange and manage their complete
medical treatment and holiday in Malaysia from the comfort of their homes.
For example, besides choosing a hospital of their choice in Malaysia, health/medical tourists can conduct
due diligence on relevant doctors or specialists before selecting a doctor or a specialist online.
Furthermore, MHC allows users direct contact with the doctor or specialist, to seek consultation on the
procedures and advice on possible options of treatment.
The MHC portal was officially launched by the Malaysian Minister of Tourism in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates in May 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MALAYSIA :IN addition to being a tourist destination known for its cultural, historical and natural
attractions, Malaysia is starting to make its mark as an affordable yet sophisticated healthcare hub in Asia.
Joining the ranks of their counterparts in Singapore and Thailand, many local private hospitals now have
counters, staff, medical packages and special arrangements (such as accommodation and travel) to cater to
foreign patients.
The efforts seem to have paid off as the number of foreigners visiting the country for medical tourism has
more than tripled since 2003 to hit a total of 341,288 in 2007.
Medical tourism receipts have quadrupled to RM253.84mil during the same period. For the first nine
months of 2008, over 282,000 foreigners came to Malaysia for medical treatment, generating a revenue of

about RM222.25mil a 16% increase from the year before.

According to the 2007 figures, about 72% of the foreign patients were from Indonesia, 10% from
Singapore, 5% from Japan, 3% from Europe and 3% from India.
Penang, Malacca and Johor Baru are the favourite destinations. Currently, 35 private hospitals are
earmarked to participate in the promotion of medical tourism in the country.
Slower growth
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) board member and chairman of the committee on
database and medical tourism, Datuk Dr K. Kulaveerasingam, is projecting a 15% increase (compared with
the past average of 20%-25%) in medical tourism receipts this year as fewer foreigners are expected to
visit the country for medical treatment.
Due to the economic slowdown, some medical tourists may postpone treatments which are not serious
such as cosmetic surgery and even hip and knee surgeries, he says.
Island Hospital Penang director and Penang Health Association chairman Datuk Dr Chan Kok Ewe expects
flat growth for medical tourism for the group this year due to the slowdown and relative market saturation,
especially in traditional markets.
Although we think the outlook is less encouraging, we should use this slack period to prepare for the next
growth phase. To do this, we have to cultivate new markets with a structured strategy and guided
investments, he says.
He stresses that medical tourism has to be developed as a nationally committed project, which consists of
decent national budgets rather than what individual private hospitals can afford to spend. We have to
think in terms of a national instead of private enterprise, he says.
According to Chan, the majority of medical tourists visiting Penang are of Indonesian origin, who select
Penang because of its proximity (to north Sumatra), convenience of travel, and ease of cultural and
language adaptation.
Gross receipts for members of the Penang Health Association totalled RM156.53mil in 2007 and
RM166.15mil in 2008. About 15% to 30% of the members patients comprise medical tourists.
The association comprises seven private hospitals in the state that jointly promote health tourism.
New markets

As part of the plan to expand market reach, Kulaveerasingam says Malaysia is targeting new markets such
as Vietnam, Cambodia, the Middle East, United States, Europe and Canada.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia APHM is collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to
publish in July the Malaysian edition of a book series called Patients Beyond Borders, written by Josef

Woodman, to promote Malaysia as a medical tourism destination globally with special focus on the US.
Kulaveerasingam also stresses the importance of branding for the countrys medical tourism industry to
provide a better platform to market and promote the product.
We are working on a video on Malaysian healthcare that can be used when we promote Malaysia
overseas. We are also coming out with brochures that take a more holistic view of Malaysian healthcare to
appeal to medical tourists, he says.
He adds that despite the challenging economic climate, medical tourism still has a pretty positive outlook
boosted by new market penetration.
According to Abacus international, Asias medical tourism industry is expected to be worth at least
US$4bil by 2012.
Research also shows that a medical tourist spends double the amount of normal tourist US$362
compared with US$144 per day.
Competition buster
Industry players together with government agencies will have to work hard to ensure that Malaysia can
compete with the likes of Singapore and Thailand, which have made a name for themselves in the medical
tourism industry.
Sunway Medical Centre chief operating officer Chng Lin Ling points out that the Health Ministry and
Tourism Malaysia will have to team up to promote the image of Malaysia as a tourist hub for leisure, travel
and healthcare.
It is also important for tour agents to further promote Malaysia in travel and healthcare, she adds.
To Sime Darby Healthcare chief executive officer Elaine Cheong Pek Yin, one of the ways for Malaysia to
better compete with Singapore and Thailand is to have a central government agency headed by an expert
on dynamic medical and healthcare marketing and promotion.
This can boost the efforts to brand Malaysian healthcare in a coordinated and systematic manner.
Medical travel to Malaysia should be seriously acknowledged as a vital source of tourism revenue for the
country.
Hence, concerted efforts must be made to ensure that healthcare providers in Malaysia are internationally
accredited and that they subscribe to a high level of clinical and service excellence, besides having superior
technology and patient-oriented facilities, she says.
Sime Darby Healthcare comprises Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Sime Darby Specialist Centre

Megah and Sime Darby College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Medical tourism hub
OSK Research remains optimistic about the medical tourism industry in Malaysia and believes the industry
will remain robust and resilient despite the slowdown.
For one thing, the majority of medical tourists to Malaysia seek curative medical treatment instead of
procedures for aesthetic purposes.
Therefore, such patients will seek treatment regardless of whether there is a recession or not, whereas those
considering treatment for aesthetic reasons may defer their decision, OSK says.
Given that Indonesia accounts for the biggest number of medical tourists to Singapore and Malaysia, the
economic slowdown might result in some of Indonesian patients seeking treatment in Malaysia instead of
Singapore, due to the cheaper costs, it notes.
OSK says Malaysia also has the potential to steal market share from Thailand as the political turmoil in
Thailand has resulted in a significant drop in the numbers of general and medical tourist arrivals.
By ELAINE ANG
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MALACCA: Despite the global economic downturn, Malaysia expects to see a 28% rise
in foreign patients seeking medical treatment in the country.
Among the reasons for this is the establishment of a one-stop medical and tourism online
portal to facilitate all needs be it consultation, treatment, accommodation or tours.
MalaysiaHealthCare.com (MHC) chief executive officer Suresh Ponnudurai said the
country would continue to attract health tourists from countries such as Indonesia,
Singapore, Bangladesh and Japan and those from the Middle East and Europe.
Malaysia is one of the regions centres of medical excellence owing to its quality and
affordable facilities and services. About 360,000 health tourists visited Malaysia in 2007,
a 20% increase from 2006, he told reporters here during a press conference after signing
a Memoradum of Understanding between Mahkota Medical Centre and MHC recently.

Pact sealed: Suresh (left) shaking hands with MMC chief executive director Francis Lim
(right) while State Womens Affairs, Family Development and Health Committee
chairman Norpipah Abdol looks on at the event in Malacca recently.
He said the use of technology and the Internet had positioned the health care industry as
one of the best in the region.
Malacca received more than 64,000 medical tourists last year, mostly Indonesians, and
was ahead of Penang, Federal Territory, Johor and Selangor.
The growing number of health tourists increase to visited Malaysia
The numbers are expected to increase after the upgraded Batu Berendam Airport opens
early next year to bring in tourists from neighbouring countries.
Also, a RM300mil 300-bed private hospital known as Straits of Melaka Specialist Centre
will be developed in Klebang within the next two years.
MHC acts as a channel to network, integrate, facilitate and manage all aspects of health
and medical tourism for health tourists and service providers i.e. hospitals, travel and
insurance agents, airlines and hotels.
At the www.malaysiahealthcare.com website, medical tourists can schedule their
treatment and holidays by making online bookings for services.
By ALLISON LAI
TWO Bangladeshi teachers have proved that you don't have to be rich and famous to be able to afford
quality medical care while having a good time in Malaysia .
Khaleda Mariam Sajjad, 55, and Faridah Moni Shahidullah, 65, were the first Bangladeshis to visit the
country as health tourists after Malaysia Healthcare (MHC) set up its office in Dhaka , Bangladesh , on
June 5.
They took advantage of the "Lifestyle Healthcare Package in Malaysia" offered in conjunction with the
launch of the Malaysian Health Care office and its website, www.malaysiahealthcare.com, by MHC,
Tourism Malaysia and Newport Holidays.
Khaleda, a mother of two, said: "I knew I was suffering from arthritis for the past two years but after a
thorough checkup, I was told I also suffer from osteoporosis.
"The orthopaedic surgeon told me that bone degeneration was eating into my hip bone.
"He prescribed medication to slow down the degeneration. I will be keeping in touch with the doctor

through email about my condition."

Faridah, who has four sons and three grandchildren, said:
"I am impressed with the high quality and affordable state-of-the-art medical facilities and services. I am
happy with the service and hope to come back in three months for a follow-up check-up."
Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Datuk Abdul Malek Abdul Aziz who launched MHC's
website in Dhaka , said:
"MHC can serve as a one-stop destination for all medical and tourism related needs for Bangladeshis,
bringing together all related service providers in Malaysia on a single platform ."
MHC, which was launched in 2006 by former Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku
Mansor, is a global facilitator for health tourism in Malaysia .
MHC acts as a bridge between the health tourist and service providers -- hospitals, travel agents, insurance
providers, airlines and hotels.
A survey conducted by the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia found that the number of foreign
patients seeking treatment in Malaysia had increased greatly over the years.
In 2005, 232,161 foreign patients were treated in Malaysian private hospitals, generating over RM150.9
million in revenue.
In the following year, 296,687 medical tourists visited Malaysia . This earned the country RM203.6
million. Last year, there were 341,288 foreign patients. This resulted in revenue totalling RM253.84
million.
The country's popularity as a healthcare destination is due to the fact that it offers health care at
competitive rates, compared with many developed countries.
Malaysian hospitals have also invested in world-class equipment and secured the services of medical
personnel and specialists who received their training in countries such as Britain , Australia and the United
States .
There are now more than 210 private hospitals with more than 10,000 beds, compared with only 50 private
hospitals with 2,000 beds in 1980. At the end of last year, private hospitals employed 18,246 doctors and
68,349 nurses.
Tourism Malaysia predicts that revenue from health tourism will reach RM2.2 billion in 2010.
A 28 per cent hike is expected from Southeast Asian countries, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand,
Middle East, Japan, Britain and Europe, with increasing interest from the US and Canada.

MHC chief executive officer Suresh Ponnudurai said their health tourism portal served all the major
private hospitals, including the National Heart Institute, and helped to market Malaysia as a world-class
healthcare destination.
He said government hospitals which had private wings were in the midst of getting themselves organised
before joining in to promote their facilities and services.
"We need to promote ourselves aggressively in order to compete with other Asean countries. Most of the
patients visiting Malaysia come from Indonesia and Singapore .
"We have people from some 34 countries visiting our website. Many of them come to Malaysia because of
long waiting lists at hospitals in their own countries and because it is more affordable."
MHC also coordinates travel, accommodation, medical screening and holiday package arrangements.
"We act as a one-stop centre. People find it convenient as they don't have to go through all the hassle.The
cake is huge. If we market our services properly, we will be able to attract more foreign patients."
By : Annie Freeda Cruez
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------he number of foreign patients at private hospitals shot up to 341,288 last year, from
296,687 in 2006 and 232,161 the year before. The hospitals also reported a corresponding
increase in revenue from this sector: RM253.84 million last year, compared with
RM203.6 million in 2006 and RM150.9 million the previous year.
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin said despite the strong growth,
there was huge room for improvement in the health tourism sector.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia
(APHM) international healthcare conference and exhibition here, Norharuddin said the
industry should capitalise on Malaysia's advantages to increase the business.
He said health tourism was increasingly becoming an important source of income to the
private healthcare pro-viders in Malaysia and this was supported by the government
through the tourism, health, international trade and industry, and finance ministries;

Immigration Department and non-governmental organisations such as APHM and the

Association of Tour and Travel Agents.
There are more than 210 private hospitals with more than 10,000 beds, compared with
only 50 private hospitals with 2,000 beds in 1980.
At the end of last year, the number of doctors stood at 18,246, assisted by 68,349 nurses.
MALAYSIA : The Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) has projected
receipts from foreigners seeking medical treatment in the country to grow 30 per cent a
year until 2010. By that time, Malaysian healthcare providers could well rake in as much
as RM584 million in medical revenue from treating some 849,000 foreigners.
" Between 2000 and 2007, the increase has been between 25 per cent and 30 per cent per
year," APHM chairman for database and health tourism committee, Datuk Dr
K.Kulaveerasingam, said.
" Thus Far, the Americans have been coming here mainly for cosmetic surgery."
" We hope to be able to lure patients from the US, the UK and Europe once our
Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) receives the International Society for
Quality in Health Care Inc (ISQua) accreditation," he added.
Malaysia has its own MSQH scheme for accreditation, which is based on the Australian
healthcare standard." We expect to have the accreditation by ISQua by this month," he
said.
ISQua, a non-profit, independent organisation with members more than 70 countries, is
known as accreditor for accrediting bodies.
Dr Kulaveerasingam also said that Malaysia is currently working with tour agencies in
the US to bring in those who are not medically insured, or who are under-insured.
" Up to 40 per cent of those in the US are not insured. This is a potential market for us,"
he said.
Malaysia's medical tourism receipts could, in fact, be more than the forecast, given that
the figures have been projected based on available data - 25 out of 35 registered hospitals
provide their numbers to the association.
Initial estimates indicate that there could be 386,000 patients from overseas and RM265
million income for the hospitals last year. Some 70 per cent of overseas patients are from
Indonesia.
Dr Kulaveerasingam said the projections were made based on the available data. The
growth forecast is actually not too far from those made by "Patients Beyond Borders"
author, Josef Woodman, who estimates medical tourism to grow 20-34 per cent annually,

and that by 2010 the global market for the business will be US$40 billion (about RM127
billion).
According to Woodman, there are between two million and three million medical
travellers worldwide, with most going to Southeast Asia, North Asia and India.
Reports have also indicated that Singapore wants to bring in one million patients by
2012, from abut 400,000 in 2006, while Thailand wants to draw two million foreign
patients by 2010, up from 1.25 million in 2005.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Issued by : Vasantha

Ganesan
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA : The visa for health tourists to Malaysia has been extended
from 30 days to 6 months effective immediately. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Abdul Razak said yesterday the cabinet committee on tourism agree with the Home
Ministry's suggestion that health tourists be given a long stay and multiple entries in their
visas.
" This is to meet our aim to promote health tourism in the country," he said after chairing
the committee's meeting here.He said tourists applying for the health visa must have
certain documents like letters from the hospitals treating them.
He said the committee also decided that workers at all major airports in the country,
especially the KL Internatioanl Airport, must be Malaysian citizens.
Najib said this must be complied with as soon as possible although the government
realised that the companies carrying out various works at the airports had to make some
adjustments.
"We will issue rulings to MAB (Malaysia Airports Berhad) to ensure the workers are
Malaysian citizens."
He said the committee noted that there were still many compliants about the taxi service
in Malaysia, ranging from not using the meter to the capacity of the taxies, and would
refer them to the relevant ministries for further action.
He said the committee intended to make Malaysia a major shopping destination in the
region because foreign tourist spending in the country is still low, constituting only 25%
of each tourist's total expenditure whereas in other countries the figure had reached 50%.

"As such, the committee has decided that this will be our target in the near future ... may
be by 2010 we can achieve our aim of getting each tourist to spend 50% of their
expenditure on shopping.
"To realise this, the government has to consider several measures and these measures
have implications in terms of policy, taxes and so forth."
He said if each tourist were to spend half of this expenditure on shopping, the country's
revenue from tourists receipts alone this year would amount to RM10 billion.
Najib said the committee also agreed to give special incentives to develop cultural
products for the tourism industry.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Issued by : Bernama

ourism Malaysia - NOVEMBER 5, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------' Health tourism in Malaysia '

MALAYSIA : Malaysia is fast becoming a strong competitor in the global health and medical
tourism sector. Given the potential of health tourism as a foreign exchange earner, the government
has taken a series of proactive measures to enhance Malaysia as a preferred health tourism
destination.

Health tourism in Malaysia consists of two main categories which are medical tourism and wellness
programme. Patients can opt for medical treatments in one of our internationally recognised
hospitals, and stay on during the convalescence or recovery period. Or they can come for a holiday
by exploring the various forms of wellness programmes that are available in Malaysia.
Competitive medical fees and modern medical facilities are two vital factors that make Malaysia a
popular destination among health tourists. Patients can undergo treatment and recuperate in any
part of the country for much less than what it would cost them for a treatment in other countries.
For example, a normal cardiac bypass surgery (CABG) in Malaysia would cost only between
US$6,000 and US$7,000.
Malaysia offers a wide choice of state-of-the-art private medical centres boasting an impressive
array of sophisticated diagnosis, therapeutic and in-patient facilities. These establishments are wellequipped and staffed to ensure the highest level of professionalism, safety and care to patients. Most
private medical centres have certifications for internationally recognized quality standards such as
MS ISO 9002 or have been given accreditation by the Malaysian Society for Quality of Health.
Most private medical centres in Malaysia also offer comfortable accommodation ranging from
private rooms to suites for single occupancy or more. Room charges, inclusive of meals, vary at
medical centres but are attractively priced. Some medical centres even provide highly qualified and
trained private nurses and personal butlers at a reasonable cost.
In brief, factors that contribute to making Malaysia a centre of medical excellence in the region are
listed below:
a) Safe and politically stable country
b) Wide choice of world class infrastructure facilities e.g. National Heart Institute and Tun Hussein
Onn National Eye Hospital
c) Competitive and affordable pricing and favourable exchange rate
d) Highly qualified, experienced and skilled consultants with internationally recognised
qualifications
e) Tolerant multi-cultural and multi-racial Malaysian society accommodates patients of different
cultures and religions
f) Communication is easy - English speaking medical staffs
g) State-of-the-art technology, such as MRI, 64-Slice CT Scan, PET Scanner for early detection of
cancer and other diseases, cyberknife which is able to radiate tumours without damaging adjacent
vital structures
h) Quality and safety system in place, such as ISO and accreditation by the Malaysian Society for

Quality in Health (MSQH)

i) Recently, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia has set up a Corporate Policy and Health Industry
Division to promote medical tourism and related healthcare products including traditional medicine,
etc. As such, the Ministrys promotional efforts are more focused with the support from relevant
government agencies and private sector
j) Attractive and affordable packages during recuperation period.
To ease entry formalities for patients, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has implements the
Green Lane System at main entry points which expedites custom clearance for medical travellers.
Accompanying family members or friends of the patient can take advantage of their visit to sample
Malaysias various interesting tourist attractions. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer a truly
comprehensive range of both health and tourism services, all within easy reach. Penang, for
example, is not just home to many hospitals and medical centres; it boasts the rejuvenating air of
Penang Hill, the cozy warmth of shady beaches, and endless cultural discoveries.
Statistics indicate a strong and growing interest in Malaysias healthcare tourism industry.
According to the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, the number of foreigners seeking
healthcare services in Malaysia has grown from 75,210 patients in year 2001 to 296,687 patients in
year 2006 which generated a total of RM203.66 million (USD 59 million) in revenue. From January
to March 2007, Malaysia received 77,009 medical tourists.
---> BRIEF BACKGROUND
Under Malaysias current health tourism promotion drive, 35 private hospitals in the country have
been identified to promote Malaysia as a health tourist destination.
Malaysias success in establishing itself as a regional hub for excellent healthcare, capable of
providing state-of-the-art medical facilities and services for health tourists, began following the
setting up of the National Committee for the Promotion of Health Tourism in January 1998.
Besides the Health Ministry, the Committee includes the Ministry of Tourism, the Association of
Private Hospitals of Malaysia and other government agencies such as the Malaysian Association of
Tours and Travel Agencies, Malaysian Airlines and several private hospitals.
The Committee has been cooperating with other agencies in carrying out promotional activities
concerning health tourism in the country. This includes collaborations with the Malaysian External
Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) through its trade missions; Tourism Malaysia
through its promotional activities; various state governments; private hospital groups and the
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.
For further information, please log on to Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM)
website at www.hospitals-malaysia.org or the health tourism portal at

www.malaysiahealthcare.com .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Issued by : Advertising and Publicity
Division,Tourism Malaysia
--> Email : div-advertising@tourism.gov.my
--> Website : www.tourism.gov.my
MALAYSIA is globally renowned as an excellent tourist destination. It is blessed with
tropical sunshine, glorious beach, five-star resorts, fantastic shopping and amazing food.
But what is not known to many travellers is that we also boast world-class medical
facilities and services at low-cost fees.
To further position Malaysia as a global healthcare services hub, the Tourism Ministry
has unveiled a health tourism portal ( www.malaysiahealthcare.com ) in conjunction with
Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The portal will be a complete facilitator for health tourism and
a one-stop destination for all medical and tourism-related needs, bringing together related
service providers on a single platform.
It is expected to act as a channel to network, integrate, facilitate and manage all aspects of
health tourism - for both the health tourists and service providers such as hospitals,
medical service providers, travel agents, insurance providers, airlines, hotels, etc.
So, what are the benefits and how do they work?
Currently, health tourists would have to make individual arrangements with numerous
service providers for various treatment needs and holiday package. But if they visit the
portal, health tourists can help them plan, arrange and manage their complete treatment
and holiday in Malaysia.
For example, besides choosing a hospital of their choice in Malaysia, health tourists can
conduct due diligence on a doctor or a specialist who would be performing the required
treatment before selecting a doctor online. The portal also allows health toursits to have
direct contact with the doctor, to seek consultation on the procedures, and receive advice
on possible options of the treatment.
This ends the worries of the quality of healthcare while facilitating comprehensive
holiday package to suit every need of the health tourist - from recuperative to
recreational. The health tourism portal is developed by Tropical Flow Sdn Bhd, which
includes a team of information and communication technology ( ICT ) expects with

medical background, and experienced marketing professionals for Malaysia, with the
support of the Health ministry and Tourism Ministry.
In Malaysia, all private medical cantres are approved and licensed by the Health
Ministry. Dental healthcare is governed by the Malaysian Dental Council to ensure toprate dental facilities and services are provided to patients.
The Health Ministry has identified 35 private hospitals nationwide that have met the
criteria required to be recognised as providers of health tourism. In 2004, Malaysia
generated foreign exchange earnings of RM105 million from health tourists seeking
medical treatment. Tourism Malaysia forecasts revenue from health tourism to reach
RM2.2 billion in 2010.
Health tourists are attracted to Malaysia because its medical charges and hospitalisation
charges are very competitive compared to other countries such as the US, Europe or even
Singapore.
> By Shyla Sangaran
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Health and travel are the new buzzwords in tourism today. To cater to this market is a
newly-launched, first-ever health portal for Malaysia which would act as a global
facilitator for health tourism.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country is aware of
the growing demand for health tourism and wants to ensure that such tourists received the
best healthcare treatment. The portal, www.malaysiahealthcare.com, is a one-stop
destination for all medical and tourism-related needs, bringing together all related service
providers on a single platform.
By using the portal, health tourists can plan, arrange and manage their complete treatment
and holiday in Malaysia from the comfort of their homes. They can make online
bookings for all services - from home to airport to hospital to hotel to the holiday of their
choice.
The portal also allows health tourists direct contact with the doctor to consult on
procedures and advice on possible options of treatment. The portal was launched by
Tengku Adnan on May 1 in Dubai during the launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007

campaign in the Gulf region. in 2004, Malaysia generated foreign exchange earnings of
RM105 million from health tourists seeking medical treatment.
Tourism Malaysia forecasts revenue from health tourism to reach RM2.2 billion in 2010.
After all, we offer quality and affordable healthcare services, the expertise of highly
qualified medical specialists, and the availability of modern, high-tech facilities and
equipment.
Health tourists are attracted to Malaysia as its medical charges and hospitalisation
charges are very competitive compared to other countries such as the US, Europe or even
Singapore.
> By Ranjeetha Pakiam

MALAYSIA HEALTH TOURISM EDITED

Introduction
~ Malaysia is gaining prominence as a destination for medical tourism despite its
business activities being impacted by the global economic downturn.
More international tourists are seeking medical treatment in the country and the number
of private healthcare providers catering to medical tourism has sprung up in recent years.
~ MALAYSIA is globally renowned as an excellent tourist destination. It is blessed with
tropical sunshine, glorious beach, five-star resorts, fantastic shopping and amazing food.
But what is not known to many travellers is that we also boast world-class medical
facilities and services at low-cost fees.
~ IN addition to being a tourist destination known for its cultural, historical and natural
attractions, Malaysia is starting to make its mark as an affordable yet sophisticated
healthcare hub in Asia.
Joining the ranks of their counterparts in Singapore and Thailand, many local private
hospitals now have counters, staff, medical packages and special arrangements (such as
accommodation and travel) to cater to foreign patients.

~Statistics from Tourism Malaysia revealed that 75,210 foreign patients were treated in
2001 and, by 2006, that figure had grown to 296,687, amounting to US$59mil in revenue.

According to the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, the Malaysian medical

tourism sector is expected to contribute RM540mil in 2010 by treating about 625,000
medical tourists. Currently, Indonesians account for 70% of medical tourists to Malaysia
~ The Government is also encouraging this sector to further thrive as a potential foreign
exchange earner in these tough times when exports and other business activities are
declining
~ Malaysia looks set to become a major Asian player in the thriving market for
health/medical tourism. For the first nine months of 2008, over 282,000 foreigners came
to Malaysia for medical treatment, generating revenue of about RM222.25mil a 16%
increase from the year before.
~

Cheaper Cost
~ Medical tourism refers to the practice of travelling across international borders to seek
medical services at lower costs.
~ The country's popularity as a healthcare destination is due to the fact that it offers
health care at competitive rates, compared with many developed countries.
~Given that Indonesia accounts for the biggest number of medical tourists to Singapore
and Malaysia, the economic slowdown might result in some of Indonesian patients
seeking treatment in Malaysia instead of Singapore, due to the cheaper costs, it notes.
~ Health tourists are attracted to Malaysia because its medical charges and hospitalisation
charges are very competitive compared to other countries such as Thailand.
~ To boost medical tourism, one of the key ways was having the right product and
software that would ensure efficient healthcare processes with lower costs, he added.
~ About 60% of the world population is spending their healthcare budget in Asia and this
figure is expected to go up in the coming years, he said in an interview.
~ the committee intended to make Malaysia a major shopping destination in the region
because foreign tourist spending in the country is still low, constituting only 25% of each
tourist's total expenditure whereas in other countries the figure had reached 50%.
~ said the goverment also agreed to give special incentives to develop cultural products
for the tourism industry.

~ Malaysia, he added, had the potential to be a regional hub in medical tourism as it had
the right infrastructure in terms of healthcare system and it was cost competitive
compared with regional and international markets.
Facilities and Infrastructure
~ government hospitals which had private wings were in the midst of getting themselves
organised before joining in to promote their facilities and services.
~ Malaysian hospitals have also invested in world-class equipment and secured the
services of medical personnel and specialists who received their training in countries such
as Britain , Australia and the United States .
There are now more than 210 private hospitals with more than 10,000 beds, compared
with only 50 private hospitals with 2,000 beds in 1980. At the end of last year, private
hospitals employed 18,246 doctors and 68,349 nurses.
~ people from some 34 countries visiting our website. Many of them come to Malaysia
because of long waiting lists at hospitals in their own countries and because it is more
affordable.
~ In Malaysia, all private medical cantres are approved and licensed by the Health
Ministry. Dental healthcare is governed by the Malaysian Dental Council to ensure toprate dental facilities and services are provided to patients.
The Health Ministry has identified 35 private hospitals nationwide that have met the
criteria required to be recognised as providers of health tourism. In 2004, Malaysia
generated foreign exchange earnings of RM105 million from health tourists seeking
medical treatment.
~ The numbers are expected to increase after the upgraded Batu Berendam Airport opens
early next year to bring in tourists from neighbouring countries.
Also, a RM300mil 300-bed private hospital known as Straits of Melaka Specialist Centre
will be developed in Klebang within the next two years.
~ He said health tourism was increasingly becoming an important source of income to the
private healthcare pro-viders in Malaysia and this was supported by the government
through the tourism, health, international trade and industry, and finance ministries;
Immigration Department and non-governmental organisations such as APHM and the
Association of Tour and Travel Agents.
There are more than 210 private hospitals with more than 10,000 beds, compared with
only 50 private hospitals with 2,000 beds in 1980.
At the end of last year, the number of doctors stood at 18,246, assisted by 68,349 nurses.

~ The visa for health tourists to Malaysia has been extended from 30 days to 6 months
effective immediately. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the cabinet
committee on tourism agree with the Home Ministry's suggestion that health tourists be
given a long stay and multiple entries in their visas.
~ Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country is aware
of the growing demand for health tourism and wants to ensure that such tourists received
the best healthcare treatment.
~ After all, we offer quality and affordable healthcare services, the expertise of highly
qualified medical specialists, and the availability of modern, high-tech facilities and
equipment.

Disadvantage
~The goverment noted that there were still many compliants about the taxi service in
Malaysia, ranging from not using the meter to the capacity of the taxies, and would refer
them to the relevant ministries for further action.
~Due to the economic slowdown, some medical tourists may postpone treatments which
are not serious such as cosmetic surgery and even hip and knee surgeries, he says.
Island Hospital Penang director and Penang Health Association chairman Datuk Dr Chan
Kok Ewe expects flat growth for medical tourism for the group this year due to the
slowdown and relative market saturation, especially in traditional markets.
Although we think the outlook is less encouraging, we should use this slack period to
prepare for the next growth phase. To do this, we have to cultivate new markets with a
structured strategy and guided investments, he says.
~The goverment has to generates resources to import food,pharmaceuticals,technology
and consumer goods caused by the growing number of health tourists.
~Development of health care services aren`t always available to local people especially
for suburban people.