Home // GLOBAL HEALTH 2023, The Twelfth International Conference on Global Health Challenges // View article
Authors:
Farizal Jaafar
Lily Jasmin Abd Halim
Ch’ng Zi Man
Devaraj Subramaniam
Marale Atechian
Keywords: medical tourism; medical travel; healthcare destination; Malaysia healthcare.
Abstract:
Access to quality healthcare and advanced treatments has led to a growing demand for medical tourism. In 2019, an estimated 15 to 20 million individuals globally travelled abroad for medical purposes and the growth of this market is expected to double in the coming years. Patients are drawn to seeking healthcare and medical treatment abroad, primarily due to several factors, including the potential for cost savings, shorter waiting times for treatments, and a wider range of quality healthcare options. Recognising this trend, numerous countries are intensifying their efforts to develop and promote their respective medical tourism industries, with the goal of becoming the preferred destination for patients seeking treatments abroad. Notably, in certain countries, government agencies are spearheading initiatives to accelerate industry growth, which holds significant potential to contribute to the countries' economic development. Asia emerges as the principal beneficiary of the industry, garnering substantial demand from both domestic and international patients. In Malaysia, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and the Ministry of Health Malaysia have developed the 5-year Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint with the aim to provide “the best healthcare travel experience”. As part of the strategic initiatives outlined in the blueprint, a first-of-its-kind Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme was designed as an effort to reinforce Malaysia's position as a leader in the medical tourism market, improve healthcare quality, and contribute to economic growth. This paper aims to discuss the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme and the assessment methodology employed for Malaysian hospitals participating in this programme. Additionally, strategies for capacity building and revenue growth within the programme, and benefits towards the nation and beyond are reviewed. The programme's success in developing flagship medical tourism hospitals within Malaysia positions it as an exemplary model for other nations seeking to establish their own thriving medical tourism industry.
Pages: 6 to 11
Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2023
Publication date: September 25, 2023
Published in: conference
ISSN: 2308-4553
ISBN: 978-1-68558-112-1
Location: Porto, Portugal
Dates: from September 25, 2023 to September 29, 2023