Experience a Prescription for Hope
Before the pandemic, Asia became the world’s fastest-growing market for healthcare travel as millions of people from around the world flocked to the region in search of affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare. While healthcare systems in many countries are still overwhelmed by Covid-19, those which are starting to recover have a backlog of cases from postponed procedures, meaning patients face delays. In these circumstances, going abroad for treatments like elective procedures remains attractive despite added travel protocols.
Malaysia, a safe and trusted destination for healthcare travel, has been open to overseas patients since July 2020. It has been offering seamless service and continuity of care with stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place throughout the pandemic. It also offers patients access to some of the best medical expertise in Asia, especially in specialized fields like fertility and cardiology, along with world-renowned patient service. Patients are offered an end-to-end seamless journey when choosing Malaysia for their healthcare needs.
This position of a prime hub for healthcare is further strengthened as all of our member hospitals are recognized by respectable bodies which include the Joint Commission International (JCI), the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC).
Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
A Path to Parenting
Treatment options like in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain prohibitively expensive in many countries for hopeful couples seeking help to conceive.
In Malaysia, couples can access top-quality fertility treatments— like egg freezing, IVF, and preimplantation screenings— at affordable prices at one of the country’s eight internationally accredited fertility centers. These eight centers are among the 30 established worldwide.
Fertility treatments available in Malaysia stand out from the rest as it has a high success rate for couples who wish to conceive via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
“Our fertility centers are well-equipped with world-class medical expertise and cutting-edge technologies such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) which helps alleviate the burden of infertility among couples. The dream of becoming parents could be realized in Malaysia with its wide range of quality treatment options which are not only affordable and accessible, but also puts the safety of our patients at utmost priority,” continues Mohd Daud.
Asia’s Heart Specialist
Among the comprehensive and affordable medical services Malaysia offers, cardiology stands out for its high level of expertise honed by training in the public and private sectors. MHTC’s 48 private healthcare centers offering cardiology treatments are well-equipped to take patients through screenings, diagnostics, therapeutic services, as well as complex procedures like open heart, closed heart, and thoracic surgeries and transplants.
Malaysia has also achieved many milestones in cardiology. It has the first hospital outside the US to implant a Micra AV pacemaker and perform a total corrective cardiac surgery on a 2.3 kg infant. More recently, one of its centers was selected to be part of the CTO Live Aid 2021, a livestreamed charity event designed to fundraise for Doctors without Borders. At this year’s event, the center’s consultant cardiologists successfully performed a complex bifurcation lesion procedure watched by thousands of doctors.
Malaysian doctors also know that heart health is not just about treatment. Preventive measures and a holistic approach toward health are equally important. Hospitals in the country also offer visitors regular cardiac screenings as part of an overall health check-up, including cardiac examinations, electrocardiography, blood tests, and nutrition counseling.
“These hospitals are well-equipped with innovative technology, providing patients with counsel and services ranging from prevention to diagnosis all the way to post-surgery care. As the Cardiology Hub of Asia, we offer world-class treatments in cardiology and our hospitals are under the careful supervision of the Ministry of Health Malaysia through the compliance of the Private Healthcare and Facilities Service Act (1998),” says Mohd Daud.
Continuity of Care
While the prospect of going abroad for medical treatment may sound daunting, those who choose Malaysia will find a welcoming experience and professional help at every step. Malaysia Healthcare facilitates patients in selecting the right doctor and hospital to suit their needs, booking online consultations where necessary, and obtaining the required documentation for travel amid Covid-19 restrictions.
Even after consideration of travel costs, patients who choose Malaysia are assured access to top-quality healthcare at costs that are at least 40% lower than in countries like the UK and the US.
While leisure travel to Malaysia is currently restricted due to the pandemic, healthcare travel has been permitted since July 2020 under stringent guidelines1: traveling patients must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Covid-19 and undergo a mandatory 7-to-10 day isolation period upon arrival. Regardless of where they are traveling from, healthcare travelers are greeted by Malaysia Healthcare staff the moment they arrive and will experience Malaysian hospitality through the course of their treatment and recovery. Malaysia offers a seamless end-to-end service with its Malaysia Concierge & Lounge (MCL) and Meet and Greet Service located at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), and Penang International Airport (PIA).
“Healthcare travel has been earmarked as a key economic growth driver, particularly for post Covid-19 recovery for Malaysia. We are committed to Malaysia’s position as the leading healthcare travel destination by strengthening our identity as the Fertility and Cardiology Hubs of Asia, among other initiatives,” shares Mohd Daud.
We hope that through our efforts, healthcare travelers will continue to consider Malaysia as a safe and trusted healthcare destination.
Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
These are some of the guidelines that healthcare travelers will need to adhere to which will be adjusted by the National Security Council and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, facilitated by MHTC, according to the current situation.
1PCR tests will need to be taken three times:
1. Three days before departing to Malaysia
2. Upon arrival in Malaysia
3. On Day 5 (for 7-day isolation) or Day 8 (for 10-day isolation) of stay in Malaysia
All healthcare travelers can be accompanied by one companion. Pediatric patients can be accompanied by up to two companions.
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