Latest news with #MHTC
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Industry revenue soars to new record of RM2.7 billion in 2024
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian health tourism industry recorded a new high in 2024, with revenue reaching RM2.72 billion, surpassing its target for the year by 9%, said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). It said the industry achieved a record volume after serving over 1.6 million foreign patients in private healthcare facilities nationwide last year, an 18% year-on-year increase. MHTC is an agency under the Health Ministry entrusted with positioning and promoting Malaysia as a healthcare travel destination. It said it has 82 healthcare providers registered under its membership programme, including 58 private hospitals, 20 ambulatory care centres and four dental clinics. 'This programme comprises elite members and ordinary members, each reflecting a commitment to world-class standards and patient trust. All members undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a committee of experts in healthcare and regulatory compliance. 'Our elite members represent the most prestigious private healthcare institutions in the country. These hospitals are internationally recognised and hold accreditations from respected global bodies, such as the Joint Commission International, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, Temos International and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. 'These institutions demonstrate world-class clinical excellence, patient safety and healthcare delivery. 'Our ordinary members are selected through a stringent evaluation process by a selection committee comprising government and private sector representatives. These hospitals uphold Malaysia's high standards of medical care and quality service, and hold at least one international or national accreditation.' The council highlighted the impact that health tourism has on the country's economy as it not only drives revenue, but also creates employment opportunities and stimulates growth in ancillary sectors, such as hospitality, transportation and retail. 'MHTC is targeting RM12 billion in healthcare travel revenue by 2030 through our integrated healthcare strategy, which combines modern medicine, traditional and complementary medicine, wellness and rejuvenation, and anti-ageing. 'Integrated Healthcare will provide holistic care for patients and synergise the value chain within the industry. This drives exponential value growth, including revenue and profit to the private healthcare sector and government, and will set Malaysia at the crest of healthcare tourism in the world.' The council said the top medical disciplines sought by travellers in 2024 included gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, ear, nose and throat, and cardiology. 'Malaysia's top five health tourism markets are Indonesia, China, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom,' it said.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia health tourism revenue hits RM2.72 billion in 2024
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian health tourism industry recorded a new high in 2024, with revenue reaching RM2.72 billion, surpassing its target for the year by 9%, said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). It said the industry achieved a record volume after serving over 1.6 million foreign patients in private healthcare facilities nationwide last year, an 18% year-on-year increase. MHTC is an agency under the Health Ministry entrusted with positioning and promoting Malaysia as a healthcare travel destination. It said it has 82 healthcare providers registered under its membership programme, including 58 private hospitals, 20 ambulatory care centres and four dental clinics. 'This programme comprises elite members and ordinary members, each reflecting a commitment to world-class standards and patient trust. All members undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a committee of experts in healthcare and regulatory compliance. 'Our elite members represent the most prestigious private healthcare institutions in the country. These hospitals are internationally recognised and hold accreditations from respected global bodies, such as the Joint Commission International, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, Temos International and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. 'These institutions demonstrate world-class clinical excellence, patient safety and healthcare delivery. 'Our ordinary members are selected through a stringent evaluation process by a selection committee comprising government and private sector representatives. These hospitals uphold Malaysia's high standards of medical care and quality service, and hold at least one international or national accreditation.' The council highlighted the impact that health tourism has on the country's economy as it not only drives revenue, but also creates employment opportunities and stimulates growth in ancillary sectors, such as hospitality, transportation and retail. 'MHTC is targeting RM12 billion in healthcare travel revenue by 2030 through our integrated healthcare strategy, which combines modern medicine, traditional and complementary medicine, wellness and rejuvenation, and anti-ageing. 'Integrated Healthcare will provide holistic care for patients and synergise the value chain within the industry. This drives exponential value growth, including revenue and profit to the private healthcare sector and government, and will set Malaysia at the crest of healthcare tourism in the world.' The council said the top medical disciplines sought by travellers in 2024 included gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, ear, nose and throat, and cardiology. 'Malaysia's top five health tourism markets are Indonesia, China, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom,' it said.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abdul Karim: Sarawak to develop untapped lake tourism potentials
Abdul Karim speaking to reporters during a press conference at today's DUN sitting. KUCHING (May 27): The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts will be collaborating with relevant ministries and agencies in planning and developing lake tourism potentials, guided by the Sarawak Hydro Lakes Management and Development Plan 2030. Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak's natural and man-made lakes present a significant and largely untapped potential for lake tourism. 'These aquatic environments offer unique opportunities to diversify our tourism offerings. 'To fully realise the potential of lake tourism in Sarawak, it is crucial for us to ensure local community participation, creating a variety of appealing activities, targeted marketing and improving accessibility through investments in road and boat transportation,' he said when winding up his ministerial speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He told the august House that Sarawak, with its strategic location bordering Indonesia's Kalimantan and Brunei Darussalam, also possessed significant potential for border tourism, offering unique opportunities and benefits. 'A majority of Bruneians and Indonesians enter Sarawak by land. In 2024, the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) Complex in Sungai Tujuh recorded 697,666 Bruneian visitors, followed by Pandaruan (290,111), Mengkalap (306,130) and Tedungan (311,619). 'Meanwhile, CIQS Tebedu recorded 280,884 Indonesian visitors, followed by Biawak (137,454) and Lubok Antu (50,124),' he said. He said the relocation of Indonesia's capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan presents a significant opportunity for Sarawak to position itself as a beneficiary of the increased regional activity. Abdul Karim also touched on the state's health tourism sector which has experienced significant growth last year, according to the Malaysia Health Tourism Council (MHTC). 'In 2024, Sarawak's health tourism sector attracted 68,655 health visitors, a 6.6 per cent increase from the 64,393 recorded in 2023. 'This surge in visitors translated to a substantial 13.65 per cent rise in revenue, reaching RM141.5 million in 2024 compared to RM124.5 million in the previous year.' He pointed out that Indonesia and China were the primary drivers of Sarawak's health tourism revenue last year, with Indonesian visitors accounting for 52,850 arrivals and revenue of RM127 million, while Chinese visitors contributing to 3,565 arrivals and revenue of RM3.6 million. Brunei health visitors accounted for 3,239 arrivals with revenue of RM2.5 million; the Philippines with 1,061 arrivals and revenue of RM1.04 million; and India with 808 arrivals and revenue of RM0.6 million, he added. Moving forward, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Tourism Board is strengthening health tourism promotion through close collaboration with MHTC and participation in the Malaysia Healthcare Expo.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
MoDOT commission sued for fatal winter crash on I-44
Note: This video is from Jan. 15. ST. LOUIS – A lawsuit has been filed against the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission nearly four months after a crash on Interstate 44 that killed a McKendree University coach, due to what the suit claimed as negligence to properly clear the shoulder of snow. On Jan. 15, 35-year-old Colleen Lischwe was traveling eastbound on I-44 near Vandeventer Avenue when she was experiencing an unknown problem and had slowed or stopped near the overpass. Lischwe had her emergency flashers on and was in the far right lane. According to court records, she could not move onto the shoulder due to 'dangerous conditions created by snow improperly piled.' A semi-truck struck Lischwe's vehicle at 60 mph, causing her Toyota Prius to fall off the side of the overpass and onto Vandeventer Avenue. She was rushed to the hospital, but later succumbed to the severe injuries. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The lawsuit was filed by Casey Colgan, Lischwe's husband. It cites that the MHTC 'should have known of the unreasonable risk and danger posed by improper snow removal on public highways and by obstructing the shoulder of public highways.' Just about a week prior to the accident, the City of St. Louis saw 8.5 inches of snowfall. It took weeks for the entirety of the snow to melt, and the lawsuit states that the MHTC was aware of the potential effects snow left on roadways could cause. Colgan is seeking the financial compensation for him and their 3-year-old son, placing emphasis on the emotional damage caused. FOX 2 reached out to MoDOT for comment, which they replied: 'According to department policy, MoDOT does not comment on pending litigation.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Upping Malaysia's medical tourism game
Medical tourism is big business in this region. The industry has experienced significant growth in the past few decades, and thanks to advancements in transportation, communication and medical technology, medical tourism is now more accessible to a broader range of people. To remain competitive, countries have to invest in the development of their healthcare infrastructure, marketing strategies and workforce. DKSH Healthcare recently published a White Paper titled South-East Asia as a Growth Accelerator for Global Healthcare Firms that delves into the current state of healthcare in South-East Asia. Among the findings: Vietnam is making a push to become a medical tourism hub and is collaborating with more than 50 establishments, including hospitals, spas and accommodation providers, to promote and market the sector. Indonesia is making the island of Batam a special economic zone to ease medical tourism processes and attract more international patients. Thailand heads the list for cosmetic procedures and preventive wellness programmes, especially sought after by the wealthy. Additionally, Thailand has started specialising in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, which has attracted many patients from mainland China, due to the latter country's restrictions on IVF. Singapore is an emerging market when it comes to innovative longevity clinics. Despite its higher costs compared to neighbouring countries, this island nation lures patients with its reputation for safety, cleanliness and cutting-edge medical facilities. Medical tourists are returning to this region post-Covid-19, but with many more chronic illnesses and much sicker. A Muslim-friendly destination Each country in South-East Asia is focusing on its own niche areas, like how Thailand leads the region when it comes to cosmetic surgery and wellness programmes. — 123rf In most, if not all, South-East Asian countries, the paper also found numerous challenges facing patient access to life-saving technologies. This includes a shortage of healthcare professionals, inadequate health insurance, a shortage of hospital beds (including key medical equipment), underdeveloped health information technology systems, and of course, gaps in areas such as regulatory regimes. Locally, our public sector has been proactive in promoting medical tourism with agencies such as the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) established for the sole purpose of managing medical tourism. But where does Malaysia stand in this industry, aside from providing affordable and quality treatment? 'Malaysia has positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly medical tourism hub and this has made it the default choice for medical tourists from Islamic regions such as the Middle East, neighbouring Indonesia and countries beyond this reach, as seen in their recent outreach efforts in West African countries. 'These tourists come for a variety of treatments, including oncology, cardiology, neurology and more. 'These treatments are aligned with Malaysia's establishing of the first halal pharmaceutical standard guidelines, which makes the nation even more attractive to Muslim medical tourists,' says DKSH Healthcare's business unit global head Bijay Singh. We've made significant inroads, especially in areas like cardiology – in 2020, the National Heart Institute (better known by its Bahasa Melayu acronym IJN) was recognised as the first hospital outside the United States to perform an implant of the world's smallest pacemaker. IJN has also won the Cardiology Service Provider of the Year in Asia-Pacific – an award given by the Global Health and Travel Awards – for the past nine years. Tough competition Malaysia's main competitors are our three closest neighbours: Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. 'While there is rising competition from other players in South-East Asia, the other nations target distinctly different demographics. 'Singapore skews towards affluent individuals, or those requiring complex surgeries that need specialised staff or equipment. 'Markets such as Thailand and Vietnam actively target East Asian demographics, while also promoting beauty and wellness. 'However, there are still some overlaps, such as in the areas of cosmetic surgery, dental, cardiology and orthopaedics, as well as women's health. 'So, it is vital for Malaysia to stay competitive both in terms of healthcare affordability and offerings,' Bijay says. Certain procedures in Malaysia (e.g. coronary bypass) are around 40-70% cheaper compared to our competitors. When it comes to profiling medical tourists, Bijay says there is no typical standardised type, due to the variety of factors in play. 'This would be built on their sought-after healthcare treatment and socioeconomic background. 'Medical tourists with differing backgrounds will have equally differing preferences when it comes to their country of choice. 'Malaysia is attractive to the Muslim majority countries due to common-ground understanding of religious sensitivities. 'Successful medical tourism players in the region have reached great heights due to a combination of factors from government action to specialising in unique or niche medical treatments,' he notes. For example, Thailand built its foundation on cosmetic surgeries and wellness initiatives like weight-loss and fitness retreats. Furthermore, there has been an integration of healthcare and hospitality, bringing more overall value to patients from an end-to-end perspective. This has extended to how some areas in medical tourism are marketed, with the holiday aspect of the experience emphasised as much as the medical treatment. Increasing revenue IJN is the first hospital outside the US to perform an implant of the world's smallest pacemaker, marking Malaysia's accomplishments in the field of cardiology. — Filepic In 2024, Malaysia's healthcare travel industry recorded 584,468 medical tourist arrivals in the first half of the year, with Indonesia as the highest contributor. According to investment research company BIMB Research, there is a growing demand in Malaysia for elective surgeries. They note that improved adoption of healthcare digitalisation will help spur this sector's growth. Malaysia's medical tourism revenue is expected to double this year. However, BIMB Research believes that the sector faces risks of higher-than-expected raw material costs, which could impact earnings for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical players, as well as unfavourable regulations related to the implementation of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system. The DRG payment system is a method whereby hospitals receive a fixed payment for each patient case, based on the patient's diagnosis and the care provided, rather than being reimbursed for the actual cost of treatment. To stay competitive and secure its place among its peers, Bijay says Malaysia has to focus on striking a balance while maintaining market leadership in the Muslim patient ecosystem. 'Malaysia should continue to focus on the Muslim tourist demographic, especially considering the specialised needs that must be met for these tourists. 'This covers halal requirements for both food and for medications. 'A notable example of this would be some types of insulin, which are not permitted amongst Muslims due to them being porcine-based,' he says, adding that Malaysia's advantage is that we acquire and provide essential medications that are halal.
