Latest news with #RM886mil
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Enduring aches and long waits
Edmund's (not his real name) urine was the colour of cherry red at 4am. By dawn, it was the colour of blackcurrant juice, with blood clots. It burned when he urinated and he knew enough biology to be afraid. His company panel general practitioner (GP) wrote an urgent referral to a urologist at a private hospital and told him to go immediately. His company's insurance provider issued a guarantee letter within the hour. But the earliest appointment the urologist's clinic could give was three days later. So Edmund waited, worried sick about possible bladder cancer. When the appointment day came, blood and urine samples were taken in the morning. He only saw the urologist at 7pm. The radiology department was closed by then. He had to return the next day for a computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by a cystoscopy – a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra and bladder to examine the lining. He spent nearly 20 hours of waiting over two days, surrounded by foreign patients. It turned out to just be a bad bladder infection. No cancer. Nevertheless, Edmund said he now dreaded ever needing to see a specialist in Penang again. In February, another man, Johnny (not his real name) twisted his knee but couldn't recall how it happened. He limped for months, needing a walking stick on some weeks. He nursed it with painkillers, an ice compress and a brace, but the pain got worse. His GP, who had previously treated him for other 'sprains without trauma', suspected Johnny had rheumatoid arthritis and needed to see a rheumatologist. That's when Johnny's wait began. One rheumatologist was booked for the entire month. Another had a single open slot – at the end of June. Not wanting to wait any longer because he had been taking strong painkillers for months, which he knew were bad for his organs, Johnny sought an occupational health doctor who was willing to order tests and start treatment. I related their stories to a friend who is a GP. She sighed and told me that in recent months, she had resorted to admitting some of her patients into private hospitals – just so they could get specialist care faster. Even then, there were times when no beds were available – these were top-rated private hospitals and her patients were either insured or had the money. If you were to ask around, you'll find many Penang residents with similar accounts – appointments weeks away, hours-long waits even if their given appointments are in the morning or hospital lobbies teeming with international patients. In February, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council data revealed that Penang was no longer the country's top healthcare destination. Klang Valley has pulled up ahead. Between January and November last year, Klang Valley received 560,700 healthcare travellers and earned RM886mil. Penang saw 453,600 travellers and made RM866mill. The numbers are massive. But I couldn't help noticing the shift. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Penang was the crown jewel of medical tourism in Malaysia. Indonesians, in particular flocked here, not just for treatment, but also for the food. Now I wonder if Penang's position slipped not because fewer patients came, but because the hospitals here were full. That's still good news for Penang's economy – but less so for Penang's residents needing healthcare. We're used to government hospitals being crowded. But now even the private ones are packed. I don't work in healthcare and can't say what the solution might be. Build more hospitals? Limit foreign patient intake? Prioritise locals? Every idea I pondered on has complications. Maybe we just have to wait and hope that when our turn finally comes, the diagnosis isn't worse than the delay.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Top-tier, patient-centred care at an affordable price'
GEORGE TOWN: Travelling across the sea to Penang is more than just a medical journey for these Indonesian patients, it is a trip filled with comfort, care and hope. Over the past few years, one such patient, known only as VDJ, has been making regular visits to a cancer hospital, a decision she says has brought her not only affordable treatment but also peace of mind. 'The doctors are professional, the nurses are compassionate, and the treatment costs are much more reasonable compared to other countries. I feel safe and well cared for every time I come here,' said the 50-year-old businesswoman from Jakarta. Back in Indonesia, VDJ had access to similar treatments, but she felt compelled to seek a second opinion in Malaysia. Now, her medical visits are combined with holidays in Penang. Like VDJ, 59-year-old E. Purba has also made Penang her preferred destination for treatment, citing affordability and excellent service as key reasons for her continued treatment at the hospital over the past three years. 'The care here is good. My family and friends have also had positive experiences,' she said. Stories like theirs reflect a growing trend as more international patients look beyond their borders for healthcare, and many are finding what they need in Malaysia. Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Rakesh Raman noted that Malaysia's healthcare infrastructure is on par with that of the West. 'Many hospitals here offer top-tier care using the latest medical technology, which is comparable to what's available in the United States and other leading western countries. 'I always tell patients that they would receive the same quality of treatment in the US or Europe, but at a much higher cost there,' he said. Dr Rakesh said that Malaysia offers tremendous value to international patients, particularly from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, who often find that the quality of care exceeds what is available locally. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently highlighted in a Facebook post about Malaysia's strong performance in medical tourism, noting that the country has outperformed competitors like Singapore, India and Turkiye. As of March this year, Malaysia had welcomed 1.52 million international healthcare travellers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and generating significant revenue. According to the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, the central region of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor led as the country's medical tourism hub, attracting about 560,700 international patients and generating RM886mil in revenue from January to November last year. The northern region, including Penang, ranked second with 453,000 international patients and RM866mil in revenue during the same period. Johor and Melaka, in the southern region came third, drawing 180,180 patients and generating RM253mil in revenue. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, when contacted, said Penang's appeal as a top healthcare destination lies in its internationally accredited hospitals, skilled medical professionals, and a patient experience that blends clinical excellence with Malaysia's renowned hospitality. To further strengthen its healthcare ecosystem, Chow said Penang is advancing the development of Batu Kawan MediCity, a 95.43ha healthcare and wellness hub with a projected gross development value of over RM10bil. He said the first phase, valued at RM2bil, will comprise specialist hospitals, diagnostic and rehabilitation centres, as well as integrated commercial and residential components. 'This landmark project is poised to attract world-class healthcare investments and elevate Penang's standing as a regional hub for high-value medical services, wellness tourism and healthcare innovation,' Chow said. 'We will continue working towards strengthening Penang's position as a trusted destination for quality, accessible and patient-centred care,' he added.
