Kuala Lumpur is a major destination for international patients who check in at Malaysian hospitals .
“ To this end , I am pleased to announce the provision of a Special Investment Tax Allowance ( ITA ) for the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme finalists , which will enable our shortlisted hospitals with the resources to make qualifying capital expenditures to support their growth plans during the acceleration period from 2023 to 2025 ,” Malaysia Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said in a statement . The finalists will be constantly assessed on their performance in the main programme areas of medical and service excellence and international branding .
In addition , the MHTC is supporting the finalists by organising familiarisation trips to give media the chance to learn about the hospital services and facilities first hand and by facilitating collaborations with healthcare experts in different markets in the Asia-Pacific . The government agency has also involved the finalists in several events , such as the
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa
Malaysia Healthcare Expo held in Indonesia , the Malaysia Healthcare Business Forum in Hong Kong , and MH Connect in Cambodia and Vietnam , along with masterclasses with experts from well-known industry players like Bumrungrad Hospital .
“ We provide them with the right exposure to the various markets outside of Malaysia and also showcase the best among the best in the list of Malaysia Healthcare providers to the regional market ,” said Farizal .
In the programme�s final stage in 202� , the finalists that have delivered the best medical care and endto-end patient experience in the acceleration period will be declared Malaysia ’ s leading medical tourism hospitals . The winners will keep receiving support from the MHTC to maintain their service quality and established brands as �agship hospitals representing Malaysia globally .
“ This support will help the finalists grow and meet international standards and ultimately boost their standing as global healthcare icons ,” said Farizal .
The MHTC believes the programme finalists could contribute 30 to 35 percent of the total revenue from healthcare travellers by 2025 while helping Malaysia healthcare reach its potential contribution to the economy of up to RM10 billion ( US $ 2.1 billion ).
“ Generally , the impact of this programme goes beyond the individual hospital , stimulating various sectors of economy and contributing to overall industry development ,” according to Farizal .
To achieve these targets , the MHTC has also been planning a series of marketing activities beyond its traditional medical tourism markets in Southeast Asia , such as Oman and Saudi Arabia , where it is planning to collaborate with local experts to facilitate patient referrals , training , and exchange of medical expertise between their healthcare providers and Malaysia ’ s . “ It is vital for us to make our presence beyond Southeast Asia as we believe that Malaysia has a lot to offer to healthcare travellers out there ,” explained Farizal .
“ We provide them with the right exposure to the various markets outside of Malaysia and also showcase the best among the best in the list of Malaysia Healthcare providers to the regional market .”
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 5 | 2023
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