GEORGE TOWN: Penang's exceptional strength in the global medical tourism sector saw the state capture 45 per cent of the market share last year.
According to statistics from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, the total revenue of the national medical tourism industry reached RM1.15 billion in the first half of 2024.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that in 2023, member hospitals under the Penang Medical Tourism Centre (PMED) received 406,469 international medical tourists, generating an impressive revenue of RM831.94 million.
"Compared with 2022, which recorded 194,327 international medical tourists and RM378.4 million in revenue, these figures represent a remarkable increase of 109.2 per cent and 119.9 per cent respectively.
"This undoubtedly reaffirms Penang's exceptional strength in the global medical tourism sector," he said at the signing of an agreement between (PMED), StudyPENANG and UnionPay International here today.
Wong said the economic benefits of medical tourism extended far beyond the medical fees collected by healthcare institutions. He said its broader impact included both direct and indirect related expenditures.
Direct expenditures encompass costs such as airfare, accommodation, logistics and dining for international tourists during their medical stay.
Indirect expenditures include spending on entertainment, shopping and visits to tourist attractions during or after their recovery period.
"According to professional analysis by TA Securities, Malaysia's medical tourism industry, with its RM2.5 billion revenue target this year, is expected to further drive related sectors such as tourism, transportation, accommodation and dining, generating approximately RM9.6 billion in economic spillover effects.
"This highlights the immense potential of the medical tourism sector as a high-value-added industry," he added.
Wong said Penang's significant position in the international medical tourism sector was closely linked to its five unique advantages.
"Penang is renowned for its high-quality medical services that meet international standards, with advanced medical technologies and facilities. However, the costs are relatively affordable, making it highly attractive to international visitors.
"Penang is also strategically located at a key maritime crossroad in Southeast Asia. The island is easily accessible by air, surrounded by numerous tourist attractions, offering a perfect combination of medical treatment and leisure.
"The people of Penang are generally fluent in multiple languages. This results in a multilingual environment in the medical sector, where local medical teams can communicate smoothly with international patients, enhancing the overall service experience," he said.
Wong said Penang's medical tourism centres provided professional guidance and support, ensuring efficient and smooth services for visitors.
He said Malaysia also offered a longer medical tourism visa, allowing the visa holder to bring two adult companions.
"This facilitates patients' recovery by ensuring they have family members with them, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for international medical tourists.
"Penang's medical tourism advantages are clear and remarkable, setting it apart. However, there is always room for improvement," he added.
With the strategic partnership with UnionPay International, Penang's medical tourism customer experience is expected to be further enhanced.