LETTERS: It is good to note that the government aims to boost medical tourism in Malaysia.
Our healthcare industry is a key economic driver, with a potential growth value of up to RM2 billion by 2025.
With the reopening of borders, our private hospitals are experiencing an increasing uptick of foreign patients by seven to 15 per cent.
Many are seeking treatment for cancer, blood diseases, obstetrics and gynaecology, hepatology, orthopaedics, and diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
The healthcare industry's earnings also saw an increase of 20 per cent last year, from RM1.5 billion to RM1.8 billion, with estimated spillover effects on air travel, accommodation, food and beverages, and leisure activities.
There is an upward trend in healthcare travellers seeking treatment in Malaysia, including from Indonesia, Vietnam, China and India.
There has also been an increase in tourism arrivals, which contributed between RM3 billion and RM4 billion to the gross domestic product, resulting in a positive economic impact.
The government previously planned to promote the Fertility and Cardiology Hubs of Asia, which will be expanded with eVisa services and high-end medical tourism packages with 23 facilities in the country certified by the Australia Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee.
Another service is the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme with special incentives and an investment tax allowance for private healthcare facilities promoting medical tourism.
It also provides a double-tax deduction for accreditation expenses, which would be extended to ambulatory care centres and dental clinics.
With the right medical facilities and well-trained doctors with good patient safety, quality care, quality management and service experience, Malaysia is poised to accelerate the growth of medical tourism. To solidify and elevate the medical tourism value chain, collaborative efforts with the relevant agencies will lead to high-value patient spending and a further boost to the economy.
Malaysia, which has won numerous global accolades as the "Best Healthcare System in the World", must capitalise to develop its healthcare travel system and continue to be recognised as the best in the world.
C. SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times