Malaysia seeks 'health-care tourists'
Malaysia hopes to promote itself as a leading destination for 'health-care tourists', a senior minister said today.
Chua Jui Meng, health minister said that Malaysia could earn some RM2.2 billion in 2010 if it puts in place effective promotion plans to woo foreigners.
"The government is committed to promote health tourism. The potential is bright," he told reporters after chairing a joint meeting among health, tourism and officials from the private hospitals.
Chua said Malaysia treated an average of about 100,000 foreign patients anually, mainly for heart and cancer treatment, with most patients coming from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
Malaysia hopes to promote itself as a leading destination for 'health-care tourists', a senior minister said today.
Chua Jui Meng, health minister said that Malaysia could earn some RM2.2 billion in 2010 if it puts in place effective promotion plans to woo foreigners.
"The government is committed to promote health tourism. The potential is bright," he told reporters after chairing a joint meeting among health, tourism and officials from the private hospitals.
Chua said Malaysia treated an average of about 100,000 foreign patients anually, mainly for heart and cancer treatment, with most patients coming from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
Targets Middle East
An official with the health ministry said Malaysia's entry into the industry would put it in direct competition with neighbouring Singapore and Thailand.
"These two countries are established hubs for medical treatment and patients come from all over the world," he told AFP .
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Malaysia could target Middle East countries. "We can draw patients who may otherwise go to Singapore or Thailand." - AFP
