Penang, the food haven of Malaysia, has added another feather to her hat as according to statistics, Penang has become the leading medical tourism hub of Malaysia.
CNBC’s Adam Bakhtiar has reported, that Malaysia is ranked among the top choice in the region in terms of low cost with high quality medical services and facilities among Asian countries.
In fact, Penang has seen a steady growth of 15% despite the global economic slowdown which is affecting many industries and Penang actually brings home two- thirds of the RM250 million profit from medical tourism nationwide.
According to the Penang Health Association chairman Yang Bhg Dato’ Dr Chan Kok Ewe, Penang recorded RM171 million in profit from medical tourism last year and it is expected that the figure would increase to RM180 million this year.
Last year, the hospitals in Penang saw some 212,000 foreign patients of which majority of these patients are Indonesians because of the similarity in language, culture and food between our countries. Compared to seeking medical treatment and services in the US and European countries, the cost of medical treatment and services in Penang is five times lower without compromising on the quality of medical treatment and services.
Foreign patients often credit the advance medical facilities, good service and competitive cost for being reasons in which they choose to come to Penang for medical treatment and services. It is, I believe also, reasons for foreign patients to continue seeking medical treatment and services in Penang not just once but repetitively. For the families accompanying the patients, Penang has much to offer in term of temporary lodging, shopping and getting around. It is therefore with much hope that we would be able to welcome about 230,000 foreign patients this year.
Being featured by CNBC during their prime time news slot on 13 August 2009 was indeed a proud moment for Malaysia, especially Penang. For the convenience of those who would like to watch the six minutes and 28 seconds long feature, you can now also view it on this website. In it, you will notice also that various buildings in George Town were also featured and that Penang was mentioned many times. (I could not view the video smoothly to count the number of times mentioned) A foreign patient from the US was also interviewed and his testimony of the quality treatment and services is an added advantage in promoting Penang as a hub for medical tourism.
The Penang State Government would like to credit the private hospitals for taking the initiative to ensure that the constant and steady growth of medical tourism in Penang. Under the umbrella of the Penang Health Association, these hospitals contribute and pool resources to promote medical tourism.
Instead of each hospital promoting its own services, the success we have tasted today is the result of a collective effort which has proven and will continue to be the formula for the further development of medical tourism in Penang.
