As Thailand and Vietnam gradually cease to be exotic destinations, a new star of the Asian region is rising on the tourism Olympus - Malaysia. This country not only preserves the traditions of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, but also offers guests all the benefits of technological progress. For many, “true Asia” - and this is what the locals like to call Malaysia - is associated with the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, pristine mangrove forests, friendly people, the world-famous sky bridge in Langkawi and the specific, but so delicious fruit durian
However, compared to its neighbors, Malaysia stands out in another aspect - medical tourism. By the way, half of the approximately 2,000 Malaysian students studying in Russia annually are students medical universities. In addition, a strong connection with the former metropolis - Great Britain - helps the Malaysian healthcare industry to use all the latest developments in world medicine.
Availability and global standards
“Trips for health” as a trend have been developing especially actively over the past 15-20 years. The medical system in Malaysia is divided into two parts: public and private. The government controls the level of medical services provided in the country, ensuring high quality medicine and compliance with leading world standards. For example, clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Penang were among the first in the Asian region to receive the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate, confirming compliance with the highest standards in the field of healthcare services and recognized throughout the world. The quality of services is also guaranteed by the accreditation of the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). Regular checks are carried out not only in public clinics, but also in private ones. Based on the results, an internal rating of the country’s medical institutions is compiled, the best of which can be found on the website of the state Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.
And the results are noticeable. Thus, in 2015, the country was visited by over 850,000 tourists wishing to improve their health. The country receives numerous awards from the professional community. For example, according to the prestigious IMTJ Medical Travel Awards, Malaysia became the best country for medical tourism in the region in 2016. Several medical institutions also won best in their categories: Best International Hospital (Sunway Medical Centre), Best International Dental Clinic (Imperial Dental Specialists Centre), Best International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic (Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre), Best International Perinatal Center (TMC Fertility Centre) .
Such successes are primarily due to the combination High Quality medical care and reasonable prices - for example, in comparison with clinics in Israel and the USA in Malaysia you can save from 30 to 75% or more.
The Ideal Union: Nature and Alternative Practices
Hospitals and medical centers in Malaysia offer services in almost all popular areas: dentistry, cosmetology, dermatology, plastic surgery, transplantation, ophthalmology, general therapy, pediatrics, gynecology, andrology, urology, endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology, radiotherapy and radiosurgery, oncology.
An important reason for medical tourists choosing Malaysia is the conditions for post-operative recovery. The recovery is greatly facilitated by the country's climate - here you can go on eco-travels all year round, relax at the sea or on high-mountain plantations. In addition to traditional recovery, Malaysia also offers various non-traditional healing practices - massages, herbal treatments, world-famous Ayurveda, acupressure - treatment through pressure on certain points of the body and acupuncture - the impact on the body with special needles. The latter trend is especially popular in Malaysia, and the famous Acupuncture Herbal and Medical Treatment Center in Kuala Lumpur is considered one of the best in the world. Guests of Malaysia also have thermal and mineral springs and baths - the most famous of them are located in Sabah, Pedas, Tambun.
It is noteworthy that to non-traditional types treatment and postoperative recovery are very actively used not only by private clinics, but also by public hospitals.
Reliable, like in a hospital, comfortable, like at a resort
For those who appreciate high level comfort during treatment, many clinics provide the opportunity to recover both within their own walls, in special high-comfort rooms, and in nearby hotels, where treatment is more like a vacation. Medical staff regularly visits patients and carries out the necessary procedures.
Interaction with the treating staff is facilitated by the almost complete absence of any language barrier. Firstly, the vast majority of Malaysian professionals undergo internships and training abroad and speak good English. Secondly, here you can easily hire a translator, which is often practiced among patients if they do not speak a foreign language. You can also choose a Russian-speaking specialist. By the way, quite a large number of Malaysian doctors studied in Russia, so upon returning to their homeland they speak Russian well.
A significant advantage of Malaysia in the field of medical tourism is the visa-free regime for Russians to stay in the country for 30 days. This is convenient for relatives and friends; you can come with your whole family without worrying about visa formalities.
When planning a trip to Malaysia, start with the website of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC MHTC – https://www.mhtc.org.my/). Here you will find basic information for patients and will be able to choose the best clinics in the country with which you will continue to communicate directly.
You can go to Malaysia in order to combine business with pleasure - relax and take care of your health. This is what our photographer Viktor Magdeev, who had suffered a leg injury for a long time, did.
I only became interested in photography when I lost the opportunity to do my favorite activity - skateboarding - due to a knee injury sustained at a competition in Beijing in 2011. Since then, I have had two operations in Kazakhstan, but have not been able to return to sports. Therefore, I decided to go for examination to Malaysia, in medical Center.
You can fly to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, on a direct flight provided by the national carrier, Air Astana. The flight lasts 8 hours. You board a plane in the evening, and already at 7 am the captain of the ship announces an imminent descent over Kuala Lumpur. This was my first visit to Malaysia, so before a boring examination with doctors, I decided to see the sights of the city.
The Palace of the King of Malaysia is probably one of the first attractions where busloads of tourists are brought.
The first humorous warning from friends before going to Malaysia was: “Don’t try to smuggle drugs there - there’s a death penalty for that.” I didn’t intend to carry anything like that - I’m for healthy image life. The imagination pictures stern police officers, but in reality they are very friendly and ride scooters.
When I took off from Almaty, the thermometer was about +10 degrees. Having landed in Malaysia, I wanted to quickly leave the airport building and breathe in fresh air, but as soon as I found myself on the street, I immediately realized that I had flown to a country located near the equator, and the climate here is very humid and the air is incredibly hot.
It seemed to me that the Malays are very similar in appearance to the Kazakhs. One day I decided that I had met students from Kazakhstan and was going to surprise them by speaking Kazakh, but they turned out to be the indigenous inhabitants of the island.
While sitting on the bus, I took several pictures in the style of street photography. Girls here often carry an umbrella because tanning is not highly valued in Malaysia.
The most accessible and profitable type of transport is mopeds. Gasoline here costs about 80 tenge per liter. Car owners have to pay several times to enter the different parts city to bypass traffic jams on toll highways: one passage for a passenger car costs approximately 80 tenge.
When it rains, there are special parking areas under the junctions for scooter riders to wait out the rain.
Restaurants are all establishments that sell food. For local residents Eating out is even more profitable. In street restaurants, the average cost of lunch is 500 tenge. The cuisine is very similar to Thai and Chinese: spicy, sweet, sweet and sour.
At the table, a tablespoon is always served instead of a knife. And I noticed that there are never paper napkins on the tables, although people often eat with their hands.
Shopping in Malaysia is a separate issue. Malays spend a lot of time in shopping centers, we can say that this is a type of national family leisure. I think this is due to the climate: it’s almost always stuffy, humid and hot outside, but in shopping centers it’s the other way around – air-conditioned air, coolness and entertainment for every taste.
The ancient town of Mellaka is located relatively close to the center of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can feel the historical spirit and influence of the colonialists who ruled the state until 1957.
This is what traditional Malaysian housing looks like. Main building materials: wood, bamboo and leaves.
These elegant tuk-tuks will take you around the sights for just 200 tenge. Each bicycle is not only uniquely decorated, but also provided with music for tourists a la gangnam style.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to fit all the beauties of Malaysia into this report, especially since tourism was not my main goal. After sightseeing, I headed to the Prince Court Medical Center. This was not the first and not the last clinic that I had to visit. In order to be sure which doctor and which clinic to go to, Malaysia MediCare, a company that organizes treatment for Kazakhstanis in Malaysia, arranged for me information tours of clinics in Kuala Lumpur.
Prince Court Medical Center is located in the center of the capital of Malaysia. This is a huge building that looks like a five-star hotel. There are even concierges here! This medical center is owned by Malaysia's national oil company, Petronas.
We all have a preconceived idea that a hospital should be associated with pain and illness, but here it is different.
– Our doctors and medical staff Not only do they know their job well, but they are also trained to create comfortable conditions so that the patient feels at ease and relaxed. We have a large network of retail outlets, free personal care products and even Wi-Fi in your room, a concierge who can arrange tours for shopping and sightseeing in the city. “All this is done to help you recover as quickly as possible after treatment,” the director of the medical center, Dr Chong Su Lin, told me.
When designing the building, much attention was paid to light, which penetrates inside, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Prince Court Medical Center provides patients with treatment in a variety of areas, from 24-hour specialist consultation to full hospitalization. The medical center is a leading expert in cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, robot-assisted surgery, endocrinology, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, urology and ophthalmology.
You won’t see many people in the corridors of the clinic, as the building’s design is designed to ensure maximum privacy for each patient.
One of the main goals of the medical center is to provide patients with a comfortable stay in cozy rooms, similar to luxury hotel rooms with breathtaking views of the famous Twin Towers. The view from the room, which looks more like a hotel room, is mesmerizing.
There are both regular wards and VIP-class wards with a separate room for the patient’s relatives.
The doctors at the medical center are very welcoming and friendly, they speak three languages: Mandarin (North Chinese), Malay and English.
Robot-assisted operations are further development minimally invasive (that is, with minimal intervention) surgery. The main advantage of operations performed by a robot is fast recovery and wound healing. For example, when removing the prostate open method The patient must remain in the hospital for several days after the operation. If the operation is performed by a robot, this time can be reduced to one day.
Most Innovative medical devices will help to accurately determine the diagnosis in the shortest possible time.
Dr. Yong Chee Khuen graduated from the National University of Malaysia, which is one of the top 500 universities in the world, as an orthopedic surgeon in 2002 and continued his training at the Institute of Orthopedic and Sports Trauma in Austria. Dr. Yong told me about the technology of metal knee replacement:
– People most often receive such injuries in old age, when the joints begin to wear out, exacerbating osteoporosis. Then the surgeon places a metal implant on the erased areas and adjusts it to size using precision instruments.
But my injury did not require such serious intervention, but just in case, I clarified that a total joint replacement operation at Prince Court Medical Center would cost me 12-15 thousand dollars.
My next destination was the Ara Damansara Medical Centre, part of the Ramsey Sime Darby group, which also resembles a hotel from the inside. I was greeted by this friendly concierge, who, in clear English, helps the guests of the clinic figure out what’s what.
Sime Darby is equipped with 14 operating rooms, 93 suites, which provide treatment for 1,800 outpatients and 300 inpatients. Approximately this number of people are treated here every day. Over the past two decades, this medical center has received numerous awards for its various achievements.
The medical center even has its own mobile app, which allows you to select a doctor and make an appointment with him.
Sime Darby has some of the world's most sophisticated medical diagnostic and therapeutic systems, which include a 64-slice PET/CT scanner, 3.0 Tesla MR scanner, A3D high dose brachytherapy systems, Dual Source CT scanner and TomoTherapy.
Most of the specialists were trained in the UK, Australia and the USA and are leaders in their fields. All employees speak English.
In the room for physical treatment and rehabilitation after operations, specialists work with modern equipment that will get you back on your feet in the shortest possible time.
Prices at Sime Darby per room per night (I'm afraid to even call it a room):
Executive Suite: 1200 Malaysian ringgit (MR) = 60,000 tenge.
VIP suite: 1666 mr = 83,300 tenge.
Single deluxe: 466 mr = 23,300 tenge.
Single standard: 300 mr = 15,000 tenge.
This smiling woman was recommended to me as “the busiest CEO in the world.” Dr. Mary Wong is the first head of the company founded by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council - a special structure for creating comfortable conditions for medical tourists from different countries and to oversee the quality of services provided by clinics in Malaysia.
“We want people to come to Malaysia not only to relax, but also to improve their health. We have very good clinics, but, unfortunately, few people know about it. Our ministry is very concerned about the quality of medical care and therefore makes sure that the level of treatment is so high that even the minister of Malaysia would prefer to be treated within the country rather than travel to Germany or the USA. Our clinics have the most innovative equipment, affordable prices, and at the same time you can immediately get a quick answer to your diagnosis. And the doctor will always devote his time to you, explain everything in detail and answer any question you have. And yes, the ministers of our country are being treated at home.
While I was in Malaysia, there was an annual exhibition on medical tourism.
The exhibition was visited by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri (something like a title here) Muhyiddin Yassin, who spoke about how the Malaysian government aims to make the country a center for medical tourism.
Dr Jacob Thomas, director of the Association of Private Clinics of Malaysia, spoke about the structure of private clinics:
– The Malaysian government has taken the initiative to separate private and public clinics by patient: private ones only accept foreign clients and high-ranking officials, and public hospitals are aimed only at the local population, but at the same time they are in no way inferior to each other in terms of quality of services.
At the exhibition, I was able to talk with Bakhytzhan Alimov, the former head of the telemedicine department at the National Scientific Medical Center located in Astana. Now Bakhytzhan is responsible for seriously ill Kazakh patients who need help abroad at the expense of the state. Bakhytzhan Alimov brought a list of 50 people who urgently need to be distributed to clinics. Previously, patients were taken for treatment to Germany, the USA and Israel, but now Bakhytzhan is in Malaysia with important mission– negotiate with local clinics about treatment.
At one of the seminars, I heard a story about how a US citizen, being in the final stages of cancer, came to Malaysia and spent the last year and a half of his life here. For the same money in the USA, he could only count on one month in the clinic.
The best were presented medical clinics Kuala Lumpur and visual demonstrations of their work: Institut Jantung Negara, specializing in cardiac problems, presented high-tech video equipment that is used in heart surgery. Moreover, prices here are more reasonable than, for example, in the States. The cost of heart surgery in Malaysia is about 13,000 dollars, in the USA - 122,000.
You remember that I had to choose a clinic to examine my injury? In the end, I chose Sunway Medical Center.
At the entrance, I was warmly greeted by the executive director of the medical center named Tan Suet Guan and told me that Sunway Medical Center has an excellent team of doctors who will make my stay as comfortable as possible.
If when visiting previous clinics I had the feeling that I was in a hotel, then at Sunway Medical Center I felt as if I had suddenly found myself on the set of foreign TV series about clinics.
There are departments for all cases of illness and the prices are quite reasonable. For example, a standard double room costs only 7,500 tenge. By the way, a bed in a four-bed ward in Central clinical hospital Almaty cost me 10,000 tenge.
I was introduced to Dr. Bong Jan Jin, who specializes in liver and kidney problems. He graduated from medical university and went to further his training in London, where he stayed and practiced his knowledge for 10 years. He has been practicing at Sunway Medical Center since 2009 and enjoys his work.
– Now medicine has stepped forward, treatment methods are used that were not available even 5 years ago. For example, surgery to remove appendicitis is performed with minimal damage to the skin. We jokingly call this the “bikini” method, because after such an operation girls can safely wear a two-piece swimsuit.
Dr. Shailendra Sivalingam, an Indian by origin, admitted that he loves films and doesn’t just watch everything at his leisure, but is well versed in them and is familiar with every film of the classics of world cinema.
The doctor also does crossfit, which is why he is in such good shape.
Having chosen Sunway Medical Center and studied the price list, I began filling out documents in a special office for international clients. This procedure only took me a couple of minutes.
Now I have my own card at the Malaysian medical center.
The cost of consultation and examination is 12,500 tenge, MRI – 25,000 tenge. Total knee replacement surgery at Sunway Medical Center will cost $6,000. I need surgery to restore the anterior cruciate ligament, its cost is no more than $4,000.
The doctor examined my knee and confirmed that the joint was unstable. I was afraid that I would not be able to return to professional sports, but he dispelled all doubts:
– A year of gradual rehabilitation after surgery – and you will be able to ride like before!
But to be absolutely sure, he ordered an MRI for me.
I was dressed in a special gown and prepared for the MRI.
I had an MRI for the third time and I know that it is very unpleasant procedure, since you need to lie for 40 minutes and not move under the device, which makes hellish sounds that drive you crazy.
But this time they gave me headphones, turned on classical music - and 40 minutes flew by, I even took a nap. At the end, the Queen song “Dont stop me now” started playing, and I really wanted to twitch my legs to the beat and sing along. After the procedure, I jokingly said that I needed to remove this song from the playlist to avoid incorrect results.
The conclusion was sent to me by email and the need for surgery was confirmed. Now all that remains is to accumulate the required amount and return to this warm country, to again combine business with pleasure, especially since I did not have time to see all the sights of this hospitable country.
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Even those who have never traveled abroad know about the wonders of oriental medicine. Malaysian medicine deservedly has a leading position in the world. Malayan healers received bronze in the world rankings due to the fact that the country’s economic successes made it possible to develop local healthcare and introduce a medical tourism industry directly on the basis of the state system. It should be noted that doctors in Malaysia are some of the best in all of Southeast Asia, and the flow of tourists visiting the country in search of medical services does not dry out. Every year about 300 thousand people come here to improve their health. What and how is treated in Malaysia - read on! What attracts you to Malaysian medicine? In general, all trips to Malaysia related to medicine are divided into two categories - medical tours / medical tourism and health tours and recreation. There are many reasons why treatment and wellness in Malaysia is so popular in the world.
- High quality treatment, clear, sustainable medical system in Malaysia, recognized by WHO.
- Medical prices are much more favorable than in America, Germany or Israel.
- A large selection of services that meet international standards, a high level of service.
- Opportunity to receive comprehensive services.
- Possibility to use services alternative medicine during the recovery period.
- Good transport accessibility in Malaysia, interesting options that can be combined with treatment.
- Treatment and prevention institutions have the latest equipment.
- Assistance in organizing accommodation, meals, selection of a doctor of the same gender as the patient. Almost every hospital has cafes, shops and other infrastructure that makes your stay in the clinic convenient and comfortable.
- The English language is widely used, and it is possible to hire a translator.
Medical Tourism Destinations in Malaysia
- Check-up (diagnostics)
- Dentistry
- Cosmetology, dermatology
- Aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, transplantation
- Ophthalmology
- Therapy, pediatrics
- Gynecology/Obstetrics
- Urology, andrology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology and cardiac surgery
- Nephrology
- Radiotherapy and radiosurgery
- Oncology
How is the healthcare system organized in Malaysia? The Malaysian Ministry of Health is the single center responsible for everything related to medical care in the country. It is with the Ministry of Health that medical tourists coming to Malaysia for treatment will have to interact. There are public and private medical practices in the country. Ambulance services operate at hospitals. Mandatory free childhood vaccinations are also carried out. There are public hospitals in every state, and district clinics are subordinate to the main central city hospitals. Local dispensaries, maternity hospitals, and sanatoriums are also controlled by city public hospitals. Directors central hospitals personally report to the Ministry of Health. Children, pensioners and civil servants are treated free of charge, everyone else is treated for a fee. There are many private clinics in Malaysia, the services of which are much more expensive than in public ones. Private hospitals are centrally managed. Before opening a private practice, a doctor in Malaysia must work in a city hospital. Therefore, the level of doctors is high. All private hospitals are licensed by the country's Ministry of Health and have MS ISO 9002 and Malaysian Standard for Healthcare Quality (MSQH) certificates. 
Features of treatment in Malaysia All Malaysian clinics that receive medical tourists value their guests, surrounding them not just with attentive staff, but also with real oriental hospitality. The aesthetics of the surrounding space, the friendliness of the staff and the highly qualified doctors, who, as a rule, have European or American diplomas and titles, are good incentives to get well. And there are also clinics that use alternative medicine methods: massages, acupuncture, acupuncture, etc. Some medical centers have a wide profile, others specialize in a certain type of service. So, National Institute cardiovascular diseases and the Tun Hussein Onn Eye Center are known throughout the world. And the Kuala Lumpur Hospital has created a “vacation medical examination” medical program aimed at those who want to relax and improve their health at the same time. The price already includes medical services, excursions, and accommodation. 
Local doctors pay attention to prevention and diagnosis great attention. Therefore, examinations are performed quickly, giving the patient not just test results, but also comments on them immediately. Modern equipment allows us to learn a lot about health conditions. Alternative medicine is held in high esteem in Malaysia: after medical manipulations, during the rehabilitation period or for health purposes, a variety of practices are used. Bloodletting, thermal baths, dietary supplements, medicinal herbs and infusions, oils, spiritual systems for restoring health are offered even by government doctors, so this component of the Malaysian healthcare system should not be underestimated. 
In addition to hospitals, Malaysia’s natural resources will also help you get your health in order: hot springs, mild climate, Fresh air– the best friends of a healthy person. (There are many healing springs - in Tambun, in Kulim on the Malacca Peninsula, Pedas, etc.) Visa to Malaysia
Malaysia is another country in Southeast Asia that is convenient for Russian tourists in terms of visa requirements. If you are visiting friends or relatives, planning a short-term business visit, or going on a tourist trip for no more than 30 days, then you do not need a visa. Visa-free entry When crossing the border, you will be given a visa-free stamp. Before going through border control, you must fill out an immigration card in English, which you keep until departure.Climate in Malaysia
Malaysia: weather and climate This country surprises tourists even with its weather forecast: in the opinion of a Russian, the forecast is always approximately the same - warm. The fact is that the tropical climate of Malaysia is characterized by high humidity and an average annual temperature of 26C to 30C. Thermometer values fluctuate slightly in winter and summer, and comfortable weather remains all year round. In other words, the weather forecast will never be an obstacle to a trip to this wonderful country.Transport in Malaysia
Combining the incongruous, relaxing to the fullest, diving in the morning, visiting sales until your legs hurt in the afternoon, and during the breaks exploring an incredible number of sights and trying extraordinary local dishes is possible not only in dreams, but also in the eastern exotic country of Malaysia. Its territory is located not only on the mainland, but also on the islands. City streets are surrounded by greenery, and beauty and wealth national parks can't be described in a nutshell.Malaysia is one of the fastest growing medical tourism destinations in Asia, mainly catering to medical tourists from Asia.
According to the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), the majority of medical tourists coming to Malaysia are from Indonesia due to the excellent level of medical care offered in Malaysia. For the same reason, medical tourists from other Asian countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan come to Malaysia.
Patients from wealthier Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan (the second and third largest number of medical tourists) come to Malaysia due to low prices for medical procedures.
Australians and Europeans are also attracted by the low cost of medical care in Malaysia, while medical tourists from the Middle East are attracted by both the price and quality of medical care. Malaysia is also making efforts to attract Muslim medical tourists by offering halal medical procedures, that is, excluding products prohibited by Islam.
Healthcare system in Malaysia
Most hospitals offering services to medical tourists are private institutions operating in accordance with international standards and health standards.There are currently at least 35 hospitals offering medical tourism services in Malaysia. All are locally accredited by the Malaysian Society for Healthcare Quality (MSQH) and licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health. Most of these hospitals are accredited by international bodies including International organization Standardization Authority (ISO) and the Joint Commission International (JCI), thanks to which these clinics are on par with medical institutions in Western countries.
Doctors and other staff working in international hospitals in Malaysia speak English and were educated abroad. Over 90% of specialists studied in the UK, USA or Australia, many of them actively participate in international medical research programs.
Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Malaysia
- Adventist Penang Clinic
Jalan Burma, Malaysia
Accredited by JCI in November 2007. Opened in 1924, this non-profit clinic is now fully operated by a Malaysian company and is a large specialized medical facility, equipped with modern medical equipment and providing high-quality medical care. - Twin Towers Medical Center
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This medical center is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in the Petronas Twin Towers. It is the largest outpatient medical facility in Malaysia, serving both local and foreign patients.
Known as IJN, the institute is a leading JCI accredited cardiac medical institution in Malaysia, offering complex cardiovascular procedures for adults and children, working in collaboration with leading international medical institutions and using the most modern technologies in the field of health.- International Specialized Eye Center (ISEC)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Accredited by JCI in February 2009. ISEC is an outpatient surgery center and Malaysia's leading institution in the field of ophthalmology. - View our list of hospitals in Malaysia >> .
Main procedures for which medical tourists come to Malaysia
Hospitals and medical institutions Malaysia offers the latest sophisticated medical procedures and services, including, for example, the following areas:- Medical examination and
- Complex medical examination
- Comprehensive rejuvenation procedures
- Vaccination services
- Internal Medicine
Cost of medical care in Malaysia
Below is a cost comparison medical procedures in Malaysia and similar procedures in the USA and UK:| Cost comparison with UK | |||
| Procedure | UK hospitals | Malaysia | Average savings |
| Facelift (rhythidectomy) | $11000 - $12000 | $2500 - $3500 | 70% - 77% |
| $7000 - $8000 | $3000 - $4000 | 50% - 57% | |
| $8000 - $9000 | $3000 - $4000 | 55% - 63% | |
| Breast lift | $2000 - $3000 | $900 - $1000 | 55% - 67% |
| Abdominoplasty | $6000 - $7000 | $2000 - $2500 | 64% - 67% |
| Liposuction (lipoplasty) | $5000 - $6000 | $2000 - $3000 | 50% - 60% |
| Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) | $5500 - $6500 | $2000 - $2500 | 61% - 64% |
| Procedure | UK hospitals | Malaysia | Average savings |
| Ceramic bonded crowns | $950 - $1000 | $150 - $200 | 80% - 84% |
| Tooth canal (per 1 canal) | $300 - $400 | $200 - $250 | 33% - 38% |
| Cost comparison with USA Medical procedures |
|||
| Procedure | US hospitals | Malaysia | Average savings |
| Angioplasty | $55000 - $57000 | $7500 - $8500 | 80% - 86% |
| Coronary artery bypass surgery | $120000 - $130000 | $11500 - $12500 | 90% - 91% |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $150000 - $160000 | $14500 - $15500 | 90% - 91% |
| Substitution hip joint | $41000 - $43000 | $9500 - $10500 | 75% - 77% |
| Hysterectomy | $18000 - $20000 | $3500 - $4500 | 77% - 81% |
| Knee replacement | $38000 - $40000 | $7500 - $8500 | 78% - 80% |
| Plastic and reconstructive surgery | |||
| Procedure | US hospitals | Malaysia | Average savings |
| Facelift (rhythidectomy) | $7000 - $9000 | $2500 - $3500 | 61% - 64% |
| Breast augmentation (mammoplasty) | $5000 - $8000 | $3000 - $4000 | 40% - 50% |
| Breast reduction or reshaping | $4000 - $6000 | $3000 - $4000 | 25% - 33% |
| Full liposuction (lipoplasty) | $4000 - $6500 | $2000 - $3000 | 50% - 53% |
| Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) | $5500 - $6500 | $2000 - $2500 | 61% - 63% |
| General and cosmetic dentistry | |||
| Procedure | US hospitals | Malaysia | Average savings |
| Tooth canal | $600 - $1000 | $200 - $250 | 67% - 75% |
| Ceramic crown | $600 - $1000 | $150 - $200 | 75% - 80% |
Malaysian Malpractice and Liability Laws
Statistics from 2004 indicate that at least 50% medical specialists Malaysia does not have malpractice insurance or compensation, although the Malaysian Ministry of Health reports an increasing trend in medical malpractice compensation awards since 2000. The Malaysian government currently uses a civil liability system to monitor and regulate cases of medical malpractice, under which compensation is paid only in proven cases of criminal negligence.Advantages
Medical infrastructure
Modern medical and diagnostic infrastructurePrices
Competitive cost of medical procedures and treatmentLanguage
Highly qualified medical staff speaks English.Quality Standards
Strict Compliance international standards quality of medical careTourist infrastructure
Affordable cost of living. In addition, Malaysia is a wonderful travel destination, perfect for post-surgery recovery.
Flaws
Security issues
Terrorism and kidnapping of tourists still remain major problems, particularly in certain areas of the country that are mostly visited by Western tourists.
Trip to Malaysia
In Malaysia 6 international airports, serving more than 35 international airlines from around the world. Thanks to this, Malaysia can be easily reached from neighboring Asian countries and from other continents.Average travel time in hours
Entry requirements for Malaysia
There are different requirements for obtaining a Malaysia visa depending on your country of residence. The length of stay is usually from 1 to 3 months; however, upon request to the Malaysian High Commission, an extension of the period of stay in the country is possible.Below is short review Visa requirements for citizens of the countries that most often come to Malaysia as medical tourists (as of October 2009):
- No visa required:
- Great Britain and the British Commonwealth of Nations
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- A visa is not required depending on the maximum length of stay:
- 3 months:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Tunisia, Türkiye, UAE, Uruguay and Yemen. - 1 month:
Asian countries, Hong Kong, Macau, British Overseas Territories and North Korea - 14 days:
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Macau (travel permit) and foreigner (non-citizen) passport issued by Portugal.
- 3 months:
- Malaysia visa required for stay over 1 month:
- Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines
- Malaysia visa required for entry
- Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Republic of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Western Sahara, Taiwan
- Special permission required
- citizens of Israel and the former Yugoslavia
Medical Tourism Statistics in Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the few countries in which the government actively supports and stimulates the development of medical tourism. The number of medical tourists has grown significantly, to one person in 2013, making Malaysia one of the key medical tourism destinations in the region. The country is one of the top five medical tourism destinations in the world. Revenues from medical tourism are expected toIn 2012, Malaysia was recognized and ranked third, behind Panama and Brazil, as the country offering the highest quality healthcare services. A fact confirming such a high level is the developed health tourism, controlled by the state system, and attracting thousands of foreigners to the country. For example, in 2011 alone, more than 200 thousand foreign patients arrived in Malaysia to receive treatment.
Malaysian healthcare systemThe country's medical care system consists of two sectors: private and public.
State clinics and hospitals are located in every state of the country, among the hospitals existing there, one main government medical institution stands out. In each district of the city, existing public hospitals and clinics providing medical care to the population operate under the control of the main state hospital. In addition, in each state there are such treatment and preventive institutions as anti-tuberculosis and neuropsychiatric dispensaries, as well as maternity hospitals. These institutions are sure to be equipped with the latest equipment, no matter what state they are located in. Each public hospital has a director who reports to the Malaysian Ministry of Health and is part of a decentralized system.
Public hospitals provide free medical care to several categories: children under 12 years of age, pensioners and government employees. The remaining categories of the Malaysian population receive government medical services for a minimum payment.
The private sector is also represented by clinics and hospitals; it has a centralized system and a fairly extensive network. In terms of the cost of medical services, private hospitals are much more expensive than public hospitals, but the range of services here is much wider and is provided with greater comfort. All private clinics in the country have permission to provide medical services and licenses issued by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia. In addition, local hospitals are certified by MS ISO 9002 and MSQH - Malaysian Standard for Quality Healthcare. These certificates serve as an excellent guarantee of the quality of medical care.
There is also a sector of semi-public hospitals that provide the same medical services as the private sector, but at a fraction of the cost. There are few similar institutions in Malaysia, but they are especially popular.
Malaysia as a medical tourism centerMalaysia's economic successes have made it possible to create one of the best healthcare systems in Southeast Asia and, on its basis, to create an international inbound medical tourism industry. Today, this industry receives full support from the government, and the Association of Private Clinics of Malaysia, which includes 35 medical institutions, promotes the country in the international medical services market.
In 2008, the recorded number of services for foreign patients in local medical centers was equivalent to 295 thousand people! By 2012, this figure had grown by more than 30 percent.
Attractive for foreign patients is wide range medical services are at the level of world standards, the cost is significantly lower than in Germany, Israel, and excellent service.
Malaysia's emergence in recent years as one of the world's most sought-after and one of the world's largest healthcare development centers is facilitated by high-tech healthcare facilities with highly qualified and educated staff to cater to the needs of patients around the world. The development of medical tourism is also favored by the excellent transport infrastructure and tourist attractiveness of Malaysia.
Additional comfort in the medical care received by most foreigners is due to the fact that almost all medical workers Malaysians speak several languages and speak English.
The wide range of services offered by Malaysian medicine includes: internal medicine, plastic, cosmetic and orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, speech therapy, cardiology, urology, dentistry and nephrology.
Additional information for foreignersMedical assistance to tourists and other foreign citizens is provided on a paid basis both by public hospitals and dispensaries, and by private clinics. Government institutions provide basic care at a not very high cost, but for serious operations and more qualified treatment it is better to go to private ones, where it is quite expensive, therefore medical insurance is recommended.
Due to its geographical location, Malaysia continues to suffer from health risks such as Dengue Fever and Malaria. But thanks to effective measures by local authorities, the problem of malaria has been practically solved in the areas most visited by tourists - the peninsular part of the country and off the coastline of Borneo.
Not available in the country ambulance in the traditional Russian understanding - if you feel unwell, you need to get to the hospital on your own, an ambulance health care provided only in traffic accidents or other accidents.
Many medications are available not only in pharmacies, but also in supermarkets, gas stations and so on, but it is impossible to buy serious antibiotics without a prescription from a doctor in Malaysia.
