Farizal Jaafar discusses the unique advantages for Bangladeshi patients traveling to Malaysia for medical treatment and how they can access assistance through MHTC.
Green Ink: What makes Malaysia an attractive choice for individuals seeking healthcare services? Can you briefly define Malaysia Healthcare's experience?
Farizal: Malaysia is a unique destination for world-class healthcare due to three key factors. Firstly, the quality of our healthcare. Malaysia's healthcare system is one of the most highly regulated in the world, and our medical professionals are highly trained. Many of our hospitals are also internationally accredited and our healthcare providers are renowned for their excellent clinical outcomes.
Several of Malaysia's private hospitals have earned prestigious rankings, including recognition as top hospitals for various treatments, such as cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and pediatrics in the esteemed Newsweek’s Best Specialised Hospitals Asia Pacific 2023 survey – 16 out of 18 hospitals are part of MHTC’s membership program.
Malaysia has also been recently listed as the top destination for retirement living in Asia by Nasdaq and International Living Magazine. Our hospitals are equipped with the latest technology which includes the use of robotics. Below are a few that is already offered by our member hospitals:
Secondly, access to healthcare is almost immediate. We have short waiting times for healthcare appointments, so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Thirdly, affordable treatment costs. The cost of healthcare in Malaysia is very competitively priced compared to many other countries in the region and it is regulated by a fee schedule and ceiling prices.
All these are coupled with our seamless end-to-end patient experience, where we facilitate patients’ needs from pre-arrival, during their journey in Malaysia, and post-treatment care when they return home. Furthermore, Malaysia is known for its warm hospitality, and communication is a breeze here as most Malaysians are bilingual.
Malaysia is ranked as the Muslim-Friendly Travel Destination (2011 – 2020, 2022); our entire ecosystem prioritizes the needs of Muslim patients – halal food, prayer facilities, and Muslim-friendly services.
Could you highlight some of the unique advantages that Bangladeshi patients can enjoy when they travel to Malaysia for medical treatment? How can individuals in Bangladesh get in touch with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council for assistance?
To provide a seamless end-to-end patient experience for Bangladeshis, we have pursued several initiatives.
The Official representative of MHTC in the country is closely working closely with GD Assist, a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh as our referral partner and the official representative of MHTC in the country to facilitate patients who are interested in seeking treatments in Malaysia.
Medical eVisafacility provides a faster and more efficient process for applying for medical visas and visa extensions. Healthcare travellers from Bangladesh are provided with a speedy visa process and seamless journey from the minute they touch down in Malaysia, right until their return back home.
eVisa is easily accessible from anywhere and anytime (except in Malaysia- applications must be made prior to travelling to Malaysia). It is a simplified process and our appointed agents will handle everything from securing a doctor’s appointment to applying for the visa, getting the support letter from MHTC, to arranging logistics like flights and accommodations.
It also allows for an easier and cost-effective extension of stay for both the patient and two medical companions on one application. More information can be found at: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/
What are the primary objectives of the MH Wellness Fair 2023?
Held in conjunction with World Mental Health Awareness Month – the inaugural MH Wellness Fair is aimed at promoting overall health and well-being by raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including physical fitness and mental health.
The MH Wellness Fair featured enlightening panel talks by distinguished Malaysian healthcare experts on a wide range of health-related topics, wellness activities, as well as culinary and cultural delights.
Attendees can also look forward to a diverse array of interactive workshops, ranging from arts and crafts to yoga. These workshops allow participants to fully immerse themselves in activities that nurture both their physical and mental well-being, providing an enriching wellness experience at the MH Wellness Fair.
Beyond this, the MH Wellness Fair serves as a platform to extend the reach of Malaysia Healthcare's world-class offerings by showcasing the healthcare services provided by four participating member hospitals: Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute), KPJ Healthcare, Mahkota Medical Centre and, Prince Court Medical Centre.
The visitors explored the curative treatments and preventive care packages offered by these hospitals, for example: Heart screening services by Institut Jantung Negara, Total Knee Replacement treatment by KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment and Pink Care Wellness Packages by Mahkota Medical Centre, Executive health screening packages by Prince Court Medical Centre.
The MH Wellness Fair not only promotes the importance of holistic well-being but also serves as a testament to Malaysia's commitment to empowering global citizens to take charge of their health by providing accessible curative and preventive healthcare.
