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MHTC noted that Malaysia, India, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore emerged as among the top 10 healthcare travel destinations in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n
Nevertheless, like almost every sector affected by the pandemic, the healthcare travel industry\u2019s growth in this region was hit hard by the restricted movements between countries.<\/p>\n\n\n
In a post on the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ), based on a poll from attendees at its first webinar titled \u2018Medical travel in a post-Covid world\u2019, IMTJ noted that 42 per cent believed that the medical travel sector would continue to be significantly impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak for another six to 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cCovid-19 caused an unprecedented disruption to global tourism, the likes of which we\u2019ve never seen before,\u201d said UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) officer in tourism market intelligence and competitiveness Michel Julian during an online stream highlighting the impact of Covid-19 on international tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n
UNWTO expected there to be a 60 to 80 per cent decline in tourist arrivals by the end of this year, depending on when borders re-open and travel restrictions get lifted. Julian also predicted that while domestic tourism would recover first, international travel might not start to improve until 2021, and much would depend on whether and where there is a resurgence of the virus. For Malaysia, aware of the challenges posed by Covid-19, MHTC, an agency established to oversee the growth of Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry, has lowered its expectations of the growth of the healthcare travel market.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cWe expect the healthcare travel market to be smaller in 2020 and 2021; for 2020 we have a revenue target of RM500 million by the end of the year, which is 70 to 75 per cent less than in 2019,\u201d MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli said.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have a clear picture of how many people are coming because this is a totally new environment. The travelling behaviour is different, and there are changes in the way we do things,\u201d she told Bernama.<\/p>\n\n\n
This week, BizHive takes a look at Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry and how it aims to cope during this Covid-19 era.<\/p>\n\n\n A thriving sector prior to the pandemic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Before the Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on healthcare travel, Malaysia was named one of the top performing countries for healthcare travel in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.<\/p>\n\n\n The Global Market Report 2018 placed Malaysia as the world\u2019s top healthcare travel destination by volume, outranking countries such as the US, South Korea and more.<\/p>\n\n\n According to Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia\u2019s eighth placed ranking outpaced many other famous locations, affirming the country\u2019s unique ability to attract travellers from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n In its \u2018Malaysia Healthcare Chronicles 2009 to 2019: A 10 year journey of Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry\u2019 report, MHTC explained that by healthcare revenue growth and healthcare tourist arrivals, for the year 2015 to 2018, Malaysia recorded a healthcare travel revenue of RM4.8 billion, an 80 per cent increase from RM2.6 billion recorded for the year 2011 to 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n Over the period of assessment for 2011 to 2018, the industry revenue recorded a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry averaged a CAGR of nine and 15 per cent for revenue receipts and traveller arrivals respectively over the past 10 years with the peak of 17 per cent CAGR from 2015 to 2018, and according to MHTC, this was a commendable feat when measured against APAC\u2019s performance of 15 per cent CAGR for the same period.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cIn Malaysia, healthcare travel is a significant contributor to the national economy and has been recognised as an area for recovery as we move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMalaysia\u2019s healthcare industry grew at a CAGR of 17 per cent between 2015 to 2019 against the APAC year-on-year growth of 12 to 14 per cent, showcasing the potential healthcare travel holds for the region.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cOur commitment to customer centricity has built trust among multinational healthcare travellers, resulting in a 22 per cent revenue increase of RM 1.72 billion in hospital receipts in 2019, which contributed a total of total economic impact of RM 6.6 billion,\u201d MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli shared in an interview with BizHive.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cOnce dubbed as the Hidden Jewel of Asia, Malaysia has now been recognised as the \u201cDestination of the Year\u201d by International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) for three years in a row between 2015 to 2017 and received \u2018Highly Commended\u2019 mentions in 2018 and 2019,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n Malaysia\u2019s healthcare system has also been internationally recognised by US-based International Living earning the title as the country with the \u2018Best Country in the World for Healthcare\u2019 based on their Global Retirement Index from 2015 to 2019 while in 2020, Malaysia attained the position as the \u2018Top Asian Country for Retirement and Healthcare\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n Beyond healthcare services provided by hospitals under MHTC\u2019s purview, the industry also has potential to compliment various other industries, bringing in even greater economic impact to the nation if out-of-hospital spending by the patient and his\/her accompanying travellers (family, friends and caregivers) are factored in.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWith a multiplier effect of 2.24 of RM2.86 billion for spending on wellness, transport, accommodation, leisure and food, the healthcare travel industry has contributed a total of RM6.4 billion to Malaysia\u2019s economy in 2018,\u201d said MHTC in its industry report.<\/p>\n\n\n In terms of job creation, MHTC pointed out that the growing healthcare travel industry has enabled the creation of more than 15,000 skilled and even high-paying jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cThe result is the retention of highly skilled personnels and specialised local talents, which goes towards addressing Malaysia\u2019s perennial issue of brain drain,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n Rising interest in healthcare services in East Malaysia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Over in East Malaysia, there has also been a rise in interest for the healthcare services provided here.<\/p>\n\n\n MHTC had noted that Sarawak enjoyed a growth of over 60 per cent in healthcare travel revenue between 2011 and 2018, equivalent to RM84 million and a revenue CAGR of 16 per cent during the period, at par with the industry average of 15 per cent during the same time. Sabah, equally famed for its rich biodiversity and cultural elements, also saw rapid growth in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cThe growth of tourism in East Malaysia had led to bright new prospects for medical tourism to shine in Sabah. Sabah experienced an exponential revenue jump between the period of 2011 to 2014 and 2015 to 2018, generating additional revenues of RM27 million.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cThis growth was a result of full-fledged hospital players in Sabah investing in new, extensive facilities and aggressively promoting medical travel. Motivated by the potential of the state\u2019s healthcare industry ecosystem, healthcare providers and the state government worked in hand-in-hand earning a revenue CAGR of 91 per cent from 2011 to 2018,\u201d MHTC stated.<\/p>\n\n\n Sherene Azli<\/p>\n\n\n Regaining confidence for Malaysia\u2019s healthcare system<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Clearly, Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry has been on a rapid rise in recent years, with the nation gaining favourable reputation worldwide as the \u2018go-to\u2019 destination for quality healthcare services.<\/p>\n\n\n This year, Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry was supposed to see a huge growth, with a target of achieving RM2 billion in hospital revenue this year, especially given that the government\u2019s aim to boost the travel and tourism industry here via \u2018Visit Malaysia 2020\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n However, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge dent in this momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n Since the start of the outbreak, cross-border industries that depend travellers and tourists, struggle to find solutions to recover the industry in the current situation where movement between countries are now restricted to the absolute necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n In June, however, after almost three months of being under the Movement Control Order (MCO) and Controlled MCO (CMCO), the healthcare travel industry was announced as one of the first few industries that will be allowed to operate as the government announced the reopening the country\u2019s international borders to healthcare travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n As Malaysia opens up its medical tourism industry, the question still remains on how it could recover as patients and visitors are still wary on traveling at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n Furthermore, Malaysia has to be extra cautious to protect its people as well as inbound patients during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n A silver lining in the industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n While the Covid-19 pandemic has mostly entailed \u2018doom and gloom\u2019 scenarios, there is, perhaps, a silver lining for Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry and its reputation for providing quality healthcare services.<\/p>\n\n\n The Global Covid-19 Index (GCI) recently ranked Malaysia as one of the top five countries effectively handling the Covid-19 crisis. As at time of writing, Malaysia\u2019s Covid-19 recovery rate was at 96.13 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n While not strictly reflective of Malaysia\u2019s healthcare system, it does portray its ability to handle high-pressured situations like this.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMalaysia\u2019s excellent response in managing the Covid-19 pandemic locally has enabled the country to open a healthcare travel bubble and resume healthcare travel activities in a safe manner for both inbound patients and national security.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWith the healthcare travel bubble for healthcare travel coming into effect on July 1, we are gradually starting to rebound with stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place,\u201d Sherene shared.<\/p>\n\n\n Short-term efforts for long-term sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n On its effort to lift Malaysia\u2019s healthcare travel industry again, Sherene noted that much of MHTC\u2019s short-term efforts are geared towards presenting Malaysia as the \u201cWorld\u2019s Healthcare Marvel\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cAlongside our decades long history in delivering world-class quality healthcare services, Malaysia has emerged successful in managing and curbing the spread of Covid-19, highlighting our healthcare capabilities and strengths as a world-class quality healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWe believe that with Malaysia\u2019s quality healthcare offerings and standard in hospitality, we will see an encouraging inflow of healthcare travellers post the Covid-19 period.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWe are also preparing for a healthy industry rebound through proactive and dedicated digital brand presence in our target markets as well as the adoption of telehealth by all hospitals to stay ahead of the curve and ensure continuity of care,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n Setting SOPs to safeguard Malaysia and incoming patients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n As Malaysia reopens its international borders to healthcare travellers, several strict measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of both patients and Malaysians.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cAmong the challenges faced with the implementation of the SOPs set by the Government is ensuring that every healthcare traveller has been screened prior to entering Malaysia for healthcare treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMalaysian authorities are consistent in their communication and cooperation with authorities abroad to ensure that screenings are performed, ensuring the safety for both the patient, those who come in contact with the patient throughout the journey, as well as safety within the Malaysian borders.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cOn our part, the Malaysia authorities has prepared Covid-19 testing facilities and procedures as well as quarantine procedures, should the patient be found positive, to ensure continued prioritisation of safety for all,\u201d Sherene explained.<\/p>\n\n\n Of note, as of July 22, according to a report by Bernama, MHTC has received approval for the second phase to allow healthcare travellers from six countries, namely Brunei, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, to travel to the country.<\/p>\n\n\n Technology a possible solvent to sector problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n While lockdowns are easing worldwide, travel restrictions are still in place for most countries. Also, sentiments regarding traveling abroad remain more or less low as consumers are still wary of traveling while there is still no vaccine for Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n One way around this is using technology as a possible bridge between patients overseas and doctors here. In countries where its healthcare system have been overwhelmed by the pandemic, patients have grown desperate in seeking medical attention elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n The pandemic has opened up talks about using technology for health consultations to reach out to these patients.<\/p>\n\n\n When asked on how hospitals can help patients overseas during this difficult period, MHTC\u2019s Sherene had this to say, \u201cAmong the most promising opportunities to grow and remain relevant is to move online and embrace the digital sphere.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cDuring this unprecedented time, it is the digital world that has helped to keep us all connected.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMost healthcare providers in Malaysia who provide healthcare travel services have also embraced digital transformation and we strongly encourage them to continue maximising their digital platforms,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n Sherene further pointed out that one of the big evolutions that we have seen during Covid-19 has been the growth of the telehealth industry.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cIt bridges the gap between patients, doctors and healthcare systems by allowing everyone to communicate with the medical professionals virtually.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMHTC supports member hospitals by facilitating telehealth activities especially where policies are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cIf our patients lack access to medication and medical attention, they are provided with teleconsultation and telemedicine during this period. This enables continuity of care for the patient and with it, further builds trust towards the Malaysia Healthcare brand,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n But with technology, there also comes the question of trust on its usage to communicate health-related question.<\/p>\n\n\n During a webinar hosted recently by Digital Health Malaysia on \u2018How healthcare tourism thrives virtually in the Covid-19 era\u2019, Dr Benjamin Cheah, a consultant physician and rheumatologist attached to Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Parkcity Medical Centre and IMU Medical Clinic, shared that while technology could help, there is still the question of trust.<\/p>\n\n\n Furthermore, he pointed out that regulations differ for healthcare consultations worldwide,<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWe need better infrastructure and communications with other hospitals in other countries, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWe also need better international partnerships. We need someone on the other side of the divide to be able to take up the case, in case complications occur post-surgery or post-care here.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWe need research and innovation because a lot of times, people come to Malaysia because we have more advance or newer treatments available here,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cHealthcare is a relationship built on trust, dedication, and care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Overall, despite the ongoing health crisis ravaging the economies worldwide right now in the form of Covid-19, Malaysia is the top healthcare destination for many due to our world-class quality, ease of accessibility, and comparative affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cOur attractiveness is also accentuated by other factors. These include Malaysia\u2019s position as an ever-growing wellness sanctuary, our strategic position as a Muslim-friendly nation, its many travel sights, a multilingual healthcare system that caters to the language preferences of patients across Asia and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cMoving forward, we aim to surpass our prime position in inbound patient volume to become the world\u2019s leader by revenue with an aspirational US$1 billion by 2025, and ultimately become the leading global healthcare destination, cementing our position as the World\u2019s Healthcare Marvel.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cIn line with being the World\u2019s Healthcare Marvel, Malaysia will keep on improving its healthcare system to ensure that the country remains safe for all healthcare travellers with our renowned medical expertise, as well as stringent regulations and procedures in place,\u201d Sherene assured.<\/p>\n\n\n In the long run, she added, \u201cDue to the pandemic, the Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel campaign (MyHT2020) which was to be hosted in tandem with Visit Malaysia Year 2020, has been deferred to 2022, by which time we are optimistic that our healthcare travel activities would have resumed to partial normalcy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Over the next five years, Malaysia healthcare will continue to focus on three key initiatives; establishing Malaysia\u2019s identity as the fertility and cardiology hub of Asia, establishing Malaysia\u2019s identity as the centre of excellence for oncology, and the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cThrough these niche identities and key initiatives among many others, we believe Malaysia will be further propelled into the global landscape as the leading global destination for healthcare earning US$1 billion by 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/empowerenglish.edu.vn\/mhtc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/diagnosing-healthcare-travel-in-a-post-covid-world-03-1024x682.jpg\")
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