Assalamualaikum and greetings from Malaysia Healthcare!

We did it again! Malaysia has relcaimed our title as “Destination of the Year” for healthcare travel, after reigning as champion for three years in a row from 2015 to 2017! This sweet victory gained at the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Medical Travel Awards 2020 came as a great delight to us, not only for Malaysia’s performance as a healthcare destination but also as a country that protects its people well during a time of crisis. Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council also remains the reigning champion as the ‘Cluster of the Year’ for the fourth time in a row! Malaysia was also recognised as a finalist in the Outstanding Response to COVID category, a well-deserved recognition for our front liners who have kept the country safe and managed the pandemic well. At the same time, I would like to heartily congratulate our Member Hospitals who won several awards at the IMTJ Medical Travel Awards 2020:

1. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara - Best quality initiative
2. Sunway Fertility Centre - International fertility clinic of the year
3. Sunway Eye Centre - International eye clinic of the year
4. Prince Court Medical Centre - International hospital of the year

I would also like to acknowledge our Member Hospitals who ranked as finalists:

1. Best marketing initiative- Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital
2. Excellence in customer service- Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur
3. International cancer centre of the year - Gleneagles Hospital Penang
4. International specialist patient centre of the year - Prince Court Medical Centre
5. International hospital of the year - Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

Our Member Hospitals’ participation has been encouraging to witness, a testament to our constant determination to grow and improve!

As we approach the end of an otherwise challenging year, the saying ‘the only constant is change’ rings increasingly true. Throughout the year, COVID-19 has brought new meaning to the word ‘normal’ while countries worldwide have new appreciation for the importance of a good healthcare system. Fortunately for Malaysia, our healthcare system is made of outstanding individuals who have readily dedicated their time and effort in managing COVID-19 well.

Finishing the Quarter with a Bang!

In the meantime, Malaysia Healthcare has a lot to look forward to in the coming months. insigHT2020 Virtual Conference is just around the corner, and this year, we are deep diving the concept of Collaboration for Excellence. I invite you to come and learn from this dynamic philosophy in growing the global healthcare travel industry together.

Shortly after, we will be hosting our second Medical Travel Media Awards. Following last year’s success, we are immensely excited to crown the next winners for their excellent contribution in Malaysia Healthcare internationally especially through digital media. Do join us for our virtual awards ceremony happening on 10th December 2020!

Braving Uncharted Waters

The new normal for healthcare travel begins with digital healthcare supported by stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set in place for a medical travel bubble. Most healthcare providers embraced and accelerated digital transformation, revising the conventional way of providing healthcare services. This move essentially ensures continuity of care and serves to reinforce Malaysia’s position as the World’s Healthcare Marvel.

Though we have received many eager requests from our patients abroad to re-enter the country for healthcare treatment, national safety remains of utmost priority with the Ministry of Health, Immigration Department and relevant bodies ensuring that the stringent SOPs are strictly adhered to.

Thus far, our efficient management of the COVID-19 pandemic has won international admiration; being recognised by World Health Organisation (WHO) and being nominated as the second-best country in managing the pandemic by Japanese based NLI Research Institute have proven Malaysia’s robust healthcare system that is on par with the rest of the world.

It is no wonder that Malaysia is truly the World’s Healthcare Marvel.

Onwards with the New Normal

Amidst exploring new ways to advance the industry and brave new uncertainties, one thing remains – we must adhere to the SOPs and all directives given to us by the Ministry of Health and the National Security Council of Malaysia. We should obey the words of our Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Adham Baba, to make physical distancing a norm in curbing the spread of COVID-19. In addition, we should cut down on nonessential travel, uphold the 3W’s: Wash your hands, Wear your mask, heed all Warnings and avoid the 3Cs: Confined spaces, Crowded places, and Close conversations.

In order to overcome the pandemic as a global collective, we must play our part. In the words of our Director General of Health, Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, “…COVID-19 is an all-of-government, all-of-society responsibility.” Though the road ahead bears its obstacles, I am positive that with perseverance and dedication will build a safer tomorrow for Malaysia.

Sherene Azli
Chief Executive Officer
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council