KUALA LUMPUR, May 29— Malaysia has been named the world’s leading destination for medical tourism, surpassing regional heavyweights such as Singapore, India, and Turkey, according to a new ranking released by Dubai-based consultancy Nomad Capitalist.
Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Minister of Health, announced in a Facebook post today, attributing Malaysia’s increasing global reputation for quality medical services at reasonable costs and world-renowned hospitality. Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that this recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals in Malaysia, who continuously strive to provide excellent care. He encouraged both locals and international patients to take advantage of the country’s advanced medical facilities and services.
“Alhamdulillah, Malaysia is now ranked number one globally as a medical tourism destination,” said Dr. Dzulkefly. “This is evidence of great belief in the capability of our medical doctors, the quality of high standards being upheld in our healthcare centers, and the blend of advanced treatment and hospitality, which is the hallmark of Malaysian society.”
He furthered that Malaysia’s health tourism sector raked in over RM2 billion in 2023, with an estimated 1.3 million international patients visiting the country.
The success could be credited to collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors consisting of healthcare practitioners, investors, and strategic stakeholders all coming together to make Malaysia one of the world’s top healthcare destinations, said Dr. Dzulkefly.
He also wished to extend felicitations to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) for playing an instrumental role in spearheading the country’s medical tourism policy.
The Health Ministry, he further stated, continues to focus on strengthening primary care services, pushing the digital transformation of the healthcare sector, and creating an equitable and sustainable health infrastructure to address emerging challenges.
According to the Nomad Capitalist report, Malaysia’s secret to its success is hidden beneath the surface of world-class medical facilities, affordability, and everyone speaking English—conditions making it especially attractive to foreign patients. These factors, combined with a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to patient-centred care, position Malaysia as a leading destination in the global medical tourism industry. As the country continues to innovate and expand its healthcare offerings, it is poised to attract even more international patients seeking quality treatment at competitive prices.
“Malaysia has set up medical centers equal to Singapore’s but at significantly lower costs,” the report stated. “Erasures and programs initiated by the government were also able to attract hundreds of thousands of medical tourists for the treatment of ailments from burns to cardiovascular procedures.”
