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MALAYSIA: Malaysia expands health tourism and plans laws on fertility treatment
The Malaysia Ministry of Health has rolled out a number of activities in Southeast Asia to attract more foreigners for health tourism. The health tourism industry had been made a national key economic area and the Malaysian Healthcare Tourism Council will be restructured to coordinate the market promotion activities of the sector. The new downloadable Healthcare Malaysia magazine is proving popular. According to the ministry, 400,000 foreigners were healthcare tourists in Malaysia in 2010, generating revenue of USD101.65 million for the country. It is confident that the major programmes implemented by the ministry on the promotion of healthcare tourism, are moving on the right track .The country expects to meet or exceed the target set by the Malaysian government and expects to generate USD116.5 million in earnings this year. Private hospitals have been urged by the Ministry of Health to publish their rates on their websites. This is to ensure that patients are aware of the fees. Health minister Seri Liow Tiong Lai made the request at a recent meeting with theAssociation of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, We have instructed private healthcare facilities to inform patients clearly about their charges, including any unanticipated charges due to complications. We are asking them to do so in order to avoid misunderstanding and disputes during and after treatment. By publishing the fees, patients will be protected and treatment costs better regulated in accordance with the ministrys hospital fee schedule. Fertility treatment is unregulated but the Ministry of Health has initiated legislation for it and other reproductive issues with proposed legislation - Assisted Reproductive Technique Services Act. The drafting exercise is expected to be completed by 2012. The act will address issues such as surrogacy, sperm and egg banking, and sperm donation. The proposed act for fertility and reproductive issues is in the consultation phase -- involving legal parties, religious groups, non-governmental organisations, doctors and government ministries. Dr Prashant Nadkarni of KL Fertility and Gynaecology Centre is concerned that legalising surrogacy could pose problems if not done carefully, "We could become a rent-a-womb country. In some countries, the only way out for poor women is to be prostitutes or surrogates. We do not want Malaysia to be a have for that. There are places in Eastern Europe and India known to commercialise surrogacy. In some countries, paying money to carry someone's baby is common and it has become a part of medical tourism. If there are no enforceable guidelines, commercial agents will get involved and it will be no different than any other business. That is why we need to legislate properly and not discriminate against genuine cases. The main issue is identifying who the mother is. By law, the person who gives birth to the baby is the mother. If there is no legislation, the surrogate mother can turn around and refuse to hand the baby over to the commissioning couple. Christians, Buddhists and Hindus believe that if the surrogacy is to bring life without causing harm to anyone, then it's okay. But in Islam and Catholicism, there should not be a third-party in a pregnancy. The current situation is that doctors are supposed to follow guidelines set by the Malaysian Medical Council which state that in a surrogate arrangement, a woman agrees to become pregnant and bear a child for another person/persons and to surrender it at birth." Medical tourism news11 March 2011 Related linkMinistry of Health Related linkMalaysian Healthcare Tourism Council Related linkThe Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia's (APHM) Related linkKL Fertility and Gynaecology Centre

APHM

HEALTH TOURISM
Welcome To Malaysia
There are many advantages in choosing Malaysia for your private health and medical requirements. Medical charges and hospitalisation costs in Malaysia are very competitive compared to those in many developed countries. Malaysian medical expertise is also ranked among the best in the world.

For example, a normal cardiac bypass surgery (CABG) would cost in the region of USD6,OOO - USD7,OOO. Another reason to consider Malaysia is the wide choice of state-of-the-art private medical centres available. These establishments are well-equipped and staffed to serve the healthcare needs of people from all over the world. Click here to begin searching for a good Malaysian Medical Centre of choice.

Medical specialists in the country are highly qualified professionals, and supported by well-trained para-medical staff and sophisticated medical equipment. In Malaysia, all private medical centres are approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health. Many of the private medical centres have achieved certification for internationally recognised quality standards, for example, accreditation by Joint Commission International (JCI), the Malaysian Society for Quality of Health (MSQH) and ISO. Most private medical centres in Malaysia offer comfortable and well-appointed accommodation, ranging from suites to private rooms for single occupancy or more. Room charges, inclusive of meals, vary between medical centres but remain at an attractive level. In summary, Malaysia is a healthcare destination of choice as:

Many hospital staff are English speaking A harmonous, plural society practising a variety of religions (for example, muslim "halal" food can be easily found) Affordable hospitalisation costs. An uncomplicated CABG would cost in the region of US$6,000-7,000 Highly-trained medical specialists, many with recognised post-graduate qualifications from the UK, Australia and the USA Multi-ethnic, multi-lingual support staff from various religious denominations, e.g. Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Accessibility to major international airports. Comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics. 88.5% of the population are within 5 km of a public health clinic or private practitioner.

About Healthcare Travel in Malaysia


Agencies involved in healthcare travel in Malaysia

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) was established by the Government of Malaysia to formulate strategic plans for promotion of healthcare travel services and to spearhead the promotional activities for Malaysian healthcare travel industry. Serving as a focal point on all matters relating to healthcare travel, MHTC works closely with the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) and all relevant government agencies and private bodies in ensuring quality care and facilitating smooth entry for our healthcare travellers. MHTC uses the Malaysia Healthcare brand in its promotional activities and carries its website atwww.myhealthcare.gov.my to assist visitors with all relevant information needed.
Tourism Malaysia

The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament. With the inception of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism on 20 May 1987, TDC was moved to this new ministry; and became the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) through the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. Popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, its full focus is on promoting Malaysia domestically and internationally.
MATRADE

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), was established in March 1993 as a statutory agency under the Ministry of International Trade Industry (MITI). As Malaysias national export promotion agency, MATRADE is responsible for

assisting Malaysian companies succeed in the international market. MATRADEs vision of making Malaysia the premier exporting nation is paired with its mission to develop and promote Malaysias exports to the world. MATRADE serves to promote Malaysias external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semimanufactured products and services. In addition, MATRADE formulates and implements export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to increase Malaysias exports, undertake market research, and create a comprehensive database of information for the development and improvement of Malaysias trade. MATRADE also organizes training programs to enhance the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters, promote and assist in services related to trade, and protect Malaysias international trade interest abroad.

State of the Art Health and Medical Services


In general, all private medical centres offer a range of state-of-the-art health and medical services, including Medical Screening Services, Diagnostic Services, Curative / Therapeutic Services and Dental Services.

Medical Screening Services

Basic and Executive Screening, Well Man Screening (including prostate screening) and Well Women Screening (including post menopause management).

Diagnostic Services

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which is the gold standard for imaging of the brain and spine, Endoscopic services for detection of ulcers and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract lesions, Ischaemic Heart Disease with Coronory Angiography, PET, PET CT, Echocardiography and Nuclear Medicine-Isotope Perfusion Scans.
Curative / Therapeutic Services

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) / Angioplasty, Haemodialysis and Lithotripsy, treatment of erectile dysfunction, Laparoscopic Cholecysthectomy, Hip and Knee replacement arthroplasty, Eye care, Cosmetic and anti-aging services, Dental services and state-of-the-art Cancer Therapy services (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and brachytherapy), Cardiac catheterisation facilities, Cytogenetic services and Interventional radiology services. In the field of cardiothoracic surgery, the Beating Heart Surgery and treatment for infertility among others.
Dental Services

Malaysia has a high standard of dental healthcare. Qualified dentists provide treatment at hospitals and clinics with the focus on quality service customised to individual needs. Many dental clinics, including those in hospitals carry out current treatment modalities using modern equipment in a comfortable environment. Besides the basic dental services, other services provided are: - Orthodontics - Restorative
Ophthalmology

- Aesthetic dentistry- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - Dental implants

Besides basic opthalmology services, hospitals also provide Lasik treatment, Cataract surgery, Vitreo Retinal surgery, amongst others.

Ease of Entry / Immigration

Visitors to Malaysia must have a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. 'Fast track clearance' can be considered for foreign patients provided that the relevant hospital informs either Malaysia Airport Berhad at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), or the Immigration authorities at any point of entry to Malaysia, preferably 3 days prior to arrival. The patient and next-of-kin accompanying the patient may also apply for extension of their stay from the Malaysian Immigration Department. For further information, please check with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, or any Malaysian diplomatic mission, Tourism Malaysia office and the relevant hospital.

Hospitals/Medical Centres
The following hospitals have been recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Health as health tourism hospitals:

WEBPAGE
Health Tourism Package
Wellness Paradigm - Health Screening Packages

Type of Screening Packages that may be available Basic Health Screening

Details of Package - Consultation by Medical Officer - Full medical examination - Chest x-ray - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Eye test - Comprehensive blood profile * - Lung function test - Medical report and counselling

Well Woman Package

- Specialist consultation by O&G Consultant - Full physical examination - Chest x-ray - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Eye test - Urine FEME - Comprehensive blood profile * - Lung function test - Stress test (treadmill) PLUS - Breast examination - Pap smear - Mammogram - Medical report and counselling

Well Man Package

- Specialist consultation by Consultant Physician/Cardio - Full medical examination - Chest x-ray - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Eye test - Urine FEME - Comprehensive blood profile * - Lung function test - Stress test (treadmill) PLUS - Blood test for PSA - Ultrasound for prostate, liver, gall bladder, pancreas & kidney - Medical report and counselling

* Comprises:

Haemotological profile Infectious diseases (Hepatitis B & VDRL) Kidney function Full lipid profile Metabolic disorders (including diabetes, thyroid and gout disorders) Liver function

Tmabahan.http://www.myhealthcare.gov.my/en/index.asp? page=MHTC&subpage=MHTC_mission

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