When one thinks of Penang, the images of sandy beaches, heritage buildings and the famous hawker stalls come to mind. Nowadays, Penang is rapidly gaining international fame for its healthcare tourism.

Since its establishment by the colonial authorities, Penang’s healthcare system has been widely perceived to be of high quality. The state alone boasts 11 private hospitals and six public hospitals catering to a population of just over two million people.

Low-cost Quality Care

As early as 2002, patients from abroad have been flocking to the island for their medical procedures. It is hardly surprising that Westerners are looking at alternative healthcare solutions. The typical combined hospital and doctor’s charges for operations in Malaysia were 60 to 85 per cent lower than charges in Western hospitals.

According to an independent survey by European Research Specialists for Treatment Abroad in 2006, a hip replacement operation that would cost 8,000 British pounds in the UK would cost around 2,205 pounds in Malaysia without compromising the quality of medical treatment and services.

Furthermore, with the exchange rate being highly favourable and stable; the cost of seeking treatment here will be made cheaper.

Booming Business

Despite the global economic slowdown which is affecting many industries, Penang has seen a steady economic growth of 15%. Out of the RM250 million in profits from healthcare tourism nationwide in 2008, Penang raked in about two thirds of it.

With the Penang state government actively promoting its private healthcare facilities for cosmetic surgery and other medical treatments, the industry is one that will continue to grow in years to come.

As incentive, the Federal Government has announced in December 2009 that it would provide tax exemption equivalent to 100% of qualifying capital expenditure incurred for a period of five years for the construction of new hospitals or for expansion, modernization or refurbishment of existing hospitals.

International Recognition

Most of Penang’s private hospitals have achieved certification for internationally recognized quality standards and accreditation by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). These private hospitals are also approved, licensed and strictly monitored by the Ministry of Health.

Hospitals drawing international clientele include the Gleneagles Medical Centre, which has a fully equipped cardiovascular unit that serves as a regional referral centre for cardiac care.

Meanwhile, the Penang Adventist Hospital (accredited by JCI) is the first private hospital in northern Malaysia to perform Micro-vascular, Coronary Bypass, Laser Heart Surgery (TMR) and open-heart surgery.

The modern Island Hospital (BS ISO900:2000) has established an international reputation in Southeast Asia. Apart from the usual facilities, it also has a heart centre, urology centre, fertility centre and laser vision-correction centre.

These hospitals are staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses, with a majority of the medical specialists being educated, trained, and board-certified in the United States, Europe and Australia. Furthermore, most medical professionals are well-versed in English.

Repeat Patients

Year after year, the Penang hospitals have hosted patients from all over the world – from the United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom to Australia and the US.

In 2008, Penang hospitals saw about 212,000 foreign patients, a majority of whom were Indonesians. This is because of the similarity in language, culture and food between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Penang’s advanced medical facilities, good service and competitive costs have been credited by foreign patients as being reasons why they go to Penang for medical treatment and services.

Home Away from Home

No one likes to be far away from home, what more if it is for a long period of time in a foreign country. As medical procedures might require long periods of time, patients and their loved ones would need temporary lodging.

Be it temporary or short term accommodation, Penang provides you with a choice to budget or splurge. Strategically situated opposite the Penang Adventist Hospital is the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel. Most hotels in town are within 15 minutes' drive to the major medical facilities.

For longer term patrons, service apartments are available and located within the vicinity of the hospitals. These apartments allow the patients and their families to enjoy the familiar household comforts while recuperating. Most of these apartments are close to shopping malls and other facilities and are easily accessible by public transportation and taxis.

A Healthy Future

Under the umbrella of the Penang Health Association, these hospitals contribute and pool resources to promote healthcare tourism. Penang’s current success is just a preview of what is to come as it entrenches itself in the international arena.