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INTERNATIONAL. Increased privatisation within Malaysia's healthcare service and upgrading of the existing public sector healthcare infrastructure has lead to an influx of medical tourists from abroad.

The government has taken proactive measures to promote health tourism making allowances for medical tourists who seek treatment in their country.

For example, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has implemented the Green Lane System at main entry points which expedites customs clearance for medical travelers, to ease entry formalities for patients.

Once hailed as the medical community's best-kept secret, Malaysia is now often a favourite with patients wishing to benefit from the sometimes 30-50% lower prices than in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and India.

A normal coronary bypass surgery would cost in the region of US$10,600 to USD 13,000 compared to neighbouring countries where the same procedure can cost anything up to USD 20,500.

Malaysian hospitals were the creators of the "well-man" and "well-woman" packages promoting low-cost, preventative care, also available in hospitals across the UAE.

Vigorous publicity campaigns and increased marketing ventures have firmly placed the emerging country on the medical map.

Companies such as Malaysia Healthcare (www.malaysiahealthcare.com), a one-stop website where both treatment and travel options can be arranged, work to further enhance the profile of the country's medical industry by exhibiting at the Healthcare Travel Exhibition & Conference, held at the Al Bustan Hotel in Dubai from the 15-17 Nov 2009.

Mr Sudesh Ponnudurai, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare, is aware of the importance of the increasing medical travel from the Middle East region to Malaysia.

"Malaysia, being a moderate Islamic country and a member of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference), is very appealing to the patients from the Middle East as we are in a position to deliver healthcare services suited to a Muslim population," says Mr Ponnudurai.

"The number of Middle Eastern patients has steadily grown with around 11,000 patients coming from this region during last year. The Healthcare Travel Exhibition & Conference provides a platform for Malaysia to showcase its healthcare services to the people in the region."

Dr Zainal Hamid, Cardiologist and Medical Advisor to Malaysia Healthcare said:

"Malaysia's expertise in treatment of heart diseases is on par with many of the western countries.

Its hospitals, including the well-known National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, have the best that cardiology and cardiac surgery has to offer. Many, having undergone heart treatment in Malaysia in turn recommend our doctors and facilities to their family and friends."

While world-class medical care is paramount to the medical traveller, we must not forget that medical tourism promotes the idea of a relaxing recovery. Malaysia, well known for its abundant tourist attractions and tropical beaches, provides the perfect setting for a speedy recovery.

Medical groups and accredited hospitals across the country have established tie-ups with renowned travel agencies and hotels to provide comprehensive tourism packages in conjunction with healthcare services.