KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- As demand for Malaysia's healthcare services continues to grow across Central Asia, Malaysia is welcoming senior healthcare professionals from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for its first Medical Tourism Familiarisation Trip organised by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Tourism Malaysia (TM), designed to deepen professional collaboration and expand referral opportunities between the regions. the initiative reflects the growing demand for Malaysian healthcare services across the region and aims to foster knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships between medical institutions in Malaysia and Central Asia.

From 3 to 10 August 2026, the programme brings together 16 distinguished healthcare professionals, including practicing physicians, professors and senior medical specialists from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for an immersive study visit throughout the programme. Participants will gain first-hand insight into Malaysia's internationally recognised healthcare ecosystem and integrated approach to healthcare travel.

During the week-long programme, the delegation will visit four of Malaysia's leading private healthcare institutions including Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Sunway Medical Centre. Participants will meet with hospital management teams, doctors and specialists to discuss clinical excellence, healthcare quality standards, international patient management and the practical aspects of delivering seamless care to international patients.

The initiative comes at a time of growing interest in Malaysia's healthcare sector across Central Asia. In 2025, healthcare travel revenue from Kazakhstan increased by 29.4%, rising from approximately USD 400,000 to USD 520,000, while Uzbekistan recorded a 30.8% increase, growing from around USD 305,000 to USD 400,000. The consistent growth in both markets highlights the region's rising importance as a source of international patients and reflects increasing confidence in Malaysia's high-quality, internationally accredited healthcare services. Malaysia currently attracts around 1.84 million international patients each year, resulting in over USD 770 million in healthcare travel revenue annually. The country's healthcare system includes over 90 partner hospitals and providers, delivering internationally recognized expertise in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility treatments, and dentistry. 

Dato' Suriaghandi said the familiarisation programme reflects MHTC's commitment to building stronger professional relationships with healthcare communities in emerging markets while creating greater awareness of Malaysia's healthcare capabilities among key medical decision-makers. He noted that healthcare professionals play an important role in influencing patients' healthcare choices, making long-term engagement essential in strengthening Malaysia's position as a preferred medical tourism destination.

"Trust is at the heart of every healthcare journey. By welcoming healthcare professionals to experience Malaysia's healthcare ecosystem first-hand, we hope to foster meaningful relationships built on confidence, knowledge and shared commitment to patient care. That is the essence of Healing Meets Hospitality where clinical excellence is complemented by genuine compassion, creating a healthcare experience that patients can trust." Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of MHTC.

Beyond the professional visits, the delegation will also experience Malaysia's rich cultural heritage through visits to Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka and Putrajaya. By combining world-class healthcare with renowned hospitality, modern infrastructure and diverse tourism experiences, Malaysia offers international patients a comprehensive healthcare travel journey that extends well beyond medical treatment.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15D6oZDyMxbpR4tLuADIe64hRM-LTX3V2?usp=drive_link

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at
Head of Unit
PR and Media
Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
 
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                       
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168                                                                                     
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my 

--BERNAMA