Budget 2022: Healthcare tourism shows potential as strong economic contributor.

Mohd Daud said that MHTC remains committed in providing quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable. — The Star

The Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) will receive an allocation of RM20mil to promote the country's medical tourism sector internationally. The allocation is set to strengthen Malaysia's rank as one of the top medical tourism destinations in the region.

MHTC chief executive officer Mohd Daud Mohd Arif stated that the allocation will also benefit the recovery of the sector, as well as the tourism industry in general.

"The healthcare tourism sector has shown burgeoning potential as a strong economic contributor,” said Mohd Daud in a statement.

"We aim for the healthcare travel sector to grow by RM800mil in revenue in 2022, further supporting the safe reopening of our borders,” Mohd Daud added.

In 2019, the healthcare travel sector in Malaysia collected RM1.7bil in hospital receipts, with the spillover effect into other industries (including air travel, accommodation, food and beverage) contributing a further estimated RM7bil in economic impact.

Mohd Daud, in an earlier interview with The Star, said that it is important for Malaysia to keep being relevant in the industry. "It is vital that we stay 'top of mind' for healthcare travellers when it comes to our position as the world's healthcare marvel," he noted.