KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become a hub for medical tourism as healthcare facilities and standards continue to improve, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the number of medical tourists visiting the state doubled to more than 100,000 last year compared with the previous year.
"This shows that Sarawak can attract people to come here for treatment. What is important is the availability of quality treatment," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Regency Specialist Hospital on Monday (Aug 10).
Abang Johari said the new hospital, the first by Singapore-based HMI Medical in Sarawak, will provide an added advantage once completed in 2029.
Noting that Sarawak's population stands at 2.5 million, he said the private hospital's potential market extends to Borneo's 23 million residents and the broader Asean population of 700 million.
"I'm sure they have studied the potential market in the whole of Borneo, plus perhaps Indonesia, the Philippines and within Asean.
"This 300-bed hospital will cover a lot of treatments, including cancer, which will add quality healthcare, not only for Sarawakians and Malaysians but also those from the countries in the region," he said.
Abang Johari said the state government will continue providing basic infrastructure to complement the healthcare sector, including enhanced air connectivity through state-owned AirBorneo.
In addition, he noted that the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre offers advanced research facilities on tropical diseases, while the state's natural attractions offer an ideal environment for post-treatment recovery.
"This is part of our efforts to improve healthcare standards," the Premier said.
