SHAH ALAM - Amidst concerns over recent medical negligence cases, a medical expert warns of potential repercussions for Malaysia's medical tourism industry, citing perception that the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) are prioritising financial gains and customer acquisition.
In the context of Malaysia's renowned medical tourism industry, recent medical negligence cases within the country have cast a shadow over the sector.
Questions were raised over the potential effect on the country’s medical tourism industry.
Assessing Malaysia's medical tourism industry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Public Health Medicine Specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh highlighted that targets set by entities like the MHTC predominantly focused on financial gains and customer acquisition.
"However, amidst concerns over medical negligence, it is crucial to recognise the legal and quality standards that hospitals must adhere to.
"Negligence suits can trigger internal and external audits, potentially leading to loss of accreditation and clientele.
"While financial losses from patient reimbursements are significant, the erosion of trust and reputation can be equally detrimental to hospitals and clinics," she said.
Sharifa also emphasised that while growth targets by MHTC may be feasible, ensuring patient safety and upholding legal standards must remain paramount in sustaining Malaysia's medical tourism industry.
She also noted that several measures have already been implemented to ensure the quality and safety of medical services provided to both local and foreign patients in Malaysia.
"These include adherence to Malaysia’s National Policy for Quality in Healthcare 2022-2026, which sets rigorous standards for healthcare facilities.
"Entities like Patient Safety Goals, staff accreditation and MSQH (Malaysian Society for Quality in Healthcare) play crucial roles in hospital accreditations and maintaining quality standards.
"However, challenges such as monitoring and the shortage of trained doctors and specialists still need to be addressed," she added.
In February, it was reported that MHTC stated that it aimed to generate RM2.4 billion revenue from the health tourism sector this year, which was expected to contribute to an economic spillover to other industries of about RM9.6 billion.
MHTC chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar expressed confidence in surpassing this goal based on data collected up to November 2023, citing the industry's strong performance in 2023 and the recent visa-free entry for citizens from China and India.
He highlighted that over the past decade, Malaysia has been known as a destination for health tourists in the Asia Pacific region and recorded more than one million health tourist arrivals in 2023, which was an increase of more than 15 per cent compared to the total arrivals in 2022 of more than 850,000 people.
On April 15, it was reported that a local assistant engineer at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) sued a private hospital for RM55 million claiming that he acquired a disability due to negligence by the hospital's surgeon.
Isman Ibrahim, 41, claimed that the negligence resulted in the amputation of both his legs five years ago.
"I went to the hospital for appendicitis, but due to the doctor's negligence, I lost my legs.
"The surgical procedure did not go well when the doctor pierced and tied the main blood vessels, causing both legs to turn black or gangrenous.
"For 10 days, I had to hide my fate from my other three children before they cried seeing my latest condition," he said.
Isman recalled being transferred to another private hospital, where his legs had to be amputated up to his thighs to save his life. His wife was pregnant with their fourth child which added to the emotional strain.
In addition to the physical trauma, Isman described severe nerve pain every two days due to the surgeon's negligence, stating that he had not slept well in five years.