Healthcare in Malaysia

The Malaysian Ministry of Health is responsible for monitoring and supervision of the the country's healthcare industry.  The industry itself is made up of two parties: public healthcare sector funded by taxation money and profit driven private sector.  The two sectors combine to play complimentary role to each other and this has created a comprehensive and affordable healthcare landscape in the country, supported by the national universal healthcare system.  The latest available data revealed that Malaysia's infant mortality rate reads 10 in 2005.  Infant mortality rate is often used as a reliable indicator in relation to efficiency in healthcare provision.  With a rating of 10, that has put Malaysia in a good light, standing up alongside to countries such as Western Europe and the United States.  Another independent report was published in the same year, citing average life expectancy in this country is approximately 74 years old.

Doctors in Malaysia

For fresh Malaysian medical graduates, they are compelled by law to serve a minimum period of three years in public hospitals upon graduation.  The move has been widely applauded by experts as it not only keeps track of the number of newly qualified medical practitioners, it also ensures that there is a steady stream of medical professionals being fed to the public healthcare system.  Of course, this is the time he for fresh graduates to pick up the necessary practical skills.  Foreign medical professionals are not barred from practicing in Malaysia.  The government actually offers a number of incentives in order to ease the setting up of their practices.

 The Malaysian government realizes that basic healthcare is fundamental to the overall well-being of the country.  It traditionally sets aside some 5% of social sector development fund for the purpose of public healthcare investment.  Consistent with other developing countries, Malaysia would have to tackle one urgent issue at hand, which is on how to address the country's rapidly growing and aging population.

 The Ministry of Health takes it upon itself to extend medical services to all corners of the country.  Over the years, significant budget has been a located for building, maintaining and refurbishing public healthcare facilities.  In parallel, investment has been pumped into the educational sector to make sure that the system continues to churn out qualified medical professionals.  The open economy policy adopted by the government is much favored by overseas investors and the foreign direct investment flows into the country has been responsible to cause incremental improvement on public and private sector healthcare.

 Perhaps it is unavoidable in a country in which the population expands and ages rapidly, a shortage of medical staff is now observed.  The situation is especially bad for specialists.  Due to this reason, some specific medical care and treatment are only made available in the cities or larger town areas.  The government does have a grand ambition, which is to make healthcare as easily accessible as possible, but the effort is severely hampered by an acute shortage of qualified medical staff who can handle specialized care as well as running the modern medical equipment.

Medical facilities and equipment in Malaysia

 There are plenty of private hospitals in the country, and they tend to converge in larger cities.  Such private hospitals are usually well funded and new investment has brought them a constant supply of latest diagnostic and imaging equipment.  Until recently, the private sector in Malaysia has been troubled by low investment as investors were not convinced that the demand side could justify the expenditure to build hospital and acquire Healthcare machineries.  But with the economy doing well in recent years, backed by a population that is more aware of their physical well-being, private investors and investments have finally come in droves.  In addition, the other factor that draws in the fresh funds are perhaps due to the fact that Malaysia is currently promoting medical tourism.

 Back in 1999, Malaysia was exposed to the Nipah virus outbreak.  After that dreadful experience, the local health authority has diligently drawn out crisis management processes and measures.  It was due to such well-formulated approach to crisis that allowed Malaysia to escape largely unscathed when the severe acute respiratory syndrome (or SARS) hit the region in 2000.  It also demonstrated its ability to cope with the subsequent H5N1 bird flu epidemic in 2004 with ease but competently.

Finding a Healthcare plan in Malaysia

In order to benefit from an adequate medical insurance when you travel to Malaysia it is important to choose the right Health insurance plan for your personal needs. You may ask us for a free Health Insurance quote. One of our highly skilled advisor will guide you towards choosing the best medical insurance plan for your needs in Malaysia.