Malaysia unveils it first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Award winner to drive global economy competitiveness.
FLAGSHIP MEDICAL TOURSIM HOSPITAL
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council [MHTC] marked a major milestone in its medical tourism journey today with the announcement of the Winner of the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital [FMTH] programme. An initiated and led by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council [MHTC] to elevate Malaysia’s position as the preferred medical tourism destination in the world.
FLAGSHIP MEDICAL TOURSIM HOSPITAL CEREMONY
The announcement was made during the FMTH 2025 Award Ceremony, held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad- Health Minister of Malaysia, who served as the Guest of Honour also presented the awards to the winners.
As well as Yang Berusaha En. Suriaghandi Suppiah – CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council [MHTC] and YBhd. Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism [MYMT] 2026 Brand Ambassador.
IMPORTANCE OF MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL [MHTC]
In the opening speech, the Health Minister emphasized the importance of MHTC’s role in medical tourism as a strategic driver of national competitiveness.
“The medical toursimc sector remains a vital pillar of Malaysia’s long-term economic resilience and a key contribuor to our nation’s global reputation for quality and care. Through the FMTH initiative, we are strengthening the country’s position as a preferred destination for world-class medical treatment, wellness and recovery. This sector not only attracts quality investments and creates high-value job opportunities but also supports growth of related industries such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality and technology.,”
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN MALAYSIAN HEALTH CARE
“The Flagship Medical Touism Hosptal initiative represents a bold step by MHTC towards positioning Malaysia as a trusted and competitive destination for world-class healthcare. Today we recognise one winner and four hospitals receiving special accolades for excellence in specific domains.
This is not merely about recognizing achievement; this initiative drives a national aspiration. One that aligns with our long-term vision for a stronger, more resilient and more exclusive economy.
AWARD WINNER
The FMTH finalists are Institut Jantung Negara [IJN], Mahkota Medical Centre, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre Melaka and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
✔ Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 2025 – Island Hospital, Penang. Winner recognised for excellence in medical outcomes, service quality, and international branding.
MHTC also presented five specialised accolades, acknowledging hospitals that achieved national leadership in key performance domains:
✔ Excellence in Healthcare Tourism Revenue Growth – Island Hospital, Penang
✔ Digital Innovation in Patient Service Delivery – Island Hospital, Penang
✔ Medical Excellence & Technology Distinction – Institut Jantung Negara [IJN]
✔ Strategic Industry Partnership Leader – Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka
✔ Brand Distinction Excellence – Subang Jaya Medical Centre
A MULTI-YEAR TRANSFORMATION FOR MALYSIA’S HEALTHCARE FUTURE
Launched in 2021, the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme is a structured, multi-phase national transformation effort designed to enhance Malaysia’s global healthcare competitiveness.
Finalists underwent rigorous bi-annual audits, strategic mentoring, capacity-building programmes, and evaluations by international authorities such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and IQVIA APAC.
These hospitals demonstrated exceptional commitment to clinical excellence, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and patient-focused care. The Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 2025 Winner will now serve as Malaysia’s ambassador hospital… embodying the nation’s promise of trusted care, medical expertise, and hospitality.
MOMENTUM AHEAD OF MALAYSIA YEAR OF MEDICAL TOURISM 2026
As Malaysia prepares for Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, MHTC is expanding its offerings to include holistic, integrative healthcare experiences that combine:
✔ medical treatment
✔ wellness and preventive care
✔ Traditional & Complementary Medicine [T&CM]
✔ concierge-syle patient journey management
This approach ensures seamless end-to-end support—from pre-arrival coordination to recovery-friendly hospitality and curated tourism experiences.
CONTINUES TO GROW!
Malaysia’s medical tourism industry continues to show strong growth, welcoming 1.6 million healthcare travellers in 2024 and generating RM2.72 billion in revenue. Travellers from across ASEAN and neighbouring regions remain top contributors, drawn by Malaysia’s reputation for affordable, high-quality medical care.
With the FMTH Programme and MYMT 2026 on the horizon, Malaysia is poised to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most trusted destinations for medical tourism—offering international patients unparalleled healthcare quality, innovative treatments, and warm Malaysian hospitality.
