Melaka’s health tourism remains strong despite the Indonesian rupiah drop, with 339,398 patients recorded as of June this year.
MELAKA: The decline in the Indonesian rupiah has not affected Melaka’s health tourism sector, as patients from the country continue to seek treatment in the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said.
He said this reflected the long-established confidence Indonesian patients have in the quality of healthcare services in Melaka, making exchange rate fluctuations less of a factor in their decision to seek treatment.
“They have confidence in the quality of medical services offered in Melaka. Therefore, the drop in the rupiah has had no impact and many of them are still coming here for treatment,” he told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital block at Mahkota Medical Centre here today.
Also present was Mahkota Medical Centre chief executive officer Teo Chin Yee.
Ab Rauf said Melaka recorded 339,398 health tourists as of June this year, with Mahkota Medical Centre receiving 127,216, or nearly 37.5% of the state’s total.
He said the figures reflected the hospital’s important role in supporting Melaka’s private healthcare sector and driving the growth of health tourism.
Melaka’s health tourism ecosystem is currently supported by four major private hospitals, with Mahkota Medical Centre among the key contributors, he added.
Ab Rauf said the construction of the new 10-storey hospital block, to be completed in phases by 2028, comes at the right time to meet growing demand for healthcare services.
The new block will feature a Smart Ward Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increase bed capacity to 430, provide more parking spaces and include additional facilities.
He said the expansion would strengthen efforts to position Melaka as a globally trusted destination for quality, safe and reliable healthcare.
It is also expected to increase employment in nursing and allied health professions by between five and 10%, creating more opportunities for local residents.
“I hope the youth of Melaka will be given priority to fill the jobs and specialised positions that will be created here. We want them to build their careers in their home state and contribute their expertise to the local community,” he said.
