Malaysia awards Island Hospital as its first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital, advancing national competitiveness ahead of MYMT 2026.
MALAYSIA Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) today marked a historic milestone with the announcement of the Winner of the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) Programme—an initiative designed to elevate Malaysia’s standing as the world’s preferred medical tourism destination.
The announcement was made during the FMTH 2025 Award Ceremony held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who served as the guest of honour and presented the awards to the winning hospitals. He was joined by CEO of MHTC Suriaghandi Suppiah and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 Brand Ambassador.
Health Minister Highlights Sector’s Strategic Importance
In his opening speech, the Health Minister underscored the vital role of medical tourism in driving national economic resilience and global competitiveness.
“The medical tourism sector remains a vital pillar of Malaysia’s long-term economic resilience and a key contributor 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 the growth of related industries such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and technology,” he said.
MHTC Outlines Malaysia’s Momentum in Medical Tourism
MHTC CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah highlighted the significance of the FMTH initiative in enhancing Malaysia’s international reputation.
“The Health Minister emphasised the importance of MHTC’s role in medical tourism as a strategic driver of the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 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 recognising achievement; this initiative drives a national aspiration, one that aligns with our long-term vision for a stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive economy,” he said
Island Hospital Crowned Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 2025
Island Hospital, Penang, received the prestigious title of Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital 2025, recognised for its excellence in clinical quality, service delivery, and international branding.
The other FMTH finalists were:
- Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)
- Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka
- Subang Jaya Medical Centre
In addition, five specialised accolades were awarded:
- Excellence in Healthcare Tourism Revenue Growth (Island Hospital, Penang)
- Medical Excellence and Medical Technology Distinction (Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)
- Strategic Industry Partnership Leader (Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka)
- Digital Innovation in Patient Service Delivery (Island Hospital, Penang)
- Brand Distinction Excellence (Subang Jaya Medical Centre)
A Multi-Year National Transformation Effort
The FMTH Programme, executed from 2021 to 2025, reflects Malaysia’s multi-year commitment to advancing its global healthcare competitiveness. Finalist hospitals underwent:
- Bi-annual progress reviews
- Strategic mentorship
- Tailored capability-building programmes
- Joint marketing collaborations with government agencies
- Independent assessments by global authorities
- Joint Commission International (JCI) and
- IQVIA Consulting Group APAC
The FMTH Winner will now serve as Malaysia’s national ambassador hospital, representing the country’s hallmark of medical excellence, trusted care, and warm hospitality.
Strengthening International Trust Through Accreditation
MHTC reaffirmed JCI’s strategic role in enhancing Malaysia’s global healthcare reputation, noting that its standards form the backbone of patient safety, clinical governance, and operational excellence in accredited hospitals.
Paving the Way for Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026
The FMTH Programme sets the stage for Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026).
According to MHTC’s CEO:
“With a strong global brand, sustained programme enablers, and internationally benchmarked hospitals, we are strategically positioned to welcome greater numbers of healthcare travellers seeking trusted, high-quality, patient-centred care.
“Central to this effort is the introduction of holistic and integrative healthcare packages that expand beyond treatment-based travel to include wellness, preventive care, and Traditional & Complementary Medicine, offering international patients fully curated medical-and-wellness journeys,” he added.
He added that Malaysia is committed to delivering a seamless end-to-end patient experience—from pre-arrival coordination and concierge support to recovery-friendly hospitality and tourism offerings.
Malaysia’s Medical Tourism Sector Continues Strong Growth
Malaysia recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers in 2024, generating RM2.72 billion in revenue—reflecting strong post-pandemic recovery and its growing reputation as a trusted, high-value medical destination.
Southeast Asian countries remain the largest contributors due to geographical proximity, cultural familiarity, and longstanding confidence in Malaysia’s healthcare standards.
With the FMTH initiative and MYMT 2026 on the horizon, Malaysia is poised to attract a new wave of international patients across key markets including ASEAN, Oceania, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa.
