KUALA LUMPUR - The Star reported, Malaysia could serve as a hub for specialised medical care in the ASEAN region, helping keep healthcare prices under control, say experts.

According to President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, with ASEAN’s population exceeding 600 million, the top 10% alone represents a potential market of 60 million patients.

“This sector can deliver economic gains and clinical innovation, while ensuring that locals still have access to treatment,” he said.

Dr Thirunavukarasu added that medical tourists generally seek care in private hospitals, so the public healthcare system would not be burdened.

However, there is a risk that more doctors in public hospitals could move to the private sector.

“To maintain balance, we need to have strategies to keep doctors in the public sector, by addressing workload, career progression, and compensation gaps,” he added.

He also noted that safeguards are necessary in teaching hospitals run by the Health Ministry, where private wings operate within publicly funded institutions.

“Clear policies must be in place to ensure that training, research, and service delivery for Malaysians remain uncompromised,” he noted.

The President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM), Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the growth of medical tourism can help hospitals manage costs more efficiently.

“This ultimately also benefits Malaysian patients, as it keeps costs at more affordable rates,” said Dr Kuljit, who also serves as an independent director on the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) Board.

He added that foreign patients are not prioritised over local patients in private hospitals, as staffing levels are sufficient to serve both groups.

“Medical tourists make up a relatively small proportion of the total number of patients in private hospitals,” he said.

“If the demand from medical tourists grows, private hospitals will expand capacity rather than re-allocating resources away from local patients,” Dr Kuljit said.

Regarding costs, he noted that doctors are allowed under current regulations to charge up to 25% more in professional fees for foreign patients.