Malaysia interested in collaborating with Qatari companies for healthcare tourism

The Malaysian Embassy in Qatar said Malaysia was interested in complementing Qatar's infrastructure and amenities, as well as exploring opportunities for a partnership with Qatar in the healthcare sector.

Malaysia Healthcare, Malaysia's healthcare travel industry label, which is under the Health Ministry, hosted the second webinar series on Introduction to Malaysia Healthcare (MHTC) focusing on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Thalassemia in collaboration with the Malaysian Embassy in Qatar.

"We would like to promote any prospective agreements with any organizations in Qatar in the healthcare field," stated Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar H E Zamshari Shaharan in his remarks.

He went on to say that the webinar presents and discusses the possibilities for growth for healthcare in his country.

"MHTC was in Doha last month, and to see them in person is a great experience," he said. "We renewed contacts, notably in Qatar, with this visit. In 2019, relationships were formed, but due to COVID-19, travel was halted. However, this seminar promotes people to visit Malaysia for healthcare and medical tourism," he added.

The envoy also stressed the importance of reopening Malaysia's borders to foreign visitors. People who are fully vaccinated, including children aged 12 and younger, are no longer required to take COVID-19 tests before departure or upon arrival. 

In May, Tourism Malaysia launched a roadshow in Doha, bringing together Malaysian tour operators, hotels, and health tourism providers, among other stakeholders.

The webinar, according to the CEO of MHTC, Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, would "improve the vital cooperation between Qatar & Malaysia in the sphere of healthcare travel. Healthcare tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing industries."

The webinar on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Thalassemia looked at the most cutting-edge techniques and materials for thalassemia therapy, as well as how prepared Malaysia's current medical travel sector is.

Over the past three years, Malaysia has been named the World's Healthcare Marvel and Best Health Travel Destination for three years in a row, from 2015 to 2017 and most recently in 2020. 

It is renowned as Asia's Fertility and Cardiology Hub and is also known as Asia's Fertility and Cardiology Hub. Malaysia Healthcare includes government ministries and agencies, elite Malaysian private healthcare facilities, airlines, travel companies, and hotels, among others.