Dear Readers , Warm greetings from Malaysia Healthcare .
The battle against COVID-19 continues to persist worldwide as we embark into the final quarter of the year . Persevering on , we have sought to embrace new norms , which also sees us exploring digitalisation in healthcare . During this pandemic era , we saw digital healthcare flourish and take center stage as a means to continue the delivery of healthcare . At Malaysia Healthcare , we believe that continuity of care is essential , and all patients should still receive on-demand care and consultation even if they are miles away .
Among the many aspects of digitalisation of healthcare , the growth of telehealth has been exponential and has accelerated significantly . It is the bridge that connects Malaysia Healthcare with our patients , allowing medical practitioners to conduct consultations via video conferencing tools , keep up with patient progress , and most importantly , provide easy accessibility despite the lockdowns and travel restrictions . Essentially , this helps foster trust towards the Malaysia Healthcare brand , solidifying Malaysia ’ s positioning as the World ’ s Healthcare Marvel .
Growing Digitally for Continuity of Healthcare Digitalisation of healthcare has been a priority for us from before the COVID-19 period . Prior to the pandemic , we have seen the benefits of providing access to medical care via digital means as a way to ensure continuity of care and easy access to medical attention for our healthcare travellers . Despite this , Malaysia still remains as an attractive destination to be visited as it is a globally acclaimed tourism destination , on top of being a world-renowned healthcare destination .
With COVID-19 in the picture , global interest in telehealth has encouraged minimising in-hospital transmissions and infections . The adoption of telehealth in this current season forms the preparation and acts as a good hedge against future pandemics – a lesson that the sector must learn from managing COVID-19 .
We are confident that we can elevate the way healthcare travel operates in Malaysia , with digital healthcare playing a more prominent role now . Digitalisation will enable professionals to optimise technology for automation of clinical processes while delivering a seamless experience to patients .
Undoubtedly , this was one of the contributing factors to our international recognition in terms of pandemic management from several bodies including the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and Japanese based NLI Research Institute which nominated Malaysia as the second-best country out of 49 countries in managing the pandemic .
What ’ s next for Malaysia Healthcare ? Digital healthcare aside , the recent opening of the travel bubble to healthcare travellers is one of the proof points that we are ready to enter the next phase during these unprecedented times . We have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and various bodies to develop and implement stringent Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ) to ensure the safety of healthcare travellers .
In our journey forward , we will continue to instill confidence in Malaysia Healthcare by leveraging our digital platforms to amplify our brand image as the ” top-of-mind ” healthcare destination . This includes enhancing hospitals ’ telemedicine infrastructure , enabling medication delivery services and facilitating cross-border digital payments .
In all our universal quest to combat COVID-19 , I strongly encourage you to adhere to physical distancing SOPs and good hygiene practices so that as global citizens , we will be able to overcome this pandemic . Though times have not been easy , we must persevere and keep a keen eye silver lining so that we can face each day with a renewed sense of hope .
As the World ’ s Healthcare Marvel striving to be with our healthcare travellers at every step of their healthcare journey , our utmost priority is ensuring that healthcare remains a right , not a privilege . We look forward to a safe future where we can welcome healthcare travellers back to our shores .
On that note , Malaysia Healthcare is looking forward to hosting our insigHT2020 Virtual Conference , themed Collaboration for Excellence from 24th - 26th November and our second Medical Travel Media Awards on 10th December . Do join us for these virtual events to see how we are growing the global healthcare travel industry together . Please visit https :// insight . mhtc . org . my / and https :// www . mhtc . org . my / mtma / for more information .
Till next time . Thank you .
Sherene Azli Chief Executive Office Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Sherene Azli has been the CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council since 2015 . She has over 16 years of experience in strategic business development .