Island Hospital Ups the Ante for Health Travellers

Island Hospital Among Malaysia’s Top 10 in World’s Best Hospitals 2024

Island Hospital has earned a place among the top 10 hospitals in Malaysia on the World’s Best Hospitals 2024 list by Newsweek and Statista. This recognition — based on an evaluation of 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries — highlights the hospital’s dedication to world-class, person-centred care.

Driving Malaysia’s Medical Tourism Growth

Malaysia’s medical tourism industry is expanding steadily. From January to November 2023, health travellers contributed RM1.086 billion, a six percent rise compared to the previous year.

Island Hospital plays an important role in this growth. Last year, it welcomed 193,000 health travellers from more than 100 countries, a double-digit increase over pre-pandemic levels. In addition, more than 20,000 visitors completed health screenings at the facility.

“Island Hospital is a trusted healthcare destination built on over 20 years of expertise and reputation. Patients value our quality of care, competitive pricing, and traveller-friendly services that ensure a seamless experience,”
— Lim Kooi Ling, Chief of Staff, Island Hospital

A Leader in the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme

The hospital’s achievements secured its position as one of four finalists in Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) Programme. This initiative, led by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and endorsed by the Ministry of Health, recognises hospitals that deliver exceptional care to international patients.

As the only FMTH finalist in northern Malaysia, Island Hospital is undergoing rigorous audits by global bodies such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and IQVIA. These evaluations support its mission to provide the “Best Malaysia Healthcare Travel Experience by 2025.”

Improving the Patient Journey

To ensure a smooth experience for international patients, the hospital operates a dedicated International Patient Service Centre. This team supports travellers before arrival, throughout treatment, and after discharge, helping them feel cared for at every stage.

Meanwhile, Island Hospital has launched the VESALIUS.m mobile app in collaboration with Nova MSC Bhd. Through the app, patients can book appointments, check queue status, access medical records, and give feedback easily. As a result, care and engagement now extend well beyond the hospital.

In addition, specialist-led screenings with same-day results help reduce anxiety for travellers on tight schedules. Therefore, patients can make timely, informed decisions about follow-up care or second opinions.

Recognised for Medical and Service Excellence

Island Hospital continues to earn both local and international accolades. In November 2023, it became the first Asia Pacific hospital accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) to achieve Centre of Excellence (CoE) certification for cancer care services.

“The CoE certification required adopting evidence-based medicine and holistic care. We also encourage active involvement from patients and families while pursuing clinical excellence and continuous improvement,” said Lim.

Building the Island Medical City

In 2017, Island Hospital began developing Island Medical City, Malaysia’s first integrated medical hub. Once complete, it will include:

380 medical suites
A medical tourism-focused hotel
Expanded Centres of Excellence for oncology, orthopaedics, surgery, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurosciences, ambulatory care, digestive health, preventative medicine, and fertility

With a gross development value of RM2 billion and a 1,000-bed capacity, Island Medical City will attract leading specialists and position Penang as a regional hub for advanced healthcare.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare Travel

Through strategic investments in technology, talent, and facilities, Island Hospital continues to make quality healthcare more accessible. Consequently, Malaysia is strengthening its reputation as a leading global medical tourism destination.

“Our vision is to elevate the Malaysia Healthcare brand and enhance care for both international travellers and the local community,” said Lim. PRIME

Author

Island Hospital

Island Hospital, founded in 1996, is a 600-bed hospital located in Penang, Malaysia. The hospital is recognised as one of the leading healthcare providers in Malaysia, serving patients from around the region. Island Hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services and is committed to providing best-in-class care to deliver care in the best interest of the patient and “to comfort always.”

Island Hospital has over 80 full-time specialists across 9 Centres of Excellence, offering a wide range of treatment services that are supported by cutting-edge medical equipment and technology. The hospital’s specialists are highly experienced and renowned in their dedicated fields, with an average of 24.4 years of practice and international exposure in their medical careers.

Its commitment to providing excellent patient care has earned it recognition as one of the best hospitals in its class. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care it provides, Island Hospital has expanded its services to aim towards becoming a Regional Quaternary Care hospital. This expansion has allowed it to offer patients an advanced level of specialised and niche treatments.

As a testament to its dedication to providing high-quality healthcare services, Island Hospital was shortlisted by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) as the only hospital in Penang in the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme.

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