Mapping Malaysia's Resource Centres

94 MAPPING MALAYSIA’S RESOURCE CENTRES MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL (MHTC) Introduction Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is an agency under the Ministry of Finance tasked to facilitate and promote the healthcare travel industry in Malaysia. It undertakes this by coordinating industry collaborations and building valuable public- private partnerships, locally and abroad. Initially established in 2005 to promote the nation’s fledgling healthcare travel industry, it was later launched as a formal entity within the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2009. It was eventually incorporated as a standalone entity in 2011, allowing it greater operational flexibility to expand its credentials. In the same year, MHTC also introduced the brand “Malaysia Healthcare” for the nation’s healthcare travel industry with the tagline “Quality Care for Your Peace of Mind”. Area of Expertise Having been in the healthcare frontline for over a decade, MHTC’s expertise is far and wide. This encompasses promoting Malaysia as a healthcare travel destination globally; and facilitating the development and growth of the local healthcare travel industry. Strengths and Achievements In its objective to facilitate the industry’s sustainability, MHTC diligently promotes Malaysian healthcare as world-class quality, affordable, and easily accessible, combined with Malaysia’s position as a global halal hub and tourist haven. These efforts have seen a substantial inflow of foreigners seeking healthcare treatment over the years. Projects Undertaken (Domestic) In its capacity to facilitate growth of the nation’s healthcare travel industry, MHTC has engaged in a number of initiatives locally, including: 1. Social Media and Branding Workshops for Member Hospitals; 2. Speaking Engagements in various International Industry Events; 3. Medical Travel Market Intelligence Conference “insigHT”, 2018 and 2019; 4. Establishment of third Malaysia Healthcare Lounge at KLIA2; 5. Launch of Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel 2020 (MyHT2020) Campaign); 6. Medical Travel Media Awards (MTMA), 2019; 7. MoU with Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB); 8. Participation in international tourism travel mart with Tourism Malaysia and MATRADE; 9. ShareMyExperience (SMX) Campaign; 10. Dialogue Sessions with Minister of Finance and CEO of Elite Hospitals; 11. Publication of Industry Report 2009- 2019; and 12. Development of Industry Blueprint 2020-2025. Projects Undertaken (International) On the global front, MHTC has taken extensive effort in promoting Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry. Among these initiatives include: 1. Establishment of Malaysia International Referral Centres in Chengdu and Huangzhou; H E A L T H C A R E A N D P H A R M A C E U T I C A L