KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the potential to become
the main destination for health tourism in the region, says state Health and
People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt.
In his winding-up speech at the State Legislative
Assembly sitting on Wednesday (Nov 14), Wong said Sabah had potential to become
a player in the health tourism industry because it has recognised private
hospitals and tourism destinations that can serve as natural therapy for
patients.
The Sandakan MP added that Sabah has hotels and
resorts that offer special therapy packages.
“Malaysia has high potential as a hub for health
tourism because the country has recognised hospitals, skilled professionals and
competitive medical costs.
"That is why, in 2005, the Health Ministry set
up a unit to boost health tourism in the country.
“I hope that government and private agencies can
boost the promotion of health tourism in Sabah as it has the ability to
generate high income for the state,” Wong said.
According to him, only four private hospitals are
registered with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council namely Gleneagles Kota
Kinabalu, KPJ Damai Specialist Hospital, KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital and
Tawau Specialist Polyclinics.
In another development, Wong reiterated that the
state government intends to revive the Flying Doctor Service with operations
expected to start again in May or June 2019 after the acquisition process for
the service is carried out.
He explained that the service will be made
available to 11 more villages in Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Penampang and Nabawan
that previously were not able to enjoy medical services.
Wong said the flying doctor service was terminated
in 2016.
-thestar online.
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