Perak making stride as health tourism destination

Perak is making significant progress in its goal to become a health tourism destination. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has highlighted the increasing presence of private hospitals within the state, offering specialised services.

Notably, seven private hospitals are currently operational in Ipoh, and additional facilities are expected to become operational shortly. These developments are positioning Perak as an attractive destination for health tourism.

Apart from KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, Perak anticipates the completion and commencement of operations at two more private hospitals – Sunway Medical Centre in Tambun and Quill Medical Centre on Jalan Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Additionally, Seri Botani Hospital began its operations in March, further expanding Perak’s medical capabilities.

Menteri Besar Saarani expressed confidence in Perak’s potential to attract health tourists from neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Singapore.

The growing number of private hospitals, combined with the state’s focus on medical expertise, positions Perak as a prime choice for individuals seeking healthcare services in the region. As Visit Perak Year (VPY) 2024 approaches, health tourism is expected to be a significant attraction, showcasing Perak’s medical capabilities.

In addition to the stroke centre at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, the National Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre, developed by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) in Bandar Meru Raya, further enhances Perak’s capacity for stroke rehabilitation treatment.

Saarani highlighted the Linac service at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, emphasising that it allows patients to access advanced medical treatments closer to home, reducing the need to travel to larger cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang.

Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Berhad, explained that KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, as the first private stroke centre in Perak, boasts a team of experts in stroke care, including emergency specialists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation professionals, and trained physiotherapists.