Malaysia marked an important step forward in strengthening its healthcare travel industry as the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) announced the winners of the 2025 Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) Programme. The honours spotlight hospitals that exemplify exceptional medical quality, service excellence and international competitiveness.
Held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony was officiated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, with MHTC CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 Brand Ambassador Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza presenting the awards.
A key highlight of the event was the recognition of Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), which received accolades for Medical Excellence and Medical Technology Distinction. These achievements underscore IJN’s role in advancing MHTC’s mission to position Malaysia as a global leader in healthcare travel.
In his speech, Dzulkefly underscored the sector’s strategic value, describing medical tourism as a crucial pillar of Malaysia’s long-term economic resilience. He noted that the FMTH initiative enhances the nation’s appeal for high-quality medical treatment and drives growth in supporting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality and technology.
Four hospitals made it to the final round of the FMTH 2025 Programme: IJN, Island Hospital, Mahkota Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Island Hospital ultimately earned the overall FMTH 2025 title, while IJN was distinguished for its strong clinical outcomes, advanced technologies and patient-focused care.
The multi-year FMTH Programme (2021–2025) included intensive mentorship, capability development and independent assessments conducted by Joint Commission International (JCI) and IQVIA Consulting Group APAC. The initiative aims to further cement Malaysia’s status as a reliable destination for specialised, world-class healthcare.
MHTC also announced that FMTH distinction hospitals, including IJN, will take on prominent roles during the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, offering comprehensive healthcare travel packages that integrate treatment, preventive care, wellness and traditional medicine.
The industry continues to show strong recovery momentum. In 2024 alone, Malaysia recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers, generating RM2.72 billion in revenue.
Additional awards presented include:
Excellence in Healthcare Tourism Revenue Growth: Island Hospital, Penang
Strategic Industry Partnership Leader: Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka
Digital Innovation in Patient Service Delivery: Island Hospital, Penang
Brand Distinction Excellence: Subang Jaya Medical Centre
