By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 27: The rise of new private hospitals in Kuching is set to attract an influx of medical tourists to Sarawak, much like ants drawn to sugar.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, used this analogy to illustrate how expanding medical facilities will not only attract foreign patients from across the region but also draw skilled doctors from outside.
Beyond medical fees, these visitors significantly contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels, dining at restaurants, and supporting various industries during their extended stays.
“One thing many people don’t realise is that when a patient comes in, four or five family members usually accompany them. They don’t just stay for a day or two.
“Initial consultations typically involve basic check-ups and x-rays, requiring return visits over the following weeks. This necessitates longer stays, benefiting the hospitality sector.
“For patients that have to undergo operation, their post-operative care will take up to one or two months. Thus, they might have to stay in Sarawak for that period,” he said when responding to a reporter’s query during the D’Drift 2025 flag-off ceremony held at DayakDaily’s office today.
As of now, Sarawak has four private hospitals: KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Borneo Medical Centre (BMC), Timberland Medical Centre, and Normah Medical Centre.
In the next three to five years, three more private hospitals are set to open, including Gleneagles Hospital in Batu Lintang, as well as one each in Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya.
Abdul Karim also highlighted a shift in medical tourism trends, with Malaysia emerging as a preferred destination over Singapore due to favourable exchange rates.
“If we can provide the same professional medical services as Singapore, patients will choose us instead.
“That’s why Penang, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and especially Sarawak, are experiencing a rise in medical tourism,” he pointed out.
In addition to hospitals, Karim pointed out that the upcoming launch of AirBorneo airline is expected to enhance Sarawak’s medical tourism industry by improving accessibility.
Currently, many patients from Pontianak endure long road journeys of five to six hours to reach Kuching for treatment. Some even take connecting flights through Jakarta to avoid the tiring overland route.
“With AirBorneo, travel time will be shortened, making it easier for medical tourists to reach Kuching. This will undoubtedly increase the number of visitors,” Karim emphasised. – DayakDaily
