Addressing the Challenges of the Healthcare Ecosystem with Enhanced Preventative Care

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 74% of all global deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Screening, detection and treatment are three key components needed to address this^[1]. In attempts to curb NCDs and alleviate the strain on the global healthcare infrastructure, preventative care is gaining the limelight.

In embracing this paradigm, Malaysia is experiencing a burgeoning emphasis on proactive healthcare alongside curative care. This is subsequently reshaping the nation's healthcare narrative. Placing more importance on holistic wellness and disease prevention is anticipated to reduce the burden on the nation’s existing healthcare systems as well as facilitating improved health outcomes. Individuals are empowered to take charge of their wellbeing as a healthier, more resilient and more productive society is being nurtured.

At the forefront of this transformative journey is Island Hospital. In 2023 alone, the hospital welcomed more than 20,000 patients who underwent specialist-led health screenings with same-day results^[2].

According to Lim Kooi Ling, the Chief of Staff of Island Hospital, “The same-day results raise the bar in the preventative health ecosystem, offering a unique value proposition for our patients. The swift turnaround time helps to alleviate anxiety, especially among health travellers who might be on a time constraint. The prompt feedback also enables patients to make informed decisions regarding further treatments, opinions or options available to them.”

Island Hospital is no stranger to pioneering the healthcare landscape, and is currently developing Island Medical City, a first-of-its-kind fully integrated medical hub that is conceived to ease patient experiences from end to end. 

“As the preferred healthcare destination for an increasing number of health travellers, we envision that the establishment of this state-of-the-art healthcare hub will improve healthcare access while meeting the growing demands of both local and international patients,” added Lim.

With the healthcare travel industry in Malaysia in 2023 forecasted to record new heights with over 1 million healthcare travellers^[3] and Island Hospital’s foreign patient volume historically increasing by 10% each year^[4], this forward-looking initiative offers more possibilities for health travellers.

When completed, Island Medical City will feature a total of 1,000 beds, enhanced surgical capacities and facilities, and expanded centres of excellence, including in preventative health.

This focus on preventative healthcare represents a significant stepping stone in reinforcing the nation's healthcare ecosystem, particularly in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

"With the expansion of our centres of excellence, we look forward to supporting the vision of the Ministry of Health Malaysia in advancing public-private partnership to reinforce the healthcare ecosystem and make it more accessible for all," Lim said.

Recognising that awareness is also key in the preventative journey, Island Hospital consistently implements various initiatives aimed at engaging the general public and advocating the importance of health screenings and healthy living practices. These include targeted campaigns highlighting the critical role of early cancer screening in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives, as well as  community outreach and health screening programmes.

​​Supported by the upcoming Island Medical City, Island Hospital is confident of taking on the mantle as a premier healthcare provider for both local and international patients.

"Through strategic investments in facilities, capabilities and technologies, we are committed to expanding and simplifying access to preventative healthcare services to meet the increasing demands of the global population," concluded Lim.


For more details on Island Hospital, please visit our website at www.islandhospital.com or our social feeds at https://www.facebook.com/islandhospitalpenang/.

LEADING HEALTHCARE IN MALAYSIA
Based in Penang, Malaysia, and founded in 1996, Island Hospital is a leading quaternary healthcare provider with over 80 full-time specialists across medical and surgical specialities and subspecialities. With a wide range of treatment services supported by cutting-edge medical equipment and technology, it features three core centres of excellence in Oncology, Cardiology and Neurology, and is a top-of-mind healthcare travel destination with international patient volumes increasing by 10% per annum historically. Through the years, the hospital has garnered a plethora of local and international awards and accreditations that reflect its commitment to excellence. Recently, in addition to attaining full hospital-wide accreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), it also recognized the hospital’s Cancer Care services as a Centre of Excellence, proof of the hospital’s continuing passion for person-centred care. Island Hospital was also recognized as one of the Best Specialised Hospitals Asia Pacific 2023 in Orthopaedics and Cardiology by Newsweek; as well as Value Based Hospital of the Year in Asia Pacific, Smart Hospital of the Year in Asia Pacific, Health Screening Service Provider of the Year in Asia Pacific and Diagnostic Imaging Centre of the Year in Asia Pacific at the Global Health Asia-Pacific Awards 2023.

EXCEPTIONAL HEALTHCARE OFFERINGS
Island Hospital is currently on a journey to develop Island Medical City (IMC), an integrated medical hub covering nearly 2 million square feet. IMC will not only up the total bed count to 1,000, but also incorporate 380 medical suites and a 440-room medical tourism-focused hotel as well as featuring expanded centres of excellence in Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosciences Ambulatory Care, Health Screening, Aesthetics, Digestive Health, Preventative Medicine and Fertility. This strategic expansion is a vital component in complementing the hospital’s role as a significant contributor to Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry.

GLOBAL HEALTHCARE TRAVEL ICON
Island Hospital is among four finalists and the sole representative from the Northern region that is participating in the country’s premier Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital programme. Spearheaded by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and fully endorsed by the Malaysian Government and Ministry of Health, the programme is a collaboration with international bodies IQVIA and Joint Commission International (JCI). As a vital component of the five-year Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint to provide the Best Malaysia Healthcare Travel Experience by 2025, the programme aspires to position Malaysia as a globally renowned icon for healthcare travel, focusing on the delivery of seamless patient experiences anchored on medical excellence, service excellence best practices and international branding.


View the listing here: Island Hospital Listing & Contact Details