MHTC Targets Up To 9,000 Visits Through Nationwide Helo Doktor Tour In 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) – The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is targeting between 6,000 and 9,000 visits through its Helo Doktor Tour by MHTC programme, which is set to expand to six locations nationwide next year.

MHTC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Lokman Izam said the council was considering Penang, Melaka, Johor, the central region, Sabah and Sarawak as potential destinations for the 2027 tour.

"We are looking at, in our plan, definitely Penang, where the focus of medical tourism is there, and we have a lot of member hospitals there.

"The programme could also make more than one stop in the central region, given its connectivity and the high number of international flights arriving there," he told Bernama after the official launch of Helo Doktor Tour by MHTC at Media Prima’s Balai Berita in Bangsar here today.

Beyond attracting visitors, MHTC would assess the programme’s success through patients’ experiences and their willingness to return to Malaysia for healthcare services.

"In the world of digital now, where word of media and word of mouth is critically important, this is where we are going to narrate it through our partners across the region," he said.

Lokman also highlighted the role of expatriates living in Malaysia as potential ambassadors who could share their healthcare experiences with family members and communities abroad.

He said the initiative would provide opportunities for MHTC’s 91 member hospitals to showcase their medical expertise, patient care and healthcare services beyond hospital premises.

Meanwhile, MHTC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Suriaghandi Suppiah, in his opening remarks, said the first on-ground pilot activation would take place at Publika, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 28.

"The programme will feature health screenings, community activities and opportunities for the public and expatriate community to engage directly with healthcare professionals," he said.

The pilot will also feature four episodes of TV3’s Helo Doktor, involving four MHTC member hospitals and four members of the council’s senior management.

The partnership combines MHTC’s healthcare network, TV3’s media reach and Tourism Malaysia’s destination promotion expertise to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred healthcare destination.

It also supports Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 by highlighting the country’s healthcare capabilities alongside its hospitality and tourism offerings.

-- BERNAMA