Global and Malaysian Health Tourism: A Narrative Review of Challenges, System Resilience, and Sustainable Future Strategies

Abdul Rahman Ramdzan; Nurliyana Azhar; Azulaikha Alias; Selly Jaimon; Farida Nazahiya Mohd Salleh; Nasrullah Ismail; Winnie  Johnny; Nurcholisah Fitra

Authors

Abdul Rahman Ramdzan
Nurliyana Azhar 1Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Azulaikha Alias 1Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Selly Jaimon 1Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Farida Nazahiya Mohd Salleh 1Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Nasrullah Ismail 1Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Winnie Johnny 3Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Nurcholisah Fitra Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Keywords:

Health tourism, medical tourism, healthcare sustainability, system resilience, Malaysia healthcare, global health travel

Abstract

This narrative review explores the historical development, current challenges, and future sustainability of health tourism, both globally and specifically within Malaysia. The review synthesizes findings from 48 diverse sources, including academic journals, clinical guidelines, official websites, and newspaper reports. The manuscript is structured into two main parts. The first part examines global health tourism, detailing its historical context, primary driving factors, top destination countries, highly sought-after medical specialties, and associated risk factors. The second part focuses on Malaysia's health tourism sector, providing a comparative analysis with neighbouring countries, highlighting key attractions, and outlining the systemic challenges faced by the industry. Finally, the review offers strategic recommendations to build a more resilient and sustainable health tourism ecosystem in Malaysia moving forward.