Malaysia: Malaysia has steadily emerged as one of the most trusted destinations for Indonesian patients seeking timely and reliable care. Following its last major outreach in 2022, Malaysia Healthcare returns to Medan this year, reconnecting with a community that has long viewed Malaysian hospitals as a gold standard for second medical opinions and complex treatments. Malaysian hospitals are widely recognised for their internationally accredited facilities, specialised medical expertise and patient-centred care, supported by competitive treatment costs and culturally familiar healthcare services.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this long-standing patient movement has gradually formed a strong Medan-Penang healthcare corridor, connecting residents of North Sumatra with Malaysia's major hospital hubs. The region serves a population catchment of more than 15 million people, with Medan acting as the primary gateway for patients travelling from surrounding areas such as Aceh, Padang, Pekanbaru, and Binjai to seek treatment abroad.
The proximity between the two destinations further strengthens this relationship. Located just 160 kilometres across the Straits of Malacca, Penang can be reached from Medan in about a 40-45 minute flight, with approximately 56 weekly flights connecting Medan to Malaysia's major hospital hubs. This accessibility has made Malaysian hospitals among the most convenient international healthcare options for residents of western Indonesia. The strong demand from Indonesian patients has also played a major role in shaping Malaysia's healthcare travel ecosystem. Indonesian healthcare travellers contribute significantly to Malaysia's medical tourism industry, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of the country's total medical tourism revenue.