Issues and challenges in medical tourism: an interdisciplinary perspective

Abd. Manaf, Noor Hazilah and Hussin, Husnayati and Jahn Kassim, Puteri Nemie and Alavi, Rokiah and Dahari, Zainurin (2013) Issues and challenges in medical tourism: an interdisciplinary perspective. In: 2nd Applied International Business Conference 2013 (AIBC 2013), 7th-8th Dec. 2013, Labuan School of International Business and Finance, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

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Abstract

Medical tourism is a new and exciting industry due to its rapid growth and huge economic potential, estimated to be worth USD 4 billion for the Asian chapter (Deloitte, 2008). Malaysia is joining the bandwagon with Thailand, Singapore and India being the main medical tourist destination countries in Asia. Factors such as excessive medical costs in rich countries, long waiting lists, relative affordability of international air travel, favourable economic exchange rates, and the ageing of the affluent baby-boomer generation has contributed to the growth of the industry. Convergence in global healthcare standard also meant that hospitals in other parts of the world can be as good, if not better, than those in the developed west. While the industry holds much promise, issues and challenges faced need to be addressed. The paper explores challenges from human resource, trade, information technology and legal perspectives. The large presence of medical tourists also do place pressure and demand on existing healthcare system. Thus, there is a need to balance the welfare and well-being of Malaysians at large against the extra income generated by medical tourism.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	328/42736 (ISBN: 9789670521268)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	medical tourism, issues, challenges, human resource, trade, information technology, legal
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System
Depositing User:	PROF DR NOORHAZILAH ABD.MANAF
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2015 08:48
Last Modified:	07 Jan 2016 11:33
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/42736

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