Island Hospital is Malaysia’s FMTH

9 December 2025

GEORGETOWN: Island Hospital has been honoured as Malaysia’s first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH), recognising its consistent standards in patient care, safety, and experience for international visitors.

Launched in 2022, this three-year programme aims to identify hospitals capable of anchoring Malaysia’s growth in global medical tourism. Among four finalists, Island Hospital was selected as the top performer and the only hospital from Penang. The announcement was made today by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Led by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health and supported by the Malaysian Government, the FMTH programme involved comprehensive assessments by independent experts including IQVIA and Joint Commission International (JCI). These evaluations focused on clinical quality, patient safety, experience, innovation, and operational performance. As part of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, the programme aims to strengthen Malaysia’s reputation as a trusted healthcare destination worldwide.

Island Hospital (IH) is a private specialist hospital offering advanced treatment for complex medical and surgical conditions. With over 120 specialist doctors across diverse disciplines such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, and neurology, it serves both local and international patients. The hospital has developed a comprehensive ecosystem supporting medical travellers—from pre-arrival arrangements to post-treatment follow-up.

IH’s commitment to quality and patient safety is reinforced by accreditations from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). It is also recognised as an ACHSI Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology. These accreditations reflect a robust framework for clinical governance, teamwork, and person-centred care, which were key elements in the FMTH evaluation.

“We are honoured by this recognition,” said Lim Kooi Ling, CEO of Island Hospital. “Since 2022, we have welcomed approximately 700,000 international patients from over 80 countries, including more than 100 cities across Indonesia. This demonstrates the ongoing trust placed in our teams, our partners, and the Malaysian healthcare system.”

“Being part of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading private healthcare provider, enables us to leverage shared expertise, digital innovation, and clinical collaboration to deliver safe, reliable, and value-driven care. Our goal is to make the patient journey seamless for visitors and their families. As a flagship medical tourism hospital, we will continue working closely with the Government and MHTC to enhance Penang’s and Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for healthcare.”