Malaysia Medical Market – An Overview

As Malaysia continues its drive towards Developed Nation Status, certain industries have been targeted to help make this plan a reality. Already, the Government is committed to set up new medical centres and upgrade the existing infrastructure to drive Malaysia's medical sector to the next level.

At present, the public sector accounts for 39,000 hospital beds or 77% of the country's total with the private sector accounting for the remaining 23% or 12,000 beds.

However, the positive outlook and aims of the current Government have resulted in 45 new private hospital licences being granted with the aim to push up the private beds to over 15,000. In line with this expansion plan, the number of doctors will increase proportionately from the current 22,500 across all sectors. Although Malaysia is the world's leader in the manufacture of rubber gloves and catheters, it still imports over 85% of its medical technology needs. This fact coupled with a projected annual growth of 15% in this sector creates immense opportunities for both local and international equipment suppliers.