Malaysia wants to promote medical tourism among the people of Bangladesh, highlighting that the Muslim-majority nation offers comprehensive treatment for all illnesses, and patients will feel at home due to the cultural similarity between both nations.

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim made the remark at a discussion on “Medical Tourism,” held at the Chattogram Club in the port city on Saturday night.

Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel spoke at the programme as chief guest, while High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim attended as the special guest.

Honorary Consul of Malaysia for Chattogram and PHP Family Director Mohammad Akhter Parvez organised the event. Besides, business people from all walks of life attended the event as well.

The discussion began with a power point presentation on Malaysia’s famed UCSI Hospital.

Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel said, “Malaysia has made strides in economy, and progressed in every sector with the help of technological advancement – education and healthcare are among them.

“The people are going overseas. Malaysia’s healthcare system has shown a lot of development.”

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim said, “We want to promote medical tourism in Malaysia. Former prime minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad had once said he will not take treatment abroad.

“He took initiatives to develop healthcare in the country. Malaysia now has several hospitals offering modern and cutting edge healthcare. We want to inform Chattogram, and the whole Bangladesh about our healthcare system, alongside trade and education sectors.”

She added, “Malaysia has treatment for every complex disease. As a Muslim-majority country, our culture is similar to Bangladesh. It is easier to avail medical treatment in Malaysia.”

Honorary Consul of Malaysia for Chattogram and PHP Family Director Mohammad Akhter Parvez said, “The people of Bangladesh are going to Thailand, Singapore, India and many other countries. Alongside these countries, there is another nation that offers advanced treatment.

“We organised this discussion to convey details on this matter. Malaysia currently has many modern healthcare facilities and hospitals. These hospitals are offering every kind of treatment.”

Highlighting the UCSI Hospital, he said, “This facility is one of the top hospitals in Malaysia. It is only 20 minutes to 25 minutes away from the airport. The hospital features bed-to-bed and air ambulance facilities.

“Many patients are unable to move from their hospital bed. UCSI will arrange for such patients to shift from bed to bed. We already trust Malaysia as a good destination for vehicles and education. Now it is time to trust Malaysia’s healthcare sector.”

Chattogram Club Chairman Mia Md Abdur Rahim and Chattogram Chamber President Omar Hazzaz also spoke on the occasion.

Chattogram Chamber Director Mahfuzul Hoque Shah, Md Alamgir Parvez, Barcode Restaurant Group Founder Md Manjurul Haque Chattogram Co-Operative Housing Society Treasurer Mohammad Sazzad attended the programme among others.