Malaysia has ranked first in the Best Healthcare in the World category of the 2019 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index, scoring 95 out of 100, Bernama reports.

The International Living website said that Malaysia’s ranking was a result of its world-class healthcare services and sophisticated infrastructure, adding that the 13 Malaysian hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) employed doctors which were almost all fluent in English (since most had studied in the UK, US or Australia) and therefore allowed seamless communication.

“There are both private and public hospitals for expatriates to choose from, to suit one’s needs though the private hospitals tend to be a bit more expensive but are more up to Western standards than the public hospitals,” it said, adding that private hospitals also offered affordable treatment for minor cases.

“Here (in Malaysia), you don’t need to make an appointment to see a specialist and you don’t need a referral from a general practitioner. It’s as simple as registering at a hospital of your choice and waiting in line to see your specialist of choice.

“The prescriptions in Malaysia cost a fraction of what you pay at home. But it’s not just the cost that is attractive – it’s the service.

“Pharmacists, similar to rest of medical staff in Malaysia, are well-trained and informed. The Malaysians are friendly people, but it’s the genuine interest they take which impresses,” it said.

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