Authors : Cheng Wei Hin, Abdul Manaf Bohari and Lim Theam Pu
Abstract: In this age of globalization and escalating medical costs patients around the globe, especially in developed countries have to consider comparing different countries to seek for medical care. Medical tourism encompasses all the industries in catering to patients seeking health care outside their home region. These industries include health care, travel, accommodation and also recreation. This study examined the competitiveness of Malaysia (in particular, State of Penang) with Thailand in the medical tourism industry using a conceptual approach derived from strategic management discipline. The approach used were SWOT analysis, Porter’s 5 forces analysis and competitive positioning matrix. Medical tourism has both strengths and weaknesses to both countries with Thailand being more competitive in medical treatment like plastic surgery, they have developed their medical tourism earlier than Malaysia while Malaysia (Penang) has more competitive advantage in heart surgery wide usage of English, Penang as a tourist destination attraction and reasonable cost.
Cheng Wei Hin, Abdul Manaf Bohari and Lim Theam Pu, 2013. An Analysis of Competitiveness of Medical Tourism in Malaysia and Thailand:A Strategic Management Approach. International Business Management, 7: 493-499.