General Medicine in Malaysia

General medicine focuses on the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs. A medical doctor who specializes in general medicine is usually called a general medicine doctor or a general physician (GP). Although they mostly treat adults, they may also treat adolescents and children. They treat all medical conditions, including conditions that affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, hematological, or endocrine systems. Some of the most common conditions general medicine doctor can treat include but are not limited to:

• Respiratory system, including lung fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, and Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular system, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease (heart attack, angina).
• The neurological system, such as cerebrovascular accident (strokes), dementia, and epilepsy (seizures).
• Gastrointestinal system, including gastroenteritis and liver disease (such as alcoholic liver disease).
• Hematological, such as anemia.
• Endocrinological, such as pituitary disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

A general medicine doctor can arrange a wide range of tests, such as electrocardiogram, blood pressure test, urinalysis (U/A), blood sugar level, and fecal occult blood tests. They may also arrange laboratory investigations, such as blood tests or other fluid samples from other parts of the body. Occasionally, they may also arrange a biopsy for diagnosis, which will be sent to a pathologist for analysis. General medicine doctors can also work with radiologists to use X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound, as well as nuclear medicine specialists for certain tests, such as PET scans. They may also refer patients to another specialty for special tests, such as a cardiologist for an angiogram and a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy.

Common procedures or interventions that general medicine doctor perform are as follows:

• Perform clinical examinations of patients to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor the patient’s condition.
• Interpret findings from investigations, such as blood tests, to help reach a diagnosis.
• Use life support skills and emergency procedures, such as defibrillation, when necessary.

How Long Should I Stay in Malaysia?      

You can leave the medical facility immediately after, plan to stay at least 2 to 5 days in Malaysia for a follow-up appointment. During the follow-up appointment, your doctor evaluates how your body is responding to treatment or, if you had diagnostic tests, explain the results, and discuss the treatment plan with you. However, if your doctor tells you that no follow-up appointment is necessary, you should be allowed to leave for home on the same day. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the illness or disease you have and your overall health. You will be advised to take several days off work and avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to recover. Your doctor will let you know the specific time you can return to work and your normal activity. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you an aftercare instruction tailored to your particular condition, which may include activity restriction and recommended diet. Your doctor may likely prescribe medicine as well. It is important to take the medicine as directed and follow all the instructions closely. They will also let you know if you need follow-up appointments. For certain illnesses, they may refer you to a specific specialist.

What's the Success Rate?

For many people, general medicine is the first point of treatment. It has a high success rate in diagnosing and treating many conditions, as well as referring patients to the relevant specialist for specialized treatments. Experienced and skilled general medicine doctors can learn a great deal by simple observation. Looking at hands, nails, skin, mouth, and eyes, as well as examining your lungs, heart, and abdomen can give them some clues and help them decide on the most appropriate tests to undertake to confirm their clinical suspicions. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your condition. For example, you should be able to see a cardiologist for heart conditions without talking to your general medical doctor first. However, in some cases, you may need a referral from your general medical doctor to see other specialists.

General Medicine in and around Malaysia

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a rich culturally-oriented tourist destination and has a beautiful blend of modernization with a relaxed lifestyle. The population of the country is 32 Million people and Malaysia’s economy ranks in the fourth position in terms of size in Southeast Asia, The electronics, automotive, and construction industries are the biggest industries in Malaysia. The capital is Kuala Lumpur and It is the country’s largest urban area and is the cultural, commercial, and transportation center.

Presently, Malaysia stands as a renowned destination for its exemplary healthcare facilities, offering these high-quality services at notably affordable costs when juxtaposed against other globally recognized medical nations. As per predictions from the Ministry of Finance, the influx of medical tourists is expected to surge beyond 2,000,000 million by 2020. This forecasted growth can be largely attributed to the exemption of taxes imposed on medical bills.

The cities that top the list of medical travel include Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Selangor, Sarawak, and Melaka. Statistics reveal that among the 1.2 million patients who have visited Malaysia for medical care in 2017, 600,000 alone were from Indonesia. The most-sought-after medical procedures are cosmetic surgery, Brazilian butt-lift, and dental surgery. Malaysia is a favorite destination among medical tourists globally for the following reasons.

• The Country possesses a plethora of world-class hospitals that have high-tech medical equipment.
• All treatment plans match very high ethical medical standards.
• The doctors and paramedical staff are well-qualified.
• All procedures will cost you 50% less than other well known medical countries.
• English is a major language and there is good two-way communication between the doctors/medical staff and the patients.
• After an elective surgical operation, many patients will stay on in Malaysia to holiday and recuperate.

Some of the top-rated five-star medical tourism hospitals within the country include Columbia Asia Extended Care Hospital situated in Selangor, Sunway Velocity Medical Centre located in Kuala Lumpur, and Sunway Medical Centre based in Selangor.

Popular parts of Malaysia

Undoubtedly, Malaysia's appeal is immediately evident. The variety of experiences it offers, from bustling cities to idyllic landscapes, entrances visitors. Malaysia's multiculturalism, expressed through unique customs and diverse cuisines, only enhances its charm. This draws tourists from all corners of the globe, leaving them yearning for more. Succinctly, the splendor and diversity of Malaysia make it hard to resist repeated visits.

• Kuala Lumpur has a  mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influence which gives you a great selection of culinary delights to explore in this city. Interesting sights such as the Petronas Towers which is one of the tallest twin towers in the world. the Perdana Lake Gardens and the Menara KL Tower provide plenty of enjoyable distractions.
• Penang is an island on the west coast and the colonial city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can enjoy the museums, seaside fort, historic buildings. Penang is considered one of the best places in Southeast Asia to sample delicious street food of all types.

The must-visit cities in Malaysia renowned for their world-class appeal include Malacca, Langkawi, Kuching, Spaden, Johor Bahru, and Taiping.

Weather and Climate in Malaysia

Malaysia is a place that's warm all year round, as being in the tropical region. But since it's close to the ocean, the air can get pretty moist. Still, it's re-assuring to note that it doesn't get too hot, with temperatures usually staying between a pleasant 20°C and 30°C all throughout the year. Those who prefer cooler weather can visit the highlands in Malaysia, where it's generally chillier.

When planning a trip it's important to take into account the best times to visit different parts of the country. If you're eyeing the east coast, try to schedule your visit between March and September; this period is relatively drier than other months. On the other hand, the west coast is better visited from November to August. It's best to avoid the heavy rains which usually occur from September to October. With this information, you can plan to get the best out of your trip to Malaysia.

Getting around in Malaysia

The Country has a well-developed transport network and efficient rail links which makes all travel around the country easy.

It is advisable to book domestic transport well in advance during the main festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Pusa and Hari Raya Haji. Domestic flights and domestic express bus services are often sold out weeks before these festivals. All the major cities in Malaysia have an airport and most budget airlines operate into the country.

In the larger cities of Malaysia, you'll find that transportation is convenient with many kinds of vehicles to choose from. Specifically in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, there's a broad range of public transportation options to get around. You can hop on buses for an affordable ride or opt for minibusses, locally known as "bas-mini" to navigate through narrower streets.

Furthermore, taxis are easily accessible in Kuala Lumpur, providing a convenient alternative when you prefer more comfort or need to reach a specific destination quickly. If you would like to experience something traditional and fun, pedicabs or "trishaws" as they are commonly known, are present in some parts of the city offering you a unique ride.

Additionally, Kuala Lumpur also boasts a well-connected train network, including rapid transit and commuter rail services, facilitating quick and efficient travel across the city. It's safe to say that in Kuala Lumpur, moving around is smooth and easy, thanks to these diverse means of transportation.

In Malaysian towns and cities, various modes of transport are used, including ferry services. In cities, the rail network is a good way to get around, especially the KL Monorail and transit trains.

Tourist Visas in Malaysia

The residents of the following countries holding a valid passport are the ones required to apply for a Malaysian tourist visa. China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro

All other nationalities will not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Visas for longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.

The Malaysian authorities are running a vigorous campaign against illegal immigration. Don’t overstay your visa, or violate the terms of entry. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be fined, detained, deported, and blacklisted. Flight costs will be the responsibility of the individual.

Additional Information

• Local currency: Ringgit, denoted as RM, is the national Malaysian Currency. Printed in various colors, size, and physical appearance, the Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Malaysia control the issuing of currency. Malaysia follows the Chinese Model where it has cut itself away from comparing it to US dollars. The Malaysian currency is as such not traded internationally.
• Money and Payments: world-class restaurants and retail stores accept all forms of Credit cards. In case you are not holding the requisite quantity of local currency with you, you can exchange them at exchange bureaus. You can even take out cash from the ATMs.
• Local language: The official language is Malay and English is also widely spoken, the state has a cosmopolitan population, languages such as Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, are also spoken.
• Public holidays: The local population celebrates the Gregorian New year as well as the Chinese New Year. Since a large part of the population is Indian, Malaysia also celebrates some of the traditional Indian festivals such as Pongal, Diwali, and Tamil New Year.