Tropical medicine in Malaysia

Tropical medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on infectious and non-infectious diseases, which are usually diseases that thrive in hot and/or humid conditions, particularly in areas with poor infrastructure. Tropical medicine doctors can diagnose, investigate, manage, and treat rare and exotic bacterial and parasitic diseases, as well as a variety of noninfectious diseases. These include:

• Malaria, caused by disease-carrying mosquitoes
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Tuberculosis
• Dengue fever, caused by a specific mosquito
• Ebola virus disease
• Amoebic dysentery and liver abscesses
• Filariasis (which may cause elephantiasis)
• Leprosy
• Snakebite
• Leishmaniasis (skin disease or kala-azar)
• Typhoid
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Scorpion stings
• Toxin-related cardiac and neurologic manifestations
• Schistosomiasis (an acute or chronic disease caused by parasitic worms).

The following are the general services provided by tropical medicine diseases:

• Diagnose tropical diseases. Tropical medicine doctors use laboratory tests, such as microscopy of blood films for malaria, skin biopsies for leprosy, and stool microscopy for gut parasites. Tropical medicine doctors usually work closely with medical virologists and microbiologists. 
• Develop treatment plants and oversee treatments. Tropical medicine doctors usually prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs to treat tropical diseases.
• Identify potential outbreaks of infectious diseases and take steps to prevent these diseases from reaching serious levels. If necessary, they may advise patients to isolate and quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious tropical diseases.
• Order specialized tests to find out the nature of specific diseases.
• Give specialist advice and expertise to public health specialists.

How Long Should I Stay in Malaysia?

Some tropical diseases require hospitalization or even isolation, others do not. In general, it may take around two weeks until you are allowed to travel home. In some cases, however, you may need to stay longer in case the disease returns. Your doctor and/or medical travel team will be able to advise you on this matter.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery times vary widely, depending on your specific disease and your general health. Many tropical diseases, such as dengue and malaria, requires around two weeks of treatment. You will be given a recovery timeline that may include when you can go back to work, resume your normal activity, and take part in strenuous exercises.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will likely prescribe medicine, make sure to take it as directed. You will also be given specific aftercare instructions that you need to follow to avoid complications and to speed up your recovery period. You may also be asked to make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and avoid smoking. For some diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, you may need lifelong management and regular checkups. 

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous research in tropical medicine has given specialists a deeper understanding of tropical diseases and found better approaches to diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent tropical diseases. As a result, the success rates of tropical medicine is higher now than it was before. For example, HIV/AIDS was a life-threatening condition a few decades ago, but it can now be managed as a chronic health condition and the life expectancy of a person living with it has improved significantly. Those with malaria can also be cured and all of the parasites can be cleared from the body. 

Are there Alternatives?

Alternatives depend on the specific disease you have. With infectious diseases, for example, an infectious disease doctor may be the one who oversees your treatments. It is best that you discuss this with your GP.

Tropical 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.