Summary
- Penang explores Middle East as a new medical tourism market.
- Qatar Airways’ Doha–Penang route boosts international connectivity.
- Qatari delegation visits three private hospitals.
- State aims to diversify beyond Southeast Asian patients.
GEORGE TOWN, July 2 — Penang is expanding its medical tourism strategy by targeting the Middle East as a new source market, supported by the resumption of Qatar Airways’ direct Doha–Penang flights.
Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai welcomed a Qatari delegation led by Ambassador Salah bin Mohammed Al-Sorour.
Who visited Island Hospital, Northern Heart Hospital Penang and Sunway Medical Centre Penang to explore healthcare collaborations and patient referrals.
The initiative aims to diversify Penang’s international patient base beyond Indonesia and Southeast Asia while strengthening the state’s position as a leading medical tourism destination.
