Halal Medical Tourism and Reproductive Care and Services: An Overview of Malaysian Marketplace

Abstract

Medical Tourism is one of the most significant industries in a country. It attracts medical tourists due to the successful and effective medical technologies as well as cost-effective healthcare system of a given country. However, a significant need lies in channelling medical facilities to “Halal” or “Sharia-complaint” medical care and services especially when we speak about reproductive care and services (RCS), a sensitive and private aspect in a Muslim’s life since a Muslim’s life should be regulated on Islamic guidelines. Hence, the need of Halal Medical Tourism (HMT) is echoed and efforts are being made for its establishment and realization. This study focuses on providing an overview of Halal Medical Tourism (HMT) constituents and HMT’s role in rendering Halal or Sharia-complaint Reproductive Care and Services (RCS). This paper utilizes qualitative analysis in collecting the contents related to Halal medical tourism studies. The contents have been gathered based on library research. The contents are analyzed further, and the results show that Halal Medical Tourism is an integral aspect covering tangible (Halalan Tayyiban) elements of medicine from medical ingredients (pharmaceuticals), and medical devices to intangible (Sharia-compliant) aspects related to hospital (non-medical) services and facilities. This paper proposes that the processes of a certain medical care or service must also be directed for Halal or Sharia-compliance (i.e. shariah permitted processes and treatment) to build a robust structure of Halal Medical Tourism. RCS, if made sharia-compliant, can be one significant medical domain for the improvement and fast-growth of Halal Medical Tourism in Malaysia.