The visa for health tourists to Malaysia has been extended from 30 days to six months, effective immediately. Health tourists would also be given multiple entry visas, deputy prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, announced yesterday.

He said these measures were taken to promote health tourism in Malaysia.

National Heart Institute manager, marketing department, Ms Ruzana Abdul Samad, said the visa extension would be especially beneficial for foreign patients who undergo major surgeries in Malaysia and require post-operative rehabilitation. "Now they have the option of having their follow-up treatment with the same doctor who initially treated them. This promotes continuity of care by the same health personnel," she added.