The first Healthcare Online Platform in Malaysia, BookDoc, launched its web portal for tourists to have better access to healthcare in this country, as well as to support Malaysia's medical tourism market.

Tourism and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said BookDoc would be able to connect and unite patients and healthcare professionals at anytime, anywhere.

"BookDoc has great potential to be a useful companion to serve the medical needs of all tourists visiting Malaysia.

"It also facilitates more medical travels to Malaysia and contributes positively to all aspects of the tourism industry, in addition to private healthcare services," he said.

His speech text was read by the ministry's secretary-general, Tan Sri Dr Ong Hong Peng at the official launch of BookDoc - The Trusted Medical Companion for Tourists here today.

Mohamed Nazri said BookDoc could also attract more medical travels which would contribute to all aspects of the tourism industry, in addition to the private healthcare services.

"This is in line with the government's aim to make Malaysia known as the number one destination for healthcare in Asia by 2020, offering visitors a seamless experience with Malaysian healthcare services."

Meanwhile, BookDoc founder, Datuk Chevy Beh said in 2015, Malaysia welcomed about 850,000 medical tourists and the sector generated an income of almost RM1 billion.

"The medical tourism industry will continue to grow as Malaysia has a healthcare system that is voted one of the best in the world," he said.

The services of BookDoc are available for free through its website, BookDoc.com, and its App, which can be downloaded for free through Google Play and the App Store.