The Halal Healthcare Experience: Challenges and Opportunities in Medical Tourism

Abstract

This study identifies a critical gap in the provision of culturally sensitive healthcare for Muslim medical tourists, shedding light on the complexities they face in navigating non-Muslim hospital settings. Through the lens of positioning theory, the research demonstrates how Muslim patients and their families actively negotiate their cultural identities, rights, and responsibilities while seeking care in Thailand’s healthcare system. The findings highlight the pivotal influence of Islamic practices, particularly Shari’a law and halal principles, in shaping the cultural identities of Muslim medical tourists. At the same time, the study unveils significant barriers, including the lack of facilities for ablution and the absence of halal food options, which hinder their ability to fully adhere to religious observances. These challenges underscore the urgent need for healthcare providers to prioritize cultural competence and adopt inclusive, Muslim-friendly practices to enhance patient satisfaction. By contributing to the expanding body of literature on medical tourism, intercultural responsibility, and healthcare inclusivity, this study calls for immediate action in integrating Muslim-friendly services to foster a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. Future research should focus on the perspectives of healthcare providers and assess the impact of cultural competence training and Muslim-friendly services on the quality of care in global medical tourism.