Singapore medical tourism is witnessing exceptional growth owing to heavy flow of patients from Middle East (ME) countries. The healthcare providers are taking every necessary step to provide world-class services to patients.
A recent report “Opportunities in Singapore Tourism Industry (2007-2009)” released by RNCOS, a leading name in market research, said that the ME nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are contributing in the growth of Singapore tourism industry. There was a phenomenal rise in the arrival of visitors from Saudi Arabia and the UAE by 36.4% and 21.2% respectively in 2006 as compared to 2005.
Healthcare experts believe that country’s excellent healthcare services and proximity with the ME are two main reasons for attracting Muslims for physical treatment in the country, as reported by Khaleej Times.
Dr Jason Yap, Director, Healthcare Services, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “There is a high degree of interest in Singapore’s advanced medical research from colleagues in the ME, and we very much enjoy meeting and exchanging new information with them”, reported Khaleej Times.
Singapore’s social and cultural hierarchy is similar to that of the ME. Hence, it helps in the development of strong relationships between the two regions. The advanced state of treatment at reasonable costs and Singapore’s multi-cultural society with 15% Muslim population are helping to build strong bonds between the two regions.
The medical community of ME is fascinated with the achievements in stem cell technology. The stem cell technology successfully treats Thalassaemia, a hereditary blood disorder common in the ME countries. This has led to increased focus on Singapore by the ME nations. Singaporean doctors have successfully done haematopoietic stem cell transplant from distinct sources for thalassaemia major and this is encouraging patients to come for the treatment in the country.
Apart from the excellent medical facilities, Singapore healthcare providers are trying to provide world-class services to patients. They take care of every need of international patients, including their travel, visa, and appointments with local transport, doctors, and interpreters.
Besides giving excellent healthcare, Singapore is coordinating with the countries of ME on various other healthcare-related issues, such as healthcare policies, healthcare management and operation and training.
With such a high growth in the medical tourism, the country is expecting one million foreign patients by 2012 from only 410,000 foreign patients in 2006.
Related Market Research Reports:
Opportunities in Singapore Tourism Industry (2007-2009)
Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)
Indian Tourism Industry Forecast (2007-2011)
