The Philippine medical tourism industry witnessed a significant growth despite a global slowdown due to its low-cost advantage and sophisticated medical facilities.
The Philippines tourism department has begun keeping a record of medical travelers dropping in to benefit from the healthcare facilities in the country to confirm the efficacy of government efforts to promote the nation as a healthcare point, particularly during the worldwide economic downturn, reported businessworld.
As per RNCOS Report “Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)”, the Philippines could generate around $1 Billion annually from medical travelers.
The primary reasons for the rise in medical tourism in the country are the low medical tourism cost and cutting-edge expertise and technology that are at par with nations trying to promote medical tourism. Moreover, the healthcare facilities in Philippines are compliant with global standards and thus, could easily challenge those of Singapore and Thailand.
Also, overseas patients, especially the Americans, are becoming more aware of their money’s worth and are expected to frequent nations with cheaper medical charges. For example, a coronary artery bypass surgery in the Philippines is much cheaper than that in America.
The strong position of the Philippine medical tourism industry is part of the “recession-proof strategy” launched by the tourism department to promote the growth of tourism amidst the economic slowdown.
But the Philippine medical tourism industry is considered one with poor facilities and weak campaigning. These factors are impeding the growth of the medical tourism industry in the country and are blocking its way to become the best medical tourism destination in the world. Hence, more intense efforts are required to attract the interest of foreign patients towards the Philippines.
An expert at RNCOS said, “Special airport lines should be made for medical travelers to make the overall experience easier and simpler. Health spas and their workers should be authorized to ensure the safety of treatment procedures. Hotels could also offer more affordable packages to medical tourists and realize the special requirements of patients.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Booming Medical Tourism in India
Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)
Egypt Tourism Sector Analysis
