Over the past decade, Asia has been the preferred destination for many people seeking less expensive but high quality medical treatments. The increase is partially due to high medical costs in western countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. Specialized treatments, surgeries and therapies are being offered in Asia at a fraction of the cost, yet with bigger perks when it comes to hospitality and patient comfort.
A study by Deloitte Consulting in 2008 notes that tourists travelling for medical treatment purposes to Asia are estimated to reach 10 million by 2012. Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia are favourites among “medical tourists” mainly because of the significantly cheaper health care which can cost as little as 10 percent of comparable care in the US, but still provide quality treatment(s) by medical experts who have been trained in the US, UK and other western countries. Most “medical tourists” confirmed that the combined total medical and travel expenses are still much cheaper than costs incurred paying for treatments alone in their home countries. Similar situation may also be found in countries like Korea and Japan.
A favourable exchange rate of the US-Dollar and the Euro to the Thai Baht makes medical procedures an incredible value-for-money to foreign visitors. Cheaper medical costs mean more money is available for family members and friends to accompany the patients. It is those family and friends that seek accommodation near the hospitals so they can visit the patients, yet at the same time have a comfortable stay affording them access to the rest of the city's attractions. It seems obvious that “medical tourism” has tertiary advantages also to other travel-related industries.
Thailand is well known for its warm and generous hospitality in addition to its well-educated medical community and modern facilities. For example, Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital, whose patient-base is 50% foreign nationals, was recently the first to receive JCI-Accreditation in Asia. It has been followed by more similar hospitals (please refer to our list of partners) “Medical tourism” is not only set to boom in Bangkok, but also other areas in Thailand with a high concentration of foreign tourists, for example Bangkok General Hospital, where Japanese and Middle Eastern nationals make up a significant portion of the inpatient list, is now present in major urban-and-leisure centres like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket.
Also Malaysia and Singapore are currently promoting their “medical tourism” industry. 35 private hospitals in Malaysia have been identified to promote Malaysia as a medical tourism destination. Singapore uses its reputation as a clean, modern, technologically advanced country with English as a predominant language, to help calm anxieties of incoming patients looking to take advantage of their world class healthcare. As well, many hospitals are located in and around popular districts with many attractions and nearby hotels, for example, Mount Elizabeth Hospital is located amongst the shopping of Orchard road, surrounded by 4-5 star hotels.
With the high level of medical expertise, modern facilities, warm hospitality and well located hotels for relatives, South-East-Asian countries appear well-suited to take advantage of this continuing trend.
Caution:
However, as interest in “medical tourism” rises, so does the number of hospitals offering services. Unfortunately the inherent risk of choosing an institution that is merely looking to cash-in with substandard facilities increases. As with any rapidly growing industry there will be those looking to take advantage of naivety and label themselves as "the top" or "best hospital" for medical tourism. Tourists should therefore be diligent, research carefully the hospitals and find out what legal framework exists to protect their patient rights. Consideration for the various hospital's recognized accreditations, awards, reputation, facilities and medical staff should be taken in to account when reviewing institutions.
This is what MEDICO SERVICES MANAGEMENT & TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL Co. Ltd. specialisation is based on and what our contracting specialists are pursuing on behalf of our international clients.