GMA pushes for medical tourism in the Philippines

The President further stated that establishing a stronger medical tourism in the country could help immensely in the government’s drive to make the economy better. “With a strong medical tourism industry, we can provide more jobs and cut down on poverty.”

President Arroyo added that the Philippines is ready to take on this challenge as its hospitals are equipped with the best medical facilities and highly qualified medical professionals. According to Sec. Duque, even as the medical tourism in the country is still in its early stage, the industry has already earned an impressive $200 million in 2005 alone.

Dr. Rivera, meanwhile, attributed this growth to the hospital’s efforts to market aggressively its medical services. “Asian hospital, for instance, is keen at stepping up its efforts to market its services more patients abroad. We also want to take advantage of marketing via the Internet, which is definitely an easy, fast and practical way to attract more medical tourists to the country.”

The continuous growth of the medical tourism in the Philippines was also attributed by creating a market among balikbayans and European medical tourists. Gen. Aglipay said that what drives these clients to avail of medical services in the Philippines is the government’s comprehensive program. “Besides the high-quality medical services our hospitals offer, part of our medical tourism program also involves giving medical tourists a holistic package that includes housing and hospitality services.

“If you notice we now have many condominiums around our major hospitals. Europeans and Middle Eastern medical tourists would come here during winter for physical examination, then would have the medical procedure done here also if the doctors happen to find something. They also opt to recuperate here, then go for some golfing or shopping, then they go home when summertime comes. So they don’t hesitate to go here and stay for a while because they know they’re in good hands,” explained Gen. Aglipay.

The President also added that it boils down to offering world-class medical services, facilities, and medical professionals that would definitely make the medical tourism in the Philippines a success in succeeding years.

“The growth of the economy, the opportunity for enterprise and the social payback of reforms are all combining to boost our competitiveness in the international arena. We are making our mark in reaching confidence in Filipino excellence and enterprise, operating in an environment of economic and political security,” concluded President Arroyo.