Medical Tourism Trends

Medical Tourism Trends

Table of Contents
1. 2. Analyst View Industry Developments 2.1 Eastern System of Medicine: Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga and Meditation 2.2 Cosmetic Surgery: A Growing Medical Tourism Business Country Developments 3.1 US 3.2 Brazil 3.3 Bahamas 3.4 UK 3.5 Germany 3.6 India 3.7 Malaysia 3.8 Thailand 3.9 Japan 3.10 Taiwan 3.11 China 3.12 Philippines 3.13 Korea 3.14 UAE 3.15 Turkey 3.16 Israel 3.17 Iran 3.18 Jordan 3.19 Mexico 3.20 Lebanon 3.21 Singapore 3.22 Iraq 3.23 Sri Lanka 3.24 Colombia

3.

Medical Tourism Trends

Analyst View
Health tourism is playing an important role in the tourism market since the 18th century. It is a basket of services to patient-tourists who want their medical treatments done in foreign countries. Medical tour offers them savings, quality, immediate services, convenience and travel opportunities. This sector has huge potential for future growth. Currently, the global medical tourism industry stands at an estimated value of over US$ 60 Billion and is expected to exceed over US$ 100 Billion over the next two years. This industry is experiencing an exciting phase where international and national activities are taking place to boost the health sector. In recent years, India, Thailand, Singapore and

Global medical tourism industry stands at an estimated value of over US$ 60 Billion and is expected to exceed over US$ 100 Billion over the next two years
Malaysia have become preferred destinations with medical expertise and travel destinations to enjoy medical vacation. The reason behind travelling for medical purposes is low cost services available in the Asian countries. Apart from this, hospitals are providing high quality and professional treatments. The hospitals are going for accreditation programmes to maintain their standards as provided in hospitals of the US and UK that has become

the main reason for people to look abroad for medical healthcare. A new trend has been seen with medical patients to visit abroad for alternate system of medicine. This led to the emergence of Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy as the most demanding choices for renewal of body, mind and spirit with medical treatment. Other segments, which are source of attraction in the medical tourism industry, are knee replacement surgery, cosmetic surgery, laser treatments and weight loss. One of the emerging segments is genetically engineered babies that gained the attention of parents to have babies according to their wish. Looking at the future growth of this sector, private companies, hospitals, travel agents and insurance agents are also putting in efforts to offer best packages at competitive low price with quality services to attract medical tourist.

Medical Tourism Trends

Industry Developments
Eastern System of Medicine: Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga and Meditation
The medical tourism industry has shifted its strength from surgical and non-surgical healthcare procedures towards eastern system of medicine like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga and Meditation. These alternative systems of medicine lead to perfect physical and mental health. Tourists are made to feel relax and refresh along with the cure of diseases that attract them most towards such systems. These alternative traditional treatments are expanding aggressively in Malaysia, Thailand and India. These methods are safe and nontoxic than conventional therapies and cost is relatively lesser than surgical treatments. Rejuvenation and relaxation therapies are offered by the Asian countries at their world class spas. India is providing cosmetic makeovers through Ayurveda. Kerala (an Indian state) is concentrating on Ayurvedic way of treatments for the visitors and tourists and has gained the title of 'City of Ayurvada'. Thailand has set up spas and massages centre in hotels and near airports.

The countries are putting up efforts to set up quality services near tourist destinations like coastal areas to offer tourist escape with healthcare pampering in one package.

Medical Tourism Trends

Cosmetic Surgery: A Growing Medical Tourism Business

Cosmetic surgery can remove deformities and enhance a person's appearance. An increasing number of people from both developed and developing countries prefer to go overseas for cosmetic surgery countries, which are equipped with state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery infrastructure and attractive tourist destinations. These countries provide a combination of surgical expertise along with cutting edge plastic surgery procedures, treatments and therapies. Analyzing the cosmetic industry at the country level, we have found that developing countries like India and Taiwan have performed well. Besides, the government support is essential for the development of cosmetic industry. They are combining the cosmetic treatments with medical tourism to attract patients with advanced infrastructure and low cost. Besides, other Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have become the favorite destinations for the Breast surgery, Buttock lift, Face lift, Hair replacement, Laser skin resurfacing and Reshaping of the nose. India is preferred for liposuction cosmetic surgery. because of cost benefits. This has given strong impetus to the medical tourism industries of those Argentina, Mexico and Costa Rica popularity as destination for cosmetic surgery is rising. They offer facilities with the world class hospitals and clinics.

Medical Tourism Trends

Country Developments
US
Rush hospital, group to study medical tourism
October 25, 2010, Rush University Medical Center working with a national group of academic medical centers received a $500,000 grant designed to boost medical travel to the US. The grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce will be used in part to better quantify the number of foreigners coming to the U.S. for medical care.
Source: Chicago Business

Bahamas
Medical firms targeting the Bahamas
October 26, 2010, The tourism minister has announced that many companies are interested in offering health-related services in the Bahamas for which, they are trying to get the approval from the National Economic Council. Increasing efforts of medical companies will help in stimulating medical tourism.
Source: The Tribune

Brazil
Porto Alegre Sponsors at Medical Tourism Conference
September 9, 2010, Porto Alegre Health Care Cluster is the first public-private organization focused on Medical Tourism in Brazil, uniting the city government, representative associations, hospitals and doctors on a great health, wellness and hospitality supply chain.
Source: Health Tourism Magazine

UK
UK: British government funds major academic study of medical tourism
October 15, 2010, The British government will be funding the 18-month study of medical tourism led by an academic from the University of York. The study will help in examining the motives of people for travelling across national boundaries to receive treatments such as, dental services, elective surgery for hip or joint replacement, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatment etc.
Source: IMTJ

Germany
Germany increases health insurance prices
November 25, 2010, The German government has decided to increase health insurance prices due to the rising cost of healthcare and hoping to increase income from inbound medical tourism.
Source: Treatment Abroad

Increase in GCC tourists visit to Germany

October 10, 2010, Germany is focusing on increasing health tourism in the country. Many German hospitals are having special offers for Arab guests, such as, Arabic language support for patients and accompanying relatives. GNTO had been promoting Germany intensively in the Gulf region to boost travel and tourism.
Source: Arabnews

Medical Tourism Trends

India
Financial support to medical tourism service providers
November 15, 2010, Medical tourism service providers will be given financial assistance as medical tourism is included under Marketing Development Assistance scheme. The tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs.12.47 lakh as MDA to 10 medical tourism service providers for the current year.
Source: Sify Finance

Gujarat announces several incentives for building up to 22-storey high hotels and hospital
September 10, 2010, The Gujarat Government announced a slew of incentives to encourage building up to 22-storey high hotels and hospitals to provide modern facilities to tourists from different parts of India and abroad. Urban Development Minister also announced the incentives for the hospitality industry and medical tourism.
Source: Orissa Diary

Medical Tourism Expo announced by IWHTA in Mumbai, India

August 9, 2010, IWHTA announced 'Medical Tourism Expo2010' - The largest and most comprehensive medical tourism expo in Asia to be organized in Mumbai on 2-4 December, 2010. International patient groups, India based employer groups (with units in the USA and Europe), Insurance executives, Hospitals, Facilitators, Doctors, investors and entrepreneurs will take part to enhance the medical tourism industry in India.
Source: PR Log

Medical Tourism drives Hip Resurfacing Surgery volumes in India

November 13, 2010, India has become a global destination for high quality Hip Resurfacing surgeries as large number of patients from all over the world are coming to India to undergo high quality Hip Joint Surgery at world-class internationally accredited Joint Replacement Centers due to low cost of surgery than other countries like the US, the UK, or Canada.
Source: Release-news

Tamil Nadu becoming hub of medical tourism

October 27, 2010, Tamil Nadu has been emerging as a medical tourism hub by attracting more and more tourists. The state has also refurnished its Malar Hospital and changed its name to Fortis Malar Hospital. The new revamped and upgraded hospital will help in providing quality healthcare to tourists visiting for cure.
Source: ExpressBuzz

Indian Hospitals, Wellness and Medical Tourism players join forces to make India the Global Healthcare Destination
August 3, 2010, Leading Indian Hospitals, Healthcare providers, Medical Tourism players have come together to form an organization - Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) that aims to work together to have India a heading tellurian healthcare destination.
Source: News Tube

Focus on niche tourism, Pillai tells industry

October 8, 2010, IANS Planning Commission Member Secretary, Sudha Pillai stressed the need to promote niche tourism with special focus on medical wellness. The tourism ministry is planning to encourage public-private partnerships for the development of tourism facilities such as, convention centres, health, and rejuvenation facilities.
Source: Sifyfinance

Medical Tourism Association Announces Strategic Initiatives for Much Awaiting Global Healthcare & Medical Tourism Congress 2010
July 20, 2010, The Medical Tourism Association, announces new strategic initiatives under the theme progress in motion for global healthcare stakeholders, allowing them to discover & learn about intense topics of medical tourism, extending networking opportunities and creating knowledge sharing possibilities between government, insurance, healthcare and tourism professionals.
Source: Market Wire

HP to organise Ayurveda Mela

September 22, 2010, The government launched a special programme to promote Ayurvedic health care system with the central government's assistance. Himachal Pradesh would be second state after Kerala to introduce this system to boost tourism.
Source: IBN Live

Team to market India as medical tourism destination in Britain

July 18, 2010, Representatives of Indian healthcare sector are visiting Britain to market India as an efficient and cost-effective medical tourism destination.
Source: Economic Times

Medical Tourism Trends

Malaysia
Malaysia to Seek Assistance from India to Help in Recruiting Doctors
November 15, 2010, The Malaysian Government has decided to approach its Indian counterpart for assistance to hire medical specialists to boost medical tourism in the country. The country is also seeking assistance from Pakistan and Egypt.
Source: Topnews

Thailand
TAT presents 12 finalists of Thailand Medical Tourism Blog Contest
November 30, 2010, The Tourism Authority of Thailand has organized the Thailand Medical Tourism Blog Contest to promote medical tourism in Thailand with prizes worth up to US$20,000. The TAT Selection Committee has selected the 12 finalists based on reputable profiles relevant to tourism and medical tourism to compete in the final round in Thailand.
Source: Eturbonews

Malaysia pushes health and wellness tourism

October 29, 2010, The Ministry of Health has selected 35 of Malaysia's best private hospitals for promotion of health and wellness tourism and will continue efforts to facilitate access to medical services. Tourism Malaysia is working with operators to augment the growth of the segment as medical tourism is a strong potential market.
Source: TravelBlackboard

Thailand pins hopes on medical tourism

October 25, 2010, The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new portal for visitors to find information on medical tourism in the country, to boost medical tourism. The country seeks to position itself as a global leader in the field. Traditional Thai medicine practitioners are also listed on the website along with their level of accreditation and standard.
Source: The Independent

Malaysia Govt relaxes ad rules for private clinics

September 23, 2010, In realization of the need to send out the right information to the public on the country's medical facilities and to promote medical health tourism, the government has decided to relax and liberalise its previously stringent advertising rules and allow some 7,000 private clinics and 200 over private hospitals nationwide to advertise their services.
Source: The Sunday Daily

Thailand Organizes Medical Road Show in Gulf Region

October 6, 2010, Thailand has planned to organize a medical road show in the gulf region to intensify awareness campaign in the region. The road show will also help to promote Thailand's expertise and specialization in providing cutting edge health and medical care to people.
Source: Qatar Tribune

M'sia earned RM10 bln in medical tourism last year

September 21, 2010, Medical tourism is well developed in Malaysia, and it took in patients from nearby countries that included Indonesia, Thailand and The Philippines for treatment under specialist.
Source: Tourism Ministry

Phuket eyes 'huge' medical tourism boom

July 31, 2010, The government is developing Pukhet city as a medical tourist destination under its five-year plan for 2010 to 2014 to boost medical tourism by spending 3.13 Million bhat.
Source: The Nation Thai Visa Forum

Medical Tourism Trends

Taiwan
Taiwan Set for Big Slice of Medical Travel Pie
November 29, 2010, Taiwan is going to develop its medical tourism sector from 2011 with plans to build five hubs around the island and an advertising blitz. The five hubs will be built on a 22-hectare site next to Taoyuan International Airport, with investment estimated at $330 Million.
Source: CRIEnglish

Joint force needed to develop medical tourism: organization

Japan
Medical Tourism Promoted by Japan
November 29, 2010, Japanese travel agencies are promoting medical tourism in a tie-up with the government. The travel agencies have started offering medical tours to Chinese people that enable them to receive medical checks at a topnotch hospital before enjoying shopping and visiting a spa resort in Japan.
Source: Jiji Press Ticker Service

November 22, 2010, The Taiwanese government has decided the collaboration between private and public hospitals to make Taiwan a popular medical tourism destination. The government is also assisting Taiwanese hospitals in meeting the demands of foreign patients.
Source: Focus Taiwan

Taiwan Land Development eyes medical tourism market

September 28, 2010, Taiwan Land Development Corp. announced its plan to build three healthcare villages in Hualien, Kiment and Hsinchu, capitalizing on the surging popularity of medical tourism.
Source: China Post

Japanese government looks online to attract medical tourists

October 21, 2010, The Japanese government is planning to expand medical tourism by providing information on websites of Japanese embassies and consulates. The plan is to make the country's advanced medical services accessible to wealthy Chinese and Asians as medical travel is now a part of the government's strategy to boost the economy.
Source: Treatment Abroad

TAITRA helps reel in NT$100 million for Taiwan's medical tourism

September 27, 2010, Under the promotional mission the TAITRA, from January to September this year, brought 19 groups from China, Southeast Asia and Australia to experience Taiwan's advanced medical services, realizing total profits of around NT$20 million (US$638,496).
Source: Focus Taiwan

New organization to promote medical tourism to Japan

July 15, 2010, The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry of Japan plans to launch a new organization in 2011 with the sole aim of increasing medical tourism to Japan. The government has identified the provision of advanced medical services to foreign visitors at domestic hospitals as a potential growth area for the nation's medical industry.
Source: International Medical Travel Journal

Jordan
Prime Minister forms medical tourism committee
October 25, 2010, The Prime Minister of Jordan has formed a committee for medical tourism. The committee has been tasked with drawing up plans to enhance the status of medical tourism in Jordan.
Source: Ammonnews

Medical Tourism Trends

China
China to attract medical tourists
November 22, 2010, China's Yanda Group and Chinese University have decided to cooperate in education, research, and diagnosis to attract medical tourist from other countries. China has also introduced a for-profit hospital system to allow private capital to invest in medical services, while allowing foreign capital to have hospital ownership.
Source: Donga news

Korea
Developments in Korean medical tourism
November 9, 2010, South Korea clinics and the government are trying hard to build up its medical tourism sector to attract foreign tourist. Korea currently attracts around 50,000 medical tourists annually. The government has revised immigration rules to allow foreign patients and their families to get long-term medical visas and has altered laws to permit local hospitals to form joint ventures with foreign hospitals.
Source: Biomedme

ZION in China to promote medical tourism

October 27, 2010, China has formed a Guangzhou-based Zion Health Control and Youth Rejuvenation Center (ZION) to promote medical tourism in the country. The visitors can join this center, which will offer them medical services at centers in China.
Source: TaipeiTimes

Korea Marks US$55 M of Tourism Surplus in 2009

September 21, 2010, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attributed the rise to the visa documentation process being simplified for Chinese visitors, as well as Korea's hosting of the 2011 general meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization and a legal framework encouraging medical tourism to the country.
Source: Arirang

Philippines
Philippines competes for medical tourists
November 08, 2010, The government and the private sector have partnered to form Health and Wellness Alliance in the Philippines. The alliance includes hospitals, clinics, spas, and other medical tourism providers to compete with other countries. 39 hospitals and clinics around the country are also accredited under the government's medical tourism programme.
Source: IMTL news

Tourism department plans to bring in 3.3 million foreign tourists this year
September 13, 2010, The Philippine Association of Health Organizations in Medical Tourism promoted Philippines as medical travel destination in the Employer Health Care Congress and World Medical Tourism Congress in Los Angeles this September.
Source: Tourism Congress

Philippines medical tourism launches international accreditation program

August 12, 2010, A globally-recognized accreditation programme has been launched in the Philippines to improve the quality of care among local healthcare providers and develop the country's medical tourism products and offerings.
Source: Travel Weekly

Medical Tourism Trends

Mexico
Hospitals' Certification Halts Medical Tourism Growth in Mexico
November 23, 2010, Hospital certification delay has affected the expansion of medical tourism in Mexico as only few hospitals have certification for privately insured patients. The delay is due to the lack of information on requirements and processes.
Source: Global Insight

MEXICO: Baja business groups launch medical tourism campaigns

Iraq
Iraq tourism: Slowly but surely
November 16, 2010, Iraq has added new hospitals to facilitate the country's medical tourism. In Basrah, a new specialist pediatric hospital accommodating 94 beds is completed and Turkey's Acarsan Group is going to build five new hospitals costing US$750 Million in Karbala, Basrah, Babil Hillah, Missanm, and Nasiriyah.
Source: Eturbonews

November 10, 2010, Hospitals and clinics in Tijuana have created business groups to target the potential U.S. medical tourists. The business group has launched medical tourism campaign to attract tourists.
Source: IMTJ News

Lebanon
Cosmetic surgery puts new face on Lebanon
November 11, 2010, Lebanon has become a favorite destination for cosmetic surgery and attracting tourists from Arab countries like, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan and are also getting more patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia owing to low cost factors.
Source: The Washington Times

Israel
Health Ministry to probe Israel medical tourism industry
November 18, 2010, The Health Ministry has appointed an investigation committee to probe the medical tourism industry in Israel. The committee will help in increasing resources for the development of medical tourism industry.
Source: Haaretz News

Singapore
Singapore medical tourism business grows despite competition
November 23, 2010, Singapore is attracting more tourists from Russia, Middle East, and Vietnam due to Singapore's advanced medical treatments, good service, reasonable prices, and clean & safe reputation. To cater to foreigners, some Singapore medical centers have launched foreign language options on their websites, including Russian and Arabic, and have also hired translators.
Source: The Straits Times

Israel ready to attract medical tourism with the government help

October 25, 2010, The Israel Minister of Health aims to upgrade its medical services with an ultimate goal to promote medical tourism. The government has communicated to all medical centers and universities to develop cooperation to gain knowledge and experience in the field of medicine.

Medical Tourism Trends

UAE
DHA strengthens medical tourism strategy
December 01, 2010, Dubai Health Authority has signed MoU with the MTA to strengthen the medical tourism sector in Dubai. The DHA is further building its healthcare capabilities, policies, and regulations to ensure that it enjoys the same position as a healthcare destination and Dubai will also host the regional Medical Tourism Congress in February 2011.
Source: TTNworldwide

Turkey
Turkish Airlines supports medical tourism
September 17, 2010, Turkish Airlines has prepared a support package for Health Care Establishments who invest in medical tourism. Protocols have already been signed with majority of health care establishments in Medical Tourism. The package offers special discounts and incentives for those who come to Turkey for medical treatment purposes.
Source: Turkish Airlines

The UAE Government to raise standards of health care and medical tourism
November 2, 2010, The govt. organized council meeting to discuss medical sector services strategy for 2011 to 2013 and to establish a comprehensive global medical system that will provide high quality medical care services and enhance Dubai's position as a destination for medical tourism. The emirate's strategy include better health, gaining the best medical services, ensuring quality, capability, and sustainability.
Source: Gulfnews

Korea promotes medical tourism to attract proton therapy patients

July 15, 2010, The Government of South Korea has invited DOTmed News and other media outlets and organizations to Seoul to get the word out about the proton therapy center within Korea's National Cancer Center in order to become a "radiation vacation" destination.
Source: Dot Med News

Sri Lanka
Ayurveda to play a dominant role in tourism
November 12, 2010, TheSri Lankan Government is moving ahead to make 2011 - the year of Visit for travel and tourism. The country's indigenous medical practice - Ayurveda too is going to play a dominant role in the country's drive towards medical tourism.
Source: Asian Tribune

UAE medical tourism on the rise - expected to bring in AED 6.1 billion by end of 2010
August 8, 2010, The value of medical tourism in the UAE is projected to jump to Dh6.1 Billion by the end of 2010, a seven percent increase compared to the figures of 2009, according to medical tourism experts.
Source: Albawaba

Iran
Iran Eying Stronger Medical Tourism
October 25, 2010, Iran has initiated proper measures to facilitate visit to Iran by foreign patients. The country will also host the first "Healthy travel" conference of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and around 80 representatives of the 57 OIC member-countries will attend the event, which will help in promoting the medical tourism in the country.
Source: FARS News Agency

Colombia
Colombia: New Emerging Medical Travel Destination
November 10, 2010, The Colombian government has launched a new strategy to promote the country's already high quality and low-cost health services and make them compatible with international patients' expectations. The government has planned "Fam-trips" and international trade fairs as main tools to promote Colombia as a top medical travel destination.
Source: Pr- Canada

Medical Tourism Trends

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Medical Tourism Trends

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