Medical tourism: A growing industry in the Philippines

One of the fast growing industries in the Philippines involves Medical Tourism. Medical tourism is defined as the act of travelling to other countries for medical, surgical care and other health treatment. It has become so popular in developing countries like the Philippines. The reason why people travel to other countries to get medical care is simple, the cost of medical care in this countries are less expensive. Medical procedures in western countries are usually ten times more expensive than in developing countries without sacrificing the quality of medical care. The Philippines, for example, have hospitals which have new and sometimes better technology and equipment than some of its counterparts in the region. As such, surgical procedures are done with the same technology and expertise at a fraction of the price.

To illustrate, a knee surgery in an advance hospital in the Philippines performed by western-trained surgeons might only cost $6,000.The same procedure if performed in Western countries like the United States will cost $50,000. Heart by-pass across Asia cost $10,000 while it cost $60,000 to $80,000 in the US. Even dental procedures are much cheap in Asian countries. A metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the US cost to only about $500 in the Philippines. Similarly, a Lasik eye surgery worth $4,000 in the US and is available in many Asian countries for only $700. Cosmetic procedures which are also popular are cheaper in these countries. A full facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US cost about $1,500 in the Philippines.

Convenience and speed are among the other reasons for the growing number of medical tourist coming to the Philippines. This is because it takes time to get non-urgent medical care in developed countries that operate public health-care systems. For example, the time spent waiting for a procedure such as a hip replacement can be a year or more in Britain and Canada. But in the Philippines, a patient could possibly have an operation on the day of the arrival.

The Philippines has been growing as a destination for medical tourism. This industry grew by 8 percent in 2007. The Philippines is one of the few countries that sends qualified physicians and dentist to the US, proof of its high quality of medical education. The Philippine government is working is working double time to strengthen its regulation of medical tourism as well. It has a process of accrediting medical facilities. A law against illegal practice of medicine is in effect. The growing industry of medical tourism in the Philippines is a source of pride for all Filipinos. This is a testament that the country has the best doctors, technology and equipment at par with the richest nations of the world.