RP aims to become Asia’s health-tourism capital

The Philippines is aiming to become a prime health-tourism destination for Europeans.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said that he has broached recently to European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy the possibility of accrediting Philippine hospitals under the European healthcare system. "EU member countries are experiencing a rise in the cost of healthcare with fewer young people contributing to the fund as against a rapidly aging population needing increased medical care," Purisima said.

To be able to deal with its problem, Purisima said, the solution is to lower the cost of healthcare.

The Philippines, Purisima pointed out, has plenty of doctors and nurses who, instead of leaving the country to find better-paying work abroad, can be harnessed by attracting and bringing to the country Europeans seeking medical care.

"The cost of a heart bypass in EU countries is about five times more than it would cost in the Philippines, Purisima said.

Even with the cost of the plane fare to the country included, the cost of medical care in the Philippines would still be lower than what it would cost in EU countries.

To encourage investments in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, Purisima said, the government could provide incentives in the form of duty-free importation of capital equipment.

Offering lower healthcare, Purisima said, would attract much needed foreign exchange for the country.

Aside from the medical expenses, Purisima pointed out, the country would also benefit from other incidental expenses.

Former Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II had earlier proposed a similar scheme to attract health-tourist similar to those going to Thailand, mostly for cosmetic surgery.

Roxas had noted that European health tourist go to Thailand to avail of cheaper cosmetic surgery and at the same time enjoy Thai resorts where they recuperate.

Purisima agrees with the concept, noting that some 800,000 tourist go to Thailand for such medical treatment.