RP eyes Korea as potential market for medical tourism

Aside from the Japanese market, the Philippines is now eyeing Korea as another potential market for medical tourism.

A study conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul showed the viability of promoting cosmetic surgery vacations in the country for Koreans.

The PTIC study showed that cosmetic surgery is in demand in Korea.

Among the procedures being sought by mostly Korean women are eyelid surgery, cheeks, nose and lip enhancement and breast enlargement.

The PTIC study showed that three out of five Korean women aged 24 to 35 have at least one cosmetic surgery done on them and that four out of five are thinking of at least two more cosmetic surgeries.

The cost of such procedures in Korea range from $1,500 to P2,500.

However, in the Philippines, the cost of such cosmetic procedures are more reasonable.

Thus, based on the PTIC study, Philippine Commercial Attache to Seoul Nic Bautista is pushing for the formulation of a business model that would link Filipino cosmetic surgeons with Korean travel agents who would package cosmetic vacation packages.

At least one tie-up has already been established between the Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. (also known as Eye Republic) and the Korean travel agency Bingo Tour.

Under their agreement, Bingo Tour would promote cosmetic and medical tourism to the Philippines, while Eye Republic would provide the necessary cosmetic procedure.

Earlier, the DTI had also convinced the Japanese hospital chain Tokushukai to establish a facility in the Philippines wherein they can tap the pool of skilled nurses and doctors to treat elderly Japanese and foreign clients/patients.

It was former Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima who proposed the creation of so-called "medical zones" where foreign medical practitioners can treat their patients.

The creation of so-called "medical zones", Purisima said, would help accommodate the proposed $100-million investment of Tokushukai Medical Corp.

Tokushukai is proposing the construction of a 1,000 bedroom hospital and retirement facility in the country that would cater specifically to Japanese retirees.

Japan, Purisima pointed out, is a rapidly aging country which has one-third of the world’s savings.