Medical tourism seen to help promote Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – Medical tourism in Cebu is seen as a big help in the promotion of the province as delegates during the recently concluded World Health Tourism Congress in Manila gave praises for Cebu's medical facilities and services.

Private hospitals in Cebu such as the Cebu Doctors Hospital, Chong Hua, and the Perpetual Succour shared that they are ready and equipped like other competent hospitals.

But the three said that one of their edge over other hospitals like those in Manila is that they don’t see each other as a competitor.

“What better way to seek health care than in a city whose culture goes beyond the essential,” this is one of the statements presented for the promotion of medical tourism here.  

All the three hospitals are members of the Cebu Health and Wellness Council which helps them to interact and know what each of them is doing.

During the 888 Forum, they presented a video which they showed during the 4th World Health Tourism Congress last month wherein the Philippines became the first Asia- Pacific country to hold the event after Germany, Cyprus and Spain.

The video presentation was reportedly well applauded by participants coming from Malaysia, Japan, United States, Lebanon, Russia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

After the presentation, a lot showed their eagerness in visiting Cebu which was later on made possible as the Department of Tourism and other supporters welcomed 58 of the participants here.

All the visitors were said to have high praises for the medical facilities of the visited hospitals and also the services rendered. This was according to Engr. Oscar Tuazon who added that some participants were “shocked” to have learned of the kind of facilities that the Cebu hospitals have.

“We are known to have third-world country prices but with first-class health care services,” he added.

The presentation also showed the three packages that could be availed by the tourists such as medical checkups that include seven-night stay in participating hotels, resorts and spas with cultural heritage tours in the province.

However, Tuazon denied speculations that by giving medical services to foreigners, this would deprive the locals of the same kind of services. He assured that clients from all walks of life would avail of the same quality services.

According to Jenny Franco of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, ongoing communication with interested tourists for the packages are being done. In fact, 30 visitors from South Korea are expected next month. – AJ dela Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)