More and more Pinoy doctors abroad opting to practice in RP

While many young Filipino doctors leave the country to work abroad, an increasing number of veteran Filipino doctors overseas are now opting to return to the Philippines and render services here.

“After gaining experience abroad, many Filipino medical professionals are going back home so they could do something for their country by sharing what they’ve learned,” said former health secretary Alfredo Bengzon.

Bengzon said he has no available data on the number of returning veteran Filipino doctors but based on the information he got, the figure is growing.

With this development, Bengzon, who also serves as president of The Medical City hospital in Pasig City, stressed the need for the government and the private sector to promote the country’s medical tourism.

“Medical tourism would not only allow the country to reclaim the Filipino doctors who left to work abroad but also encourage those who are still here to stay,” Bengzon said, adding that the returning veteran doctors intend to live in the country for good.

Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab agreed that a booming medical tourism would provide opportunity for Filipino doctors seeking high- paying jobs.

Bengzon added that at this point, the Philippines is experiencing a “new wave” of foreign travelers.

“In Medical City alone, five percent of our admissions were residents from other countries,” Bengzon revealed.

Bengzon pointed out that in the past years, many foreign travelers spending holidays in the country would visit medical facilities to seek dental and other aesthetic medical services.

An average of 100,000 foreign travelers are reportedly coming to the country annually to seek medical treatment.

Bengzon said the Philippines still needs to prepare for this growing market because it is relatively a new industry here, but added that it is very much possible with the help of world-class Filipino doctors.