MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging tour operators to develop medical and wellness packages to cater to the growing number of foreign patients visiting the country.
“We are asking the tour operators to create packages that integrate a complete line of medical and wellness services for foreign patients. There is a demand and we have to be ready and make available these medical tourism packages,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
“Our country is well on its way into becoming a leading international healthcare destination. We have distinct advantages over the others — a large pool of highly competent health care professionals with excellent English communication skills; world-class medical facilities and services; our innate hospitality and compassion; our pleasant, tropical weather; and reasonably priced health care services and a favorable business environment,” Durano said.
According to the DOT, the number of overseas patients and clients visiting the Philippines has increased from 60,000 in 2007 to about 100,000 in 2008.
Gross revenues are estimated at $350 million since the program was launched in 2006.
Amid this flourishing trend, the DOT expects to register $3 billion of the global medical tourism industry by 2012, with 200,000 foreign patients arriving annually.
“After their treatment, foreign patients can complete the healing and wellness process by enjoying the different sights and attractions in the Philippines,” said Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion, who heads the DOT’s Office for Sports and Wellness.
Durano announced that the Philippines will host the International Summit on Medical Travel, Wellness and Retirement (IMWell Summit) on Oct. 12-15 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
The Philippines is spearheading the initiative to establish Asia as a regional hub for health, wellness and retirement. Representatives from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, among others, will discuss the most important issues in global health care.
Carrion, who serves as the conference chairperson, said, “The IMWell Summit demonstrates that the Philippines is at the forefront of this ‘sunrise’ industry, which has been a key driver in our economic growth. As a pioneering initiative, it also establishes our pro-active stance in cooperating with our neighboring countries and making them partners in medical tourism.”
The four-day event features a full agenda that includes plenary sessions on Industry Perspectives, Opportunities and Risks; Regional Presentation of Best Practices; Global Opportunities in the Retirement Industry; Marketing and Branding for Global Markets; Quality Management and the Continuity of Care; and the Future of Medical Tourism and Healthcare Travel Industry.
The IMWell Summit also includes executive workshops on Balanced Score Card in Healthcare Organization and Effective Leadership Styles in Healthcare Organization.
Four break-out conference tracks will be presented: Quality in Healthcare, Marketing, Investment and Capacity Building, and Retirement, giving an in-depth look at each specific aspect of medical and wellness tourism.
The IMWell Summit is produced and organized by HIM Communications, in collaboration with the DOT as host, and supported by the Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Retirement and Healthcare Coalition, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Spa Association of the Philippines, with HealthCORE and Asian Academy for Healthcare Executives as knowledge partners.
For more information on the event, visit www.IMWellSummit.com, call (63 2) 910-8030 or 468-9999 or e-mail at info@himcommunications.com.