Medical tourism destinations: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand 8 Feb 2016

Medical tourism has become a global phenomenon, that trains actors from different countries, winning new destinations every year. The most important centers that annually attract millions of tourists who travel for medical purposes are located in Asia. Countries in this region: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand are based on two fundamental principles of this type of tourism: the high quality of medical services offered at low prices, sometimes even much smaller than in the country of origin of the tourists.

What it is worth mentioning to these countries is the active role that government plays. It is directly involved in marketing policies, realizing the importance of this trend that only the in 2006 brought in these 3 countries 3 billion dollars. But this interest from the authorities do not rely only on the the cash flow but on the belief that long-term every country has everything to gain. Being demand for this segment,  the infrastructure investments in the medical sector will grow significantly and employees will have a higher standard of living, as well as those who indirectly support the industry. It should not be neglected the fact that improved medical experience is beneficial to the resident population.

When a country is placed on the map medical tourism destinations, the tourists meet current standards in terms of medical facilities, cost, accessibility, mode of communication and the quality of service. Or, Asian countries have a tradition in this area.

For example, Singapore is seen as a destination that has care facilities that meet the highest standards, highly trained medical staff, and a good reputation in terms of quality.

 

Author: Daniel Avram

Bibliography:

  1. Nicola S., Kai Hong, P., ”Medical tourism and policy implications for health systems: a conceptual framework from a comparative study of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia”, http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/content/7/1/12
  2.  Tak-Kee, H., David,W.,  ”Health-care tourism in Singapore”,  Advances in Hospitality and Leisure, Volume 5, 109–123
  3. www.dreamstime.com