{"id":29937,"date":"2021-07-24T04:45:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-23T23:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/drprem.com\/medical-tourism\/?p=29937"},"modified":"2021-10-11T09:23:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T03:53:18","slug":"medical-tourism-updates-in-covid-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/medical-tourism\/medical-tourism-updates-in-covid-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Tourism During Covid Crises – News, Trends and Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\"\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Global medical tourism seems to be on the recovery path after dealing with severe blows of Covid-19<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a>. \u00a0Mass cancellations hit hospitals and the hospitality industry catering to foreign patients. The recovery though slow is promising.\u00a0 Some light is visible at the end of the tunnel. Countries that managed to flatten the Covid<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a> curve are slowly opening borders for foreign medical travelers.<\/p>\n

Post global economic crisis, employment in tourism and hospitality was the highest about 35% while other sectors grew by 11%. Tourism has been the major employment provider for the vulnerable sections namely the youth and women. Despite the scary number of millions of job losses in this sector, it has the ability to bounce back faster than others. Amid this situation, it is more important for stakeholders to follow the principles of UNTWO Global Code of ethics for tourism.<\/p>\n

The UNTWO has released a call for action to mitigate this devastating impact on socio-economic sector and accelerate the growth by taking effective steps in crisis management and mitigating the impact, providing stimulus to speed up the recovery and proactive planning for the future.<\/p>\n

Here we bring you some significant industry updates highlighting the possible future medical tourism trends and hidden opportunities.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

22\/07\/21<\/h2>\n

International medical travel shows good signs of rebound almost to that of pre-pandemic levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"middle<\/p>\n

Massive cancellation of elective and non-elective procedures due to restricted travel in pandemic has created a huge pent-up demand. As borders loosen their restrictions, medical travel is quick to rebound. As put by the Chief Operating Officer of Medical Departures, the US traffic of international medical travel has picked up almost the same as of pre-pandemic levels shooting up the dollar earnings by 20-50%. And this is mostly by those who have deferred treatments.<\/p>\n

Driving past the borders by car is the most opted route for medical travel considering this mode of travel as one of the safest one. Major medical procedures mostly are pricey in the US where healthcare coverage is not enough to cover the expenses. With vaccinations giving hopes for reduced infection rates, we are likely to see a faster growth in medical tourism.<\/p>\n

28\/10\/20<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Penang eyes tech solutions to boost medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Therapedic<\/p>\n

Image Source : buletinmutiara.com<\/p>\n

Penang<\/a>, one of the affordable and pleasurable medical tourism destinations is considering technology solutions like robotics, IOT, and improved data system to increase destination attractiveness in medical tourism. Launching the Therapedic Brain and Spine Robotic Center in Sunrise Tower, Penang, the Chief Minister of Penang presented his optimistic views of digital tech in accelerating patient recovery and increasing life expectancy. This state-of-the-art robotic center, one of its kind located in the northern region would be one of the most affordable rehabilitation centers<\/a> in the South-east Asia.<\/p>\n

22\/10\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Iran coming up as another potential fertility tourism destination<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"fertility<\/p>\n

Couples from neighborhood countries highly favor infertility treatments<\/a> in Iran owing to its high success rates and affordable price compared to other countries. Fertility tourism is a great contributor to medical tourism as couples with fertility issues do not hesitate to seek affordable treatments beyond the border and club it with a great vacation. In Iran, 10-15% of couples in Iran face fertility issues. Rapid advancements in fertility treatments since the last few decades and establishment of more than 70 infertility centers are not only serving domestic clients but also from other countries. Iran attracts Muslims from its neighboring and European countries and Iranians with foreign spouses. Infertility treatment cost in Iran is 50% less than that of the US and European countries with 30-40% success rate. Royan Institute, a leader in stem cell research also is a pioneer in reproductive medicine<\/a> offering solutions to the most complicated fertility issues.<\/p>\n

15\/10\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Malaysian medical tourism sees encouraging signs of growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Malaysia<\/p>\n

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) finally has something to cheer about. After dealing with severe Covid-19 blows, it has resumed its medical tourism services to international patients especially the cancer patients from Indonesia. The International Patients Center (IPC) of PHKL was flooded with calls from international patients after Malaysia opened its borders from July 1. Most of the enquiries were from new patients looking for various treatments in oncology, pediatric, neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedic and gastroenterology treatments. However, Malaysia allowed only critical patients of cancer and neurosurgery and pediatric giving top priority to the safety of patients and healthcare providers amid the Covid spike. Shifting to digital approach by providing teleconsultation<\/a> healthcare support beyond the borders to existing patients who have availed medical treatments in Malaysia is also enhancing the country\u2019s image as a popular medical tourism destination<\/a>.<\/p>\n

10\/10\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sluggish recovery for medical tourism in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Medical<\/p>\n

Medical tourism in India<\/a> resumes on a slow note as it opened its skylinks through travel bubbles with specific countries. Private hospitals in medical tourism hotspots are seeing emergency cases from abroad in very restricted numbers. India received 6, 97,000 foreign patients on medical visa in 2019. In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, the country is very cautious in issuing medical visas considering only the most critical cases in spine surgery, kidney diseases or stroke rehab. Patients needing emergency care are flown in India either through special air ambulance or chartered flights. In some cases, the quarantine period has to be cut down to hurried surgeries as delaying could risk the patient\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

08\/10\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thailand to allow more medical tourists by allowing direct flights to Chiang Mai, Samui, Phuket, and U-Tapao airports<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"special<\/p>\n

To push the medical tourism recovery, Thailand\u2019s Medical Hub Board will table the proposal to allow direct international flights to chief spa resort<\/a> districts and quarantine locations to facilitate further inflow of medical tourists through Special Tourist Visa (STV).<\/p>\n

The proposal has included Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao airports along with Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok airports. About 1123 foreigners including their companions have been accommodated in alternative state quarantine generating 114 million Baht revenue. Approvals for the next 2220 medical tourists are pending with more than 3000 estimated to visit Thailand in the near future.<\/p>\n

A special online shopping program will be created for the visitors and after 14 day quarantine they will be recommended specific destinations for visit. The authorities are eyeing 300 billion Baht revenue from the long stay visitors to pull up the economy from the doldrums.<\/p>\n

01\/10\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yeongdeungpo Smart Medical Zone (YSMZ) contributes to medical tourism in South Korea<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Yeongdeungpo<\/p>\n

YSMZ is designated to provide specialized medical services using cutting-edge technology and healthcare expertise of hospitals in Yeongdeungpo and cover Yeongdeungpo-dong, Yeouido-dong and Daerim-dong. This medical zone aims to boost the local economy by promoting medical tourism.<\/p>\n

Just beside the Gimpo International Airport and within nearly one-drive from Incheon International Airport, Yeongdeungpo-gu, a central station of Seoul is well-connected with public transport system. The YSMZ has tied up with 5 specialty hospitals and 20 medical institutions recognized by the ministry of health and welfare. Foreign patients can avail various types of surgeries in these hospitals and medical institutions and enjoy a great tour as well.<\/p>\n

Medical tourism meet goes virtual with Health & Aesthetic Fair on October 23rd<\/sup>-24th<\/sup> 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Health<\/p>\n

Dubai based Efeexim FZE with 15 years of experience in organizing significant business meets, fairs and events plans for a \u2018Virtual Meet\u2019 with leading medical brands, institutions and agencies of the world. This virtual meet offers an interactive platform for medical tourism stakeholders to identify and discuss post-Covid medical tourism trends and opportunities. Supported by Alanya Health Tourism Association, the participating organizations can meet prospective buyers in a gala function that will be held in Istanbul with all Covid-19 related health and safety protocols in place.<\/p>\n

30\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thailand launches \u201cExpat Travel Bonus, the Healthy Journey from 10-11 October 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Expat-Travel-Bonus-the-Healthy-Journey\"<\/p>\n

Image Source : static.bangkokpost.com<\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s latest medical and wellness tourism<\/a> promotion initiative \u2018Expat Travel Bonus, the Healthy Journey from 10-11 October 2020 in partnership between TAT ( Tourism Authority of Thailand) and\u00a0 other hospitality partners bring special offers and deals for expats staying in Thailand during the travel ban. Expats are lured with a plethora offers include discounted spa and massages in Bangkok, reduced domestic air fares, additional baggage allowance, discounted health checkup packages in selected hospitals and special 5-star hotel packages plus other wellness therapies and wellness program vouchers.<\/p>\n

Martkist brings cryptocurrency in Colombian medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Martkist<\/p>\n

How a small change could lead to a bigger impact is shown by Martkist as it works on making cryptocurrency more accessible and usable in Colombian medical tourism<\/a>. The project includes the list of doctors and providers of Colombia that can be accessed by locals and medical tourists. Both the patients and physicians will have a better understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain<\/a> procedures using MARTK as a regular cryptocoin for daily transactions. This step would further boost the booming Colombian medical tourism facilitating secured and hassle-free payment for patients preventing unnecessary delay in treatments. Payments through MARTK do not require any additional charge like those made through banks or wire transfer.<\/p>\n

28\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan strengthen ties in medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"information<\/p>\n

According to Kazinform International News Agency reports in its trend reports on September 25, the Kazakh National Resort Association in assistance with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan inked memorandums of cooperation with the A.I. Karaev Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Duzdag Physiological Center in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It aims to strengthening of bilateral ties in healthcare, medical tourism, spa treatment through knowledge and information exchange in biomedical research and advancements, implementation of joint ventures and conducting training programs for healthcare improvement. Medical tourism in Azerbaijan<\/a> has been witnessing rapid developments for quite some time and the signed memorandums will be a big boost amid the prevailing lean situation. Both the countries look forward to increased mutual tourist inflow seeking various health recovery programs.<\/p>\n

Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach is well prepared for medical tourists visiting Bali<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Hotel<\/p>\n

Image Source : hotelnikkobali-benoabeach.com<\/p>\n

In a recent tie-up with the Indonesia Medical Tourism Board (IMTB) and BIMC Siloam Hospital, the Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach gets ready for medical tourists with its gratifying services supporting healing. Bali has all the essential ingredients of medical tourism comprising of sophisticated medical care and wellness programs that visitors could avail for their physical fitness and wellbeing while enjoying the island\u2019s splendid beauty.<\/p>\n

The tie-up is of immense significance as each group is known for its exceptional quality in service delivery. IMTB, a known medical tourism facilitator<\/a> in Indonesia will guide tourists to avail various treatments in Indonesian cities and help in booking suitable accommodations from the IMTB website. BIMC Siloam Hospital is one of the top class facilities offering highly-demanded skin treatments with highest standards of care and technology. Outpatients of this hospital can avail a 10-night stay package in a deluxe room for two with daily breakfast and one time drop off to the hospital. Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach offers a relaxing experience to guests with beachfront rooms, attentive pampering care and healthy menus (gluten-free and special Japanese dishes) to facilitate faster healing.<\/p>\n

23\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Healthcare merging with hospitality (H2H) could boost medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Healthcare<\/p>\n

Healthcare facilities welcoming foreign patients have transformed into medical campuses emulating the hospitality industry in many aspects to provide exceptional patient experience<\/a>. Tie-ups between healthcare facilities and hotels to shelter medical tourists are on the rise. With an innovative blend of health care and hospitality, RosenCare model has boosted its earnings through medical tourism in the US, an example to follow.\u00a0 In most of the cases of medical tourism, apart from surgery and treatment procedures, 75% of the services provided to medical travelers are hospitality\/hotel related that include classy accommodation, dining, transportation, travel, environmental and recreational. Including wellness centers<\/a>, culinary classes, spas and other relaxing and healing activities in the healthcare facilities or campuses open up great business opportunities by bridging healthcare with hospitality (H2H). According to experts, quality H2H services could create a holistic and more satisfying experience to the patients\/guests.<\/p>\n

21\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Turkey health and medical tourism fetches over $1bn in 2019, aims 10bn earnings by 2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Turkey\u2019s<\/p>\n

Health tourism adds nearly $1bn revenue annually to Turkey\u2019s economy with 60% coming from plastic surgery as declared by Yusuf Temrel, the CEO of Doc\u2019s Health Tourism Agency. Turkey received total 662,087 patients last year for health and medical tourism services and tourism revenue earned from them last year was $1.6 billion. He further added, the first quarter of 2020 fetched $187.9 million revenue and the number of foreign patients was 143,266 mainly from Iraq, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The healthy ministry targets increasing medical tourists in Turkey to 1.5 million by 2023 expecting $10bn earnings. He emphasized, \u00a0health tourism in Turkey<\/a> shined during the testing times of the pandemic that spoke largely about the country\u2019s robust healthcare infrastructure and experienced medical professionals. Turkey will continue to be one of the most sought after destinations among health travelers.<\/p>\n

Tightened border control forces Malayasia cut medical tourism targets<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"ringgit<\/p>\n

Increasing local Covid-19 outbreaks and tracing overseas visitors have forced Malaysia to revisit medical tourism targets<\/a>. Recent Covid-19 resurgences around the world have forced Malaysia to tighten its borders with medical tourism hitting another roadblock. The country expects 800 million ringgit earning ($194 million) from medical tourism next year against 500 million ringgit this year, which is far from 1.7 billion ringgit earned in 2019 and the set target of 2 billion ringgit in 2020. According to Sherene Azli, the CEO of MHTC, the borders were expected to be opened sooner on the presumption of reduced Covid-19 infections around the world. She apprehends that this restriction may persist till mid-2021 or may even extend to 2021 end.<\/p>\n

Dubai posts 4% growth in medical tourists last year<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Dubai<\/p>\n

According to the numbers released by the Health Tourism arm of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Emirate city scaled a 4% growth in medical tourism numbers touching 350,118.\u00a0 The numbers include all overseas patients like those from other parts of the UAE, Gulf citizens, expatriates from the gulf and other countries. The exact numbers implying the number of tourists flying to Dubai for treatments is unknown. Comparing figures of Dubai with that of other countries would not be fair enough as people coming from different states of the UAE and expatriates working are also counted which is not done in other medical tourism destinations. However, Dubai aims 500,000 medical tourists<\/a> by 2021, 50% from the UAE itself and the rest from other countries.<\/p>\n

19\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Scientists evaluate medical tourism prospects in Russia<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Russian<\/p>\n

Scientists from the Sechenov University in an interview with the Russian healthcare experts assessed medical tourism prospects in the country. Russian medical tourism<\/a> is in the preliminary stages. It was just in 2018 that the state head Vladimir Putin took interest in this matter. The interview was focused on market growth impediments and essential measures to attract foreign patients. Heads of 36 medical organizations taking part in the survey dug out three important problems. One, low awareness of foreigners about medical services in Russia, two, lack of competent doctors and specialists conversant in foreign languages and three, resource crunch. Problems in accommodation and documentation for visa processing add to the impediments. However, a majority of the experts agreed problems in personnel and equipment need to be addressed first. Geographical proximity<\/a> to the CIS countries, low cost of healthcare services, well-equipped clinics and qualified specialists pose competitive advantages for Russian healthcare. The prime objective as of now to go for organized development of medical tourism according to experts.<\/p>\n

16\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Trickled flow of foreign patients in Ahmedabad hospital shows signs of medical tourism revival in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"knee<\/p>\n

After 6 months of lull finally, Ahmedabad is welcoming foreign medical patients in very low numbers. The HCG hospital treated its first international patient in the last six months, a 57-year old Tanzanian female who underwent a knee replacement surgery. Ahmedabad is a popular medical tourism hub in India with large corporate hospitals attending foreign patients in bulk. But owing to the Covid-19, all the hospitals are passing through a lull phase one of the longest in recent times. The HCG Hospital alone handles about 500 overseas patients annually but the number has been below double digits this year. Medical tourism in India<\/a> has resumed at a very slow pace as very few international flights are in operation. Procuring a medical visa these days has been an uphill task unless the patient\u2019s case is duly supported by official letters.<\/p>\n

15\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

GCC hailed as the \u2018medical tourism capital\u2019 of the world<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"GCC<\/p>\n

Medical tourism in the GCC region has been through an interesting developmental phase finally emerging as the \u2018medical tourism capital\u2019 of the world. In the latest medical tourism index rankings, all the member countries have received higher rankings making GCC region the global medical tourism hub.<\/p>\n

According to the Medical Tourism Association, the UAE stands first<\/a> in the GCC region medical tourism rankings followed by Oman in the 2nd<\/sup> and Bahrain in the 3rd<\/sup> position. Both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait received 4th<\/sup> and 6th<\/sup> rank respectively.<\/p>\n

According to the judges, Dubai received accolades for its comprehensive system and Oman for its \u201chigh quality healthcare destination\u201d.\u00a0 Bahrain<\/a> was appreciated for several reasons – higher number of annual visits and the 2.5 km long King Fahd Causeway connection to Saudi Arabia.\u00a0 Bahrain\u2019s development in specialized healthcare especially in cardiology and oncology has tremendous growth opportunities supported by prominent healthcare institutions namely the Royal College of Surgeons and the upcoming US$270 million King Abdulla Medical City. Global medical tourism expenditure for GCC countries on foreign treatments for its citizens is over $2bn annually which has created a high demand for top class local medical facilities to support its own citizens and medical tourists alike.<\/p>\n

Penang medical tourism rethinks of entry ban<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Malaysian<\/p>\n

Medical service providers of Penang are requesting the Malaysian government to rethink of the blanket ban on medical tourists from high-risk countries. This move has been a big blow to the country\u2019s fast-growing medical tourism industry. Initially, the country announced the entry ban for long term visitors from Indonesia, India and Philippines which got extended to other countries having more than 150,000 Covid-19 infections. All these countries falling under the travel ban contribute to 60% of annual medical tourism sales. The government\u2019s hopes to attract 2 million medical tourists through the campaign Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel nosedived by the Covid-induced travel restrictions.<\/p>\n

Penang medical tourism<\/a> providers feel a reconsideration of travel bans and come up with a sustainable solution to handle the crisis. It has been an accepted fact that the world will have to live with the virus and there is a need for smart strategies to allow medical tourists without risking anybody\u2019s health. Enforcing strict quarantine and Covid-19 testing could be a better alternative to blanket ban. There is also a need to look for other low-risk source markets instead of relying on existing ones.<\/p>\n

14\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thailand\u2019s tourism revenue to see a massive dip, \u2018travel bubbles\u2019 could be decisive<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"thailand\u2019s-tourism-revenue-to-see-a-massive-dip\"<\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s tourism revenue this year will decrease by 70% as estimated by Krungthai COMPASS with expected earnings to touch only 900 billion Baht compared to 3 trillion baht in the pre-pandemic era. The year 2021 will perform little better with estimated revenue of 1.2 trillion baht which is still 59% below the usual earning before the pandemic. \u00a0It also predicts a major drop in international tourist visits from 900,000 to as many as 14 million. Creating travel bubbles with low-risk countries or reopening of tourist islands like Phuket<\/a> or Samui with separate airports allowing selected long-term could create green shoots of revival in medical and other niche tourisms.<\/p>\n

Kuwait\u2019s Covid-19 move to ban 32 countries leads to opportunity loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"countries-banned-from-traveling-to-Kuwait-in-Covid-19-pandemic\"<\/p>\n

Nationals of thirty two countries banned from traveling to Kuwait<\/a> in Covid-19 pandemic might prove to be costly for the country that is trying to turn the economic wheel faster in various sectors especially in tourism. Neighboring countries did not waste any time to attract travelers from these countries through various tourism promotional offers even providing them the required medical examination. Although Kuwait authorities had earlier gone for a special study to revive certain activities factoring in all health requirements but it was not adopted. On the other hand, various health sources report, ICU covid-19 cases have decreased along with a drop in the occupancy rates in the private hospitals.<\/p>\n

12\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRH) specified to be the region\u2019s medical tourism hub<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Kenyatta<\/p>\n

Image Source : africaincmag.com<\/p>\n

The newly launched hospital by President Kenyatta on September 10 is proposed to be the medical tourism hub<\/a> of the region by providing quality healthcare. This hospital is the country\u2019s fifth public Level Six referral hospital. This state-of-the-art hospital equipped with modern technology has 650 beds and can beat any high-end rivals. The President hopes, as travel restrictions get lifted this hospital would serve both local patients and those from other countries who would like to avail quality healthcare and at the same time enjoy Kenya\u2019s tourism attractions.<\/p>\n

Malaysia resumes medical travel, aims a travel bubble<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Malaysian<\/p>\n

Image Source : mhtc.org<\/p>\n

Medical tourism in Malaysia is set to resume after managing Covid-19 relatively better than its peers. The Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), the country\u2019s leading authority in medical tourism is considering proposals to allow patients from selected countries to arrive by commercial flights via green zones after receiving the clearance and nod to travel from their respective governments. Six countries namely Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have been identified as the \u201cgreen zone\u201d according to Ms Sherene Azli, the CEO of MHTC. Although medical tourism activities have started in Malaysia but in very small numbers far from the pre-Covid days according to the senior resident medical officer of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur\u2019s (PHKL) Emergency department.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s medical tourism gets a boost with the UAE deal<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"promotion<\/p>\n

Israel is set to receive an influx of medical tourists from the UAE after a deal with a huge Emirati investment fund APEX National Investment where both sides agreed in joint promotion of healthcare technologies in the UAE and Gulf region. The Sheba Medical Center could be a prominent medical tourism destination<\/a> for patients from the UAE and the gulf region owing to its geographical proximity and predominance of Arab speaking staff.<\/p>\n

The signing of the MoU is significant as it reflects the first cooperative step from both sides as they agreed to look forward to better relations last month. The final signing of the agreement will be around September 21 in the UAE in a special ceremony attended by the UAE\u2019s health minister and members of the royal family. The director of Sheba\u2019s international division sounded optimistic of significant inflow of UAE medical tourists with further travel relaxations as patients would prefer Israel to the US or UK for complicated treatments.<\/p>\n

11\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mexico seeing medical tourists from Texas border amid Coronavirus<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"female-doctor-examining-a-small-girl\"<\/p>\n

Despite the pandemic, it is again the affordability factor playing in favor of medical tourism in Mexico.<\/a> Latino families from the Rio Grande Valley lacking heath insurance and resources are unhesitatingly crossing the border for affordable clinic visits, medicine and even for some life-saving treatments. In the process, people are contacting Covid-19 infections but that seems lesser serious to them compared to other non-Covid conditions calling for immediate medical attention. In Texas, if a doctor consultation without healthcare insurance cost up to $100, the same in Mexico would cost $25 plus the medicines are also cheaper.<\/p>\n

More than one-third of the population in Rio Grande valley and other places are without health insurance. With few hospitals to care for the chronic diabetes and hypertension patients coupled with fast depleting financial resources owing to the pandemic, the residents are left with no option but to take the route of medical tourism amid border restrictions.<\/p>\n

Hong Kong mulls forming travel bubble with 11 countries<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Covid-19<\/p>\n

High level talks are on in the Hong Kong government as the country plans to reopen borders with 11 countries through a travel bubble. Any national entering the country with the travel bubble would have to take Covid-19 test from both ends of the trip.\u00a0 The country has contacted 11 countries regarding border reopening that include Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Singapore. No timeline has been announced on when the borders will reopen.<\/p>\n

09\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

EPIC Congress 2020 to host webinar on September 10, discuss about \u2018Innovations in Patient Experience\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"EPIC<\/p>\n

Image Source : total-croatia-news.com<\/p>\n

Innovations matter more in times of crisis. IT innovations are set to change the healthcare operation and delivery radically that would impact patient experience in the near future. On September 10, Ivan Duggan from Cisco will join the webinar hosted by European Patient experience & Innovation Congress to share his insight about innovations in patient experience<\/a> from the IT industry perspective emphasizing networking and Cybersecurity. Ognjen Bagatin, the CEO of Bagatin Clinic<\/a>, Zagreb Croatia will present the webinar.<\/p>\n

07\/09\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dubai records 4% rise in health tourist arrivals in 2019, plans to continue webinar series for further boost<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"wellness<\/p>\n

Dubai medical tourism<\/a> posts 4% growth with 350,118 health traveler visit in 2019. This was announced by DHA (Dubai Health Authority) officials on September 5 while talking of the upcoming webinar series. 34% of travelers are Asians followed by 28% from the GCC region and Arab region and 17% from the European countries. There is a marked increase in health travelers taking interest in various wellness therapies and programs.<\/p>\n

Apart from discussing about latest health tourism trends<\/a>, the webinars will focus on enhanced health and safety protocols, treatment quality and patient comfort. Discussions on the emerging post pandemic wellness tourism trends<\/a> are likely to get importance in the webinars. DHA plans to reach out to medical tourism facilitators<\/a>, top healthcare facilities and insurance companies to tap their potential for attracting medical tourists with due assessment of challenges and opportunities in the market.<\/p>\n

India-Maldives to run three flights per week<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"<\/p>\n

The air travel bubble between India and Maldives<\/a> formed last month allowing only one flight has now increased to 3 flights per week. Now there will be 3 flights are operational between Kochi and Male flying on Thursdays and Sundays. In the initial air travel bubble, only one Air India flight has been operational. This latest travel bubble is introduced by IndiGo which is expected to be hassle-free for fliers. India is a prime tourism market for Maldives while the former gets a considerable number of medical travelers from the latter. This latest move will further strengthen the relationship between two countries.<\/p>\n

Till September 9, tourists to Maldives need not have to take any test or stay quarantined if they are asymptomatic, but from September 10 tourists and short-time visitors have to produce negative RT-PCR test result done 72 hours prior to travel.<\/p>\n

28\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Long waiting times drive Canadians towards south for surgery<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"life-saving<\/p>\n

Florida,<\/a> renowned for palm beaches and Disney parks is growing in medical tourism. Many Canadians weary of long waiting times are visiting this southern state for essential life-saving surgeries. Such is the demand that the number of Canadian medical travelers in Florida grew astoundingly by 800% in the last decade. The sunny state is set to spend $5 million in the coming year to make the best of this opportunity by offering more specialized procedures.<\/p>\n

The wait list for Canadian patients<\/a> back home is worsening according to a recent data released in Alberta this week. Lung cancer patients are in the queue twice as long as other patients for surgery. 90% of these lung cancer patients could get their surgery done within 85 days. The Alberta health Services website shows the wait time line which is 46 week for neck surgeries which has increased more than 6 weeks as in the last year.<\/p>\n

A report from the Fraser Institute shows the waiting times for surgery and other treatments in Canada rose by an average of 18.2 weeks last year from 17.7 weeks in the previous year. Comparing the waiting times between 1993 and 2013, it has become 95% longer in 2013.<\/p>\n

Although Canadian Medicare is purposed to provide care to everybody, but when it comes to timely treatment, it is a big thorn in the flesh. Nearly 42,000 Canadians sought for beyond the border medical treatment since their cases are treated as non-urgent, and their pain and sufferings do not count in the public healthcare delivery system. In some instances, Alberta doctors are flying to Turks and Caicos with their patients to get the surgery done soon. While these facts and figures are yet to influence the Canadian health policy makers, medical tourism in Florida will continue to shine.<\/p>\n

Thailand to allow more foreign patients eases Covid-19 norms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"lifting<\/p>\n

Responding to the hospitals\u2019 appeal for easier treatment access to foreign patients, Thailand plans to ease Coronavirus norms to help medical facilities get into their recovery track faster. \u00a0Thailand, a global hub for medical tourism that welcomed 632,000 medical tourists last year has seen a spurt in demand for medical services by foreigners with the lifting of travel bans.<\/p>\n

Restricting the allowance of foreign patients in the 1st<\/sup> phase of reopening, Thailand plans to add 100 more clinics and hospitals for treating foreign patients. The humanitarian aspect needs to be considered as well. Many overseas patients have been desperately seeking treatments in Thailand hospitals but due to slow operations, they could not make it. A few of them died in this waiting process which is unfortunate.\u00a0 The authorities are urged for relaxation of travel procedures which is in the process.<\/p>\n

27\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Discounted spa offers from Czech government set hopes of tourism revival<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Discounted<\/p>\n

The Czech government injects US$45.3 million stimulus package to revive its historic health tourism<\/a> and spa industry reeling under Covid-19<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a> impact. Travelers from the UK and EU nations will get a voucher of maximum US$181 for self-paid preventative and curative health tourism in the Czech mineral springs.<\/p>\n

The vouchers will be available at almost 100 Spas and wellness centers associated with the Czech Health Ministry. Visitors need to stay for minimum 6 nights and take five medical rehabilitation treatments that would include a carbonic bath, massage, wrap or mineral water bathing.<\/p>\n

When other popular spa and health tourism destinations are still undecided of reopening spa facilities, the Czech government has come up with bold steps with attractive offerings. Guests will have access to full spa procedures including saunas and steam rooms in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle known for the world\u2019s highest number of curative mineral springs.\u00a0 Special rehabilitation treatments for the Covid-recovered patients are a big draw. The scheme will last till 31st<\/sup> December and online application is needed to avail this voucher.<\/p>\n

24\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Turkey tourism revenues likely to touch $15bn by 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Turkey<\/p>\n

Turkey has picked up the track to recovery of tourism in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. With stringent health and safety protocols in place, the country expects to generate $15bn in tourism though it will fall short below the pre-pandemic target to receive 60 million tourists in 2020. According to the chairman of Anatolian Tourism Operators Association and board member of the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the $15bn target is achievable provided the strict measures remain enforced and there is no second wave of infection.<\/p>\n

In a recent revision of Safe Tourism Certification Program, tourists testing Corona positive during vacation can remain isolated in the hotels they have booked. The official figures released recently, Antalya, a prominent health and wellness tourism destination<\/a> in Turkey, received more than 1 million tourists from 31 countries within 1st<\/sup> January to 19th<\/sup> August. Though the figures are giving enough hope of revival, it is nowhere near the last year figures.<\/p>\n

Croatia receives Safe Travel Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Croatia-receives-Safe-Travel-Stamp\"<\/p>\n

According to the announcement of the Tourism Ministry this Sunday, Croatia received the Safe Travel Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council, an effort to increase tourist confidence initiated in May.\u00a0 The designation is awarded to those destinations and companies all over the world maintaining world class health and hygiene. Croatia has adopted effective measures to check Covid infection assuring safety and security to tourists as well as for locals. Croatia joins with other European countries namely, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Montenegro, Ukraine and Turkey to receive this designation. As of now, citizens of Croatia and their immediate family members, EU nationals and Schengen citizens are allowed to travel with no mandatory quarantine requirement.<\/p>\n

20\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Indonesia mulls opening domestic medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Indonesia<\/p>\n

With travel restrictions in place, Indonesia cannot think of a better strategy than boosting its healthcare infrastructure and services to reverse outbound medical tourism. A Pwc Report says, 600,000 Indonesians traveled abroad for medical treatments due to unavailability of quality domestic medical treatments for specific diseases. This strategy will also create a new revenue channel as well as reduce the country\u2019s dependence on abroad healthcare services.<\/p>\n

Developing indigenous medical facilities will be a win-win situation. It will not only restrict outbound medical tourism but also cater to medical requirements of wellness travelers traveling to Indonesia. Aiming this goal, the country is mulling on plans to create facilities of global standards manned by highly trained overseas specialists and physicians in collaboration with related state departments and health associations.<\/p>\n

17\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Medical tourism in Penang suspended after the Covid- 19 spike<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Covid-<\/p>\n

A recent flare up of Covid-19 cases forced Penang to halt medical tourism just after receiving a plane load of medical tourists on 14th<\/sup> August from Indonesia. The chief minister sounded optimistic in resuming medical tourism services if the foreign patients can comply with SOPs. The government also announced periodic review of medical tourism to check Covid -19 spread but has to stop after the recent infection spike. Medical tourism in Penang<\/a> has been on the rise since the last few years contributing 40-50% of the total earnings from this sector.<\/p>\n

Delhi receives 7 Manila kids amidst India\u2019s planning to resume medical tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"liver<\/p>\n

Delhi received a unique set of medical travelers as 7 kids arrived with their parents from Philippines on Sunday for liver-transplant<\/a> surgeries. 6 of the kids need liver transplants while the 7th<\/sup> needs post-transplant assessment. Parents accompanying the kids will be the liver donors. They arrived in special chartered flights arranged by the Indian actor Sonu Sood in collaboration with the embassies and charitable organizations paying for the transplants.\u00a0 Lack of advanced medical facilities in the Philippines drive many Filipinos to fly to India for life-saving surgeries. Many children were supposed to fly to India for the same treatment on March\u201920 but couldn\u2019t due to travel curbs. At least 4 children died for not being able to fly to India for the said purpose and conditions of two worsened making them unfit for travel.<\/p>\n

TAT targets Bangladesh market opens new social media pages in Bengali<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"social<\/p>\n

In a new move to draw foreign travelers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has opened dedicated pages on Facebook and Instagram to connect with the Bangladeshi patients and travelers along with developing networking. The social media pages will communicate in Bengali and English for the convenience of Bangladeshi travelers. Bangladesh is considered as a great source market where travelers visit Thailand not only for holidaying but also to avail top quality medical services here. Thailand\u2019s medical tourism<\/a> saw a cautious start after successfully curbing the Covid-19 infection rates.<\/p>\n

14\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

India could restart medical tourism with caps on attendants, sightseeing and other activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"<\/p>\n

The Indian medical tourism industry<\/a> has sent a long list of 18 recommendations to the central government to revive the seriously battered industry facing a loss of at least $1 billion since last 6 months. Allowing only one companion per patient, contact-less service in hospitals and hotels, no sight-seeing and cab sharing are significant recommendations in the list. The discussions in SOP approvals are in the advanced stages as disclosed by a tourism ministry official. However, the matter still remains complicated as long as international flights do not resume.\u00a0 India has advanced in forming \u201ctravel bubbles\u201d with the US, Germany and France and other \u2018safe zone\u2019 countries to restart scheduling of international flights.<\/p>\n

11\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tunisia to host the 2nd<\/sup> African Medical Tourism Congress (AMTC Tunisia) on 20th<\/sup>-22nd<\/sup> Nov<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"African<\/p>\n

Image Source : amtc-tunisia.com<\/p>\n

To boost the 1st<\/sup> AMTC TUNISIA edition, this year\u2019s edition expects more than 20 foreign delegations from Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Cote d\u2019lvoire, Nigeria, Niger, Congo, Guinea, Benin, Gabon, Mali, Uganda, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, India, Turkey, Italy and more.<\/p>\n

From the perspective of North African medical tourism, this is a highly-significant meet. Diverse presentations and discussions regarding the present state of medical tourism and trends, its challenges and future especially in the post-pandemic era are expected.\u00a0 The conference will also highlight the necessity of joint national platform, accreditations, insurance and medical tourism promotion. The prime objective of AMTC TUNISIA is to upgrade and position African medical tourism in the global map by tapping Tunisia\u2019s potential in collaboration with other markets.<\/p>\n

10\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Turkey\u2019s \u2018safe tourism\u2019 initiative covers all target markets, sees a rise in tourism package sales<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Turkey\u2019s<\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s \u2018Health Tourism Certification Program\u2019 is yielding. The result, Germany\u2019s lifting of travel restrictions to several Mediterranean resorts.\u00a0 Under the cover of this program, Turkey has implemented a slew of protective measures at airports, transportation facilities, hotels and accommodations and other tourism sites. Most importantly, the country has been promoting this initiative by sharing with foreign tourism diplomats and concerned agencies to ascertain the safety of tourists<\/a> in Turkey. The tourism ministry has hosted Turkey-based 50 diplomatic mission representatives, 52 members from foreign press and also 70 tourism agency representatives from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine and Indonesia to get first-hand experience of safety measures taken in notable tourism sites. The direct impact \u2013 the hosted tourism agencies have initiated selling tour packages to Turkey even before returning to their home countries.<\/p>\n

Tourists to get a new experience with Bitcoin payments in South Korean beaches this summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Bitcoin<\/p>\n

Following other countries, this time it is South Korea that offers cryptocurrency<\/a> platforms to foreign tourists. ZDNet Korea, in partnership with Innotech, the cash and card payment platform has set up the token-powered payment solution in the Haeundae Beach System in popular beaches of Busan. Tourists will be able to pay for any aqua sports or beach accessory including parasols and life jackets with Bitcoin, Ethereum with electronic tokens through a smartphone app. The transaction will take less than 10 seconds from any wallet and it would offer a different experience to customers in virtual currency transactions. A Songjeong beach is also offering a similar virtual currency solution to tourists. Another blockchain-powered virtual currency initiative by the Busan bank to facilitate medical tourism payment<\/a> is also in the pipeline.\u00a0 South Korea with all these innovations is set to make a mark in destination attractiveness among its Asian peers.<\/p>\n

07\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Spain\u2019s Canaries plans to cover Covid-19 costs of tourists to save the tourism season<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Spain\u2019s-Canaries-plans-to-cover-Covid-19-costs\"<\/p>\n

The announcement to cover all Covid-19 related costs for domestic and foreign tourists to Canary Islands<\/a> comes close on the heels of Britain announcing compulsory quarantine for Spain-returnee travelers. The recent spikes in Covid 19 infections in Spain is set to inflict a fresh blow to the country\u2019s tourism that has just resumed after prolonged border restrictions.<\/p>\n

The coverage, the first of its kind in Spain will include all Covid 19 related treatment expenses or holiday extensions in case mandatory quarantine situations arise in the islands. The policy managed by AXA will also include health-related repatriations. The coverage will last for 1 year and will not include pre-existing health conditions of the travelers before visiting the islands.<\/p>\n

Portugal introduces Covid 19 insurance to alleviate fears from potential tourists<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Covid<\/p>\n

After the health passport, now it is the Covid 19 insurance announced by Tourism Portugal to allay the fears from tourists\u2019 minds. \u00a0Foreign tourists can now get fully covered for all Covid 19 related treatment expenses. The insurance is available at portugaltravelinsurance.com. Promoted by RNA Segrous de Assistencia, this initiative is aimed to project Portugal<\/a> safe for travel be it for leisure or health. The insurance covers entire Portugal including Madeira and Azores islands.<\/p>\n

The insurance carries usual travel insurance benefits plus coverage for hospital, medical and others that might be required in case of Covid infection. To give more confidence to tourists, coverage for extended hotel stay and trip cancellations are also included. Tourism being an important pillar to support the Portuguese economy, the country is sparing no efforts to come up with innovative solutions to woo foreign tourists.<\/p>\n

05\/08\/20<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Global tourism resumes with 40% destinations easing travel restrictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Global<\/p>\n

It is a cautious restart of global tourism after months of border closures. Medical tourism is likely to see enhanced activities in the coming weeks. Recent analysis by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) presents the following scenario:<\/p>\n

AMTC Tunisia<\/strong><\/a> will be held on 20th<\/sup>-22nd<\/sup> November at Palace Gammarth Hotel \u2013 Tunis. This year, AMTC\u2019s theme is \u201cHealth and Wellness\u201d aimed to attract various medical tourism stakeholders in the world.<\/p>\n