Medical Tourism in Developing Countries

Promoting Medical Tourism ● 159between the ease of obtaining visas and the number of medical tourists(for example, as a result of stricter rules imposed on American visas forMiddle Easterners since September 11, in 2006 Saudi Arabia shut down aprogram that brought patients to the United States for treatment 80 ). As aresult, the public sector can greatly aid the private sector by facilitating theentry procedures for entering patients. With this goal in mind, there hasbeen discussion among authorities in developing countries to introduce anew type of visa, a medical visa that is given specifically to internationalpatients. Such a visa would be easier to obtain than a regular open-endedtourist visa since it would be based on prior communication with hospitalstaff and exchange of medical records.U.S. and UK citizens do not require visas to travel to the countries understudy with the exception of Jordan, India, and Cuba. A tourist visa can beissued at the border in Jordan. To obtain a visa for India requires an application,a fee, and photographs. Cuba requires visas for all visitors that can beobtained with evidence of return ticket and prepaid land arrangements.U.S. citizens have domestic impediments to travel to Cuba and must get alicense from their Department of Treasury. Clearly, the countries that haveeliminated visas for American and British nationals make medical tourismthat much simpler.In order to facilitate visa extensions for patients, some hospitals such asBangkok’s Bumrungrad have an in-house visa extension center. 81TransportationInternational patients want to reach their destination quickly and cheaply.If they must make multiple connections further prolonging what is alreadya long-haul flight, they are likely to change destinations. Double digit hoursspent in travel not only increase the opportunity cost of time, but alsoincrease discomfort and distress. To decrease travel time, many governmentsare seeking to establish direct flights between major world airports and theircapitals. With that goal in mind, ministries of health and transportationhave cooperated and attempts have been made to alter flight plans.By 2006, there are nonstop flights from New York and London to allthe capitals of the destination countries under study, with the exception ofManila. Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur do not have nonstop flights from NewYork, but do from London.Some national airlines, cognizant of their neighboring countries’ appealto tourists, seek a part of the action through ingenious incentive schemes.Malaysia’s national airline, when flying between Thailand and Singapore,offers a stop in Malaysia on the way in an effort to increase tourist spending.