Medical Tourism in Developing Countries

Offshore Doctors ● 63luxurious and largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, has some ten officesabroad where it sells its services directly to foreign customers. Some hospitalshave representative offices or agencies in other countries that act as middlemen.They establish and maintain links to local hospitals, doctors, andinsurance companies. They are also associated with embassies to facilitatevisa issues. Singapore’s hospitals have done that, with offices in the MiddleEast and Indonesia.Information pertaining to medical tourism is also spread at trade showsand exhibitions. In Thailand, for example, hospitals, spas, and other healthcenters dealing with foreigners all participate in the Annual Health Mart and,since 2001, in the General Travel Fair organized by the Tourism Authority ofThailand. Kerala, a state in southern India, has declared 2006 to be the Yearof Medical Tourism and has organized a series of shows to promote its destinations.Alternatively, training seminars for health-care providers and physicianexchanges among hospitals serve to spread information.Referral agencies are cropping up to disseminate information for interestedclients. Personal consultants are emerging, specialized in pairing upinternational patients with third world destinations. Companies, such asMedSolution broker between patients and foreign hospitals. Medical travelagencies that identify hospitals, buy airline tickets, and plan sightseeingtours, are also cropping up. They include MedRetreats in the United States(which offers services of 11 hospitals in 7 countries), and Globe Health Toursin the UK (which offers treatment in India, France, Thailand, and Singapore).Planet Hospital provides all-inclusive door-to-door service, and has trademarkedthe phrase, “Corridor of Safety” to describe how patients are treated“from the moment you contact us to the moment you return home.” 93Written material is also a growing source of information. The contentsof magazines reflect the health concerns of their readers. Where concernsare raised, solutions are offered. A perusal of airline magazines shows anarray of advertisements for hospitals, procedures, and health-conscioushotels. 94 A single issue of the LAN Airlines Inflight Magazine contains 11ads for medical tourism in Argentina and Chile. 95 Health Magazinerecently listed the 11 healthiest hotels in America with respect to theirdining options, fitness facilities, and in-room environments. 96 The press,by reporting on medical tourism, is doing its share of advertising. 97Brochures are not to be dismissed, as they still serve a purpose for thosenot computer-savvy. Royal Orchard Holidays promotes medical tourism ina glossy brochure, from which a tourist can choose “a performance of classicaldance, a visit to the River Kwai, a Thai cooking class or a seven-hourComprehensive Health Examination for Women or Men.” 98 Bangkokairport offers free city maps bordered by advertisements for local clinics