Medical Tourism in Developing Countries

Would You Like a Safari With Your Lasik Surgery? ● 83The International DimensionMedical tourism is, by definition, an international activity since a nationalborder must be crossed for a transaction to occur. In their efforts todevelop the industry, developing countries cooperate with entities in theglobal economy in a variety of ways that include associations and alliances.However, the most important link to the international economy occurs byway of capital flows. Indeed, direct foreign investment, as well as lendingby international institutions, adds dynamism and vibrancy to the industry.International charities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have asmall but growing role to play, while advisory and regulatory internationalagencies set codes of conduct that must be minded. These internationalaspects of medical tourism are discussed below.Cooperation and Collaboration with the Global EconomyDeveloping countries seek cooperation and collaboration with the globaleconomy in numerous ways. In order to facilitate medical tourism, theyseek to build alliances with insurance companies and develop relationshipswith tour operators in other countries that can facilitate medical tourism.In order to raise their creditworthiness, hospitals in developing countriesforge ties with foreign medical associations and form associations with afamous foreign hospital or medical school. One coveted form such an associationcan take is that the hospital becomes a branch of a globally recognizedhospital (for example, one of the main hospitals in Singapore is abranch of Johns Hopkins University; the Dubai HealthCare City is collaboratingwith Harvard Medical International as well as the Harvard MedicalSchool). In order to benefit from professional exchange, consultations, andthe transmission of technological innovation, hospitals and research institutesin developing countries collaborate in the education sector with foreigncountries. Various forms of partnerships develop. Numerous universitiesin the United States are involved in this way (including the Universities ofScranton and Florida). Germany, one of the leading countries in advancedmedical technology, is exploring opening a medical school in Bahrain thatcould train local physicians and provide postgraduate research opportunities.74 Jordan, competing to retain its position as the Middle Eastern capitalof medical tourism with newcomers such as Bahrain and Dubai, has soughtout links to health centers across North America. 75 As a result, its topmodernized hospitals all have computerized links to health centers in NorthAmerica. Apollo in India is in partnerships with hospitals in Kuwait,