DOT eyes PH as top medical tourism destination (Sabong News)
Author
Aaron Recuenco
Date
MAY 05 2022
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to transform the Philippines into a top medical tourism destination following the positive reviews the country received from international bodies on how it handled the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Philippines was earlier recognized by the World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) for its fast and reliable approach in handling the pandemic which made it among the top countries in the Asia Pacific that successfully rebounded from the pandemic challenges.
DOT Sec. Berna Romulo-Puyat said this recognition brought into light the importance of medical travel and wellness tourism.
“We see so much untapped potential in the health and wellness industry. With world-class hospitals and facilities, skilled doctors and nurses, and the Filipino brand of hospitality, the Philippines is poised to become an attractive destination for medical tourism,” Puyat said.
“Currently, we have been implementing measures that will further develop the country as a medical tourism destination in a calibrated approach, including the development of an internal ecosystem and network of facilities in the country to accommodate concerns and issues surrounding this tourism product,” she added.
Citing proof of how the country is currently doing well in medical tourism, Puyat cited the story of Juergen T. Steinmetz, a delegate in the recent WTTC Summit, abouthis experience following the medical treatment at the Makati Medical Center for his left leg–which was diagnosed to be inflicted by a flesh-eating bacteria.
“It’s a secret to be revealed and in the making to come out and go viral. The Philippines will become the number one destination for medical tourism,” Steinmetz quipped in his recent article published by eturbonews.com.
“All the ingredients are here. Excellent world-class doctors and facilities, nurses that keep the standard for high-quality care around the world, and a beautiful country, wonderful beaches, good food, and exciting cities,” he added.
Steinmetz also noted the considerably cheaper medical costs in the Philippines compared to other countries.
