WHAT IS MEDICAL TOURISM??


 Medical tourism also
called medical travel, health
tourism or global healthcare is a
term initially coined by travel
agencies and the mass media to
describe the rapidly-growing
practice of travelling across
international borders to
obtain health care. It also refers
pejoratively to the practice of
healthcare providers travelling
internationally to deliver
healthcare.
 services typically sought by
travelers include elective
procedures as well as complex
specialized surgeries such as 
 Aesthetic procedure
 cosmetic surgery
 dentistry
 dermatology
 eye surgery & ophthalmology
 fertility treatment
 general surgery
 hair transplantation,
 weight loss surgery
 and stem cell therapy.
  
 Over 50 countries have identified medical
tourism as a national
industry. However, accreditation and other
measures of quality vary widely across the
globe, and there are risks and ethical issues
that make this method of accessing medical
care controversial Also, some destinations
may become hazardous or even dangerous
for medical tourists.
History of Medical tourism

 Medical Tourism is also known as travel medicine

or health tourism. This term is called for the first
time by the media and travel agencies to
describe the rapid development and the practice
of large travel to different parts of the world to
receive specialized treatment health care. As a
developing country, India also has the trend of
medical tourism. Medical Tourism in India
provides countless options for all tourists to
explore the facilities of medical sciences in India.
 
 people have been traveling to other countries
for health purposes. There were the ancient
Greeks and Egyptians who went to hot springs
and baths to improve their health.
 
 18th and 19th century- Europeans and
Americans who flocked to health spas and
sanitariums and even in remote places in the
hope that they will get treatment for diseases
such as tuberculosis, gout, bronchitis or liver
diseases.
 Epidauria- a small territory in the Saronic
Gulf. It was said that this small territory
was the sanctuary of Asklepios, known as
the healing God. Thus, it was recorded in
medical tourism history that Epidauria is
the original destination for medical
tourism. 
 Asclepia Temples- which were erected to
honor the Greek god of medicine, were
some of the world's first health centers. 
 Mansuri Hospital- the
largest and most
advanced hospital the
world had ever seen. 
The hospital's promise
to serve anyone,
regardless of race,
religion, or wealth,
drew health travelers
from far and wide.
 However, dental surgery, cosmetic surgery
and other more serious kinds of surgery
abroad is relatively a new phenomenon. It
started in the 80s and 90s when patients
began looking for more affordable options
other than what was offered in their
homeland or country.
 What was referred to as "tooth tourism" grew
quickly. Americans were then traveling to
Costa Rica or other Central American
countries for dental bridges and other dental
procedures that were not usually covered by
their insurance.
 In the late 1980s, Cuba
started programs to
attract foreigners from
countries like India, Latin
America and Europe for
more affordable eye
surgeries, heart surgery
and cosmetic
procedures. In 1990
alone, it was reported
that the Cuban
government had around
2,000 medical tourists
from various parts of the
world.
 Thailand also became
a hot destination for
plastic surgery and
other routine medical
procedures in the late
1990s. On the other
hand, New Zealand is
getting more popular
in hip and knee
replacements
surgery.
 Popular medical travel worldwide
destinations include: Argentina,
Brunei, Cuba, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Hong Kong, Hungary, India,
Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, The
Philippines, Singapore, South
Africa, Thailand, and recently,
Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea,
Tunisia and New Zealand.
HISTORY OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN
THE PHILIPPINES
 The Philippines is home to some of the finest
hospitals, healthcare and treatment centers in
the world offering the best facilities and services
which is at par with those in USA, Europe and
the UK.
 Equally, it is home to highly skilled physicians,
always aiming for the best possible education
one can attain while at the same time
modernizing the technologies found elsewhere. 
 Medical Tourism in the Philippines is now
attracting the international market for so many
reasons. From heart transplants to aesthetic
surgeries like breast implants, tummy tuck and
the likes, people all over the world, including
health insurance companies in North America
and Europe, are now embracing the idea of
Medical Tourism because of its lower cost.
Having these procedures done outside the US
and Europe would simply be a lot cheaper. Yet
still comprises an extensive list of available
treatments and procedures
 Patients get velvet glove treatment under
the program. Art medical facilities or
surgicenters, highly qualified health
professionals, most of whom are western
trained surgeons, recuperating
clients/patients get extra freebies such as
travel getaways to make the recovery
period truly relaxing and leisurely.
 The Philippines for its part, has
launched its Medical Tourism
Program. With the full support
of President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo’s administration, the
program has been endorsed by
the DOH, DOT, DFA and the
country’s globally competitive
hospitals and medical centers
like the Medical City, St. Luke’s
Medical Center, Asian Hospital,
Makati Medical Center, and
Manila Doctors Hospital,
including the leading
surgicenters.
PRE-DEPARTURE OF CLIENT
Step 1
Client will choose a medical health provider in the
Phil.
*client should allow at least 30 days from the time she/he begin
the process
-she will receive information packet, information packages,
hotel and airline rates and information on doctors.
STEP 2
Medical Health provider will send the ff:
1.Medical questionnaire and price quotation for
the procedure, airfare and hotel.
2.Confirmation on the procedure, flight, hotel
hospital doctor and ground transportation
3.Will assign a personal assistant and will send
travel info and itenerary.
Step 3
Client will do the ff:
1.Email his or her informations
2.Sends transcripts, MRI, X-ray and photos
3.Submit medical questionnaires and can even
have conference with the doctor if needed
4.Choose hotel
5.passport, visa requirements
6.payment
Client upon arrival
 Arrival of the client
 Consultation with the doctor for the schedule of
the medical procedure
 Procedure itself
 Post Operation
 Post treatment enjoyment
 Departure with final evaluation with the doctor
 Accreditations
Hospitals in the Philippines undergo periodic
accreditation from the
  Philippines Department of Health
 International Accreditation from the Joint
Commissions International (JCI)
 and the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO). 
HOSPITALS THAT CATERS MEDICAL
TOURISM
MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER
Why Choose Makati Medical
Center?

 Makati Medical Center is proud to offer you,

our international patients, our 39 years of
service.
 For all your medical needs—whether these
come from life-threatening conditions or
are cosmetic procedures you desire, we can
boldly claim that Makati Med is the best
place to come to.
 Our hospital is not flashy or glamorous, but
you can be assured that we offer state-of-the-
art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care
facilities in a one-stop medical center that is
internationally accredited.
 Our doctors and nurses count among the best
in the world. Many of them trained in
prestigious hospitals in the United States,
Australia and Europe.
 We are a multi-specialty hospital, with over
600 beds and a growing number of centers of
excellence.
 Our medical expertise is found against the
perfect backdrop: a country with a long
tradition of healing, a multiplicity of exotic
and soothing places to savor, and a people
who are being deeply caring, good-humored
and hospitable.
 Only at Makati
Med can you
obtain world-
class medical
care, plus all
that, at a small
fraction of what
it will cost you
in the United
States or
Europe.
International Patients

 Makati Medical Center is ready to open its doors

to the global community.
 Our International Medical Services is ready to
meet your needs and requirements as
International Patients.
 We make your medical appointments. When
you come to Makati Med, we assess your
condition, then recommend the medical
specialists who will personally attend to you, and
make the best arrangements for you so that you
can save yourself from the hassle. We can even
do this for you by email and phone
 We assist you in your admission and
discharge. We help plan your stay, and assist
you all the way from your admission to your
discharge.
 We plan your travel. We help you find the best,
most cost-effective arrangements for your stay.
We can provide logistical support for your travel
requirements, from airline ticketing, land
transportation, to room reservations.
 We help you go home. We assist in the smooth
and safe medical evacuation and repatriation of
patients.
 We help you get around. From the time you
arrive at the airport, we can provide transfer
services to and from Makati Medical Center
via limousine, ambulance or taxi.
 Business Center. At our business center, you
can avail of a suite of services: we have
interpreters who are fluent in various
languages. We can provide you with
secretarial services, and other related
business services such as courier, Flat-Screen
Desktop PC with Internet and WIFI
connection, fax and photocopying services.
Medical Services

 Heart Center
 Neurosciences
 Acute Stroke Unit
 Brain & Spine Unit
 Radio surgery
 Transplants
 Heart, Lung & Heart-Lu
ng Transplants
 Kidney & Pancreas Tran
splantation
 Liver Transplantation
 Blood Marrow Transplants
 Cancer Center
 Breast Clinic
 Gastrointestinal (Digestive)
Cancers
 Liver Cancer
 Leukemia & Hematologic
Malignancies
 Prostate Cancer
 Radiation Therapy
 Surgical Services
 Transplants. We offer the
full range of transplant
programs.
 Cancer Center 
 Diagnostic and
Therapeutic Procedures
at the 
Radiology Department 
 Diagnostic and
Therapeutic Procedures
at the Breast Clinic
  
A 
heart-valve replaceme
nt
  - that would cost
US$200,000 or more in
the U.S., for example,
goes for about $10,000
—and you can even
include in that the
round-trip airfare and a
brief vacation package.
 A knee replacement  -
with us that includes a
week of physical
therapy costs about
one-fifth of what it
would in the States.
  
 For Lasik eye surgery -
we charge about $730,
about a fourth of what
it would cost—$3,700—
in the U.S.
 A metal-free 
dental bridge -  worth
$5,500 in the U.S.
would cost only $200 at
the Makati Med.
  
 Full facelift  - that
could cost $20,000 in
the U.S., we charge
about $2,700
THE MEDICAL CITY
 The Medical City (TMC) is a private, tertiary care
hospital now on its fourth decade of existence. It is
located on a 1.5 hectare property along Ortigas
Avenue in Pasig City. This massive structure is
composed of two towers joined by a Podium and
bridgeways. The 15-storey Nursing Tower is currently
fitted for 500 beds, and a future second Nursing
Tower provides capacity for an additional 300 beds.
The 18 floors of the Medical Arts Tower house 280
doctor's clinics and selected commercial spaces.
Within the 6-floor Podium are located diagnostic and
intervention facilities, as well as support and
administrative offices. The 3-basement level parking
accommodates over a thousand vehicles for clients
and staff. 
 TMC offers diagnostic and treat services that address
a broad range of diseases utilizing state-of-the-art
technology such as computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac
catheterization and interventional services among
others. This is made possible through the Clinical
Departments (including their various subspecialties)
of Medicine, Surgery, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics,
Obstetric-Gynecology, Ophthalmology,
Otolaryngology, Psychiatry and Rehabilitation
Medicine, as well as diagnostic and intervention units
such as Clinical Laboratories, Diagnostic Radiology
and Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Acute Stroke
Unit and Intensive Care Unit. 
 The foundation of TMC's services capabilities is
its distinguished regular medical staff of 350
physicians, all of whom are experienced,
recognized and established experts in their
various fields of specialization. They are
complemented by 610 visiting consultants. This
core of professionals is supported and assisted by
a 1,400 strong human resource complement
composed of administrative, finance and support
service staff that have grown and honed their
expertise in and long years of loyal service to the
institution
Orthopedics
TRAUMA - Orthopedic trauma accounts for the
majority of emergency room cases seen at The
Medical City and majority of patients treated by the
department. As the "bread and butter" of orthopedic
practice, trauma care has been organized as a
subspecialty to further improve the quality of
orthopedic management. The Orthopedic Trauma
Unit handles mainly fractures, dislocations and soft-
tissue injuries of the extremities. Common treatment
modalities consist of surgical fracture fixation, joint
reduction and non-surgical manipulation and
immobilization. 
 ARTHRITIS & JOINT
REPLACEMENT - The
Arthritis and Joint
Replacement Unit provides
the highest-quality medical
and surgical care for patients
with chronic joint disorders.
The Unit has on staff some of
the best joint reconstructive
specialists in the country
today. It provides
competent, state-of-the-art
surgical care for chronic joint
disorders, mainly hip and
knee replacement, which is
the current mainstay of joint
reconstruction
 SPORTS MEDICINE & ARTHROSCOPY -
Sports-related injuries account for a
significant portion of emergency room and
out patient consultations in The Medical City.
The Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Unit
aims to address problems pertaining to these
injuries, most commonly involving the knees,
ankle, shoulder, elbow, and foot.
 PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC - The Unit
oversees the diagnosis and management
of the common orthopedic congenital and
developmental problems of the
extremities, including clubfoot
deformities, developmental hip dysplasia,
bone and joint infections and neglected
traumatic injuries. The most common
surgical procedures are: correction of limb
deformities and limb length discrepancies,
clubfoot surgery, tendon transfers and
other soft tissue procedures from paralytic
deformities, non-arthroplastic joint
reconstruction, and treatment of bone and
joint infections in children.. 
 ORTHOPEDIC TUMOR - The Unit
aims to make The Medical City the
premiere referral center for the
treatment of musculoskeletal
tumors. It is part of both the
Department of Orthopedics and
The Medical City Cancer Center
The target populations of the Unit
are patients with primary bone
and soft tissue tumors and those
with metastatic bone disease.
Procedures done include limb
salvage surgeries, all varities of
amputations, adjuvant and
neoadjuvant chemotherapy and
radiotherapy, and bone and soft
tissue reconstructions.
 HAND & MICROSURGERY - Traumatic hand
injuries account for a significant number of
emergency room consults, and their frequently
industrial nature lends even more applicability
to The Medical City. The Hand Unit oversees
the treatment of all common hand conditions
aside from those of a traumatic nature,
including infections, acquired or congenital
deformities, degenerative conditions and
peripheral nerve disorders. It also offers micro-
vascular replacement and reconstruction for
severed digits and hand and following limb
salvage procedures.
 SPINE SURGERY - Because of the often-debilitating
nature of spinal cord injuries, a specialized level of
surgical expertise and care is prerequisite in dealing
with spine conditions. The Unit oversees the
treatment of common spine conditions including
traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, deformities
(such as scoliosis), infections and tumors. The Unit
foresees a working relationship with its colleagues in
the Neurosciences from intra-operative monitoring
to working alongside neurosurgeons in complex
spine cases. It will also establish its own databse for
research purposes. 
Opthalmology
 The Medical City Eye Center is the eight-
room-out-patient diagnostic and Laser
treatment facility that houses all the state-of-
the-art ophthalmic equipment. The center is
staffed by well-trained, dedicated and
pleasant ophthalmic personnel (manager,
receptionist, nurses and technicians) who
work closely with the residents and
consultants to deliver the highest quality eye
care. 
 I. Equipment 

a. Eye Center 

i. Topcon Fundus Camera 

ii. Interzeag Octupus 101
Automated Perimeter 
iii. Humphrey HFA 7501
Automated Visual Field
Analyzer 
iv. Ocular Ultrasound 
 . 810 nm Symphony Laser System 
vi. 532 nm Symphony Laser System 
vii. Yag Laser Model 300 
viii. IRIDEX Double Frequency ARGON Laser
(Iris Oculight) 
ix. Indirect Ophthalmoscope 
x. Applanation Tonometer 
 
  

b. Operating Suites 
i. Leica M501 Surgical Microscope 
ii. Leica 841 Surgical Microscope 
iii. Leica 844 Surgical Microscope 
iv. Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope (BIOM II) 
v. Millenium Phacoemulsification and Vitrectomy
Machine 
vi. Legacy 2000 Phacoemulsification Machine 
vii. Accurus Phacoemulsification and Vitrectomy
Machine 
viii. Ophthalmic Cryosurgical unit Type 1500-II
(DORC) 
  

II. Services 
a. Eye Center 
i. Diagnostic 
1. Biometry 
2. Fluorescein Angiography 
3. Fundus Photograph 
4. Optic Disc Photograph 
5. Visual Field Testing 
6. Ocular Ultrasound 
7. Color blindness testing 
8. Refraction 
9. Biomicroscopic examination 
10. Intraocular pressure measurement 
MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL
*Phil Health names MDH as Center of Excellence*
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Phil
Health) accorded the center of Excellence accreditation
to Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) during the recent
Phil Health Bench Book survey held in may.
*MDH bags Asian award for hospital for 3 straight
years!*
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) recently won in
the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA) for its
project “Admitting Service C to C ( Complaints to
Compliments)”
*MDH receives 2 Philippine quality awards*

Two of the Manila Doctors Hospital’s (MDH)

service improvement project received excellence
awards at the recently concluded 2010 search for
the Most Outstanding Quality Improvements
Projects in Hospital by the Philippine Society for
quality in health Care.
*MDH wins at first ZBO for business*
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) bags one of the
major awards for its environmental program at the
First Zero Basura Olympics (ZBO) for business held
last April 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The
awarding coincides with the earth day celebration.
*MDH sets a worldwide milestone in neck spine
surgery*
Manila Doctors Hospital conducted a first in the
world Operation in its Cardiac Cath Lab!
Procedures, Package and Prices
1. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
(P 442,000 - 490,000) ( $9,404 - $10,425)

(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $17,000)

 2 day hospital stay

 Laboratory tests
 Medicines pertaining to surgery
 Consultation and Professional fees
 Pre and post procedure consultations
Inclusions:
 -  Roundtrip Airport Transfers - with assistance given
right at the arrival gate 
 -  Transportation Services - chauffeur-driven
transportation to all consults 
    and procedure 
 -  Personal Assistant - accompanies the patient to all
doctor and hospital 
    visits and to assist with a whole range of services 
 -  Mobile Phone for local use 
 -  Complimentary massage upon arrival 
 -  4-star Hotel Accommodations for 9 days/8 nights
with breakfast
2. Metabolic Surgery - (P 635,000) ($ 13,510)

(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $20,132)

 A gastrointestinal operation to directly treat type 2

diabetes
 5 day hospital stay
 Laboratory tests
 Medicines pertaining to surgery
 Consultation and Professional fees
 Pre and post procedure consultations
3. LASIK (both eyes) - (P 102,000) ($ 2,170)

(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $4,000)

 A quick and effective way of achieving clear vision

and finally doing away with glasses or contact lenses
 Refractive Screening
 LASIK procedure
 Consultation and Professional fees
4. Executive Health Check-Up (P 50,000)
(Overnight)

 A full range of screening tests for early detection

and prevention of serious medical problems
 Consultations with Gastroenterologist,
Gynecologist/Urologist, Cardiologist
 Tests for all except 2D Echocardiogram, Renal
Sonogram and Vascular Work-up
5. Dental Package – (P 56,000) ($ 1,192)

(Approximate cost of Procedure in the US: $ 2,300)

 Consultation and Professional fees

 Inclusions: 
 -  Roundtrip Airport Transfers - with assistance
given right at the arrival gate 
 -  Transportation Services - chauffeur-driven
transportation to all consults 
    and procedure 
 
 6. Blepharoplasty (P 142,000) - ($ 3,021)
(Upper Lids AND Eye bag Removal)

(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $5,000)

 Removal of excess tissue and fatty deposits for a

more youthful appearance
 All consultation and Professional fees
 Operating Room Fees
 Laboratory tests
 Take-home medication
7. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
From ( P 909,000) - ( $ 19,340)
(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $130,000+)
 All Consultation and Professional fees (Surgeon,
Anesthesiologist, Perfusionist, Intensivist)
 Medicines pertaining to surgery
 8 units of blood
 Blood work-up of donor
 7 days stay in a small, private room
 All consultation fees
 Operating Room Fees
 8. Total Hip or Knee Replacement
(P 512,000) - ($ 10,894)
(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: $40,000)
 Professional Fees of Surgeon, Anesthesiologist and
Internist
 Rehabilitation Fees
 Laboratory tests
 Implant
 Maximum of 7 days hospital stay in a single, private
room
 Pre and Post procedure consults
 Operating Room Fees
 9. Abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck) with
Liposuction (P 289,500) - ($ 6,160)
(Approximate Cost of Procedure in the US: 9,000)

 For a firm and smooth abdomen that countless

years of diet and exercise could not achieve
 All consultation and Professional fees
 Operating Room Fees
 Laboratory tests
 Take-home medication
 Overnight stay in their modern facility
ST.LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER
 St. Luke's is a special place for healing
and a hub of holistic healthcare,
providing patients with the best quality
healthcare by combining the most
advanced medical equipment and
technology available with the expertise
of the best trained, skilled and
experienced doctors and professionals.
But its service goes well beyond the
dedication of these vital resources.
  Institutes
 Cancer Institute
 Heart Institute
 International Eye Institute
 Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases
 Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
 Institute of Pathology
 Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health
 Institute of Pulmonary Medicine
 Institute of Radiology
 International Institute for Neurosciences
  Centers
 Aesthetic Surgery Center
 Blood and Marrow Transplant Center
 Breast Center
 Center for Joint Replacement Surgery (CJRS)
 Center for Liver Diseases
 Center for Renal Diseases and Transplant Services
 Complex Wound Care Center
 Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center
 Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Center
 Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center
 Dermatology Center
 Package A (In-patient)
  
 Room and Board (overnight)
 Admission Kit
 Complete Physical Examination

LABORATORY STUDIES
 HEMATOLOGY
 Complete Blood Count
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- Red Blood Cells
- White Blood Cells
- Platelet Count

CHEMISTRY
 Blood Chemistry (CHEM 12)
- Glucose 
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Cholesterol
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Triglycerides
- HDL
- LDL/VLDL
- SGPT/ALT
- Total Bilirubin
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Total Protein
 SEROLOGY
 Anti-HCV
 Hepatitis B Screening
- HBsAg
- Anti HBc (Total)

MICROSCOPY
 Urinalysis
 Routine Stool
- Ova & Parasites
- Amoeba

X-RAY STUDIES
 Chest X-ray (PA & Lateral)
 Upper Gastro Intestinal Series
 Mammography (Female Only)


ULTRASONIC EXAMINATIONS
 Liver
 Gall Bladder
 Spleen
 Pancreas
 Kidney
 Breast (for Female)
 Prostate (for Male)
 Transrectal (for single women) OR 
Transvaginal (for married women)

 CARDIAC EXAMINATIONS
 Resting Electrocardiogram 
 Treadmill Exercise Test

ENDOSCOPY
 Fibersigmoidoscopy

PULMONARY
 Spirometry
1. Limited nature of
Litigation

 A patient who is injured

through negligent care has
very limited options in
obtaining justice and
compensation.
GOOD NEWS!!!!
• A new insurance product available is intended to
address medical negligence affecting patients
who travel abroad for elective surgery. The
“Patient Medical Malpractice Insurance” is
considered “first-person” insurance because the
patient purchases the policy before traveling.
Claims are handled without attorneys in
accordance with U.S. laws and customs and are
paid in U.S. dollars. This coverage may benefit
medical tourists who are concerned about their
options if a bad outcome occurs due to medical
negligence
2. Issues on Rights if there
is a complication happened
 Most hospitals, wherever they
are located, will not cover the
cost of medical complications.
So its better to ask questions
and get everything in writing
first – before your procedure.
3. Money Issues

 What if the patient decide not to have

my surgery, will he/she be able to get
his/her money back?
1. Potential Impact on
Patients Engaged in Medical
Tourism:
 * Patients usually have no idea about the
potential for infectious and noninfectious
complications from medical tourism, and
there is little reliable data available regarding
destination countries.
Potential Impact on Patients
Engaged in Medical Tourism:
• * Patients rarely understand the tradeoff
between saving money on medical expenses
and obtaining potentially life-prolonging
medical care that the patient could otherwise
not afford, and sacrificing potential legal
remedies should medical negligence occur.
Currently, “there are no reliable,
comprehensive sources for patients to learn
about legal recourse for malpractice
committed in [foreign] jurisdictions.” 
2.Potential Impact on
Tourists’ Home Countries and
Their Health Systems
 * Patients may be offered procedures and
techniques in foreign countries that are illegal
in the patients’ home countries (e.g., abortion
and euthanasia)
2. Potential Impact on
Tourists’ Home Countries and
Their Health Systems
 * Patients may return from medical tourism
in foreign countries with serious medical
complications that create both an
economic and an ethical burden for the
physicians in their home countries,
2. Potential Impact on
Tourists’ Home Countries and
Their Health Systems

 * There is an increased risk of a

“global market of privatized,
commercial health care delivery”
that threatens the future of public
healthcare systems.
3. Possible political risks in
terms of sovereign (foreign
policy) relationships :
 for example, of medical tourism involving
US patients travelling to other countries
was to “severely impact the comparative
advantage for the US in the hospital
business. . . .It can cause a loss of
reputation and prestige for the US health
care system.
4. Potential Impact on
Healthcare in Destination
Countries
 disproportionate siphoning of technology to
the private sector for the care of international
patients. When this happens, the local
population does not benefit from the
currency injected into the system because
those funds must be used to continue to
support the care required for international
patients. The ethical principle of respect for
persons may thus be violated
5. Other Ethical Critism:
*Medical treatment with
Vacation packages:
 (1) potentially subjecting patients to
procedures in private clinics that are not
accredited and by surgeons who may or may
not be skilled and qualified to do the
procedure, thus subjecting the patients to
undisclosed potential post-operative
complications, unsatisfactory results, and
risks to their general health;
*Medical treatment with Vacation
packages:

 (2) increasing those risks by enticing

the patients into vacation-related
activities after surgery followed by
long flights home that increase the
risk of developing pulmonary
embolism or blood clots that can be
fatal or life-threatening;
*Medical treatment with
Vacation packages:
 (3) providing only limited follow-up
care and monitoring with no continuity
of care if complications arise and
revision surgery is required—the costs
for which may not be covered by
health insurance in the patient’s home
country
 
ADVANTAGES
 1.  Medical Vacations Can Be
Affordable
- For many procedures, it's often
more expensive to receive
treatment at home than it is to
purchase a plane ticket, book a
hotel, and pay for all medical
expenses out of pocket in a foreign
country. 
 2.  Medical Tourism Provides You with
Options
- With medical tourism, you can travel to
parts of the world where hospitals
specialize in the aforementioned
procedures.  And you won't necessarily
have to break the bank either.  Equally
important, wait times tend to be
considerably less if you plan your medical
vacation accordingly.
 3.  Medical Vacations Can Be Fun 
- For many people, a medical
vacation is exactly that... a
medical "vacation."
DISADVANTAGES
 1.  Medical Malpractice Suits

- Although most medical tourism

facilities (hospitals, dental clinics,
etc.) will have medical malpractice
insurance to cover any unforeseen
events, seeking damages can
sometimes be difficult in cases of
negligence, misdiagnoses, or
incompetence.
 2.  Insurance Laws May Vary
- Depending on the type of insurance
you have, and depending on the type
of procedure you need, you might not
be fully covered if you travel abroad. 
You'll want to check with your
insurance carrier and see what portion
of the final bill they're willing to cover.
 3.  Postoperative Treatments
- For many procedures, it's customary
to check in with your physician or
dentist from time to time as you
recuperate.  However, by receiving
treatment abroad, it becomes
prohibitively expensive to consult with
whatever doctor or dentist provided
you with primary care.
 4.  It's Best Not to Travel Alone
- Anytime you have major surgery
done, it's always good to have a
friend or family member present
both during and after the
procedure.  When flying abroad to
receive medical treatment, it's
strongly recommended that you
take someone with you.
THANK
YOU VERY
MUCH