MANILA - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking into collaborations with industry stakeholders in aesthetics, aging and wellness to boost medical tourism in the country.
In a statement by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, during the opening ceremony of the 11th Philippine Academy of Aesthetic and Age Management Medicine Inc. (PAAAMI) Convention on Friday at the Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, she mentioned that the medical tourism industry is seen by the government as a “strong growth center” for the Philippines.
The Tourism chief believes that in ensuring a healthy environment for healthcare professionals, they can contribute in ensuring the country’s competitiveness and elevate its position as one of the preferred tourism destinations as far as medical aesthetics and wellness is concerned.
“We, at the Department of Tourism, are committed to supporting medical tourism with the help of our stakeholders in nurturing a healthy environment for our healthcare professionals and a welcoming environment for medical tourism clients,” Frasco said.
Under the approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), the DOT identified medical tourism as a priority in pursuit of diversifying the country’s tourism portfolio and believes that the government and the private sector should collaborate to ensure that the country can respond to the changing trends and demands of the industry.
“This growing demand for healthcare travel is driven of course by different trends, including better quality and competitive rates for medical services, short waiting lists, availability of new technology and health services in destination countries, and affordable and convenient connectivity. With the growing expectations in the healthcare travel industry, it is only right that the government and the private sector collaborate to ensure that we can respond to these trends,” she said.
Frasco added that the Philippines is in the 24th spot of 46 medical tourism destinations globally but “deserves a much higher place in the world” because of the quality and expertise of Filipino healthcare professionals, with a “distinct Filipino brand of care” that is renowned all over the world.
Frasco then cites global data showing that in 2022, medical tourism market size reached approximately USD 115 billion, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 32.1 percent from 2022 to 2023.
