Medical Tourism Philippines Boom Seen with HEAL Philippines

Medical tourism in the Philippines promoted as a prime destination for global health care

The Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary inducted the officers of the pioneering Health and Wellness Alliance of the Philippines (HEAL Philippines) at the Tourism Bldg., Kalaw, Ermita, Manila.

The secretary swore into office Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, president; Eva Trinidad, vice president, Catherine Brillantes-Turvill, secretary; Millet Escasinas, treasurer; Dr. Joel Gutierrez, auditor; and Lara Santos as press relations officer while Joyce Alumno was appointed as HEAL Philippines secretary general.

The Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary said that the country's fledgling medical tourism industry is expected to grow bigger through the years with the unification of health services and medical tourism providers.

With 41 hospitals, 45 accredited spas, clinics, faith healers, the newly formed organization seeks to promote the Philippines as a prime destination for global healthcare and retirement at very reasonable prices.

"This is a booming billion dollar industry which can greatly help our economy. We have world-class hospitals like St. Luke's Medical Center at Bonifacio Global City and Chong Hua in Cebu which are technologically at par with those in the US or Europe, but most of all the Filipinos are unique in the sense that they are compassionate, caring and competent when it comes to looking after patients," said the secretary.

medical tourism



The Philippine Tourism Secretary added, "How can we fail to succeed with medical tourism in the Philippines when we offer holistic services from treatment to healing, rest and recuperation after trauma, travel to the countryside for recreation and cultural enrichment plus the possibility of retirement here for foreign clients?"

He then urged the newly-installed officials to show their dedication, enthusiasm and support in pursuing the goals of their organization. Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion of the DOT's Office for Sports and Wellness added that the Philippines has a big potential of becoming a major player in the medical industry.

"It is only here in the Philippines where international patients can experience high-quality medical care from world-class doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who are naturally warm, English speaking, friendly and caring. That is why our country has been dubbed as the "Heart of Asia," said Carrion.

International patients can avail of wide range of medical and wellness treatment via medical tourism in the Philippines at a cost 50 percent to 80 percent lower than similar procedures in the US and Europe.

These services include simple dental and cosmetic procedures, complex specialty areas such as oncology, cardiology and stem cell therapy, rejuvenating spa treatments and long-term health care and retirement. (PNA/Lily Ramos)

Latest Headlines