The Philippines unveils new medical tourism packages

24-Nov-2004

The government in the Philippines has announced plans to team up with local tour operators and offer tourism packages combining recreation and medical treatment.

The Department of Tourism unveiled the proposals on Tuesday, according to All Headline News, which include routine checkups as well as the option of surgical procedures.

Cynthia Carrion, assistant secretary for sports and wellness at the Department of Tourism, said that visitors would be shown the country's highlights and would have the option of a check-up or surgery at lower prices than Thailand's leading medical services provider.

The move is the latest stage in the country's bid to enhance its medical tourism status, with around 200,000 foreigners already having received treatment in the country since the opening of the Philippine Medical Tourism Programme earlier this year.

Thelma Clemente, president of the Philippine Hospital Association, told All Headline News: "We have competitive English-speaking staff who can give [the] tender, loving, healthcare that most patients abroad are looking for."