Jamaica hospital chief calls for medical tourism

9-Jan-2007

Hospitals in Jamaica are urging the nation to make more of an effort to promote its medical services to patients seeking treatment abroad.

The island nation has spoken of its desire to develop its medical tourism industry before, but it appears likely that it will now renew its efforts after witnessing the success achieved in other parts of the world.

Speaking at a Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston luncheon yesterday (Monday), the chief executive officer of the St Joseph's Hospital said that medical tourism could generate significant income.

"(The) medical tourism product is being actively pursued in Asia, India and other parts of the world," said Fabian Brown, according to local publication the Jamaica Gleaner. "Why then isn't Jamaica a part of that proactive team?"

Comparing Jamaica's potential for medical provision with that of the US, he added: "We have the climate, it snows there, it doesn't here, we have the rainforest, we have the environment for recuperation."

Mr Brown also said that Jamaica could use its hospitals to encourage visitors onto the island, as "sand, sea and the sun" are no longer sufficient to attract tourists.