Philippines to be 'key medical tourism player'

22-Apr-2008

The Philippines is likely to become one of the world's leading destinations for patients seeking treatment abroad, an expert has claimed.

According to tourism secretary Joseph Ace Durano, the nation's hospitals and speciality clinics are among the best in the region.

He said: "We are confident that the country will grow to be a key player in the international medical tourism arena as many consider the Philippines as the dark horse.

"The warm, nurturing and friendly nature of the Filipino assures medical travellers and their companions that they will receive top-notch service and care," he added, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The country is currently being visited by a group of German business leaders and decision makers who are keen to help develop its medical tourism sector.

The visitors were encouraged by a Research and Markets report which suggested that the Philippines could accommodate up to 400,000 medical tourists per year by 2012.