HEAL to Drive Growth of Medical Tourism in Philippines

28-Jan-2010

HEAL Philippines is a partnership between the government and the private sector for the promotion and development of the country’s medical tourism industry.

Philippine officials laud the formation of Health and Wellness Alliance of the Philippines (HEAL Philippines), an organization of hospitals, clinics, spas and other medical tourism providers seeking to promote and develop the Philippines as a prime destination for global healthcare and retirement.

According to DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano who presided over the oath-taking ceremony, HEAL Philippines demonstrates the strong partnership between the government and the private sector in elevating the status of the Philippines in the international medical tourism industry. Sec. Durano also noted how rapidly our country has advanced in providing quality healthcare to international patients. It was in 2006 when the Philippine Medical Tourism Program was launched, with Sec. Durano at the helm of DOT.

Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion of the DOT's Office for Sports and Wellness, who also chairs the public sector component of HEAL Philippines, encouraged the officials to show continued dedication, enthusiasm and support in pursuing the goals of the organization.

“The founding of HEAL Philippines is a joy and pride not just among us in the industry but for the whole country as well. Let us work together and show the world that the Philippines is truly the Heart of Asia,” said Usec. Carrion.

“The Philippines has many strengths in medical tourism that we can all be proud of—warm and friendly doctors and healthcare professionals, advanced medical technology at reasonable prices, and a country blessed with natural wonders,” said Dr. Joven Cuanang, President of HEAL Philippines.

This optimism is shared by Joyce Alumno, Secretary General of HEAL Philippines. “The Philippines is quickly gaining ground in being a leading hub of health and wellness in the world. Our topnotch hospitals are better-equipped than many hospitals of developed countries, complemented with the unique Filipino hospitality. This will be further strengthened by the solid partnership we have between the government and private sector. HEAL Philippines is our response to the government’s call to prime up the country’s economic growth through medical tourism and retirement,” Alumno enthused.