Today, thousands of patients from different places around the world cross continents and countries to obtain medical, dental and surgical care while vacationing and touring the attractions of the countries that they are visiting. This is basically what travel agencies and the mass media describe as medical tourism. Others call it medical travel, health tourism, global healthcare or international healthcare.

These terms mean the same thing . . . traveling to another country to obtain health care.

There are many countries offering their medical services to international patients. One such country is Israel. Many people especially those who are reading the Holy Bible are familiar with the culture of the ancient Israelites. Their culture of survival, especially. The Israelites are regarded in the Holy Bible as “the apple of God’s eyes.” Some people identify the Israelites with wars because of their strong military posture. From the biblical days up to this modern times, the Israelites are always engaged in fighting to protect their small nation.

Not many know that Israelites are good businessmen. Some years ago I wrote an article about college dropouts in Israel who designed the IT technology known as ICQ. American Online (AOL) bought the ICQ technology for US$ 400 million. Talking about information technology (IT), Intel’s designs for Pentium III and IV were also done in Israel.

One may ask: What has Israel done in the field of medical tourism? What has this small nation with a small population of six (6) million contributed in the medical tourism industry? Hand in hand with its strong military posture, Israel has become a world leader in cancer treatment. Israel also tops in the field of orthopedics. International patients go to Israel for treatment for bone, ligament and joint deficiencies. Not many know that the aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques used in Israel have been adopted by doctors all over the world. These plastic surgery techniques range from corrective procedures to more commonly-known cosmetic procedures. Not to mention the multi-lingual staff manning the medical centres and hospitals in Israel to facilitate ease in communication with the international patients.

The substantially reduced medical costs, the high quality medical service and the competence of doctors and other medical staff are not the only competitive advantages of availing of the medical tourism facilities of Israel. Israel is blessed with many very attractive resorts luring tourists who are concerned about their health. The hot springs, the sophisticated spa hotels, and its sunny climate – all blend to offer an international patient a medical-tourist package that he cannot resist. While there are many therapeutic resorts throughout Israel, the Dead Sea tops the list of therapeutic resorts. In fact the Dead Sea is one of the world’s best known and most unique therapeutic resort. The Dead Sea is the saltiest sea in the world and is famous world-wide for its high concentration of salts and minerals.

The international patients who seek treatment at the Dead Sea are those with dermatological conditions; those with rheumatological disease and those with lung diseases. Incidentally, the Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment. For one, the mineral content of the waters, the very low content of pollens and other allergens and the reduced ultraviolet component of solar as well as the higher atmospheric pressure at the great depth have specific health effects. Psoriasis patients who sunbathe for long periods in the Dead Sea area are relieved of the symptoms of psoriasis.

Indeed, Israel has a unique and mystical appeal to many. No wonder, the medical tourism of Israel is growing at a rapid pace.

Have a joyful day!