Let me end this series of articles on medical tourism with an update write-up on the medical tourism industry in the Philippines. Here are some interesting information: —

We have the so called Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) created through Executive Order No. 372 dated October 22, 2004. This Executive Order created a public-private sector task force to develop globally our service industries. This includes attracting foreign clients to the Philippines for health and wellness services coupled with tourist tours, vacation and shopping packages. In other words, medical tourism is included in the service industries being encouraged under Executive Order No. 372. The Department of Health (DoH), Department of Tourism (DoT), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) particularly the Board of Investments (BoI) — are the lead government agencies;

Unlike in the United States and other countries, the Philippines as of this date does not have a Malpractice Law. Many of those in the medical profession believe that the existence of a Malpractice Law will make healthcare more expensive. At the same time, , many who are not in the medical profession clamor that a Malpractice Law should be promulgated to prevent and minimize abuses by the medical profession;

As far as I know, there is only one hospital in the Philippines that is accredited by the Joint Commission International, a US-based accrediting agency – as of some years ago. However, by this time, there may be other local hospitals that have now applied for accreditation/ or have already been accredited ;

To date, there is NO Medical Tourism law in the country. But there is Senate Bill 1833 titled "To Develop and Promote Medical Tourism, Providing Funds Therefore And for Other Purposes introduced by Senate President Manny Villar;

There is no consensus as of now when medical tourism in the Philippines had its start. Many people however believe that medical tourism began as early as the ‘70s when the Philippine Heart Center and the Philippine Lung Center were constructed during the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos — upon the initiative of the then First Lady;

I am not aware of any government agency that collects and evaluates the data on the number of medical tourists that come to our country. But definitely our Department of Tourism (DoT) has data on the number of tourist arrivals in the country. Since there are no data on the number of medical tourists that came to our country in the past — the best we can do is to assume that about a certain percentage of the past year’s tourists to our country availed of our medical services during their stay in the Philippines;

There are many foreigners who have been coming to the country to avail, not of the traditional medicine but of alternative medicine, using natural and herbal remedies. I know of a Chinese doctor in Manila with about three hundred (300) foreign and local patients flocking to his clinic every day. No antibiotics, no chemotherapy, no radiation, no medical operations, and no traditional laboratory tests (like CT scan or X-ray) are undergone by his patients. The doctor prescribes only natural and herbal plants. You will be surprised to know that the doctor’s batting healing average is very very high. Especially when it comes to all kinds of cancer. His foreign patients are amazed because without taking a look at all the laboratory and other tests – the doctor’s diagnosis are accurate. He just looks at the patients, eyes, tongue, and takes the patient’s pulse. The doctor’s consulting time is very short.

There is now a growing interest by foreign and local patients for the spas and health/ wellness farms located outside Metro Manila.

The "hilot" of yesteryears is still around and well-patronized by many including foreigners especially in cases of spraining the ankle as well as in other bodily pain/swelling;

The continuous exodus of medical doctors, nurses, physical therapies as well as caregivers who go abroad to look for better job opportunities has negative impact to our medical tourism industry;

Our medical tourism industry has a big future simply because of the blending of so many factors. For one, our country offers low cost of the medical procedures, accommodations, and food compared to other countries. We also have various tourist attractions. Not to mention the many spas resorts, massage centers, beautiful beaches, and our other exotic tourist spots. Many of our medical doctors have studied and/or trained abroad in US and in other countries having well-known and quality medical training. In short, we are competitive with the other countries that are doing good in their medical tourism industry. We just have to get over the launching stage and intensify our promotions and marketing efforts. Last Nov. 20-21, 2006 we had the first Philippine Medical Tourism Congress, Expo and Launch at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Let us not doubt our capability to become a global medical tourism hub! We may not be in the frontline now but we can still catch up.

Have a joyful day!