What Is Philippine Medical Tourism?

The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a top destination for medical tourism, offering a unique blend of quality healthcare, affordability, and hospitality. As per the MTA and the International Healthcare Research Center, the Philippines is ranked eighth among the top medical tourism destinations globally. The country is seeing 80,000 to 250,000 medical tourists annually, with patients coming from Sri Lanka, East Asia, the Gulf States, and other countries.

The Philippines is particularly well-regarded for cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, ophthalmology, cardiology, and orthopedics. Foreign medical tourists typically seek aesthetic and uncomplicated procedures, while Filipino expats return home for all types of medical procedures. The Philippines’ islands offer endless possibilities for unique medical tourism and fun travel experiences that help clear the mind and reinvigorate the body.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently recognized the Philippines as an emerging medical and wellness tourism destination in Asia. The Philippines is positioning itself as an emerging medical and wellness tourism destination in Asia, with 23 of its health facilities internationally accredited and recognized by the International Society for Quality. Medical tourism in the Philippines cares for approximately 80,000 to 250,000 patients or clients annually, with 62 hospitals now internationally accredited.

In 2015, the Philippines ranked 8th among all medical tourism destinations worldwide. Visitors come looking for eye surgery, aesthetic treatments, and more.

What is the free medicine program in the Philippines?

House Bill 5808, also designated as the “Free Basic Medicine Assistance Act,” seeks to implement a Free Basic Medicine Assistance Program in all government district hospitals, local health units, and barangay health centers throughout the country.

What is Philippine health Agenda?

The Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022 has the objective of fostering a society in which Filipinos are able to lead healthy and productive lives, and a health system in which they feel respected, valued, and empowered in all their interactions.

What are the health programs for senior citizens in the Philippines?

The Health Development Program for Older Persons (DOH HCPOP) is a policy set by the Department of Health (DOH) to guide local governments in implementing programs for the elderly population. The global proportion of older persons is expected to rise, with 390 million older people predicted to be present by the end of the century. This poses a challenge for developing countries, particularly in the Philippines, where the population of 60 years or older is expected to reach 4.

8 million by the 2000 census. Currently, there are 7 million senior citizens, with 1. 3 million being indigents. The aging population is also increasing the demand for health services, with the elderly being heavy consumers of personal health care and public health care. To address this, laws and policies have been developed, such as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, which expands coverage of benefits and privileges for the elderly, including medically necessary services. The Department aims to provide affordable and quality health services to the marginalized population, particularly the elderly, without hindering current objectives and health system reform.

What are the health policy in the Philippines?

The Philippine government signed the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law in 2019, allowing all Filipinos, including Overseas Filipino Workers, to access healthcare services under the government’s health insurance program (PhilHealth). The law mandates all Filipinos to be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, granting eligibility to health benefits packages. The Philippine healthcare system continues to grow as private equities invest, acquire smaller hospitals, and upgrade infrastructure.

Most hospitals are located in the Calabarzon region, followed by Central Luzon’s Region 3 and the National Capital Region. In 2022, the top three causes of death in the Philippines were ischemic heart diseases (18. 4), neoplasms (10. 2), and cerebrovascular diseases (10. 2).

What is the biggest problem in healthcare in the Philippines?

The Philippines faces significant challenges in accessing hospitals and quality medical equipment, with half of its population living in rural areas with no licensed doctors and ill-equipped facilities. The best clinics and hospitals are in larger cities like Manila, Cebu City, Quezon City, and Davao City. Staffing shortages, inadequate hospital beds, and poorly functioning medical equipment also pose problems for city residents.

Finding affordable medical equipment is a significant challenge for both public and private hospitals in the Philippines. Due to limited local production, over 95 of medical devices are imported from other countries. Many hospital owners and doctors are hesitant to buy from other countries, fearing they won’t be able to afford high-quality equipment.

To find affordable surgical equipment from the USA, surgeons, doctors, and hospital owners should be aware of the country’s leading medical device manufacturing company, which produces approximately 43 percent of all medical devices in 2015. Filipino hospital owners can also save money by purchasing professionally refurbished medical equipment from the USA, which can save them over 50 percent and lead to additional discounts and lower shipping costs.

What is the healthcare system in the Philippines?

The Philippines’ healthcare system consists of public and private sectors, with the government funding public healthcare through taxes and subsidies. The private sector relies on out-of-pocket payments or private insurance. For expats living in the Philippines, public healthcare includes government-operated health facilities like community health centers and hospitals, providing fundamental health services to the general public. Key considerations for expats in the Philippines include public and private coverage.

What is the health governance in the Philippines?

In 1991, the Philippines implemented a decentralized health governance system, which granted local government units (LGUs) complete autonomy in financing and operating local health systems. This system was designed to ensure the delivery of public services.

How is medical tourism in the Philippines?

The Philippines offers a value-for-money destination with medical treatment rates over 50 times lower than in the United States and Europe. Leading healthcare providers in the country provide quality patient care, which is sought after globally. Filipino health professionals are highly skilled and culturally sensitive, with many having received top medical education from top institutions in the USA, Europe, and Australia. They have undergone extensive specialty and sub-specialty training and are licensed or certified in the Philippines and internationally.

Filipino health professionals are equipped to address a range of health needs and are motivated to foster full recovery. Concierge services are available to help create tailor-made health holidays and wellness packages for medical travelers and tourists. Leading hospitals in the Philippines are internationally accredited by the Joint Commission International, Accreditation Canada, and UK Trent. State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment devices, combined with Filipino doctors’ technical skills and intuitiveness, ensure excellent healthcare delivery with an emphasis on patient safety and quality of care.

What nationality has the most tourists in the Philippines?

The Philippine tourism industry is a crucial part of the country’s economy, contributing 8. 6 percent to the GDP in 2023, a decrease from the 12. 7 percent recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 lockdowns. Coastal tourism, including beach and diving activities, accounts for 25 percent of the country’s tourism revenue. Popular tourist destinations include Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao. Despite facing political and social challenges, the Philippines has taken steps to address these issues, such as improving political stability, enhancing security measures, and promoting social inclusivity.

As of 2023, 6. 21 million Filipinos were employed in the tourism industry, and the country generated ₱316. 9 billion ($5. 5 billion) in revenue from tourists, mainly from South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The country attracted 5, 360, 682 foreign visitors in 2015 and reached its peak in 2019 at 8, 260, 913.

The Philippines is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Heritage City of Vigan. Additionally, the country has seven Ramsar wetland sites and eight ASEAN Heritage Parks.

How many hospitalized tourists are there in the Philippines?

The Philippines is attracting 80, 000 to 250, 000 medical tourists annually, from various countries including Sri Lanka, East Asia, the Gulf States, Europe, North and South America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Filipino workers and expatriates also travel back home for medical procedures. The Philippines has advantages such as many healthcare providers speaking English, modern medical facilities, quality infrastructure, proximity to major cities, and a caring local community.

Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto Chargé d’Affaires, Ad interim of the Philippines Embassy in Washington, praised the Philippines’ global positioning as the heart of Asia, combining modern technology with Philippine culture and tradition, and highlighting the warmth of the Filipino people.

How good is medical care in the Philippines?

The Philippines’ state-subsidised public healthcare is generally good, but rural areas have significantly lower quality compared to large city hospitals. Private healthcare offers more consistent care and better facilities. Despite achieving universal healthcare, the Philippines still struggles with unequal access to medical care, resulting in a varying standard of public healthcare from excellent in urban centers to poor in rural areas. It is essential to have a reliable health insurance plan for both home and abroad travel.