With its forecast of a growing medical travel market over the next three years (TMR Link), the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing tour operators to develop medical and wellness packages for the growing number of foreign patients visiting the country, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion.

"We are asking the tour operators to create packages that integrate a complete line of medical and wellness services for foreign patients. There is a demand and we have to be ready and make available these medical tourism packages," said Durano.

"Our country is well on its way into becoming a leading international healthcare destination. We have distinct advantages over the others -- a large pool of highly competent healthcare professionals with excellent English communication skills; world class medical facilities and services; our innate hospitality and compassion."

Durano add that the Philippines' tropical weather, reasonably priced healthcare services and a favorable business environment are among its other advantages.

According to the tourism department, the number of overseas patients and clients visiting the Philippines has increased from 60,000 in 2007 to approximately 100,000 in 2008. Gross revenues are estimated at $350 million since the program was launched in 2006.

With that growth trend, the DOT expects the Philippines' global medical tourism industry will contribute $3 billion to the nation's economy by 2012, with 200,000 foreign patients arriving annually.

The department has identified the following core healthcare services for medical tourism: executive check-ups, cardiovascular care, cancer care and stem cell therapy, joint replacement surgery, multidisciplinary weight management care, eye care and sight restoration, dental care, aesthetic and dermatological surgery, spa wellness treatments and long-term care/retirement.

"Our medical tourism packages from tour operators can include any of these services," said Carrion, who heads the DOT's Office for Sports and Wellness. "After their treatment, foreign patients can complete the healing and wellness process by enjoying different sights and attractions in the Philippines,"

Carrion added, "At the same time, we urge our healthcare providers to constantly upgrade their facilities for them to be at par with world-class standards. This is part of the roadmap we have developed for medical tourism, with the public and private sectors forging partnerships towards the common goal of capturing global markets and offering the best in health and wellness."

Durano likewise announced that the Philippines will host the International Summit on Medical Travel, Wellness and Retirement (IMWell Summit) from Oct. 12-15 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila.

The Philippines is spearheading the initiative to establish Asia as a regional hub for health, wellness and retirement. (The summit will be discussed an article to be posted on March 11, 2010.)