An environment conducive to healing
Since the implementation of Executive Order 372 in 2006, the Philippines has been experiencing exceptional growth in the health and wellness sectors, domestically and internationally.
Over the years, global health travel, also known as medical tourism, has been evolving and becoming a mainstream marketplace. Through organized promotions and efforts led by Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism Cynthia Carrion, awareness has been raised and revenue generated by foreign patients from countries such as the United States and Canada along with certain regions in Europe and the Middle East. She writes in an open letter:
The Philippines has unique advantages, which other countries cannot imitate.
To date we are the only country in Southeast Asia wherein the Department of Health and the Department of Tourism are working harmoniously together with unified collaboration.
Filipinos have been recognized and are in demand the world over for their health care expertise and delivery. We have a natural tendency for care giving as this is embedded in the culture of the country. It is only natural that the Philippines is a leader in global health travel programs.
English is proficient throughout the country, which gives great comfort and understanding to international patients and their companions. Using a translator in other health travel destinations can encourage added stress, which is not conducive to healing.
Our doctors and nurses are among the most highly educated and qualified medical personnel in the world. For decades, patients from Asia have been coming to the Philippines for specialized treatment such as cardiac care and cancer therapies. Our centers of excellence are familiar with foreign patients and foreign customs.
Stem cell research is encouraged and our scientists have produced successful outcomes from customized patient therapies. It is evidence-based, not all treatments fit all persons and all illnesses. It is critically important to one’s health that treatment programs are designed according to individual needs and take into account all important lifestyle complexities in determining the best course of treatment.
Also, the Philippines has a “Traditional Medicine Law” allowing alternative medicine to be practiced. We were recently invited to the Global Spa Summit in Zurich, Switzerland, to present a case study on how to integrate preventive medicine into the spas for America and Europe to learn from us.
Our institutions are committed to continuous quality improvement and patient safety. We have two hospitals accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) and two more in pilot testing with Accreditation Canada. These international accreditation standards demonstrate a commitment to global best practice, patient safety and quality.
The state of the art diagnostic equipment, plus our interdisciplinary and consultative approach, will lead you on your journey to wellness. It is against this framework that the Department of Tourism is confident that the global health and wellness arena will continue to arrive on our shores in outstanding numbers.
Let us not forget to mention…, you may recover, rehabilitate and rejuvenate on any of our 7,107 beautiful islands! Welcome to the Philippines.
Yours in health and wellness,
Cynthia L. Carrion
