Medical Tourism News
Thailand provides funds to support tourists in case of accident
The programme aims to make the Southeast Asian nation more appealing to tourists
Thailand ’ s Ministry of Tourism and Sport ( MOTS ), in collaboration with the National Institute of Emergency Medicine ( NIEM ), has set up a 50-million-Baht ( US $ 1.38 million ) medical fund to assist overseas tourists who have accidents while visiting the country .
The coverage offers up to 500,000 Baht ( US�13 , �00 ) for accidental injury treatment , 300,000 Baht ( US $ 8,300 ) for permanent disability , sight loss , or permanent organ loss , and one million Baht ( US $ 27,700 ) in case of death .
“ The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has initiated the “ Assistance Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty ” as part of our ongoing efforts to assure tourist safety and boost tourist confidence in Thailand , � Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol , Minister of Tourism and Sports , said in a press release .
Compensation will be provided on a case-by-case basis in the event of accidents , crimes , disasters , or other events unless these are caused by tourists ’ carelessness or attempt to commit a crime . Only visitors who travel around the country until 31 August for tourism are eligible .
To enrol in the scheme , visitors can register online through the Thailand Traveller Safety system .
NIEM has also recommended setting up a Tourist Emergency Medical Assistance Centre to support both MOTS and tourist police who will process applications for eligible tourists while referring them to medical centres to receive care .
“ By pooling our resources together to ensure tourists receive emergency medical services in time will help boost confidence among tourists regarding Thailand ’ s safety standards . The cooperation will also promote the e�ciency and quality of our emergency medical systems for the maximum benefit of tourists ,” Dr Atchariya Pangma , Secretary-General of NIEM , said in the press release .
Malaysia offers visa-free entry to Chinese and Indian tourists
The move promises to boost medical tourism
Malaysia has started a visa-free programme for
Chinese and Indian tourists who want to travel across the country for up to 30 days , starting from December 2023 until the end of this year , in a move stakeholders believe will also boost medical tourism . Visitors are only required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online , a form that can be filled out up to three days before arrival .
Dr Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar , chief executive o�cer of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council , told The Star he was optimistic a greater number of Chinese and Indian medical tourists would visit the country because India and China were two of the main contributors to medical tourism in Malaysia . The new programme will make it easier for medical tourists to plan for treatment , get a second opinion , or do a follow-up .
“ The implementation of this visa facility is certainly timely because many countries , including China , have relaxed the conditions for entering and exiting their countries following the transition to the endemic phase [ of the COVID pandemic ] which started two years ago ,” he said .
He added that Malaysia received more than one million medical tourists in 2023 , a 15 percent increase over the previous year , while it ’ s estimated that the sector will generate RM2.4 billion ( US $ 508 million ) in revenue in 2024 .
26 ISSUE 1 | 2024 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com