Medical Tourism News
South Korean airline and university launch partnership to boost health travel
Southeast Asia offers life science companies significant opportunities in the medical tourism sector
New report highlights business potential from growing healthcare travel
Life sciences companies in the public and private sectors could reap financial benefits from the growing medical tourism sector in Southeast Asia , according to a report by healthcare consultancy IQ�IA .
The region has already established itself as a popular medical tourism destination for patients seeking affordable and high-�uality healthcare , and its growth tra�ectory offers a promising market for healthcare businesses . �ne reason is that several regional governments have identified medical tourism as a national development priority .
��e strongly recommend that companies thoroughly investigate the market opportunities and regulatory re�uirements for launching new , innovative medical products in medical tourism destinations such as Thailand , Singapore , �alaysia , the �hilippines , and the up-and-coming destination Indonesia , � noted the report .
The demand is particularly high for cell and gene therapies as well as precision oncology treatments . Therapeutic products in fields popular among international patients are also promising , such as cardiology orthopaedics , and cosmetic surgery .
Health authorities from several countries are developing regulations that should provide a clear path to bring new medical products to market . Streamlined procedures in specific areas promise easier access for medical therapies , such as in the Sanur Special �conomic �one ( S�� ) in Bali .
�The Sanur S�� could potentially allow companies to import unapproved therapeutic products and medical devices into the area for early patients access , sub�ect to permission from B��� , the national food and drug supervisory agency of Indonesia , � said the report .
Agreement offers discounts for international patients
Asiana Airlines and Korea University Anam Hospital have signed a memorandum of understanding that will offer �ight discounts and an additional free checked piece of baggage for international patients checking in at the hospital , The Chosun Daily reported .
�iscounts will range from five to �� percent . The hospital is also offering reduced rates , with e�amination fees slashed from ��� , ��� won ( �S���� ) to ��� , ��� won ( �S���� ). �atients will also benefit from a �� percent discount on any additional tests .
The hospital has about � , ��� beds and is applying for the �oint Commission International certification , the gold standard in the field . It offers consultations in multiple languages , including �nglish , �ussian , and �ongolian , and can assist international patients with accommodations , visa applications , and airport transportation . Its departments cover all the main medical specialities , including cardiology , orthopaedics , oncology , and plastic surgery . It also boasts specialised centres in diabetes , cell therapy , and organ transplant .
��e hope that this collaboration will serve as a catalyst for revitali�ing the medical tourism industry , which has e�perienced a downturn following the C��I�-�� pandemic , � said an official from Asiana Airlines , according to the report .
26 ISSUE 6 | 2023 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com