Emirate launches course on health tourism
Dubai promotes offerings for medical tourists through online platform
Dubai has introduced a new online training programme on health tourism that highlights the emirate ’ s healthcare offerings to an overseas audience . Dubai is ranked as the number one medical tourism destination in the Arab world and was among the top six medical tourism destinations in the world last year , a result of the combined efforts of its public and private sectors , according to the Dubai health tourism department .
The health tourism course was developed under a partnership between the health tourism department and Dubai College of Tourism .
Available via the online training platform , Dubai Way , The Introduction to Health Tourism course “ aims to provide an enriching learning experience as well as share the latest information about the city of Dubai and its health tourism offerings ”.
It offers practical guidance through interactive videos , activities , and assessments designed to help professionals learn about the globally recognised standards of health tourism in the emirate .
The course also provides information about Dubai ’ s diverse destination offerings for an enhanced experience for health tourists during their treatment .
“ The effective management of the pandemic across the city under the guidance of our visionary leadership has helped highlight the world-class health infrastructure , systems , and services that are available in Dubai ,” said Essa Bin Hadher , general manager of the Dubai College of Tourism , in a statement .
“ The growth of this sector in the emirate is directly proportional to the high-quality infrastructure and the services offered . We continue to grow strong because of the presence of world-class hospitals and highly qualified healthcare professionals in Dubai ,” added Mohamed Al Mheiri , Director of the Dubai Health Tourism Department .
Malaysia and Thailand struggle with vaccine passports
Malaysian hospitals demand access to passport negotiations , while Thailand ’ s document could be counterfeited
Private hospitals in Malaysia have been urging the government to introduce an internationally recognised COVID-19 vaccine passport .
Dr Kuljit Singh , president of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia , said doing so would help Malaysia increase medical tourism arrivals and attract foreign tourists to the country .
“ The vaccine passport is an important digital platform that uses robust blockchain technology in identifying travellers ’ information on vaccination certificates , testing results , and quarantine periods observed ,” Dr Kuljit told the press .
There have already been discussions between Malaysian officials and those from China and Singapore for recognition of its digital vaccination certification on a global platform , but the association is demanding a place at the table in these talks .
“ We urge the government to allow us to participate in these negotiations , as we also need to give our input .
“ Private hospitals are an interested and concerned party . We should have a seamless method of uploading the required information through the digital application ,” he said .
Meanwhile , Thailand has released a new vaccine passport for its outbound citizens . There is some concern , however , that the passport is in the form of an official document printed on paper that may be prone to forgery .
The country has also launched a website for inbound travellers to guide them through the process of entering the country at a time when changes to regulations can feature daily .
The website provides information for vaccinated travellers along with a list of the seven vaccines that Thailand currently accepts .
28 JUNE 2021 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com