Thailand ‘has potential to be medical tourism leader’

[webfact]

Thailand ‘has potential to be medical tourism leader’

By Sirivish Toomgum 
The Nation

 

Medical fair organiser says global market growing 25% a year

 

BANGKOK: -- Thailand can emerge as the region’s top medical tourism hotspot, as the country attracts 550,000 Asean medical tourists yearly, according to Gernot Ringling, managing director of the trade fair organiser Messe Dusseldorf Asia. 

 

“Across the region, medical tourism is on the rise with more than 3.5 million consumers arriving in Southeast Asia annually. 

 

“Globally, the medical tourism market is expanding by up to 25 per cent each year and is worth more than US$55 billion (Bt1.8 trillion) annually. 

 

“Out of the more than 11 million global medical consumers, nearly a third travel to Southeast Asia,” said Ringling.

 

As Southeast Asia’s public and private health systems are increasingly embracing and funding technology enabled care to follow their European and North American counterparts, advanced technologies that can deliver scalable, efficient and highquality care are becoming increasingly popular in the region. 

 

For instance, the increasing use of robotic surgery, 3D printing, implantable devices, use of automation and artificial intelligence in clinical settings, and other digital innovations for prevention, monitoring and treatment are among the hottest products and solutions and trends across Southeast Asia. 

 

Messe Dusseldorf Asia, a subsidiary of Messe Dusseldorf in Germany, one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, will hold the eighth Medical Fair Thailand at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from September 6 to 8. 

 

Among the highlights are rehabilitative care and connected healthcare, such as digital healthcare equipment and solutions, and wearable technologies that are rapidly transforming the market.

 

“Rehabilitative care and connected healthcare are fast growing sectors within the medical and healthcare industry and these specialised healthcare areas are gaining traction due to an ageing population and a tech savvy middle class,” Ringling said. 

 

The ageing societies in the region will result in greater healthcare expenditures by the elderly. 

 

Singapore and Thailand have the highest percentage of ageing population above 65 years. The percentage of people over age 65 is expected to more than quadruple by 2050 in Southeast Asia. 

 

Zion Research forecasts that the global home healthcare market, including rehabilitation, is expected to grow to $391.41 billion by 2021. 

 

Based on the “Market Research Future Report”, the global connected healthcare market will reach $105.33 billion by 2022, with the AsiaPacific market expected to be the fastest growing, reaching $24.07 billion by 2022.

 

The $100 billion medical industry can contribute as an economic booster to Southeast Asian countries. 

 

Medical manufacturing is one of the key growth areas in Asean region. The medical device market in these countries is projected to double from $4.6 billion in 2013 to $9 billion by 2019.

 

More than 700 exhibitors from 45 countries are expected to join the fair. Around 18 national pavilions and groups, including debut group participation from Canada, the European Union, India, the Netherlands and Russia, will present more than 5,000 state of theart medical and healthcare products, equipment and solutions to a targeted audience of 10,000 medical and healthcare professionals.

 

Alongside the exhibition, the fair will also feature seminars, forums, conferences and technical presentations.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/business/30321561

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-24

[Chang_paarp]

Medical tourism leader, jet maintenance leader, tourism leader. So many aspirations but so few trained people to do the work and oversee the governance to ensure the industries actually meet international standards.

[jaltsc]

"Thailand can emerge as the region’s top medical tourism hotspot..."

 

First they need to develop an education culture based on achievement and not based on social status. 

 

I don't think medical tourists will feel too confident knowing that the person who is treating them had his degrees purchased by his family. 

Edited July 24, 2017 by jaltsc

[thaibook]

isn't medical tourism an oxymoron?  Tourism is about people going somewhere to enjoy themselves.  Medical treatment is rarely if ever enjoyable.  Isn't it more an offer of package care (ie cheap(er) care similar to package holidays) that are or discounted care?

[ksamuiguy]

Credibility!  Only one place has it here in Thailand, Nana Soi 3

 

[alant]

Some interesting snips in this, SE Asia already getting  around 4,000,000 medical tourists per year. I would guess these will be restricted to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore given the level of healthcare, unsure of the Philippines.

I love the term "funding technology". Does this mean you will be able to pay without carrying a wad of used notes in your pocket?

My experience here in Thailand is of high quality treatment although in certain areas I do suspect overtreatment as in the case of my diabetic eye checks changing from annual to 6 monthly. 

Generally the facilities are first class but I am paying for it. But what happens if it all goes wrong due to an error or even medical negligence? This I feel may be a concern for those seeking treatment here.

[connda]

Yep.  All they need to do is stop enforcing a xenophobic immigration policy.

[inThailand]

55 minutes ago, Chang_paarp said:

Medical tourism leader, jet maintenance leader, tourism leader. So many aspirations but so few trained people to do the work and oversee the governance to ensure the industries actually meet international standards.

Why the word leader???

 

What happen to being a hub knob? 

[jobwolf]

The speed private Hospitals are increasing their fees is not smart. Medical tourism is going to die before it even takes proper roots. South Africa has better doctors are cheaper prices and is a country worth visiting.

Not just the beaches but everything inland as well as their National parks.  Service sucks like in Thailand but the prices are much better.

[Dave67]

“Across the region, medical tourism is on the rise with more than 3.5 million consumers arriving in Southeast Asia annually. "

 

Consumers, not Patients? Sounds like someones is suffering from foot in mouth disease

[saakura]

4 minutes ago, inThailand said:

Why the word leader???

 

What happen to being a hub knob? 

After being a leading hub for all kinds of things since a long time, it is time for Thailand now to move up and assert its rightful position as an emerging leader amongst nations?

[Dave67]

They do have plenty of practice treating the sick and injured

[JSixpack]

1 hour ago, Chang_paarp said:

Medical tourism leader, jet maintenance leader, tourism leader. So many aspirations but so few trained people to do the work and oversee the governance to ensure the industries actually meet international standards.

 

On 7/13/2017 at 9:17 PM, bangrak said:

And as long as the Thai State does not decide that it wants, and does not succed in getting, agreements with the official healthcare organisations of first world countries, the game of craps, with pipped dices, will go and on...

 

Nation-wide the healthcare system in Thailand treated 2.81 million foreign patients in 2015, up 10.2%. In 2013, medical tourists contributed an estimated USD4.7 billion to the Thailand’s economy.

Medical tourism makes up 0.4% of Thailand’s GDP, while tourism overall accounts for around 6% to 7%, and is considered the third most important economic driver in Thailand.

 

The prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for healthcare service providers, worldwide, has been awarded to 52 hospitals, specialised clinics, or medical centres in Thailand, up from 22 three years ago. . . .

    --http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2016/08/thailands-medical-tourism-thrives/

[JSixpack]

23 minutes ago, connda said:

Yep.  All they need to do is stop enforcing a xenophobic immigration policy.

Quote

BANGKOK: -- Voice TV quoted a government minister as saying that the medical tourism visa for Asian nationals was being expanded.

 

People from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and China would be able to stay in the kingdom for up to 90 days up from a previous 15 - 30 day allowance.

 

Deputy government minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn said that this would bring in more money to the country in what is termed the "Medical Wellness Tourism" sector.

 

 

[RichardColeman]

Well, I suppose they have a lot of road accidents to practice on. 

[JSixpack]

15 minutes ago, jobwolf said:

Medical tourism is going to die before it even takes proper roots.

 

 

No, it's doing pretty well actually.

 

Quote

South Africa has better doctors are cheaper prices and is a country worth visiting.

Not just the beaches but everything inland as well as their National parks.  Service sucks like in Thailand but the prices are much better.

 

 

Thailand can emerge as the region’s top medical tourism hotspot, as the country attracts 550,000 Asean medical tourists year

 

Asean medical tourists are NOT going to fly over to South Africa. You could make a better case for India but they aren't much going to go there either, nor are the Middle Eastern patients.

Edited July 24, 2017 by JSixpack

[inThailand]

13 minutes ago, Dave67 said:

“Across the region, medical tourism is on the rise with more than 3.5 million consumers arriving in Southeast Asia annually. "

 

Consumers, not Patients? Sounds like someones is suffering from foot in mouth disease

or just call them patsies!

[Dave67]

Just now, inThailand said:

or just call them patsies!

Or Foreign Mugs 

[Peterw42]

A lot of the pricing for accident emergency, post accident hospital stay, treatment etc are comparable to western countries. How often do you read a horror story about a tourist, after an accident, has run up a medical bill thats the nation debt of Ecuador. 

Yet within the same medical system, boob jobs are cheaper than the west.

[pattayadgw]

Thailand has had the potential to be many things in this region but they can't even run the country without being toppled by a coup.... nuff said!!

[TheMacMan]

"potential" is a magic word when used in official declarations.... could, should, would, maybe, possibly, eventually.... all these words can be replaced with potential(ly) and mean the same thing.....

If and when they pull their finger out, have rules, enforce them, don't take tea-money, don't buy qualifications or get them via family connections and be cost effective and efficient....

A way to go yet!!!!

[Luckysilk]

Since the hiso Thai go abroad for medical treatment I suppose there's lots of available beds.

[quadperfect]

Bangkok hospital prices have doubled in 3 years.

I have a procedure every few years and it went from 5,000 bht from 2006 to 2014 then last time they quoted me 12,000 bht. I complained and they reduced it to 10,000 bht.

Still affordable by usa standards but yes this place is changing and none for the good.

[Orton Rd]

went to a 'non profit making' Hospital in Bkk earlier this year, and apart from the fees which were not much cheaper than Bumrungrad was charged 1500 baht for a cheap strip of anti biotics. Anything serious and it's cheaper to nip home

[JSixpack]

49 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Yet within the same medical system, boob jobs are cheaper than the west.

 

 

Exactly. And a growing market among the Brits. Wonder if that's somehow related to all the bitchiness and whinging here.

 

The rise of moobs: UK men opting for surgery to eliminate them QUADRUPLES

 

The number of British men going under the knife to reduce their breasts has risen four fold over the last five years.

This is the finding of a leading cosmetic surgeon, who said that while more men are coming forward for help, countless sufferers are being 'fobbed-off, ridiculed and treated unfairly'.

Up to half of all men may be affected by gynaecomastia, which is the medical term for man boobs.

     —http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4476610/UK-men-opting-moob-jobs-QUADRUPLES.html

[JSixpack]

46 minutes ago, pattayadgw said:

Thailand has had the potential to be many things in this region but they can't even run the country without being toppled by a coup.... nuff said!!

 

Not 'nuff. A lot of the medical tourism countries aren't run well at all. That's one of the reasons medical care is cheaper there. So in some ways it's an advantage, you see.

 

40 minutes ago, TheMacMan said:

"potential" is a magic word when used in official declarations.... could, should, would, maybe, possibly, eventually.... all these words can be replaced with potential(ly) and mean the same thing.....

If and when they pull their finger out, have rules, enforce them, don't take tea-money, don't buy qualifications or get them via family connections and be cost effective and efficient....

A way to go yet!!!!

 

 

Doing really well so far so "potential" seems being fulfilled. No harm in trying to do better no matter your rank.

 

 

19 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

went to a 'non profit making' Hospital in Bkk earlier this year, and apart from the fees which were not much cheaper than Bumrungrad was charged 1500 baht for a cheap strip of anti biotics. Anything serious and it's cheaper to nip home

 

This is alas one of the diseases of success. Growing demand drives up prices.

[smileydude]

Medical tourism is a great source of income (for private hospitals) but all the fanfare and priorities seem to be more then a wee bit lopsided.   I'd also like  to see better standards for the public health system as people living here (locals, expats, migrant workers etc. ) should all have access to affordable health care and not have to pay an arm and a leg at the mercy of these so called "top notch hospitals."  

If all the speciality medical knowledge, tech and service is geared towards private interests rather then public when will the country as a whole move forward?

 

Better health = opportunities = education = productivity = growing economy

Edited July 24, 2017 by smileydude

[retarius]

I guess Thailand was going to have too many hubs, so now we'll be leaders. Pick one area and focus on it, make it happen instead of talking about it and appointing endless committees. You can't be hubs or leaders in everything by talking....internet hub, with censorship and awful slow internet in most of the country? Dream on. Healthcare....Dubai is light years ahead and has real doctors in the hospitals....dream on.

[Stargeezr]

I am all for some changes, but I do hope that Thailand does not become another India,

 a country that has super bugs with not cure.  Just saying!

Geezer

[JSixpack]

29 minutes ago, smileydude said:

Medical tourism is a great source of income (for private hospitals)

 

 

And for all those working in them, right down to the maids, and their extended families upcountry.

 

Quote

but all the fanfare and priorities seem to be more then a wee bit lopsided.   I'd also like  to see better standards for the public health system as people living here (locals, expats, migrant workers etc. ) should all have access to affordable health care and not have to pay an arm and a leg at the mercy of these so called "top notch hospitals." 

 

 

Many of the docs in private hospitals work in public also. Even in your own country the average person isn't going to have access to the top notch hospitals. If I get cancer, no way the Mayo Clinic is going to be treating it. Public hospitals, such as Chula, can be excellent and are affordable for expats. But of course the definition of affordable varies and for many an expat here really means pittance "free" as in "back home" free where they've paid many millions of baht in taxes for the "free." This would fit the pension and lack of savings. Nor would our expats be happy about helping to fund the public healthcare system themselves with a rise in visa fees. We remember the last time in 2003.

 

Quote

If all the speciality medical knowledge, tech and service is geared towards private interests rather then public when will the country as a whole move forward?

 

Better health = opportunities = education = productivity = growing economy

 

 

Despite the chorus of doomsters here, the economy is growing, as you may verify with a modicum of research. If you compare public healthcare in Thailand w/ what it was 20 years ago I think you'll find it much improved. Not to say it doesn't have far to go, esp. in rural areas. 

 

Edited July 24, 2017 by JSixpack