The 1st Philippine Medical Tourism Congress, Expo and Grand Launch

Dubbed, “Only in the Philippines: Tender Loving (Health)Care,” the very first Philippine Medical Tourism Congress, Expo and Launch will be staged at Philippine International Convention Center, in the CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, on November 20-21, 2006.

Envisioned as a vital catalyst to fuel the country’s economy in the near future, the Arroyo Administration has included Medical Tourism in its Philippine Medium Term Development Plan. In 2004, the Philippine Medical Tourism Program was launched through Executive Order 372 as a public-private sector initiative.

As the Philippine gears up to become the most desirable health and wellness haven in the world, a heightened synergy has resulted with the concerted effort of government cluster agencies involved and health and tourism stakeholders.

The event will highlight the qualities which set the Philippines apart from the other health tourism destinations in the world. A forum for local and foreign participants, it will link up the vendors with the buyers, as well as tackle significant topics of concern in this growing industry.

About Philippine Medical Tourism

The Philippines has been growing as a medical tourism destination of choice because of its world-class physicians, modern technology, and uniquely Filipino brand of caring and compassion.

Our country is home to some of the best hospitals and stand-alone specialty clinics in the region, offering world-class expertise and state-of-the-art facilities at rates more reasonable than what can be had in most industrialized countries.

For as little as US$ 8,500, a medical tourist can have knee-replacement surgery in a modern hospital in the Philippines, performed by a US-trained surgeon. In the United States, the same procedure could cost as much as US$ 50,000. This remarkable discrepancy in prices can also be seen in other procedures, such as heart bypass surgery, which costs around US$ 10,000 in the Philippines, but ranges from US$ 60,000 to US$ 80,000 in the US.

The Philippines also has some of the world’s best spa resorts and tour destinations in South East Asia. The medical tourist and her family can be pampered with soothing and rejuvenating treatments, delivered with the warmth, kindness and nurturing that is the hallmark of Filipino hospitality. For the more intrepid, memorable experiences of every kind can be had through the many eco-tours, adventure tours, and cultural tours across our more than 7,000 islands.

With all this and so much more to offer, the Philippines truly provides the best of many worlds to the medical tourist. Recovery has never been this quick and enjoyable.