The Philippines is currently working to boost its medical tourism portfolio to become one of the world’s leading destinations for healthcare and wellness.

Aside from value for money healthcare services ranging from preventative care to aesthetic procedures, the country’s medical tourism portfolio is unique in a way that it also offers patients seeking medical care abroad a holistic wellness and travel experience.

At an interview on Thursday, 17 October, tourism secretary Christina Frasco declared: “In the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines ranks number three [in terms of tourism in general. This is] reflective of the beauty of our destinations and our capacity to offer unforgettable and healing tourism experiences in the Philippines.”

Currently, the Philippines ranks 20th among the world’s leading medical tourism destinations. Frasco pointed out that the country’s goal is to become a premier and preferred health and wellness tourism destination.

What the department has been doing

In May of this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) rolled out a Filipino Brand of Wellness module for tourism stakeholders and communities. 

It also partnered with various wellness associations to elevate the global standards of health and wellness travel in the country.

Frasco added that the government is working with the private sector and has also introduced its own accreditation for medical tourism facilities.

Among the institutions that have already undergone accreditation are The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, and St Luke’s Medical Center. Likewise, the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) remains the only DOT-recognised dental health facility.

More recently, the DOT also launched the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) on 14th October. The event brought together stakeholders and delegates from at least 38 countries.