Thailand in Focus :: Thailand and Malaysia emerging as global economic leaders in the medical tourism industry
Thailand in Focus :: Thailand and Malaysia emerging as global economic leaders in the medical tourism industry
10/06/2015
The world medical tourism map is changing spatially and economically. This highly advanced and ever-growing industry serves millions of patients every year, with clinics, treatments and healthcare available more cheaply and readily in developing countries than ever before. A clear industry leader is emerging in South East Asia, overtaking countries in America, Africa and Eastern Europe to become the first port of call for many seeking low-cost procedures abroad.Tourism as an already major economic contributor to South East Asia is emerging as an obvious driver in the growth of medical tourism currently being experienced by the region, with is currently worth an estimated $8.5Bn (USD). Lower cost airline travel as well as ease of access to other Asian tourist destinations has undoubtedly contributed to the influx of patients seeking healthcare solutions in the area. This is particularly true of Thailand, whose long-established tourist credentials give it an edge over medical tourism rivals such as Singapore and South Korea. Yet, Malaysia is catching up with their rivals in terms of healthcare industry growth, offering low-cost medical care in an increasingly more inviting environment.Credit and view full story at Companies and Markets
