Date: 26/8/04
It is a competitive world out there. Looking over our shoulder is Thailand and Singapore.
Thailand boasts some of the most sophisticated medical tourist facilities in the region. Just five years ago, it was no more than a cheap and reliable destination for sex change operations.
In recent years, the Thai government has gone into overdrive to change this image. They are positioning Thailand as Asia’s premier healthcare hub for everything from cosmetic surgery to hip replacements.
Some private hospitals here have revved ahead of government initiatives. More than a quarter of Bangkok’s Bumrungrad Hospital are foreigners. The hospital offers assistance in 13 languages and has been accredited by JCAHO, an international certification recognised by insurance giants. It has Starbucks and McDonalds to meet the culinary demands of patients and their families. It is also on an expansionary mode, opening offices in Asean, the Middle East and Europe.
Singapore is another tough act to follow. Unlike Thailand, it has no image problems. It is recognised for quality healthcare and aggressive marketing. But it pales in comparison to the prices offered by Malaysia. According to the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) figures, a cardiac bypass surgery costs RM24,000 in Malaysia whereas in Singapore, it is a whopping RM40,000.
But Singapore has moved up the value chain, offering more complicated treatments. The failure of its Siamese twin separation surgery was a blow to Singapore’s desire to gain international recognition as a destination for advanced medical care. Malaysia may wish to knock competitors off their perch but theses people will not relinquish their market share without a fight.
The good news is that medical tourism is a global growth industry, with good pickings for all. |