MEDICAL TOURISM IN PHILIPPINES

SUBMITTED BY –
DIVYA YADAV Mba-mt (09-11)

INDEX

About Philippines…………………………………………………………… 3 Introduction ………………………………………………………….. 3
Geography ……………………………………………………………. 3
Climate………………………………………………………….............4
Population ……………………………………………………………...4
Language ……………………………………………………………….4
Currency………………………………………………………………...4
Religion…………………………………………………………………4
Culture and Society……………………………………………………..4

Tourism in Philippines ……………………………………………………… 5
Tourism statistics……………………………………………………….5
Famous tourist destinations…………………………………………….6
Events…………………………………………………………………..8

Healthcare system in Philippines……………………………………………..9

Medical Tourism …………………………………………………………… 10 Medical Tourism in Philippines …………………………………….. 10 Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in the Philippines……………… 13 Popular medical tourism procedures available in Philippines………….14 Wellness centres………………………………………………………..17 Cost comparison………………………………………………………...18 Entry and Exit Requirements to the Philippines………………………...18 Statistics of Medical Tourism in the Philippines………………………..19 Inclusions of a Philippines' Medical Tourism Package…………………19

BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………..21

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ABOUT PHILIPPINES
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. An archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, the Philippines has the 5th longest coastline in the world.. The Philippines has abundant natural resources such as fertile lands, diverse flora and fauna, extensive coastlines and rich mineral deposits, and is also known for its rich Agriculture. The Philippines is a country that contains a myriad of different amalgated cultures and influences. The superficial face of modern Filipino culture has many more influences from the Western world than other nearby Asian cultures. Most of these influences are a product of previous colonization and derived mainly from the cultures of Spain and the United States, with a secondary influence from Latin American cultures who were under Spain during the same period the Philippines was. Within Asia, this Western-Eastern juxtaposition is most seen in the Philippines, and continues to fascinate many a guest to the country.

GEOGRAPHY
The Philippine islands are an archipelago of over 7,000 islands lying about 500 mi (805 km) off the southeast coast of Asia. The overall land area is comparable to that of Arizona. Only about 7% of the islands are larger than one square mile, and only one-third have names. The largest are Luzon in the north (40,420 sq mi; 104,687 sq km), Mindanao in the south (36,537 sq mi; 94,631 sq km), and Samar (5,124 sq mi; 13,271 sq km). The islands are of volcanic origin, with the larger ones crossed by mountain ranges. The highest peak is Mount Apo (9,690 ft; 2,954 m) on Mindanao.

CLIMATE
The Philippines is normally warm with abundant rainfall and gentle winds. There are three pronounced seasons: wet to rainy from June to October; cool and dry weather from November to February; and hot and dry weather from March to May.
POPULATION
According to the latest official census, Filipinos now number 68 millions. Population growth as of 1991 is estimated at 2.7 percent annually and the number is expected to top the 75.2 millions by the Year 2000.Filipinos are famous for their warm hospitality, friendliness to foreigners, musical and artistic talents, romanticism, deep religiosity, and bravery. They are also fond of music, fiestas, and politics.
LANGUAGE
There are 11 cultural and racial groups, each with its own language. Most Filipinos are bilingual, with English as the basic language in business, government, schools, and everyday communication. Pilipino, based primarily on the Tagalog language, is the national language; there are 11 languages and 87 dialects in the archipelago. Aside from English, Spanish is another foreign language spoken fluently by a number of Filipinos along with Arabic, Chinese, and Nippongo.
CURRENCY
Peso is the unit of currency. Bank notes: P5, P10, P20, P50, P100, P500, and P1,000. Coins: P5, P2, P1, 50c, 25c, 10c, and 5c. Various banks, hotels, and authorized foreign exchange dealers provide peso exchange for most foreign currencies. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, resorts, shops, and restaurants although, outside of Manila, the use of Philippine pesos is preferred.
RELIGION
Roman Catholic is the predominant religion, comprising about 85 percent of the population. Muslims are concentrated at the southern end of the archipelago.
Culture and society
Philippine culture is a combination of Eastern and Western cultures. The Philippines exhibits aspects found in other Asian countries with a Malay[161] heritage, yet its culture also displays a significant amount of Spanish and American influences. Traditional festivities known as barrio fiestas (district festivals) to commemorate the feast days of patron saints are common. The Moriones Festival and Sinulog Festival are a couple of the most well-known. These community celebrations are times for feasting, music, and dancing. Some traditions, however, are changing or gradually being forgotten due to modernization. The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company has been lauded for preserving many of the various traditional folk dances found throughout the Philippines. They are famed for their iconic performances of Philippine dances such as the tinikling and singkil that both feature the use of clashing bamboo poles
The common use of the English language is an example of the American impact on Philippine society. It has contributed to the ready acceptance and influence of American pop cultural trends. This affinity is seen in Filipinos' love of fast food, film, and music. Fast food outlets are found on many street corners.
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TOURISM IN PHILIPPINES
Philippine tourism started to flourish in the 1970s up to 1980's, but in the mid 1980’s, the growth of the Philippine tourism started to slow down. One of the major evidence of the slow growth is the average length of tourist stay of 8.9 days in 1988 down from 12.6 days. In 1987, this growth was slower compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.
Signs of a faster growth showed up in the early 1990s. About 1.2 million tourists visited the Philippines in 1992, which was a record high in the number of tourist visits since 1989. The tourism growth of the year of 1992 gave the Department of Tourism a reason to forecast a positive outlook for the future years.In 2000, the Philippines' tourist arrivals totalled 2.2 million. In 2003 it totaled 2,838,000, a growth of almost 29%, and it is expected to grow as much as 3.4 million in 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, the tourist arrival in the Philippines grew as much as 20% in same period last year. In the period of January to September 2009 alone, the government recorded 5.2 million tourists visiting the country.Tourism plays an important role in the Philippine economy. In the year 2000, net tourism income in the Philippines totaled to 2.1 billion U.S. dollars. Most of the foreign tourists came from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and The Netherlands. There were also tourists coming from Taiwan, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Canada, Israel, Russia, Spain, Poland, France and Singapore.

Tourism Statistics[1] | Year | Foreign
Tourists | 1999 | 762.704 | 2000 | 869.665 | 2001 | 1.495.339 | 2002 | 2.106.468 | 2003 | 1.067.219 | 2004 | 1.285.623 | 2005 | 1.413.883 | 2006 | 1.993.364 | 2007 | 2.911.254 | 2008 | 2.944.135 | FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATIONS |

The Philippines can very well be called Asia’s beach capital, with its long, white sand beaches, sunshine and blue skies, and tropical party lifestyle. Made up of 7,107 islands, it is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. Because of this, it has grown to be one of the favorite getaway destinations of people from all over the world.
BORACAY
Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located approximately 345 kilometers south of Manila. Its most striking attraction is its four-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand beach with crystal clear water. Popularly known as “White Beach”, it is touted as the “finest beach in the world.” The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

PALAWAN
Palawan is the most well preserved major island group in the Philippines. It is also the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The rain forest, caves, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and clear blue waters are its best assets. One has to go around the islands of Palawan to see how its people and the local government’s conservation efforts have born fruit. With over 1,700 islands and islets and almost 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.
BOHOL
Bohol island in the Philippines is paradise famous for its white sand beaches, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. It is located in the Visayas island group in central Philippines. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and coral reefs, Bohol is a travel destination tourist & travelers who love nature will truly enjoy.
One major attraction of Bohol are its numerous caves (there are more than 1,400 to explore). In addition to Bohol's beaches, caves, and awesome Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also renowned for its dive spots. Foreign and local divers come to Bohol to see the breathtaking underwater coral reefs around the islands. Water sports is also very popular in these islands. CEBU
About an hour’s flight away from Manila is Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South. It is a long and thin island in central Philippines with a few smaller islands off-shore. Cebu is all of narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains with rolling hills and jagged mountain ranges stretching from north to south. There are magnificent caves within easy reach. It takes pride in being blessed with immaculate beaches and incredible dive spots. SUBIC
Subic Bay is a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila. Its shores was formerly the site of a major United States Navy facility named U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay and was later transformed into a Freeport economic and tourism zone. Today, Subic Bay hosts a formidable combination of wrecks, like the 19th century Spanish gunboat San Quintin, Japanese luxury liner Oryoku Maru, and the ex-USS New York. Complemented by a rain forest and white sand beach, Subic Bay has an international airport and tourism support facilities that include a marina, yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades, and shop.

MANILA
Manila is home to some of the most stunning structures of the pre-Hispanic era. There are several tours that revisit the historic charm of such cities as Intramuros, Downtown Manila, Binondo, Escolta, among others. Humorous analyses and leisurely strolls through these historic places make for very interesting tours that even locals try to take.

TAGAYTAY
With its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, golfing, camping and sightseeing. It makes for a quick getaway for foreign visitors and most Filipinos alike because it offers a relaxing and safe haven where you can unwind and lay back after your long haul flight or stressful week.Taal Volcano, reputed to be the world's smallest volcano, rests on a serene blue lake. From Tagaytay, a trip can be arranged to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake. A trip to the volcano is recommended where one can even cook hard boiled eggs there, which makes for quite an experience visiting this great natural wonder. Tagaytay is just a hop, skip and a jump from Manila.

CORREGIDOR
One of the most celebrated battles of World War II took place in this tadpole-shaped island more than 60 years ago; but the thunderous roars of the guns reverberate as a whole new adventure unfolds in Corregidor.Corregidor is the largest of the five islands between the shores of the legendary provinces of Bataan and Cavite, both homes to some of the country's beloved heroes.

Events
The World Pyro Olympics is held in the Philippines every year since December 2005. Foreigners come to the country to support their own countries joining in the competition.
In the 2005 Southeast Asian Games that was held in the country, government officials took advantage of the games to show the tourist spots around the country.
The beauty pageant Miss Earth is held in the Philippines every year. The competition is also used to advertise the beauty of the country around the world.
Procession of the Black Nazarene, January, Metro Manila: It is a large event with thousands of barefoot men parading through the streets carrying a life-sized, black wooden statue of Jesus of Nazarene. Pilgrims from all over the country attend, wanting to touch the statue in the hope of a miracle.
Ati-Atihan Festival, January, Panay: It is the most colorful among Philippine fiestas and many consider it as the Mother of All festivals in the Philippine. Revelers paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance for the last three days of this two week-long festival.
Sinulog festival January, Cebu City: The festival, the country's biggest, features a street parade with participants in bright-colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.
Moriones Festival March-April, Marinduque:The Moriones is an annual festival held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines. The "Moriones" are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks..
Pahiyas festival May, Lucban, on the border of Quezon City: This festival is in honor of San Isidro where the town celebrates by colourfully decorating the town with fruits, vegetables, flowers,and Kiping, which are imitation leaves made from rice-starch.

Flores de Mayo May: Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival held in the Philippines in the month of May. It lasts for a month, and is held in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Pagoda-Sa-Wawa festival July, Bocaue: In the town of Bocaue in Bulacan province, on the First Sunday of July, The festival celebrate the discovery of the miraculous cross floating on the Bocaue river 200 years ago.

SHOPPING
Shopping is one of the things tourists love about the Philippines. The country offers one of Asia’s largest bargains, which are cheaper compared to the bargains in Singapore and Hong Kong. Prices of the goods for Philippine bargains are comparable to those in Thailand and China. Not only are the products cheap, they are also of good quality. Three of the biggest shopping malls in the world, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA are all located in the Philippines. Other well-known shopping malls are Robinsons, Greenhills in San Juan, Greenbelt, Glorietta, PowerPlant Mall in the city of Makati, TriNoMa and Gateway Mall in Quezon City, The Podium in the Ortigas Business District, SM City Pampanga & SM City Clark and The Terraces and SM Northwing in Cebu City.
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HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN PHILIPPINES
Since 2006, a bill was passed in the Philippine Congress creating the Medical Tourism Bureau and prompted the nation to start promoting health tourism. The first few years proved successful catapulting the Philippines among the list of choice destinations in the industry. Health travelers to the country find this to be the case, as they are assisted by highly competent, English-speaking and Western-trained medical staff in over 2,000 hospitals in the country.
Philippine health professionals are products of more than 313 health education institutions, and 60% to 80% of whom would eventually work or train abroad and get international medical diplomas. In fact, the Filipinos constitute the second largest group of foreign students that graduated in the medical field from US institutions. Several of these professionals who return home to practice their profession would bring back the latest in technologies, techniques, and expertise and build their own world-class medical practice. .
Hospitals in the Philippines undergo periodic accreditation from the Philippines Department of Health. Some of these medical institutions have international accreditation from the Joint Commissions International (JCI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Privately-owned hospitals located in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila offer the best in medical facilities and luxurious five-star accommodation that are equal to Western hospitals and cater to medical tourists.
However, there are clear differences between the private or corporate health facilities as compared to the public health system, which usually do not offer the same quality that patients receive from private institutions. For medical tourists, it is advisable to avail themselves of the medical tourism packages offered by private hospitals and health facilities if they want to get the best healthcare services available.
Finding the right hospital in the Philippines is not considered too difficult as there are a number of options to choose from. The Philippines has both private and public healthcare institutions. Most of the government hospitals provide quality healthcare in the same way private hospitals do.

Although some people may have misconceptions, most of them are unfounded. The main difference between public and private hospitals are the facilities and technologies offered. Most of the public hospitals would not be equipped to the same standard as the private ones. However, some of the best doctors are serving in the government hospitals. Also, most Filipinos would seek advice from these government hospitals because fees are not charged. Private hospitals are located in key cities throughout the nation and there are also tertiary hospitals that have the latest in medical technologies. However, as you would expect, private hospitals are more expensive.

There are numerous pharmacies in the Philippines that provide medicines which have been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Most of the standard pharmacies are manned by professional pharmacists that have studied and trained in top medical schools in the country. There are strict guidelines in relation to prescription drugs; while some countries allow their patients to obtain certain drugs without a prescription, the Filipino pharmacists have stringent directives in relation to the sale of such drugs.
Overall, the healthcare system in the Philippines is affordable, the doctors are well-trained and the nurses are of a high standard.
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MEDICAL TOURISM IN PHILIPPINES
Situated in Southeast Asia, the picturesque and tropical Philippines offers visitors a high standard of medical treatment at very reasonable prices. The magnificent natural beauty of the many islands and beaches in the country make it a perfect place to relax before an operation and also to recover afterwards. The Philippines has been growing in popularity in recent years, particularly with American and European tourists seeking inexpensive hospital treatment. For many years the country’s top hospitals were all located in the capital of Manila, but nowadays many new, modern hospitals have been built outside the capital including in Luzon and Davao. These hospitals are positioned close to tourist areas with stunning beaches. There is an array of medical services available including plastic surgery, organ transplants, hip and knee replacements, eye operations and dental care.
There are 2 primary reasons for considering medical tourism in the Philippines. The high cost of health care in industrialized countries is often 10 or more times the cost of the same procedure in Cebu. And the recent advances and improvements in technology has increased the standard of care available. Also, there is a time factor that you neeed to consider if you live in a country with socialized health care such as Canada or some of the EU countries. Some medical procedures in these countries may require a wait of a year or more. In Cebu, you can arrive on a certain day and within 2 or 3 days have the procedure performed. Cebu clearly has many advantages as a medical tourist destination. English is widely spoken in Cebu and is the primary language of instruction in all of the universities. Also, Filipinos have a natural tendency as excellent caregivers. This is partly due to the fact that there are no nursing homes here to care for the elderly, consequently family members must care for their parents and grandparents. The low cost of the medical procedures, accommodations, food and transportation in Cebu make it a very attractive destination. There are also a large number of spas and massage centers to facilitate recovery and relaxation. Finally, the medical staff often consists of personnel that have been trained in the U.S., Japan, or Singapore.
Medical tourism in Philippines offers great value for your money plus a bonus holiday in an exotic locale!
A combination of several factors has led to the recent boost in the popularity of medical tourism in Philippines - skyrocketing costs of healthcare in US, ease and affordability of travel to Philippines, favorable currency exchange rates, and fast improving technology and standards of care. Every day, more and more Americans are traveling out of the country to seek medical, dental and surgical treatments in Philippines.
Medical tourism in Philippines attracts US health tourists for medical treatments and health and wellness programs along with sightseeing tours, vacation, and shopping packages. Among the most sought-after medical procedures in Philippines are cosmetic and plastic surgery, dermatology, weight loss surgery, ophthalmology, and dentistry.

With competent and highly-skilled physicians and nurses, state-of-the-art technological aids and health care services matching the best in the world, Philippines experiences a huge influx of American retirees traveling overseas for medical care. Even the distinctly warm Filipino hospitality that is to be experienced at all healthcare clinics in Philippines, contributes significantly to boost Philippines as one of the world's finest medical tourism destinations.

Companies like Philippine Medical Tourism Inc., (PMTI), offer customized packaged services for health tourists worldwide seeking cost-effective medical and wellness procedures outside their country. Taking the lead among four other Asian countries, the Philippines is set to blaze the trail in the booming field of medical tourism as the country will be hosting the International Summit on Medical Travel, Wellness and Retirement (IMWell Summit) on October 12-15, 2010 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Staged in collaboration with Asian players that include India, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, the IMWell Summit is envisioned to be a forum for different countries to hold multilateral dialogues and discuss how they can cooperate for the region to further develop medical tourism.
“It is fitting that the Philippines is hosting the IMWell Summit, as we have already proven our country to be an emerging powerhouse as a health and wellness destination. We have quickly gained ground in medical tourism, establishing ourselves as the “Heart of Asia” where foreign patients can experience high-quality, cost-effective health care from world-class doctors and medical professionals who are naturally warm, friendly and caring,” said Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion, who heads the DOT’s Office for Sports and Wellness.
According to the DoT, the number of overseas patients and clients visiting the Philippines has rapidly increased from 60,000 foreign patients in 2007 to about 100,000 foreign patients in 2008 and gross revenues estimated to be at US$350mn since the program was launched in 2006.
In light of this booming phenomenon, the Department of Tourism expects the Philippines to corner a total of US$3bn of the global medical tourism industry by 2015, with 200,000 foreign patients arriving annually. One of the leading medical tourism destinations in the world, Philippines offers some of the most attractive healthcare opportunities for the US medical tourists. A rare combination of highly trained and dedicated medical experts, the use of the latest medical technology, the unique Filipino care and hospitality and the incredibly low cost of treatment is what appeals to most American health tourists. Home to some of the world's best hospitals and specialty clinics, Philippines also offers some of the finest spa retreat resorts and tourist destinations in Asia. Listed below are some of the advantages of traveling to Philippines for medical services:
The significantly low cost of treatment is one of the major reasons for the rise in the number of American health tourists opting for medical treatments in Philippines. Medical procedures in Philippines would typically cost a fraction of the amount you'll have to spend on a similar treatment in the US. For instance, a knee replacement surgery performed by surgeons trained in the West, in one of the top hospitals in Philippines might cost you only $6,000. Whereas, having the same surgery done in the United States would probably mean shelling out about $50,000.
You'll get the same high quality care in Philippines, as in the US. The Filipino healthcare system is considered among the best in international medical tourism destinations.
A majority of doctors in Philippines have obtained their medical degrees from some of the best medical schools in Asia. Many medical professionals have received their training in the US, the UK, Australia, or Japan. This rates them among the most capable physicians along the Pacific Rim.
Philippines offer you great opportunities to pamper your body and mind with the Filipino blend of spa retreats. Enjoy a quick and full recovery along with an exotic holiday with the ecotourism, adventure tours, and cultural tours that have made Philippines a great favorite with travelers from the US. Already a renowned tourism destination, in recent years the Philippines has become a popular location for medical tourism by offering high standards of care in modern hospitals at prices far less costly than those of more developed countries. The government has spent vast sums of money to install internationally revered standards of care in its hospitals, and all of the most modern technology can be found here. Spa resorts and stunning beaches provide the ideal place to recuperate after operations and other procedures.

The capital city Manila has traditionally been the place to go for low-cost operations, and it is home to some Sinternationally renowned healthcare centers with specialists in every field including pathology, radiology and orthopedics. However, the industry is fast growing and more and more hospitals are being built outside the capital, with central provinces such as Luzon and Davao being particularly inviting to foreigners.
Filipino nurses are known for their excellent levels of care and communication skills, and will often offer a more personal level of service to that found in other countries. The Philippines offers internationally high standards of care, and patients can stay in hotel-like private rooms in exquisite locations. Five-star spa resorts are the perfect way to recuperate after medical treatment, while pristine beaches offer a pleasant way to relax.

Pros: Operations such as a full set of dental implants can cost as little as US$500 dollars in the Philippines. Having medical treatment in the Philippines not only has the benefit of being inexpensive, however, but the standard of facilities is world class. Many of the new hospitals are fitted with the latest in medical technology. Private hospital rooms are similar to five-star hotel rooms, which makes the experience comfortable and stress-free. The doctors and hospital staff are renowned for being caring, skilled and possessing great English skills.
Cons:
Being positioned in Southeast Asia, traveling to the Philippines from Europe or North America can be uncomfortable, with direct flights from the US taking up to 17 hours—longer with stopovers. While the tropical weather is sunny and hot—perfect for beach activities—it can sometimes make recovery from surgery uncomfortable. The country is tourist friendly and safe, but the capital of Manila can be dangerous in some areas, with muggings and pick-pocketing commonplace.
The Philippines has long been a favorite for tropical beach holidays, but with an emerging high standard of health treatment and care and an initiative by the government, people are now seeing the country as a place to have the surgery they cannot afford at home. Many medical tour packages are now available which offer a travel and hospital service that takes care of everything from visas, airfares, accommodation, hospital costs for treatment and all transport. Medical services available include cardiology, rheumatology, cataracts surgery, knee replacements and bone marrow transplants.

All in all, medical tourism in the Philippines, specifically Cebu, has several advantages to the medical tourist.

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Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in the Philippines
Philippine Heart Center - Quezon City
Established in 1975, the Philippine Heart Center is regarded as one of the most active cardiac care treatment and surgery center in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in a 2.7 hectare facility with two hospitals and a medical arts building, the institution offers various cardiac, cardio-pulmonary and cardiovascular procedures for both local and international patients.
Asian Hospital and Medical Center - Muntinlupa City
Established only in 2002, the Asian Hospital is the first major private health facility in the south of Metro Manila. Success came quickly, as in 2005 it received an award as the Most Outstanding Modern Hospital. It offers world-class treatments and facilities catering to both local and international patients seeking various health services including Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology, Executive Health Screening, Oncology, General Surgery and Urology among others.
St. Luke's Medical Center - Quezon City / Fort Bonifacio Global City
The second JCI-accredited health facility in the Philippines, St. Luke's Medical Center is the premiere health center in the Philippines that offers 21st century medical facilities and services using the most advanced technologies. Established in 1903, the hospital has 9 institutes, 13 departments and a total of 19 health centers offering various medical treatments and procedures. These cater for both local and international clientele.
Manila Doctors Hospital - Ermita, Manila
Established in 1956, this ISO-certified health facility is a private tertiary hospital that offers various health and medical services catering to local and international patients. Among the services offered are Industrial Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Special Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine and other Clinical services.
OTHER HOSPITALS:-
The Medical City www.themedicalcity.com
Capitol Medical Center www.capitolmedical.org
Makati Medical Center www.makatimed.ph
UST Hospital www.usthospital.com.ph
Cardinal Santos Medical Center www.csmc.com.ph
Tagaytay Hospital Systems www.tagaytayhospital.com
American Eye Center www.eyecenter.com.ph
Asian Eye Institute www.asianeyeinstitute.com
Belo Medical Group www.belomed.com
Calayan Surgicenter www.calayans.net
Philippine Children's Medical Center www.pcmc.gov.ph
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Popular medical tourism procedures available in Philippines

You'll find a wide range of medical services for senior healthcare in Philippines. Health tourism in Philippines offers a unique kind of medical care combining world-class personalized medical treatments with luxurious hotel stays and exciting touring options. The medical services in the hospitals and clinics in Philippines are at par with the best in the world. Common elective, non-time sensitive medical procedures that most Americans opt for in Philippines include dermatological treatments, cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, regular dental services, aesthetic dental procedures, weight loss or bariatric surgery, and ophthalmologic treatments.
Philippines Plastic Surgery - Philippines Cosmetic Surgery
Already a popular tourist destination, the Philippines’ reputation as a destination for cosmetic surgery has grown in recent years and the country offers equal standards of care to those found in the US and European countries - usually at far lower costs.Manila has historically been the most celebrated place for low-cost cosmetic surgery, but as the industry has grown more clinics and hospitals have been built outside the capital. Davao and Luzon are two favored destinations. Rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and tummy tucks are the most sought after surgeries, but any plastic or cosmetic surgery is available within the country.
Surgeons and other healthcare staff tend to be highly trained to international standards and operations are usually far cheaper than at home. Having undergone extensive training, Filipino nurses are acclaimed worldwide for their excellent English and high levels of care.
The Filipino government has spent millions of dollars on its hospitals and they contain modern technology and equipment. Patients often stay in large private accommodations as luxurious as a five-star hotel. During recuperation visitors can visit glorious sandy beaches or one of the increasingly common spa resorts. Beautiful beaches and fascinating city centers offer a great deal to those wishing to enjoy a holiday after going under the knife.
The Philippines is generally a perfectly safe country for tourists, although there are some parts of Manila that should be avoided, particularly at night. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have also been known to occur, so visitors should check with their foreign affairs department for any related travel warnings before leaving home. In terms of health issues malaria is a risk, so travelers should take the appropriate medication.
Laws regulating which doctors can call themselves plastic surgeons are looser than the laws in other countries, so patients should ensure that their surgeon is qualified before undergoing treatment.
Philippines Dental Tourism
A relative newcomer to the dental tourism market, the Philippines already has a well-established reputation as a fabulous holiday destination. In recent years the dental industry has escalated, as the Filipino government has spent millions training its dentists and surgeons. Manila has been offering low-cost operations to dental tourists for some years, and as the industry has grown dental clinics have spread outside of the city. All equipment and technology found in the US and Europe can be found in the Philippines, and many dentists have been trained in the US.
Many people come to the Philippines for tooth whitening, root canals and dental implants, which cost far less than they would in the US. After undergoing dental surgery many visitors choose to relax on one of the country’s stunning beaches or in one of the growing numbers of spa resorts.
As the world’s third largest English-speaking country visitors can be reassured that they will be perfectly understood, and with the Filipino people’s warm attitude they will feel safe and welcome. It takes six or seven years to become a dentist in the Philippines, and longer to become a specialist.
Patients can expect to save anywhere between 50 and 80 percent of what they would be charged in the US or Europe, and with these savings can afford to explore the wealth of beaches, hot springs and spa resorts on offer. Manila is an exciting city in which to spend some time, with plenty to occupy the visitor. Some of the better dental institutions offer package dental vacations which include flights, treatment, accommodation and often spa or golfing retreats.
Travel in the Philippines is generally safe and the country easily navigable, but travelers should be careful in certain areas of Manila, especially at night. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have been known to occur, but are quite rare. Visitors should take suitable anti-malarial medication, as malaria can be a risk in some areas.
Philippines Alternative Medicine
Alternative treatments are popular among locals in the Philippines, but the government is yet to promote this field of care to medical tourists. Medicinal plants are often used in the treatment of certain conditions, and faith healers and fringe therapies are widespread.
Philippines Health Spas
The Philippines is one of Asia’s most popular health spa destinations thanks to its high number of spas, innovative therapies and beautiful tropical scenery. Most travelers indulge in a spa session while they are on holiday to help aid their relaxation.The amazing beaches of the Philippines have become magnets for health spa resorts. In Cebu alone there are more than 200 spas and most of them are attached to a beachside hotel or resort. These hotel spas offer all the usual beauty and relaxation treatments such as massage, facials, and other body work.
There are also a growing number of destination health spas which cater entirely to the individual seeking health treatments. The Farm at San Benito is one example of a world-class medical spa resort where every kind of treatment imaginable is provided. Detoxification programs, weight loss and other holistic therapies are the attraction at spa resorts such as this.Since the spa business in the Philippines has become so popular in recent years, the quality of each spa varies widely. It’s something of a trend, so travelers should do some research before booking a package. In the Philippines you get what you pay for, so the best treatment and facilities will cost a fair penny. If you want a simple massage at the end of a day’s sunbathing you will find this available at most hotels for a very reasonable price. ,
The Philippines are renowned for stunning beaches, warm weather and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Health spas are a perfect accompaniment to the beach.
Anywhere there’s a beach resort you will find a spa of some kind attached to it. Cebu is a major center for health spas, with more than 200 of them. The beaches of Boracay are another popular site, and of course there’s the world-famous Farm Health Spa at San Benito.
The best health spas are staffed by the highest trained practitioners in the business. Most of the upscale resorts have reliably qualified staff, but the level of staff competence varies widely with each resort and hotel. Check that your spa is a member of the Spa Association of the Philippines (SAPI).

Other medical services offered here are:

Gynecological Surgery
Cardiology
Knee and Hip Replacement
Bariatric Surgery
Pulmonary and Critical Care
Endocrinology
Nephrology
Hematology
Rheumatology
Neurology
Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Immunology
Cancer Cellular Therapy
Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Gynecological Surgery
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Coronary Angiography
Vascular Surgery
Cardiac Valvular Surgery
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Lithotripsy
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
Gamma Knife Neurosurgery
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
WELLNESS CENTERS:-
The Philippines is fast gaining the reputation as a haven of spa and wellness centers. In the recent Spa Asia Crystal Awards in Singapore recently, two of the country’s spas which are listed below were awarded Best Retreat, Best Holistic Healing Program, Best New Age Activity and Best Rejuvenation Program.
The growing health and lifestyle consciousness certainly sets the standards for our spas. Discover the healing touches and unique therapies that would bring total improvement to the person. The Farm at San Benito
This is not your typical farm where animals are raised for food. What is raised on The Farm at San Benito is the level of health consciousness, and what is cultivated is a change in outlook. It is a realization that regaining or improving health is possible, and that natural methods are effective in restoring balance and vitality.
The Farm at San Benito, the Hippocrates Health Institute of Asia, is a fully integrated medical facility specializing in alternative, non-Western techniques of diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases of the mind and body. It is a center for holistic medicine, spirituality and living foods where the development of the total person is the goal. Guests are encouraged to indulge in a variety of activities that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. From simple massage therapies to fully structured weeks-long alternative medical healing programs, any amount of time spent at The Farm is a step closer towards living a fuller, healthier life.
Mandala Spa
Mandala Spa & Villas ushers in a new era in spa culture. Set in one of the country’s most beautiful islands, Boracay, the culture that pervades is one of beauty and wellness, serenity and tranquility, where each guest is constantly enveloped in an environment leading towards personal growth. Each moment spent at Mandala Spa & Villas is a sanctuary for the soul. Through its carefully designed villas, one sees the beauty of creation while healing and rejuvenating spa therapies become the vehicle by which one experiences oneself.
Hidden Valley Springs
Drive through the countryside South of Manila to a unique place called Hidden Valley. It’s bewitching vegetation flourishes in an 110-hectare crater 300 feet deep believed to have been formed by violent volcanic upheaval thousands of years ago. A private resort that boasts of a virgin forest, century old trees, natural water springs, wild orchids, and a hidden waterfall with a sight to behold. Several natural spring pools are available for dipping to guarantee a well-spent day.

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COST COMPARISON
The following are cost comparisons between medical procedures in the Philippines and equivalent procedures in the United States: | US Hospitals | Philippines | Average Savings | Medical Procedures | | | | Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery | $70,000 - $133,000 | $11,500 - $17,500 | 83% - 86% | Heart-valve Replacement | $75,000 - $140,000 | $14,000 - $21,000 | 81% - 85% | Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass | $35,000 - $52,000 | $2,000 - $3,500 | 92% - 94% | Hip Replacement | $33,000 - $57,000 | $5,000 - $7,600 | 84% - 86% | Knee Replacement | $30,000 - $53,000 | $5,200 - $7,700 | 82% - 85% | Prostate surgery (TURP procedure) | $10,000 - $16,000 | $1,500 - $2,700 | 83% - 85% | Liver Transplant | $290,000 - $310,000 | $120,000 - $150,000 | 51% - 58% | Kidney Transplant | $200,000 - $250,000 | $23,000 - $25,000 | 88% - 90% | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | | | | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | $6,000 - $10,000 | $3,000 - $4,000 | 50% - 60% | Face Lift (rhytidectomy) | $10,500 -16,000 | $3,500 - $4,500 | 66% - 71% | Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) | $7,500 - $8,500 | $3,000 - $3,500 | 58% - 60% | Breast Reduction | $8,000 - $10,000 | $3,000 - $3,200 | 62% - 68% | Complete Liposuction (lipoplasty) | $13,000 - $14,000 | $3,000 - $4,000 | 71% - 76% | Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) | $5,500 - $6,500 | $2,000 - $2,500 | 61% - 63% | Eye / Ophthalmology | | | | Cataract surgery | $1,500 - $2,500 | $800 - $900 | 46% - 64% | General and Cosmetic Dentistry | | | | Dental Implant | $3,500 - $5,500 | $500 - $600 | 85% - 89% |

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Entry and Exit Requirements to the Philippines
The following are the visa requirements for entry or stay in the Philippines:
Foreign nationals from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Asian countries, and other countries specified in a list released by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs can enter the country without a visa for a period not exceeding 21 days provided they have a 6-month valid passport and a return ticket. Visitors who wish to stay longer are required to have a visa.Foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and other countries not in the list are required to have a visa even if the stay is less than 7 days.
Holders of Brazilian and Israeli passports can enter without a visa and stay for a period not exceeding 59 days.
Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, British National Overseas, Macao-issue Portuguese passports, and Macao Special Administrative Region passports can enter and stay without a visa for a period not exceeding seven days.
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Statistics of Medical Tourism in the Philippines

There were approximately 250,000 non-resident patients (foreign nationals and Filipino expats) who traveled to the Philippines for various medical services in 2006. And it has been calculated that at least 100,000 foreign patients visit the country each year for medical care. This has grown extensively each year and in the first quarter of 2009, approximately 200,000 medical tourists have been documented as visiting the Philippines for medical care, with figures expected to reach 600,000 by the end of the year.
The vast Filipino Diaspora who settled overseas return to the Philippines not only for family visits or vacations but also to undergo minor medical, dental and other health procedures not covered by their medical insurance in their countries of origin. In 2007 alone 180,000 Filipino expatriates visited the country for such purposes and this is expected to increase in the coming years.

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Inclusions of a Philippines' Medical Tourism Package

The Philippines has a lot to offer to its medical tourists. Aside from its world-class health care facilities, its natural beauty is also very indispensable to the overall medical tourism industry. If you are looking at working with a Philippine medical tourism company for your medical vacation, below are some of the inclusions you can expect for your medical vacation in the Philippines:
Insurance
This service includes health and travel insurance. Insurance serves as protection for medical malpractice, lost luggage, recovery stays, and cancelled flights, among others. Be sure though to read the fine print associated with the insurance coverage and look for anything that might conflict with your personal insurance policy.
Legal Responsibilities
Depending on the medical tourism company, they can assume full or partial legal responsibility for the duration of your vacation. If something goes wrong, you won't have to go after the specific entity yourself. The medical tourism company will be in charge of ironing things out. This feature is a time-saver because of the various rules and regulations that differ from one country to another.
Visa Assistance
It really isn't hard to secure a visa for the Philippines, but having the medical tourism company handle all your paperwork is recommended. Why? Because they are able to process your applications fast and know the ins and outs of doing so. They can even increase your visa stay if you want to go around exploring the beautiful islands of the Philippines.
Travel Arrangements
Included in a medical tourism package in the Philippines, of course, are travel arrangements. You will get airline tickets, hotel accommodations, and food provisions in your package. You may also request for an airport pickup if you want your first day in this lovely country to be hassle free.

Medical Arrangements
From start to finish, a medical tourism company should be able to carry out the medical arrangements for you. They may need to look into your medical records directly, so prepare a signed Power of Attorney beforehand.
Translation and Escort Services
All doctors and nurses in the medical facilities here in the Philippines speak English. However, if you are more comfortable speaking in your home language, it won't hurt to avail of the translation service. On the other hand, you can also get an escort, who will be in charge of taking care of the all the minor details during your trip.
These are some of the inclusions you can expect from a Philippines medical tourism package. Tour companies allow you to pick the services you want to get individually or offer them as a comprehensive package together.
True enough, medical tourism companies will help you secure great deals, but take note that they will be putting in an additional 10%-50% of the total bill for the service they provide.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.tourism.gov.p

tourism-philippines.com

www.health-tourism.com/philippines-medical-tourism

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