Thailand in Unique Position to Weather Financial Storm With Medical Tourism, Says Bangkok Hospital

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 02, 2009 -
The hospital sees medical tourism as one facet of the strategy for dealing with the crisis.

Bangkok Hospital expects that it will see a greater proportion of patients worldwide, as those needing essential medical services look for cheaper, yet technically advanced and service-focused options in the midst of the financial crisis. The hospital also believes that medical tourism could help in Thailand's bid to survive the financial crisis.

Dr Michael Moreton, International Medical Coordinator at Bangkok International Hospital – one of the four hospitals that make up the Bangkok Hospital campus, believes the advantages of Thailand, and the hospital, as a medical tourism destination include:
•   The admirable health care system and various government initiatives in this area
•   Doctors have excellent English skills
•   Excellent relationships with medical insurance companies and travel insurance companies
•   An increasing majority of doctors with American Board or Royal College certification
•   The substantially lower costs for excellent care at Thai hospitals

Dr Moreton especially applauds the work of the government in building a health care system that allows these levels of excellence: "It is a policy of the Thai government to be supportive of the work of Thai hospitals in providing medical care to foreigners ... For many years visitors to Thailand came to realize that excellent medical care was available at affordable prices and took advantage of the facilities; from this base the medical tourism sector has evolved and grown". All in all, Dr Moreton believes that "Thailand delivers a standard of care that is superior to any of its neighbors".

It is expected that these factors, combined with tighter personal budgets due to the global financial crisis, will drive medical tourism towards Thailand, and international hospitals in Bangkok like Bangkok Hospital. This could bring welcome tourism dollars to Thailand, as well as ensuring global patients get the care they need at prices they can afford.


About Bangkok Hospital:

Bangkok Hospital is one of the most technologically sophisticated hospitals in the world today. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the hospital is an expansive state-of-the-art medical campus providing comprehensive medical care through multidisciplinary teams of highly trained specialists. With its four hospitals and broad range of specialized clinics, the hospital is equipped with all of the diagnostic and treatment facilities not generally available at local hospitals. The center has received Joint Commission International accreditation and is known throughout the world for delivering world-class, award-winning healthcare.

For more information contact Chris E-Marketing Manager, Bangkok Hospital.
Email: info@bangkokhospital.com