The sky is falling
2006
The Rise of Medical Tourism
Editorial
Author Information
Author(s): Abdullah BJJ MBBS, FRCRNg KH PhD, MIPEM, DABMP
Primary Institution: Department of Biomedical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
Conclusion
Medical tourism is rapidly growing due to lower costs and improved healthcare options abroad, but it poses challenges to healthcare systems in developed countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Medical tourism is estimated to grow by USD 2.2 billion.
- Ten percent of EU patients seek treatment outside their own country.
- A heart-valve replacement in India costs USD 10,000 compared to USD 200,000 in the US.
Takeaway
People are traveling to other countries for cheaper medical care, which is changing how healthcare works in their home countries.
Limitations
The evidence on risks associated with medical tourism is sparse and not broadly significant.
Participant Demographics
Medical tourists are typically residents of industrialized nations seeking care in less developed countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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