Medical Tourism in the Philippines
The Philippines are the ultimate tropical paradise. Composed of 7,107 islands with more miles of coastline than the entire United States, for those seeking an escape to sun, sea, and sand, the Philippines is a great place to get away. It can also be a great place to get more reasonably priced medical treatment.
Manila is the capital and largest city of the Philippines and the central business, arts, and cultural hub of the nation. It is also the seat of the Philippines thriving medical tourism industry. Many hospitals in the Philippines are JCI (Joint Commission International, the largest U.S. accreditation organization) certified, guaranteeing a comparable level of safety and quality to hospitals back home. On a national level, all Philippine hospitals are also monitored by the Department of Health to ensure that standards are being met.
Medical education in the Philippines is modeled after that in the U.S. Doctors undergo 10 years of medical school and an additional 3-5 of residency and even more if they wish to specialize. Many doctors get training abroad in the U.S., Japan or Australia, and most speak fluent English. Depending on the type of surgery you're having you'll want to check for certification. Any doctor can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon, even if he or she hasn't actually specialized in this field, so be sure your particular surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure you want.
Hospitals in the Philippines perform a wide variety of treatments from cosmetic surgery to coronary bypasses, cancer treatments and kidney transplants. Most procedures done in the Philippines can be done at less than half the cost of the same treatments in the United States.
The Philippines can also be a great place to recover after your medical treatment. There are miles and miles of beaches, great places to dive and snorkel, jungles and volcanoes to explore, and a vibrant and interesting local culture. If you really want to take it easy, many deals are available on spa and massage centers where you can rest and pamper yourself with constant care. Other popular health tourism destinations in southeast Asia include Malaysia and Thailand.
We are not medical professionals and the information on this site should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician before undergoing surgery or taking any action. Read our disclaimers and privacy policy.