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Medical tourism services for Ja
published: Saturday | September 3, 2005
Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
Minister of Health John Junor believes that Jamaica has the necessary clinical expertise and manpower to offer a unique slate of medical tourism services that could make it a major player in this growing niche market.
Minister Junor believes the expansion of the island's health tourism product could channel more investments into the economy, creating viable ventures for national development.
"The greatest potential for health and tourism lies in the marriage of both, to maximise the synergies and evolve new products and services," the Health Minister said during a St. James public health services conference on Wednesday.
travel to improve
one's health
Health tourism is travel to improve one's health, such as a visit to a health resort or weight-loss camp. It also includes the practice of travelling to another country in order to benefit from free or less expensive health care, be it surgery, non-invasive procedures, or treatments that are not covered under insurance.
"There are many opportunities to capitalise on the health tourism nexus such as the wellness component, medical component to facilitate surgery and other medical interventions as well as recovery and convalescence," Minister Junor said. "And there is geriatric care for which we are low cost providers."
According to Mr. Junor, Jamaica is poised to benefit from a thrust in health tourism given the fact that the island is cost-competitive, has highly trained professionals and excellent service in tourism. He also suggested that this is a niche to which some hospitals can look to establish business opportunities.
Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), said he would work with the health department on promoting the concept during his tenure. He said he would also lobby for the improvement of local facilities.
"There is a huge market for cosmetic surgery, fat farms, indigent services and we just have not focussed on it. We have all the ingredients; we're close to the largest market for those services, the United States, and we have the world class tourism professionals and medical practitioners," Mr. Peterkin said.
The resort city of Montego Bay already boasts facilities that cater to cosmetic surgery and wellness centres such as the Half Moon Hotel and Harmony Gardens, both in the Rose Hall area. There are also similar conveniences in the Corporate Area.
published: Saturday | September 3, 2005
Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
Minister of Health John Junor believes that Jamaica has the necessary clinical expertise and manpower to offer a unique slate of medical tourism services that could make it a major player in this growing niche market.
Minister Junor believes the expansion of the island's health tourism product could channel more investments into the economy, creating viable ventures for national development.
"The greatest potential for health and tourism lies in the marriage of both, to maximise the synergies and evolve new products and services," the Health Minister said during a St. James public health services conference on Wednesday.
travel to improve
one's health
Health tourism is travel to improve one's health, such as a visit to a health resort or weight-loss camp. It also includes the practice of travelling to another country in order to benefit from free or less expensive health care, be it surgery, non-invasive procedures, or treatments that are not covered under insurance.
"There are many opportunities to capitalise on the health tourism nexus such as the wellness component, medical component to facilitate surgery and other medical interventions as well as recovery and convalescence," Minister Junor said. "And there is geriatric care for which we are low cost providers."
According to Mr. Junor, Jamaica is poised to benefit from a thrust in health tourism given the fact that the island is cost-competitive, has highly trained professionals and excellent service in tourism. He also suggested that this is a niche to which some hospitals can look to establish business opportunities.
Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), said he would work with the health department on promoting the concept during his tenure. He said he would also lobby for the improvement of local facilities.
"There is a huge market for cosmetic surgery, fat farms, indigent services and we just have not focussed on it. We have all the ingredients; we're close to the largest market for those services, the United States, and we have the world class tourism professionals and medical practitioners," Mr. Peterkin said.
The resort city of Montego Bay already boasts facilities that cater to cosmetic surgery and wellness centres such as the Half Moon Hotel and Harmony Gardens, both in the Rose Hall area. There are also similar conveniences in the Corporate Area.
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