The Department of Tourism (DOT) has accredited The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo for medical tourism, making it the sole accredited hospital in Iloilo province and Western Visayas. This positions Iloilo as a key healthcare destination.

DOT-6 Regional Director Crisanta Marlene "Krisma" Rodriguez presented the certificate to TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa. This aligns with the Iloilo City government's push for the city as a premier medical and wellness tourism site in Southeast Asia. TMC Iloilo stated: “This milestone positions Iloilo as an emerging destination for medical tourism, where world-class healthcare is seamlessly combined with the warmth of Ilonggo hospitality and the city’s vibrant culture.”

TMC Iloilo is now prepared for international patients, emphasizing internationally aligned standards and patient-centered care. It recently performed Western Visayas’ first intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) heart procedure. The hospital also noted, “With internationally aligned standards, patient-centered care, and a growing ecosystem of travel and wellness partners, we welcome local and international patients seeking quality care and a healing experience.”

Accolades

TMC Iloilo's quality of care earned national and international recognition:
- 2025 Asian Innovation Excellence Awards (November): Philippines Business Service Innovation of the Year- Healthcare (Emergency Medical Services Program) and Philippines Culture Innovation of the Year- Healthcare (Excellent Patient Experience Program).
- Healthcare Asia (Earlier this year): Secondary Hospital of the Year in Malaysia.

Bottom Line

This accreditation significantly boosts Western Visayas' profile as a medical tourism and healthcare destination.
1. International Appeal: Iloilo is now a recognized hub for international patients seeking quality of care and patient travel.
2. Excellence Validated: The accreditation and awards underscore TMC Iloilo's commitment to high clinical standards and patient experience in cross-border healthcare.

Read the full article here: https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/21/dot-accredits-the-medical-city-iloilo-for-medical-tourism

Korea's medical tourism sector achieved a record year, attracting 1.17 million international patients—the highest since its 2009 inception. This influx generated 3.66 trillion won ($2.47 billion) for the Korean economy, with medical services accounting for 1.4 trillion won (38.3%) as reported by The Korea Health Industry Development Institute, indicating significant cross-border healthcare spending. The appeal is evident for Natsagdorj Namuun, a 30-year-old model from Mongolia, who chose Seoul for cosmetic enhancements. She told The Korea Times, "I had rhinoplasty and breast surgery in Seoul in 2022. I can’t give an exact figure, but I spent at least several million won on the procedures. Five or six of my friends also came to Korea for cosmetic surgery."

Key Trends & Outlook

Dermatology and plastic surgery were primary drivers, totaling 944.9 billion won (25.8%) of medical expenditures. Japan sent the most patients (282,000), while the United States led in overall spending (over 1 trillion won) and medical spending (307 billion won). Seoul dominated medical spending at 1.2 trillion won (87.6%), followed by Gyeonggi Province and Busan. Dermatology serves as an accessible entry point, fostering demand for further services. Countries like Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the United States show strong potential for advanced treatments and integrated care.

To ensure sustained growth, Choi Soon-woo, chief surgeon at View Plastic Surgery Clinic, emphasized, "Today’s popularity could vanish like a mirage. For it to last, the medical community and government authorities must work together with genuine commitment." Patient satisfaction remains paramount for long-term success in this competitive global health tourism market.

Read the full article here: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251221/record-influx-of-medical-tourists-delivers-247-bil-economic-windfall-for-korea

A significant private healthcare investment in Nigeria, an ultramodern medical facility valued at N34 billion, has been inaugurated at Osun State University. This initiative represents the largest private sector effort to date aimed at reducing the estimated N10.7 trillion lost annually by Nigeria to medical tourism.

Addressing Nigeria's Medical Tourism Crisis

On December 15, 2025, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo officially opened the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital in Osogbo. This 250-bed institution, a donation from prominent businesswoman Folorunso Alakija and her husband Modupe Folarin Alakija through Famfa Oil Limited, is a strategic response to the nation’s urgent need for healthcare independence.

Nigeria faces an annual deficit of approximately $7 billion due to citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, a figure cited by the Nigerian Medical Association. This sum constitutes 19.6 percent of the country’s N54.99 trillion federal budget for 2025. While Afreximbank reports Africa's collective annual loss to medical tourism at $7 billion, with Nigeria contributing $1.1 billion, some analysts suggest Nigeria's actual outflow could reach $2 billion when undocumented patient travel is included. This facility aims to transform Nigeria into a leading healthcare destination, reducing the reliance on cross-border healthcare.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Strategic Impact

The hospital boasts 20 clinical and five non-clinical departments, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scan machines. It features four cutting-edge operating theatres and 16 intensive care units. A specialized oncology unit, complete with a linear accelerator for radiotherapy, directly addresses a primary reason for medical tourism, as government data indicates oncology cases account for 40 percent of international patient travel.

Former Vice President Osinbajo highlighted the facility's potential as a premier reference center for quality of care across the African continent. He remarked, "This hospital represents promise and potential," emphasizing its role in positioning Nigeria as an originator of medical knowledge rather than solely a consumer of medical services.

Vision and Operational Model

Originating from a pediatric care concept in November 2018, the institution evolved into a comprehensive medical research and training hospital. Alakija articulated her family's motivation as a commitment to tackling Nigeria's critical healthcare challenges, including the brain drain of medical professionals, workforce shortages, decaying public health infrastructure, and poor health indicators. This investment underscores a commitment to fostering a robust healthcare destination.

Governor Ademola Adeleke commended the hospital's scale and its sophisticated medical equipment, acknowledging the global challenge governments face in adequately funding education and healthcare. The hospital will operate on a fee-for-service model, without providing free treatments. University officials have advocated for government and private foundations to establish funding mechanisms for patients requiring complex medical care.

Professor Christopher Olutayo Alebiosu has been appointed as the inaugural Medical Research and Training Director, with Vice Chancellor Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye stressing the importance of responsible governance for the hospital's integrity and dedication.

Broader Implications for Healthcare Destination Nigeria

The commissioning event drew notable figures, including former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola. Alakija extended an invitation for additional partnerships to further the hospital's mission, asserting that “investing in health means investing in the nation.” The institution is poised to retain billions in foreign exchange currently expended on overseas medical treatment, offering specialized services at competitive costs and enhancing local quality of care for international patients.

Medical tourism continues to be a substantial financial burden on Nigeria, with affluent citizens frequently traveling to India, South Africa, Dubai, the United Kingdom, and the United States for advanced medical attention. The Nigerian government has initiated various programs to reverse this trend, such as the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain and the establishment of six cancer centers of excellence.

This hospital's inauguration is a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria's healthcare system and reducing its dependency on foreign medical services, providing both a training ground for health professionals and access to specialized treatments previously unavailable domestically. This fosters a stronger patient travel ecosystem within the country and promotes wellness tourism.

Bottom Line

1. The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital represents a significant private sector investment, aiming to curtail Nigeria's substantial medical tourism expenditures.

2. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a specialized oncology unit, the hospital seeks to provide advanced quality of care and position Nigeria as a regional healthcare destination.

3. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen domestic healthcare infrastructure, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and foster medical knowledge production within Africa.

Read the full article here: https://www.newsghana.com.gh/alakija-family-donates-n34-billion-hospital-to-combat-nigerias-medical-tourism-crisis/

Belarus has formally presented a proposal to establish a comprehensive tourism cluster in Oman, signaling a strategic move to deepen bilateral cooperation. This initiative aims to cultivate an environment conducive to advancing healthcare services, fostering cultural understanding, and unlocking significant investment prospects, with Muscat identified as a key operational center.

A Multifaceted Hub for Bilateral Engagement

The envisioned tourism cluster is designed as an integrated platform, consolidating various services to optimize experiences for both travelers and investors. It will serve as a central point for Belarusian interests within the region, establishing a structured framework to support diverse activities. This hub intends to elevate Belarus's profile as a desirable healthcare destination and travel choice for Omani citizens, while simultaneously providing Omani stakeholders direct access to the Belarusian market.

The proposal stresses inter-sectoral collaboration, anticipating the cluster will host travel agencies, information centers, and dedicated platforms for business-to-business networking. This consolidation is expected to streamline the exchange of expertise and personnel, formalizing and expanding existing connections between the two nations.

Boosting Medical and Wellness Tourism

A core element of the proposed cluster focuses on showcasing Belarusian medical and wellness tourism offerings. Recognizing Belarus's strong healthcare infrastructure, particularly in areas like sanatorium-based rehabilitation, specialized surgical procedures, and diagnostic services, the Oman-based hub will effectively disseminate information about these medical capabilities to the local population.

This structured approach to health tourism aims to be mutually beneficial. Omani international patients seeking high-quality, specialized treatments will gain clearer pathways to Belarusian facilities, while Belarusian medical professionals can explore opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint ventures with Omani quality of care providers. The cluster is poised to ensure cross-border healthcare standards are maintained and the logistical requirements of patient travel are comprehensively addressed through centralized coordination.

Cultural Exchange and Educational Partnerships

Beyond commercial and medical ventures, the cluster is intended to promote cultural diplomacy. Belarusian heritage and traditions will be highlighted through regular exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, fostering a deeper appreciation among the Omani public.

Educational collaboration also forms a vital part of this initiative. A Belarusian presence in Oman could facilitate engagement with Omani students and academic institutions, making information on degree programs, vocational training, and language courses readily available. Such exchanges of students and faculty are seen as crucial for building enduring connections between the societies.

Economic Investment and Streamlined Logistics

The economic implications of establishing a Belarusian tourism cluster in Oman are substantial. The hub's physical presence is expected to encourage Omani investors to explore opportunities within the Belarusian economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. It will function as a central facility for discussing investment laws, market trends, and potential projects.

This shift moves from passive investment attraction to active, structured dialogue, aiming to reduce barriers for foreign capital. The collaborative environment is also projected to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises from both countries, enabling them to access international supply chains and new consumer bases.

To facilitate increased bilateral movement, discussions are underway concerning direct flight routes between Muscat and Minsk and simplified visa procedures, recognizing these as critical for the cluster's operational efficiency. A complementary virtual component will offer online resources and booking platforms, maximizing reach and accessibility.

Bottom Line

1. The proposed Belarusian tourism cluster in Oman represents a sophisticated model for integrated international partnerships.

2. By unifying tourism, healthcare destination services, cultural initiatives, and investment facilitation within a single strategic framework, both nations are poised for substantial mutual benefits.

3. This formal proposal highlights a deepening friendship and a shared commitment to a prosperous, interconnected future between Belarus and Oman.

Read the full article here: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/belarus-proposes-strategic-tourism-cluster-in-oman-to-revolutionize-bilateral-healthcare-and-travel-ties/

Despite seasonal air quality challenges in regions like Delhi-NCR, India remains a premier global healthcare destination, attracting international patients for its high-quality, affordable cross-border healthcare. While environmental factors increasingly influence patient travel decisions, the nation's robust medical infrastructure and expert care continue to be primary drivers.

Addressing Patient Concerns

Air quality has emerged as a genuine consideration for international patients choosing India for medical treatment. Dr Abhay Sinha, Director General of the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) under the Ministry of Commerce, stated: "Air quality is a genuine concern for international travellers, especially for patients who choose India for medical treatment, and we acknowledge our responsibility in this very seriously."

Medical tourism platforms proactively manage these queries. Pankaj Chandana, co-founder of Vaidam Health, noted that concerns are met with practical guidance, as treatment often cannot be postponed. "Patients and their families do express concerns around air quality, and these are addressed through practical guidance and precautionary planning, as care often cannot be postponed." Sonam Garg Sharma, founder and CEO of Medical Linkers, added that for most international medical travellers, the urgency of care remains paramount. "Air quality does come up in conversations, particularly for elderly patients or those with respiratory or cardiac concerns, but for most international medical travellers, the urgency of care remains the primary driver."

Patient exposure to outdoor pollution is typically limited, with much of their stay occurring within hospitals or controlled recovery environments. Chandana highlighted that only about 10 percent of patients proactively raise air quality concerns, primarily those from Indian-origin countries like Mauritius, especially when treatment is planned for the Delhi-NCR region. Efforts like GRAP implementation have shown improvements in particulate matter levels, contributing to a building trust in the Indian healthcare ecosystem.

India's Enduring Healthcare Destination Appeal

India’s fundamental strengths as a medical tourism hub remain compelling: skilled doctors, accredited hospitals, and significant cost advantages. Dr Sinha from SEPC affirmed, "India continues to be a trusted global hub for medical tourism, backed by world-class healthcare infrastructure, internationally accredited hospitals, highly skilled clinicians, and sustained efforts to create a safer, more comfortable environment for patients and their families throughout their stay."

Sharma from Medical Linkers reiterated that for critical care patients, the focus is on clinical outcomes. "Patients coming for critical care are focused on outcomes, timelines, and access to the right expertise. Their stay is structured, time-bound, and largely centred around hospitals or recovery settings."

Bottom Line

1. Air quality is a recognized concern, but medical tourism facilitators provide practical solutions and planning.

2. The urgency of care and limited patient outdoor exposure often prioritize clinical outcomes over environmental factors.

3. India's robust medical expertise, infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness solidify its position as a leading global healthcare destination.

Read the full article here: https://www.news18.com/india/delhis-air-pollution-a-concern-for-foreign-patients-but-india-remains-key-medical-tourism-hub-ws-kl-9777822.html

The North America Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market is poised for substantial expansion between 2025 and 2032, driven by increasing industry demand, broadening application scope, and continuous technological progress. This growth trajectory is fueled by a confluence of market drivers and emerging opportunities, making cross-border healthcare an increasingly vital segment.

Market Dynamics and Key Players

The market’s anticipated steady growth is expected to see major players actively pursuing strategic initiatives to capitalize on evolving trends. The competitive landscape includes prominent healthcare destination providers such as Apollo Hospital Enterprise Limited, Bumrungrad International Hospital, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, and Christus Muguerza Hospital. Additionally, specialized service facilitators like WorldMed Assist, Mednamaste, and Global Medical Tourism Inc. are integral to supporting international patients seeking quality of care abroad.

Therapeutic Focus Areas

North American patients are increasingly traveling for a diverse range of treatments, highlighting the expanding scope of health tourism. Key therapeutic applications driving this patient travel include:

• Cosmetic Surgery Treatment

• Dental Treatment

• Cardiovascular Treatment

• Orthopedic Treatment

• Cancer Treatment

• Fertility Treatment

• Weight Loss Treatment

• Spinal Surgery Treatment

• Neurology Treatment

• Other General Treatment

These areas represent significant segments within the outbound medical tourism sector, reflecting the varied needs of international patients.

Research Approach

Understanding these market dynamics relies on a robust research methodology, combining primary and secondary data analysis. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the reliability, validity, and generalizability of findings by triangulating data from multiple sources. Such detailed market intelligence is critical for stakeholders navigating the complexities of cross-border healthcare.

Bottom Line

For industry participants, understanding the North America Outbound Medical Tourism Services market's trajectory is crucial for strategic planning. The market benefits from a quantitative analysis that provides estimations through 2032, identifying prevailing opportunities. Key benefits of such market insights include:

1. Identifying Investment Pockets: Pinpointing current and future investment opportunities in the market.

2. Understanding Market Drivers: Gaining detailed information on key drivers, restraints, and opportunities shaping the market.

3. Competitive Intelligence: Analyzing market players and their respective market shares.

4. Strategic Frameworks: Utilizing SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces model for comprehensive market evaluation.

5. Value Chain Clarity: Providing a clear picture of stakeholder roles within the market's value chain.

These insights are essential for businesses looking to make informed, data-driven decisions within the evolving landscape of medical tourism.

Read the full article here: https://www.openpr.com/news/4320234/north-america-outbound-medical-tourism-services-market

Malaysia's major cities are experiencing a significant tourism boom from 2024-2025, with international arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This surge is driven by visa liberalization, growing medical tourism, and enhanced airport connectivity, establishing the nation as a leading healthcare destination.

Regional Tourism Highlights

Key urban centers attracting international visitors include:
* KUALA LUMPUR: Primary international hub via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, connecting to Europe, China, India, and the Middle East, drawing visitors from key Asian and Western markets.
* Johor Bahru: Growth tied to proximity to Singapore; most visitors cross via Causeway and Second Link, influenced by the strong Singapore Dollar.
* Penang: A premier healthcare destination in Asia, attracting international patients from Indonesia, Singapore, and China with world-class medical facilities for cross-border healthcare.
* Malacca: UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical appeal draw domestic and regional tourists, including from Singapore, China, and Indonesia.
* Kota Kinabalu: Appeals to eco-tourists and adventure seekers from South Korea, China, and Brunei, drawn to landscapes like Mount Kinabalu.
* Kuching (Sarawak): Attracts wildlife enthusiasts from Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore, offering unique wellness tourism experiences near the Borneo rainforest.

Outlook and Key Takeaways

While international arrivals surge due to factors like medical tourism, managing tourist influxes and affordability are critical challenges. Preserving natural beauty in destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching requires balancing growth with sustainability.

Bottom Line

1. Malaysia's tourism sector shows robust post-pandemic recovery.

2. Penang is a key healthcare destination for international patients.

3. Visa liberalization and connectivity drive patient travel.

4. Sustainable management is vital for diverse attractions.

Read the full article here: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/kuala-lumpur-joins-johor-bahru-george-town-malacca-city-kota-kinabalu-and-others-as-top-cities-in-malaysia-for-2024-2025-skyrocketing-tourism-growth-wit

Yusuf Sharifzoda Toir, Tajikistan's Ambassador to Pakistan, recently urged for significantly stronger medical tourism and health sector cooperation between their nations. Speaking at Islamabad International Airport, he highlighted media's crucial role in showcasing these opportunities to bolster bilateral economic ties and cross-border healthcare alliances.

Tajikistan: An Emerging Healthcare Destination

Tajikistan is strategically developing as a regional healthcare destination. It attracts medical students with international-standard education and modern facilities, while also expanding advanced medical tourism for specialized treatments. International patients, notably from Afghanistan and other regional states, increasingly choose Tajikistan for its quality of care and affordability, addressing limited modern facilities in their home countries. Dr Muhammad Abbas Mahar, CEO MBBS abroad consultancy, affirmed, "Tajikistan hopefully to be regional hub for medical education and health sector."

Expanding Wellness Tourism Potential

Beyond clinical services, Tajikistan presents considerable potential for wellness tourism, leveraging its abundant natural resources. The country features over 200 hot mineral springs, therapeutic mud deposits, and pristine mountainous air, ideal for health and wellness tourism. Its 45 sanatoriums offer mineral baths, mud therapy, and relaxation programs, popular for treating various ailments and facilitating general recovery.

Key Takeaways

1. Tajikistan aims to enhance medical tourism and healthcare cooperation with Pakistan, leveraging media for awareness.

2. The nation is establishing itself as a regional hub for medical education and advanced treatments, attracting international patients.

3. Significant opportunities exist in wellness tourism, capitalizing on natural resources and sanatoriums for patient travel and recovery.

Read the full article here: https://www.app.com.pk/business/tajik-ambassador-calls-for-strengthening-tajikistan-pakistan-medical-tourism-cooperation/

International patients are a powerful economic force for South Korea. A recent Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) report, leveraging credit card data, revealed medical tourists spend nearly four times more than general tourists, underscoring the immense value of cross-border healthcare.## Economic Impact and SpendingForeign patients collectively spent 3.66 trillion won in South Korea last year. Notably, 2.26 trillion won went to non-medical sectors, surpassing 1.40 trillion won for medical services. Han Dong-woo, director general of the International Medical Division at KHIDI, stated, "Last year, the average card spending per general foreign tourist was 1.07 million won, meaning foreign patients spent nearly four times more," adding, "This confirms that medical tourists generate significantly higher value-added consumption compared with ordinary tourists."Leading medical specialties included dermatology and plastic surgery. Top overall spenders were from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the United Arab Emirates. For medical expenses alone, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Mongolia led, highlighting their investment in quality of care and patient travel.## Bottom Line1. Medical tourists are a high-value segment, boosting the broader economy.2. Non-medical spending by international patients drives substantial revenue.3. Targeted strategies for key nationalities can maximize wellness tourism benefits.Read the full article here: https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=259018

The $350 million Afreximbank-backed African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja is significantly impacting Nigeria's reliance on overseas healthcare. Since its June launch, AMCE has treated patients who would typically travel abroad, effectively curbing Nigeria's estimated $2 billion annual medical tourism expenditure. This facility helps retain foreign exchange, as a procedure costing around $3,000 in Abuja could be five times more expensive in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, or Dubai, factoring in all associated travel and medical expenses. Anshul Govila, AMCE's Chief Operations Officer, highlighted this cost efficiency, which conserves thousands of dollars for the country and positions Nigeria as an emerging healthcare destination.

Advancing High-Quality Care

AMCE's early success includes attracting foreign and expatriate patients, fulfilling Afreximbank’s ambition to retain high-value healthcare spending within Africa. The center prioritizes affordable costs without compromising quality of care. Govila noted a senior US-based cardiologist's surprise at the pricing, stating, "What he would charge around £15,000 for in the US, we were doing for less than $3,000." This quality is upheld through experienced clinicians, robust clinical governance, and meticulous logistics for specialized imported items.

Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, reported successful open-heart surgeries and complex, high-risk care with outcomes exceeding international benchmarks. He shared a recent life-saving intervention: "Just Friday, we performed a very risky procedure on a 60-year-old male who was literally hours away from not just a heart attack, but the question was going to be how bad it was going to be. We were able to save that patient and he returned home on Saturday." Deaver also announced a pioneering achievement: "We’re doing some very complex and life-saving treatments here at the AMCE. And just as significantly, we’ve carried out the first-ever stereotactic radiosurgery procedure ever performed in West Africa, and one could argue East Africa and Central Africa as well. Not as a demonstration, not as a pilot case or a test, but as a fully operational clinical service for real patients who would otherwise have had to travel and leave the continent to receive their care."

Aisha Umar, CMO of AMCE, confirmed the completion of over ten interventional cardiac procedures within weeks, including coronary angiographies and stenting. She added, "This momentum culminated in our first elective open heart surgery and a coronary artery bypass graft, which was performed successfully with a fully operational heart lab supporting the entire process, and we have since carried out more open heart surgeries." Umar concluded these advancements signify a major step for advanced cardiac services in Nigeria, poised to reduce patient travel across Africa. A stem cell transplantation program is planned for early 2026.

Bottom Line

AMCE's rapid progress establishes it as a transformative force in African medical tourism and cross-border healthcare. Key takeaways:
1. Cost-Effective Excellence: Delivers advanced treatments at significantly lower costs, maintaining high quality of care.
2. Economic Impact: Conserves Nigeria's foreign exchange by reducing its $2 billion annual medical tourism expenditure.
3. Pioneering Procedures: Introduces complex, life-saving procedures previously unavailable in much of West, East, and Central Africa.
4. Emerging Healthcare Hub: Solidifies Abuja's reputation as a premier healthcare destination, attracting domestic and international patients.

Read the full article here: https://businessday.ng/news/article/afreximbank-backed-abuja-medical-centre-curbs-medical-tourism-saves-foreign-exchange/