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Medical Tourism in Thailand
Within two miles of Sukhumvit Road where many of Bangkok's busiest international hotels are located are at least eight private hospitals equipped to the very highest international standards, staffed by doctors and nurses who speak English. All are trained to the most rigorous standards both in Thailand and abroad. Add to that the fact that the cost of medical care is a fraction of that in Europe, the United States or Australia then it is little wonder that people come from all over the world for treatment.
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Less wonder still that in Thailand a gaping hole in the global health market is being filled and it has lead to a whole new category of travel. Medical tourism is growing fast. People come from all over the globe for treatment and they then spend their remaining time recuperating on a beach or a golf course. In Thailand there are over one million medical tourists every year generating 36.4 billion baht in foreign income.
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The treatments sought tend not to be emergency or major medical although Thai hospitals are perfectly able to offer that when emergencies do occur. Medical tourists come to Thailand for things like lasering of the eyes, hip replacements or cosmetic surgery.
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The savings in cost are startling. Where in the United States a coronary artery bypass operation might cost US$100,000, at Bumrungrad Hospital, one of Asia's most advanced and well equipped, the same surgery costs US$12,500. In Singapore it would cost US$25,000 and in Hong Kong US38,000.
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Bumrungrad, Samitivej, Bangkok Nursing Home (BNH), Bangkok International Hospital and Phyathai are just a few of the hospitals in central Bangkok offering this level of service at these costs. Bumrungrad is generally seen as the market leader. At any one time over 60% of inpatients will be foreigners. This is partly because by local standards Bumrungrad is actually very expensive. In some ways it is more like a five star hotel than a hospital. A luxurious atrium is home not only to a stylish reception area, it is also a venue for international fast food chains like McDonalds, Starbucks and Au Bon Pain. This is not to everyone's taste. Samitivej is older and lower key, whilst BNH has a more intimate atmosphere. The standards of care are all equally good.
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Bangkok International is the preferred choice of many from East Asia and also offers a wide choice of cosmetic surgery. It has affiliate branches around Thailand and in neighboring countries.
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There are other options where the level of health care may be excellent but the level of spoken English is less so. Both Saint Louis Hospital and Phraram IX Hospital fall into this category. Since they are not actually competing to attract medical tourists, prices are slightly lower than at hospitals such as Bumrungrad and Samitivej.
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One of the reasons that medical standards are so high in Thailand is that the whole system is based directly on that of the United States. The King's father, Prince Mahidol, studied medicine first in Edinburgh and then at Harvard University in the United States in the early part of the 20th century.
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Whilst studying, the Prince drew up plans for Siriraj Hospital and a medical school in Thailand. This royal interest laid a firm foundation for medical infrastructure and training for subsequent years. He also persuaded the Rockefeller Foundation to provide medical scholarships to Thai student doctors.
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The relationship between the medical profession in Thailand and the United States remains strong. Every year many Thai medical students complete their studies in America.
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The numbers of medical tourists visiting Thailand are only set to increase as the Tourism Authority of Thailand actively promotes the idea of healthcare holidays and the airlines start to offer joint packages with the hospitals.
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About The Author
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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