The History of Medical Tourism
Long before Americans stepped onto foreign soil for cardiac surgery, a tummy tuck or a dental job, medical travellers from around the world have been searching far and wide to seek the best medical services. One can say that the concept of medical travel is as old as medicine itself. Medical tourism history in fact dates back to ancient times. The time lines of medical tourism indicate that if ever healthcare is in short supply - wherever the location or whatever period in time it may be - sick and injured people will travel for treatment. Studies of ancient cultures depict a strong link between religion and healthcare, which dates back thousands of years. Most ancient civilizations recognized the therapeutic …show more content…
In honour of their god of medicine, Asclepius, the Greeks erected the Asclepia Temples, which became some of the world 's first health centres. People from all over, travelled to these temples to seek cures for their ailments By the Middle Ages, Asia continued to be the medical tourism destination of choice for the majority of healthcare travellers. Temples gave way to hospitals that provide clinical services to travelers seeking healthcare. These institutions are chronicled in medical tourism history. The Renaissance Period of the 14th to 17th century was a period where medical tourism flourished. Ville d 'Eaux, also known as Town of Waters, became famous throughout Europe in 1326 when iron-rich hot springs were discovered within the region. Prominent visitors like Peter the Great and Victor Hugo visited these wellness resorts. The word “spa”, derived from the Roman term “salude per aqua” or health through waters, was first used here. During the 16th century, the rich and the elite of Europe rediscovered Roman baths and flocked to tourist towns with spas like St. Mortiz, Ville d 'Eaux, Baden Baden, Aachen and Bath in England. Bath enjoyed royal patronage and was …show more content…
Within that, medical tourism will increase by a 3% value CAGR and spas by a 2% value CAGR at constant 2013 prices (Medical Tourism Association, 2014)
India
• According to the Indian High Commission, Indian hospitals received 18,000 Nigerians on medical visas in 2012, 47% of the Nigerians were in India to receive medical treatment and spent approximately $260 million USD.
• According to Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Hospitals, the number of international patients visiting the hospital has been increasing by 20 percent every year. They provide medical care to 400 to 500 people from European countries, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Middle East in a year.
• From the year 2009 to 2011 the number of medical tourists in India has grown by 30%. It is estimated that by the year 2015, India will receive nearly half a million medical tourists annually.
Singapore
• Singapore medical tourist arrivals are expected to be more than 1 Million by 2015.
• Singapore medical tourism market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 30% during the forecast period 2013-2017 says RNCOS in its latest research
Long before Americans stepped onto foreign soil for cardiac surgery, a tummy tuck or a dental job, medical travellers from around the world have been searching far and wide to seek the best medical services. One can say that the concept of medical travel is as old as medicine itself. Medical tourism history in fact dates back to ancient times. The time lines of medical tourism indicate that if ever healthcare is in short supply - wherever the location or whatever period in time it may be - sick and injured people will travel for treatment. Studies of ancient cultures depict a strong link between religion and healthcare, which dates back thousands of years. Most ancient civilizations recognized the therapeutic …show more content…
In honour of their god of medicine, Asclepius, the Greeks erected the Asclepia Temples, which became some of the world 's first health centres. People from all over, travelled to these temples to seek cures for their ailments By the Middle Ages, Asia continued to be the medical tourism destination of choice for the majority of healthcare travellers. Temples gave way to hospitals that provide clinical services to travelers seeking healthcare. These institutions are chronicled in medical tourism history. The Renaissance Period of the 14th to 17th century was a period where medical tourism flourished. Ville d 'Eaux, also known as Town of Waters, became famous throughout Europe in 1326 when iron-rich hot springs were discovered within the region. Prominent visitors like Peter the Great and Victor Hugo visited these wellness resorts. The word “spa”, derived from the Roman term “salude per aqua” or health through waters, was first used here. During the 16th century, the rich and the elite of Europe rediscovered Roman baths and flocked to tourist towns with spas like St. Mortiz, Ville d 'Eaux, Baden Baden, Aachen and Bath in England. Bath enjoyed royal patronage and was …show more content…
Within that, medical tourism will increase by a 3% value CAGR and spas by a 2% value CAGR at constant 2013 prices (Medical Tourism Association, 2014)
India
• According to the Indian High Commission, Indian hospitals received 18,000 Nigerians on medical visas in 2012, 47% of the Nigerians were in India to receive medical treatment and spent approximately $260 million USD.
• According to Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Hospitals, the number of international patients visiting the hospital has been increasing by 20 percent every year. They provide medical care to 400 to 500 people from European countries, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Middle East in a year.
• From the year 2009 to 2011 the number of medical tourists in India has grown by 30%. It is estimated that by the year 2015, India will receive nearly half a million medical tourists annually.
Singapore
• Singapore medical tourist arrivals are expected to be more than 1 Million by 2015.
• Singapore medical tourism market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 30% during the forecast period 2013-2017 says RNCOS in its latest research