The Impact of Medical Tourism in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

The key arguments of this chapter are as follows:

• Medical tourism flows have reversed in recent years with increasing numbers of patients travelling from high- to low- and middle-income countries; drawn by cheaper prices, greater availability and increased privacy.

• It is difficult to know precisely how much medical tourism takes place because data are not systematically collected. However, the literature suggests that it is happening on a large, and increasing, scale.

• Low- and middle-income countries providing medical tourism companies marketing cross-border medical travelservices may benefit from generating foreign exchange, attracting — and retaining — health professionals and improving facilities and quality of care.

• These countries also risk diverting resources to cater for foreign patients that can bring in higher revenues, thereby neglecting the local population.

• There are three types of trade agreements countries can engage in when providing medical services to international patients: multi-lateral, regional and bi-lateral.

• Bi-lateral trade offers countries the greatest scope to capitalise on the benefits and reduce the risks of engaging in medical tourism, as seen by a case study from a potential UK—India relationship.

• More data are needed on the scale of medical tourism and its effects, to increase the evidence available for policy makers and to allow for decisions to be more evidence-based.