Medical Tourism Emerging :Hill
Medical tourism is an emerging trend that needs a lot of care and thought. Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill made these comments as Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonia Lalabalavu earlier revealed the state of the art Pacific Specialist Health Care Fiji.
The hospital will be situated opposite the Nadi International Airport, next to Tokatoka Resort.
“This is an emerging area, and one that needs a lot of care and thought,” Mr Hill said.
“It is emerging around the world, but is not a high priority for Tourism Fiji just at the moment.
“We will watch, wait, listen and learn and in due course if we see value, we will look at what can be done to grow that industry,” he said.
Telenet Health International president/chief executive officer professor David Hold, said Fiji has a beautiful location and could be a perfect destination.
“No doubt that everybody is gearing up to enter and capitalize on the rapidly developing medical tourism industry. However, the competition is going to be fierce for market share,” Mr Hold said.
“But that is not going to be enough to effectively compete in the market.
“It could be a major competitive advantage and substantial source of revenue for the country.”
The hospital will feature close to 100 beds, and diagnostic facilities including radiology, CT, and MRI scan, several state of the art operating theatres, and will offer neurosurgical, and Cardiothoracic operation facilities that provide coronary artery by-pass.
The hospital is expected to open in three months.