Safaris, sunsets and… scalpels?

While a well-known tourist destination for its scenic landscapes and unique wildlife, over the years South Africa has become one of the most popular destinations for medical tourists.

Inside the growing trend of medical tourism

Motivated by the allure of cheaper costs, better facilities and doctors, more and more people are travelling to the country in search of competitive priced healthcare and wellness treatments, with a side order of sightseeing.

The increasingly popular ‘surgeon and safari’ packages combine affordable treatments at cosmetic surgery clinics with features such as recovery programs in five-star spas and resorts, and safari tours, all available at a very attractive price. Besides the essential treatments, SA is known for affordable cosmetic procedures, fertility treatments, cosmetic dentistry and more, creating a thriving medical tourism industry.

We chatted to Nomfundo Khabela, executive director and founder of Med-Afrique Medical Tours, for more insight on this growing trend.

WHAT MAKES SA A GOOD DESTINATION FOR MEDICAL TOURISTS?

SA is well positioned as an ideal medical tourism destination because of its world-class healthcare sector and world-renowned doctors who are international thought leaders. Our medical industry has pioneered many ground-breaking surgeries and medical research, including the world’s first heart and penile transplants, and, more recently, the world’s first transplant of middleear bones using 3D-printed components. The country’s developed infrastructure ensures that medical tourists receive a great experience, ease of movement, and access to facilities and local destinations.

“Overall, the advancement in the tourism and medical sectors can lead to an improved standard of living for all citizens”

CAN MEDICAL TOURISM HELP SOLVE SOME OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM’S CHALLENGES?

Not only does medical tourism promote employment and increase the GDP of a country, but it also has a huge impact on society, especially in developing nations. An increase in the demand for health services from international visitors results in increased healthcare and allied service investment, improvements in health infrastructure and a higher political focus on health policies for the country. Overall, the advancement in the tourism and medical sectors can lead to an improved standard of living for all citizens. Medical procedures such as elective surgery or other specialised care can present an opportunity to make money for tourism providers during off-peak seasons.

WHAT DO YOU FIND ARE THE MAIN REASONS BEHIND PEOPLE’S DECISION TO COME TO SA?

• Shorter travel times and distances compared to other offshore destinations.

• Affordable pricing of medical and cosmetic treatments. • Internationally standardised qualifications and skilled

doctors.

• SA’s legal environment protects medical tourists through

its laws and regulations.

ARE THERE ANY NEW TRENDS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY?

There is an increasing trend of citizens from other African countries travelling to seek cosmetic treatments and procedures. This may result from the growing middle class with increased purchasing power.

CAN YOU DISCUSS UPCOMING MARKET PREDICTIONS?

Globally, the medical tourism industry is valued between $45.5 and $72 billion (R675 billion and R1 trillion) and is growing by 15%-25% every year. In 2015, research showed that foreign spending on medical care in SA had increased from around R582 million in 2013 to R961 million in 2015. If we’re to use the global figures as an indicator of growth, the South African medical tourism industry is predicted to be valued at over R12 billion within the next 10-15 years.