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.