By Louella Losinio
Manila—With Guam facing a gap in health care, the Philippines, a rapidly emerging medical tourism destination, is stepping up to fill the void.
The HRSA, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency, has identified Guam as both a Medically Underserved Area and a Health Professional Shortage Area. This shortage is primarily due to Guam's remote location, small size, territorial status, lower physician salaries compared to the U.S., among other factors, according to the HRSA.
The Philippines’ proximity and reputation for affordable, high-quality care have made it a popular choice for Guam residents seeking specialized treatments and affordable healthcare and wellness services.
Two years ago, the Philippines ranked 24th out of 46 countries. Highlighted in the index is the Philippines and its competitive healthcare costs and the medical professionals’ fluency in English.
Recognizing the Philippines' growing appeal as a medical tourism destination, the Department of Tourism has partnered with leading hospitals to enhance its offerings for international patients.
According to DOT, the country has 23 health facilities internationally accredited by the International Society for Quality in Health Care.
One of these hospitals is The Medical City, a DOT-accredited facility since 2008 that serves nearly 20,000 international patients annually.
TMC and the DOT formalized their partnership for medical tourism in July this year, in a bid to position the Philippines as a top destination for health and wellness.
To showcase its facilities and services, The Medical City hosted the Bridging Care: The Medical City Familiarization Tour 2024. A delegation from Guam, including insurance providers, medical personnel, nonprofit organizations, and media, toured the hospital, underwent executive check-ups, and met with TMC's executive team.
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Fengie Victoriano, who heads the International Patient Concierge at The Medical City, said the hospital assists numerous patients from Guam and Micronesia. "Our role is to facilitate transfer service from the airport to The Medical City. Then we coordinate with the doctors for the treatment plan and costs and costs to the insurance company and the patient.”
Victoriano added, “Once they are here, my team will be the one to oversee them in their treatment journey.”
TMC also provides other patient services, from medical evacuations to counseling and pastoral services.
The Cardiovascular Institute at The Medical City is particularly popular among patients from Guam and neighboring regions. Ruth Mendoza, assistant nurse manager, noted that the institute offers open-heart surgery, angiograms, angioplasty, ICT, pacemaker insertion, and other services. Many patients seek treatment for chronic cardiac diseases.
“Here at The Medical City, we have a lot of patients coming from Guam followed by Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau,” Mendoza said. “Since we are catering to a lot of patients from Guam, Micronesia, and Palau, we already know how to handle them—what are their needs coming here.”
Dr. Christian G. Delos Reyes, chief commercial officer at The Medical City, emphasized the hospital's commitment to preventive medicine and wellness. He envisions Guam as a future takeoff point for medical tourism, not only for the Philippines but also for other regions. “It is our advocacy, our campaign to promote preventive medicine, preventive health --- wellness --- as a whole,” he said at the event welcoming the Guam tour participants.
The Philippine government’s broader goals for medical tourism also emphasize partnerships between hospitals, insurance companies, and airlines as crucial in promoting the country as a holistic health and wellness destination.
One of the tour participants, Connie Moral-Mayers, sales manager at Goodwind Travel and Tour Corp., a general sales agent for Philippine Airlines on Guam, highlighted this partnership aspect. “We are aware that the Philippines is really pushing for international markets and promoting the Philippines as a destination for medical tourism, especially for places that don’t have special clinics or departments in their own regions.”
Mayers added, “So for Guam, Philippine Airlines is partnering with the Department of Tourism in helping the country bring as many medical-related patients to the Philippines and showcase the specialty and the high technology that they have in the accredited hospitals and clinics in the country. “
She emphasized the Philippines' reputation for high-quality medical care and the warm hospitality of its people.
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