With the high costs of healthcare in developed countries, and the increasing availability of quality medical care in developing countries, medical tourism can be a great way to get the care one needs at a fraction of the cost. It is no wonder that that segment of travel, where people travel to receive medical care in another country, is growing rather rapidly with more and more people seeking medical care abroad.
Now, Africa is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for medical tourism, with countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia leading the pack in providing the needed attributes. Ghana has recently joined the arena with the establishment of the Africa Medical Tourism Council (AMTC), on which the country is signed, and is set to lead the medical tourism niche market in the West African sub region. PaJohn Bentsifi Dadson looks at the huge potential this presents.
In 2020, the global medical tourism market was said to be valued at some US$11.56 billion. It is projected to reach US$53.51 billion by 2028 according to a recent survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with Africa’s share growing significantly in recent years. In fact, between 2018 and 2019 alone, spending on African medical tourism increased by over 18 per cent.
This provides a great opportunity for countries like Ghana where, in recent years, there has been a great improvement and development of state-of-the-art facilities delivering top-notch medical care with a holistic approach to quality healthcare.
A number of hospitals offering excellent healthcare with knowledgeable medical professionals, and a commitment to providing unmatched patient-centric services is helping to position the country as a great destination for health care, and with the increase in the medical tourism phenomenon, if promoted right, Ghana stands to gain a great deal.
Last week, the global medical tourism community met at the 19th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market (3 – 5 September) at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. Ghana took center stage at this gathering regarded as the biggest tourism event in West Africa, when the recently formed Africa Medical Tourism Council led some top hospitals in the country to participate, with Adansi Health Tourism as a key partner.
The Council, which mainly acts as a regulatory body in the sub region, is the driving force behind a transformative journey merging cutting edge health with the rich cultural tapestry of Africa.
Dr Kwabena Sakyi Koby, CEO of Britannia Medical Centre is the President of the Africa Medical Tourism Council. Assuring audiences at a panel discussion that the Africa Medical Tourism Council was established to ease accessibility of medical health, Dr Sakyi also underscored the need for Nigerians and other nationals in the sub region to patronise the medical health services Ghana has to offer.
He emphasised that Ghana has more than enough skilled personnel trained locally and internationally to offer world class medical health support that is value for money. The delegation at the event included participants from The Bank Hospital led by it’s CEO Indren Poovan and Dr Charlotte Osafo – Medical Director, Grace Awotwe – Chief Finance Officer and Josephine Aggrey – Business Development Manager. The University of Ghana Medical Centre was led by Madam Barbara Owusu – Hemeng and May Adeye Chinda, while the International Maritime Hospital was led by Yvonne Phillips, Strategy and Business Development Manager. Representing Lucca Health was Ms Diana, and the team from Adansi Health Tourism was made up of Lois Patricia Cheatea-Laryea and Eben.
The rest of the facilities were Bethel Dental Clinic led by Michael Owusu Antwi, Public Health and Operating Manager. Britannia Medical Centre’s Dr Kwabena Sakyi Koby was accompanied by President of Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN), Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, who is the Vice President of the Council.
The delegation from Turkey, well known as one of Europe’s influential medical tourism destinations held meetings with Ghana Medical Tourism delegation, and noted that Ghana is well positioned in the sub region to support outbound medical tourism to Turkey. They discussed partnership with the Africa Medical Tourism Council to work together in future.
According to the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), an estimated 14 million people travel to other countries for medical care each year. This is increasing, and can be attributed to the advancements in the healthcare industry, such as the introduction of medical devices and non-invasive surgical procedures, and while this trend is particularly notable in high-income countries such as the United States, certain African states, like Ghana, are becoming an increasingly attractive destination for quality healthcare too with the establishment of some great facilities here in Accra.
Several other factors can also be attributed thr fact that healthcare costs are much lower in many African countries, and this makes it easier for tourists from wealthier nations to afford treatments. But, perhaps, most importantly is Africa’s growing reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for international travellers looking for both leisure activities as well as health services abroad. Many people now feel comfortable visiting this continent knowing they will receive quality care while also being able enjoy all its natural beauty too.
All these factors indicate a promising future ahead when it comes to potential of Medical Tourism Hubs throughout the entire continent. And, it appears that if the right steps are taken, we can expect increasing numbers of travellers arriving to seek out treatments offered here in Ghana.
