Medical Tourism on the rise in Colombian City of Medellín
Having endured waves of violence for being the command centre of a well-known cocaine empire in Colombia, the city of Medellín is experiencing a surge in medical tourism.
During the 1980s and early 1990s the hospitals and morgues in Medellín were inundated with victims of executions carried out by the organisation headed by Pablo Escobar, as well as casualties of battles with left-wing guerrillas, particularly in the neighbourhood of Santo Domingo.
The expertise cultivated during those dark years has given the hospitals a leading edge to become proficient in organ transplants and specialised surgeries.
The neighbourhood of Santo Domingo is today a fine example of urban regeneration, with private hospitals such as Pablo Tobón Uribe at the top of the list in demand for transplant surgeries. Providing a standard of care rivalling the one provided at hospitals in developed countries, at a fraction of the cost, has proven to be a very attractive proposition to many US citizens and other foreign nationals in need of specialised medical attention.
All the patients needs are covered with a holistic approach, including their cultural, dietary and religious needs whilst hospitalised. A special unit coordinates the care of all international patients and arranges transportation, accommodation, booking of flights and other assistance.
In addition of general surgery, the hospital promotes neurological interventions, obesity-reduction surgeries and cancer treatments.
The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital has contracts with Bupa International and Blue Cross Blue Shield of the US, plus five other international insurance companies.
Companies mentioned:
Bupa International
BUPA is an international health insurance company that provides health insurance for individuals and companies all over the world. This company has offices on three continents and over 7 million customers’ world wide. As a provident association BUPA has no shareholders, because of this it uses its profits to invest in healthcare and medical facilities around the world.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Throughout our 80-year history, the 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have provided millions of families with top-quality, affordable health insurance. Today, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Brands are registered in more than 170 countries.
Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital
The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital (PTUH) began work in 1970, but its history dates back to 1946. The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital is a non-profit, private foundation. It is a general hospital, with
By Sergio via Medical Tourism on the rise in Colombian City of Medellín : International Insurance News.
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Bloggers invited to compete for prizes in Thailand’s Medical Tourism Blog Contest
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Medical Tourism Blog Contest kicks off with cash and prizes worth nearly US$20,000 up for grabs, including a seven-day all-inclusive medical tour of Thailand for 12 finalists.
The competition is easy and fun, with the aim to promote medical tourism in the Kingdom by awarding winning contestants trips to the Land of Smiles and other prizes.
Twelve finalists chosen from the entries will win an experience of a lifetime: an all-inclusive seven-day Medical Tourism Familiarization Trip in Thailand, which will take place from November 20-26, 2010. Some of them will travel to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Ko Samui, while others will explore Bangkok. The TAT will arrange additional sightseeing tours for finalists so they can experience the attractions of Thailand as a medical tourism hub.
During the competition period from November 20, 2010 to January 31, 2011, each finalist will use blog posts, photos, videos and other social media tools to share their daily experiences with the medical services available in Thailand with a global audience. The goal is to inform readers about what is available and to persuade them to learn more about Thailand’s top medical tourism destinations.
In order to win, finalists must write the best blog post and attract the highest number of unique visitors. The blogger who attracts the most unique visitors to their URL will win the top prize of $13,000 ($10,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $3,000 at Sri Panwa, Phuket and Westin Grande, Bangkok), and the finalist who the judging committee decides has created the best blog will receive prizes worth $5,000 ($3,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $2,000 at Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai and Absolute Chandara Resort and Spa, Phuket).
The competition is open to anyone who has experience writing blogs related to tourism or medical tourism in English language or containing English language. To enter, visit: http://www.MedBlogContest.com
This is a great opportunity to discover firsthand why Thailand has become one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.
Submissions are welcome until October 31, 2010. Check out http://www.MedBlogContest.com
For media enquiries, please go to the *Contact Us* page and select the subject Press Media Enquiry. A team member will contact you shortly after your submission is received.**”
Thank you very much
Regards,
Narumol Narula
On behalf of Tourism Authority of Thailand
It is good that Medellin is improving in its medical aspect. At least its residents would be confident and would trust their medical system more. We just need to make sure that everyone would have medical or health insurance so that everyone can benefit from this medical improvement.