| When you mention the term Medical Tourism to | | | | updated on the recovery progress. |
| most people, they wonder why they would ever | | | | Most doctors in Costa Rica spend much of their |
| travel abroad for treatment, but when you start | | | | time maintaining the countries excellent public |
| to mention the various benefits there are to be | | | | healthcare system. Revenue from the treatment |
| had, they start to wonder why they haven't been | | | | of foreign paients enables local medical specialists |
| doing it all along. | | | | to continue devoting their resources to the local |
| A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report | | | | healthcare. Benefits are mutual, with skills passing |
| rated Costa Rica's health system above that of | | | | between the two sectors. In addition to dental |
| the USA(*). A high level of professional training | | | | and cosmetic practice the Medical Tourism boom |
| and an impressive public healthcare system | | | | is enabling corrective eye surgery clinics to open |
| reflectt in the private care available to Medical | | | | and encourage hospitals - such as CIMA Hospital |
| Tourists. Once known mainly for its acclaimed | | | | San Jose - to seek Joint Commission International |
| promotion of ecotourism, Costa Rica is now | | | | certification. |
| gaining a reputation for cosmetic and dental | | | | Many of Costa Rica's medical professionals are |
| procedures. | | | | American Medical Board certified, guaranteeing |
| A study at the University of Costa Rica showed | | | | training on a par with their US counterparts. The |
| that almost 14% of visitors to the country come | | | | Health Ministry has identified accreditation as an |
| in search of its medical expertise. The | | | | important part of driving quality in healthcare |
| well-educated, tech-savvy population is gaining | | | | upwards and the CIMA Hospital in San Jose has |
| Costa Rica the reputation of a Central American | | | | already received its accreditation. In addition to |
| Singapore, with industry analysts putting it in the | | | | licensing by the Health Ministry, a system of |
| top three offshore development destinations for | | | | professional societies oversees the membership |
| American companies along with China and India. | | | | of a number of specialties. Medical doctors, |
| One of the most interesting aspects of the | | | | surgeons, and dentists all have dedicated societies |
| Medical Tourism industry in Costa Rica is in the | | | | that promote new skills and the maintenance of |
| area of recuperation facilities. While other | | | | standards throughout their professions. |
| destinations offer high quality hotels and | | | | So, when next you start thinking about getting |
| accommodation, Costa Rica goes a bit further. | | | | medical treatment, and you're looking for a world |
| Once a treatment has been completed, patients | | | | renowned healthcare system, a trip to Costa Rica |
| are able to check into dedicated recuperation | | | | should be high on your list of considerations. |
| centres. These centres have excellent | | | | To find out more please visit |
| accommodation and relaxation facilities but also | | | | (*) The World Health Report 200 - Health |
| sport qualified nurses and medical workers to help | | | | Systems: Improving Performance. |
| monitor their clients condition and keep doctors | | | | |