House bill would turn medical tourism into $125-M industry Philip Tubeza Inquirer
November 14, 2006
A BILL CREATING the Medical Tourism Bureau (MTB) has been filed in the House of Representatives to oversee the promising medical tourism business in the country and turn it into a $125-million industry.
Muntinlupa Representative Rozzano Rufino Biazon filed House Bill No. 5916 to address the needs of foreign tourists as well as Filipinos overseas who may want to avail themselves of medical treatment in the country.
Biazon said the MTB will also coordinate with the private entities involved in providing medical services to foreigners.
“If we can properly manage our health and wellness sector, the country may expect $125 million initially and conservatively, and it may grow progressively each year. After all, our medical professionals are among the best in the world and among the most sought after,” the legislator said.
Biazon said the bill would complement the task force created by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through Executive Order 372 that aims to promote the development of three service sectors -- in information and communication technology, health and wellness, and logistics through public and private sector initiatives.
He said the EO also created a task force for the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) composed of 11 government agencies that were created for the purpose.
Despite the good intentions of the EO, especially on health and wellness, “confusion has been experienced both by the agencies involved and by the private sector wishing to participate,’’ Biazon said.
“(HB 5916) will centralize the functions of the task force and integrate most of the different functions of the different agencies pertinent to the PMTP under one office,’’ he said.
Biazon said the new bureau will formulate policies relative to the development of the medical tourism industry, implement the plans and programs, and administer, coordinate and supervise all activities of the government concerning health and wellness.
It will also be tasked with facilitating the “simplification of procedures and regulations for the availment of medical services by foreign tourists and returning overseas Filipino workers, and represent the government in all such conferences that concern health and wellness,’’ he said.
Moreover, it will formulate standards for health and wellness-oriented establishments that will prescribe minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency in order to ensure that facilities, personnel and services are maintained in accordance with acceptable local and international norms in the operation of tourism-oriented establishments, Biazon said.
