Hamza Asumah, MD, MBA
Medical tourism is a rapidly expanding sector, with a global market valued at $79.5 billion in 2020 and expected to reach $179.6 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2021 to 2026 according to Meticulous Research (https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/medical-tourism-market-5058/). This surge is driven by improving healthcare standards, pioneering technology, and lower costs of treatments in certain countries. Often, we think of medical tourists travelling from developing countries to the developed world, but there’s an exciting, untapped potential for Africa’s own place in this sector.
Photo By Daily Sabah
The Emerging Medical Tourism Sector in Africa
In recent years, Africa has begun to make its mark as a destination for medical tourism. Despite facing substantial challenges, the continent has shown resilience and adaptability, with many of its countries working to improve their healthcare systems and infrastructure. It’s this resilience that is beginning to position Africa as a medical tourism destination.
The World Bank reports that health expenditure in Africa has been rising steadily, from $16.4 billion in 2000 to about $80.7 billion in 2019 (in current US dollars). This shows a commitment to improving the healthcare sector, and by extension, opening up possibilities for medical tourism.
Photo By Medtours Africa
Doctorpreneurs as Pioneers
There’s a new breed of medical professionals emerging on the scene, the ‘doctorpreneurs’. These are healthcare professionals who have ventured into entrepreneurship, launching their own clinics or healthcare technologies. Doctorpreneurs are perfectly positioned to capitalize on medical tourism’s potential, bridging the gap between local healthcare services and international patients.
Positioning Doctorpreneurs
Quality of Care
Quality is the cornerstone of medical tourism. Patients will travel for high-quality care they cannot get at home, or for lower-cost care of similar quality. For doctorpreneurs, this means investing in the latest medical technology, developing specialties, and ensuring a high standard of patient care. This will attract medical tourists looking for top-notch services and expertise.
Collaborative Partnerships
Doctorpreneurs can also form strategic partnerships with foreign hospitals and healthcare providers. This gives them access to a broader range of resources and knowledge, and can help them attract foreign patients. For instance, a partnership between a South African hospital and a German medical technology company could result in cutting-edge treatments being available in South Africa, an attractive prospect for medical tourists.
Photo By Medical Tourism Business
Accreditation
International accreditation is vital for reassuring potential medical tourists about the quality of care they’ll receive. Doctorpreneurs must pursue accreditation from respected international bodies such as the Joint Commission International (JCI). This can go a long way in instilling confidence in prospective patients.
Marketing & Branding
Effective marketing is crucial. Doctorpreneurs should build a strong online presence, share patient testimonies, and leverage the power of social media to reach a global audience. They should also attend international medical tourism expos and conventions to network and promote their services.
Government Support
Governments play a critical role in promoting medical tourism. They can invest in healthcare infrastructure, offer incentives for doctorpreneurs, and help create a conducive regulatory environment. For instance, the Tunisian government is actively promoting the country as a health tourism destination, offering incentives for private healthcare providers and investing in healthcare infrastructure. Similarly, the South African government has streamlined visa procedures for medical tourists, making it easier for them to travel to the country for treatment.
Medical Tourism Packages
To truly set themselves apart, doctorpreneurs could offer medical tourism packages. These packages could combine medical services with elements of traditional tourism, such as sightseeing tours and relaxation at local resorts. This approach could attract patients looking for a holistic, healing experience, not just medical treatment.
The Future is Bright
As Africa continues to improve its healthcare standards and infrastructure, and as doctorpreneurs continue to innovate and offer high-quality, affordable services, the continent’s medical tourism sector will likely continue to grow.
Africa boasts a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, from the pyramids of Egypt to the wildlife of Kenya, the beaches of South Africa to the markets of Morocco. Combining these attractions with quality healthcare services could create a unique and appealing offering
Unlocking the opportunities in medical tourism requires a collective effort from doctorpreneurs, governments, and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector. It involves improving healthcare standards, fostering innovation, and promoting Africa as a desirable destination for medical tourists.
Doctorpreneurs in Africa have the potential to be at the forefront of this exciting sector, providing quality healthcare while boosting the continent’s economy and enhancing its global standing. By embracing the strategies outlined above, they can position themselves as leading providers in the global medical tourism market, contributing to a healthier, wealthier Africa.
The journey ahead is not without its challenges, but with the continued commitment to improvement and innovation, there’s no limit to what can be achieved. The seeds have been planted, and the stage is set for Africa’s rise as a global destination for medical tourism.
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Dr. Hamza Asumah 
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