Ammon News - Following the drop in medical tourism in the Kingdom, particularly due to the significant effects of the Corona pandemic, it has not managed to recover its former status as it continues to encounter numerous obstacles, especially with the rise of competing markets in nearby nations.
In response to the situation, significant efforts have been made by the relevant authorities to promote medical tourism, which was impacted by the Corona pandemic, leading to disruptions in travel to healthcare facilities. Various measures have been implemented to revive the sector and boost its economic impact, aiming to restore its previous status.
Based on the indicators ahead, there is no sign of the medical tourism sector starting to bounce back soon, as stated by health expert Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Maani to Al-Rai daily. The number of patients visiting the Kingdom for treatment has only reached 40 thousand so far this year, much lower than previous years when hundreds of thousands used to come annually.
Al-Maani clarified that a few hospitals' failure to effectively handle their operations post-pandemic resulted in their inability to compensate their staff, impacting employee morale, ultimately leading some hospitals to shut down.
He believed that in order to revive medical tourism, government agencies should fulfill their duty to support both medical tourism and private healthcare facilities.
He emphasized the need for all government agencies to collaborate towards a common goal, rather than working against each other or independently. It is important for every agency to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in the constitution and high duty books, particularly in promoting and prioritizing medical tourism.
Al-Maani pointed out that medical tourism's financial revenue was seen as a significant source of cash flow and financial stability for local production. The country received approximately (2-3) billion dollars in foreign currency, making medical tourism a major contributor to national income, accounting for around 20% of the overall domestic income.
In order for Jordan to reclaim its former status as a leader in the global medical tourism industry and regain its reputation as a key hub for advanced medical services offered at affordable prices, significant and decisive actions need to be implemented.
Dr. Al-Maani highlighted some of the most crucial suggestions.
Locating officials from the Ministry of Health (Directorate of Medical Tourism) at all air, land, sea, and King Hussein Bridge border crossings. It is essential to emphasize the importance of reinstating the medical tourism offices at Queen Alia Airport, ensuring they are operational and adequately staffed.
- It is crucial for Jordanian embassies in certain nations to have health attachés, who are responsible for promoting medical care in Jordan and highlighting the country's advantages in the healthcare sector services in the Kingdom.
Al-Maani further stated that currently only Kurdistan/Erbil in the Jordanian attaché has a health attaché, highlighting that previously most Jordanian embassies had health attachés for patients seeking treatment in the Kingdom.
The Medical Tourism Directorate in charge of the Ministry of Health needs to take a prominent position in the medical tourism sector and collaborate with the Tourism Promotion Authority to enhance its role and responsibilities.
Organizing a national promotional initiative involving key stakeholders like the Ministry of Health (Directorate of Medical Tourism), the Private Hospitals Association, the Tourism Promotion Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the Media, the Ministry of Interior, Jordan TV, and satellite channels, to collectively highlight the benefits of Jordan's strategic location, security, political stability, skilled professionals, modern medical technology, and high-quality healthcare facilities in both public and private hospitals.
Developing a comprehensive computerization system for the private health industry to enable direct and instant communication with the public medical sector, as well as generating weekly and monthly statistical reports on patient numbers, health service prices, and financial profits.
- Enabling the (Salamatak) platform to assist in arranging the patient's arrival for treatment in the Kingdom, and ensuring to follow up with a relevant entity.
Providing health service packages, such as for heart or sleeve gastrectomy surgeries, including accommodation, transportation, and other patient and companion needs, in collaboration with the Private Sector Hospitals Association.
There needs to be oversight by participating in the billing system and monitoring the patient's invoices from the hospital to audit and confirm their accuracy.
- It is crucial to monitor the patient throughout their entire stay in Jordan, including treatment at the hospital, living arrangements, and follow-up care, to maintain the country's reputation and address any issues promptly. This responsibility can be handled by organizations like the Private Hospitals Association or Tourism Promotion Authority.
- Collaborating with the airlines and offering discounted prices for patients traveling to the Kingdom for medical treatment.
- Integrating medical tourism with health tourism (i.e. m)
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