MANILA - The Philippines is not yet ready for medical tourism, said Marciano Ragaza, Philippine Travel Agencies Association's (PTAA) ex-officio.
He cited lack of hospital rooms and facilities, high cost of medicines, poor nursing services and the current exodus of doctors and nurses as reasons.
High-end and well-equipped hospitals in the Philippines are found only in Metro Manila. Among these are the likes of St. Luke's and Makati Medical.
Should medical tourism take off in Metro Manila, the rural areas might bleed for lack of expert medical service providers, he said.
On the other hand, the Philippines has been gaining momentum as a spa and wellness hub. Cosmetic surgery - nip-tuck-lift - is getting more popular here.