A private hospital group in Southeast Asia is set to reinforce the region's status as a hub for medical and healthcare services.
Chalerm: Each nation has its own focus
Chalerm Harnphanich, president of the Asean Private Hospital Association, said more than 20 private hospitals from seven countries in the region have joined the group since its formation a few years ago, with more hospitals being encouraged to join.
Dr Chalerm said the group started to implement its first regional strategic plan this year.
Under the plan, each country's members will be responsible for different tasks. Singapore, for instance, will focus on special medical treatment, Thailand will lead medical care and services, and the Philippines is set to develop workforce, especially nurses.
Indonesia will focus on general healthcare services, while Myanmar and the Indochina countries will be rehabilitation destinations.
All countries will need to produce more doctors, nurses, dentists and other experts to serve growing demand in the region.
Dr Chalerm said that if the project achieves its aims, Thailand should gain because the country offers a variety of medical treatments and healthcare services, plus post-treatment amenities like travel, food and leisure activities.
"Besides advanced medical treatment and healthcare services, medical expense in Thailand is five times cheaper than in the US and 40% lower than in Singapore," he said. "This means Thailand has high potential to grow."
Deputy Industry Minister Somchai Harnhirun said the government began preparing the country to become a regional healthcare hub several years ago as part of the Industry Ministry's 10-year medical development plan.
Last year, 2.8 million foreigners travelled to Thailand for medical services and healthcare, representing 8% of total visitors. The ministry expects the number to increase by 10% this year.
Mr Somchai said the government has offered special privileges in the form of corporate tax exemptions over certain periods for new investment involving medical services and healthcare, especially in special economic zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Richard Ireland, managing director of Clarion Event Asia, the organiser of Hospital Management Asia 2018, said about 1,400 experts in medical and related businesses from Asia-Pacific are attending the two-day event that ends today at CentralWorld.
Delegates discussed financial sustainability through investment, the impact of public policy on hospital service, and how to deal with cost of care, safety issues and accreditation for services offered by hospitals.
They also focused on talent management and healthcare in the 4.0 era.
