MANILA, Philippines—A German-based healthcare accreditation organization has recognized St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) as a world-class medical tourism destination, citing its Quezon City and Global City hospitals for their medical excellence, quality and top caliber services and facilities for medical travelers and international patients.

The SLMC hospitals were both awarded Excellence in Medical Tourism and Quality in International Patient Care certificates by TEMOS.

The healthcare accreditation organization certifies various hospitals and primary care facilities worldwide based on adherence to internationally established standards in Quality Management Systems and compliance with their own stringent and comprehensive quality criteria.

“With the TEMOS double certification for both hospitals, international patients are assured they will get affordable and the best patient care at par with the best in the world while local patients will also benefit from our high quality medical and patient services,” said Dr. Alejandro Dizon, SLMC senior vice president for Quality and Patient Safety and Chief Quality Officer.

Hospital records show that a significant number of people admitted to St. Luke’s hospitals are international patients. The most common procedures they avail of are executive check-ups, orthopedic surgery and general surgery.

A boost to medical tourism

St. Luke’s certifications as world-class medical tourism facilities are expected to greatly contribute to the Philippines’ efforts to remain competitive in the region’s medical tourism industry which is currently dominated by Thailand, Singapore, India and Malaysia.

Currently, the country’s medical tourism market is steadily growing with thousands of foreign patients arriving annually.

World-class medical tourism facilities

In October, a team of international TEMOS assessors conducted two week-long inspections of both hospitals’ medical and non-medical services that address the unique needs of medical tourists.

These included international patient care and concierge services, medical care which include the patients’ care cycle before traveling abroad, post-treatment, post-discharge and follow-up procedures, as well as fulfilling the requirements of international insurance and assistance companies.

Also taken into consideration were the hospitals’ approaches to the national norms, laws, cultures, and mentalities of various countries.