Thai hospitals keen to spread their wings across Middle East

In 2003, Thailand attracted 970,000 foreign patients, up from 630,000 in 2002. The country's earnings in foreign currency from health services for foreign patients and tourists in 2003 amounted to 26.4 billion baht. Japan came first among the foreign health service clients, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, China Germany, India, and the Middle East.

Several reasons may be attributed to why Thailand is preferred by foreign clients for seeking medical services. Firstly, its service charges are reasonable. Secondly, the country boasts of a number of medical experts in various fields. Thirdly, its hospitals are equipped with modern medical equipment and can offer full-cycle health services. Fourthly, its private health care system is efficient and its standards are internationally recognized. Lastly, it is situated in the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland and can be reached easily from other countries in the region.

In 2003, Thailand attracted 34,704 patients from the Middle East. Of this, a majority of the patients were from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.

Keeping in mind the large number of patients that Thailand attracts from the UAE and the neighbouring countries every year, Bangkok-based Bumrungrad hospital is now considering opening medical facilities in the UAE and Oman.

'Hospitals in Thailand are at par with the best hospitals in the UK, USA, and Europe. At the same time we are 70% less expensive,' said Mr. Ruben Toral, Marketing Director, Bumrungrad Hospital, on the sidelines of the 9th Thailand Exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah.

'Currently we are in active discussion with local companies for opening a hospital in the UAE. We are hopeful of it materialising within six months from now. Given UAE's strategic location, the hospital is aimed at catering to patients from the entire Middle East region. On the other hand, the hospital that we are considering in Oman will cater to the local population,' he added.

Mr. Toral further said that his company was also looking at appointing travel agents in the UAE for assisting those who wanted to visit the hospital in Bangkok for treatment.

'We don't want these agencies to act as our referral centres in the region. On the other hand, they will be expected to provide assistance to those patients who are keen to undergo treatment at Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok,' he said.

By the end of 2004, Bumrungrad, which has contracts with Dubai Police, Dubai's Department of health Services, Oman Defence department, and Oman Police for annual healthcare, expects to receive 35,000 patients annually from the GCC region.

Besides Bumrungrad, other Thai hospitals too are keen to make inroads in to the Middle East region.

Vejthani Hospital, also based in Bangkok, is also looking at opening a representative office in the UAE to increase traffic from the Middle East region. The hospital specialises in shoulder, hip, and knee replacement surgery.

'We are participating in the Thailand Exhibition for the first time. We are keen to appoint agents in the UAE to get more patients from the Middle East region. Our hospital was the first to start computer assisted surgery in total knee anthroplasty in Thailand,' said Ms. Juthamas Sothummongkol, Vijthani hospital.

Another specialty hospital, the Bangkok hospital, was established 33 years ago in Thailand and is known for its expertise in heart surgery. It already has a representative office in the UAE and receives about 350 patients a month from here. It is however keen to increase that number.

'We are South East Asia's largest private hospital with a network of 8 hospitals and approximately 4,000 in-patient beds throughout Thailand,' said Ms. Sukanya Burington, Manager, International Medical Centre, Bangkok Hospital.

'This is our third time participation in the Thailand Exhibition and we are definitely keen that more patients from the UAE and the region visit our hospital in Thailand,' she added.

Piyavate Hospital, another first time participant from Bangkok at the Thailand Exhibition, currently has 4 representative offices in the GCC including the UAE. The hospital receives about 280 patients per month from the region.

Complete details of the Thai health services can be obtained from the 9th Thailand Exhibition currently on at Expo Centre Sharjah. The exhibition concludes on October 6, 2004.

It is open on October 6, 2004, to general public and trade visitors from 10 am to 1 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Children are strictly not permitted even in the boulevard.