Conference discusses potential of medical tourism

AMMAN — The International Medical Tourism Conference kicked off in Amman on Sunday with the presence of local and foreign interested parties.

Inaugurated by Minister of Health Saad Jaber on behalf of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, the conference discussed the steps that the government is taking to enhance the future of medical tourism in Jordan as well as potential investment opportunities.

The health minister said during his address said that Jordan has “unique talents, adequate doctors and excellent medical facilities to accommodate both local and foreign patients”.

He added, “many of our hospitals have obtained international certification for their services, which is a clear indication of the great quality of medical treatments being provided.”

It was pointed out by Jordan Tourism Board General Manager Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat that more than 34,400 foreign in-hospital patients have visited the Kingdom so far this year to receive medical assistance.

It was agreed on by experts, however, that the number of patients being treated at private spas and other institutes is three to four times that number.

The conference was also a chance to announce some of the new services launched by the government for foreign medical tourists  such as a special booth at the Queen Alia International Airport exclusively designed to guide medical tourists upon arriving in the Kingdom.

Another service is a hotline that tourists can call in case they encounter a problem or feel that they are being overcharged for a service, upon which they will be assisted by a trained employee.

Also at the conference, an exhibit of different renowned Jordanian medical institutes such as the King Hussein Cancer Centre and others displayed their services and achievements for international guests.