The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is a country with a burgeoning middle class and an increasing awareness about healthcare. This rise in healthcare consciousness combined with certain limitations in local healthcare infrastructure has led to a growing number of Filipinos seeking medical treatment abroad. In this article, we will delve into the unique aspects of the Filipino medical tourism market, and how healthcare providers can tap into this opportunity.
Understanding the Filipino Medical Tourist
Cultural Aspects
Filipino culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from Spanish and American colonial periods. Family plays a central role in Filipino society, and decisions regarding healthcare are often made collectively within the family. Respect for elders is paramount, and healthcare providers should be cognizant of this while interacting with Filipino patients.
Communication Style
Filipinos are generally fluent in English, which is widely spoken in the country. However, they often communicate indirectly to avoid confrontation or causing offense. Understanding these subtleties is important in ensuring effective communication.
The Market Opportunity
There is an increasing trend among Filipinos to seek medical treatments overseas for procedures that are either not available or too expensive in the Philippines. This includes elective surgeries, advanced diagnostics, and specialized treatments for chronic diseases.
Strategies to Tap into the Filipino Market
Building Trust through Personal Connections
Building trust is essential in attracting Filipino medical tourists. Establishing personal connections, perhaps through Filipino staff or partnerships with local healthcare providers, can facilitate this.
Utilizing Social Media
Social media is wildly popular in the Philippines. Healthcare providers should use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach out to potential Filipino patients.
Offering Comprehensive Packages
Offering all-inclusive packages that cover not just the medical procedure but also travel, accommodation, and leisure activities is appealing to Filipino medical tourists.
The Role of Global Healthcare Accreditation
Healthcare providers looking to successfully engage with the Filipino market should consider partnering with Global Healthcare Accreditation. GHA helps hospitals perform a Gap Analysis, which is instrumental in understanding the specific needs and expectations of Filipino patients.
By working with GHA, hospitals can gain access to training, accreditation, and insights that prepare them to effectively serve Filipino patients. Furthermore, GHA Accreditation signifies that a healthcare provider has the cultural training and competency necessary to deliver exceptional patient experiences.
Filipino patients and healthcare consumers are encouraged to opt for GHA accredited healthcare providers because they are best prepared to manage their specific needs. A memorable patient experience not only satisfies the patient but also creates living testimonials who will share their experiences within their communities.
The accreditation from GHA is a mark of trust and reliability, which is a crucial determinant for patients deciding which hospital and country they will travel to for medical care.
Engaging Partners and Offering Language Support
Engaging with Filipino healthcare professionals and providing Tagalog language support can further enhance the experience for Filipino patients.
Partner with the Experts for Market Penetration
For healthcare providers aiming to attract patients from the Philippines, contacting Global Healthcare Resources is an excellent step. The organization has an extensive network of consumers and buyers globally and specializes in market penetration for both B2C medical tourist referrals and B2B referrals, including facilitators, insurance companies, and governments.
Additionally, the Medical Tourism Association has been instrumental in launching initiatives across the globe including in Korea, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Washington DC, Florida, Miami, Las Vegas, Colombia, Costa Rica, and more.
In conclusion, understanding the unique cultural and communication aspects of Filipino patients, coupled with creating trust through accreditation like GHA, and effective marketing strategies, healthcare providers can successfully attract and cater to Filipino medical tourists.
