When we talk about medical tourism, the typical image that comes to mind is that of patients traveling from developed countries to emerging economies to seek affordable medical treatments. But it's not always the case. An underexplored yet significant segment of the medical tourism market comes from within the developing countries themselves, with people traveling from their native country to other nations for better medical care. One such target market, steadily growing and offering considerable potential, is Kenya.
Kenya is a country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse tribes, and a booming middle class that has high expectations when it comes to healthcare services. With the continuous development in the economy, Kenyans are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking the best healthcare facilities for treatment, both locally and internationally.
The Kenyan Medical Tourism Market – An Overview
Kenya's middle class, which constitutes about 45% of the population, is the primary demographic that drives medical tourism from the country. They are increasingly inclined towards overseas healthcare facilities due to a lack of advanced healthcare infrastructure in Kenya and are eager to travel abroad for high-quality medical services.
Most Kenyans seeking medical treatments abroad travel for specialized treatments, such as oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and neurology. The most popular destinations include India, the U.S, and South Africa. India alone receives about 10,000 Kenyan medical tourists annually.
However, it's not just the advanced medical facilities that Kenyans are seeking. They also expect patient-friendly services, cultural sensitivity, and a welcoming atmosphere in the foreign medical facilities they choose. This expectation makes the process of attracting Kenyan patients more challenging but also rewarding if done right.
Meeting the Expectations of Kenyan Patients
Understanding the culture and patient expectations is crucial to tap into this market. Kenyans value personal relationships and hospitality. They seek trust and credibility in their healthcare providers. Thus, providing personalized patient care, being culturally sensitive, understanding their needs, and delivering excellent healthcare services are essential elements to attract Kenyans to your healthcare facility.
Moreover, communication is a critical factor in patient satisfaction. English and Swahili are the official languages in Kenya. Thus, having medical staff who can communicate effectively in these languages will significantly enhance the patient experience and satisfaction.
Kenyan patients also expect transparency in treatment processes and costs. A well-outlined treatment plan, clear communication about the possible outcomes, and an itemized billing process will significantly enhance their trust in your healthcare facility.
The Role of Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA)
To meet these expectations and to deliver excellent healthcare services to Kenyan patients, healthcare providers can consider working with Global Healthcare Accreditation https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/. The GHA offers a comprehensive solution for healthcare providers to improve their services and patient experience.
GHA can help hospitals perform a Gap Analysis to identify areas of improvement and offer insights on how to cater to the specific needs of Kenyan patients. They help healthcare facilities align their services according to the expectations of the patients, thus, making them more attractive to the Kenyan medical tourism market.
Many top hospitals worldwide have utilized the services of GHA for training, accreditation, and gap analysis, enhancing their patient services and experiences. These healthcare providers are GHA Accredited, meaning they have received specific training and have the competency to deliver excellent patient experiences.
Patients and healthcare consumers from Kenya are encouraged to seek medical treatments from GHA Accredited healthcare providers as they can be confident about receiving top-tier care and a personalized patient experience. These healthcare facilities are well-equipped to manage Kenyan patients, providing them with a great patient experience, and ultimately, converting them into living testimonials who share their positive experiences with friends and family back home.
Having an accreditation from GHA not only shows that a healthcare facility meets the highest international standards, but it also helps build trust with healthcare consumers. This trust can be a critical factor for Kenyan patients when deciding which hospital and country they will choose for medical care.
Tapping into the Kenyan Market
Reaching out to Kenyan patients requires a well-planned marketing strategy. It's crucial to highlight the aspects that resonate most with Kenyan patients, such as quality healthcare, cultural sensitivity, and cost transparency. Participating in health expos and partnering with local healthcare providers or facilitators in Kenya can provide visibility for your healthcare facility.
Collaborate with Medical Tourism Association and Global Healthcare Resources
If you are a healthcare provider looking to attract patients from Kenya, consider contacting Global Healthcare Resources https://www.globalhealthcareresources.com. They are the experts in market penetration for both B2C medical tourist referrals and B2B referrals, such as facilitators, insurance companies, governments, etc.
Global Healthcare Resources has the largest network and audience of consumers and buyers globally and works in every region of the world. They have helped launch initiatives in various locations, including Korea, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Washington DC, Florida, Miami, Las Vegas, Colombia, and Costa Rica. The Medical Tourism Association is another significant platform to connect with potential patients and industry stakeholders.
In conclusion, the Kenyan medical tourism market is an untapped goldmine filled with opportunities for healthcare providers. By understanding the unique needs of this market and delivering superior patient experiences through accreditations like the GHA, healthcare providers can unlock these opportunities and experience significant growth in attracting Kenyan patients for medical tourism.
