The Dominican Republic is consolidating itself as the Caribbean leader in medical tourism. Some 69,550 foreigners used Dominican medical facilities in 2017, according to a recent study. This includes medical emergencies and planned medical tourism visits. A recent report indicates 47,725 persons visited the Dominican Republic to undergo medical procedures at Dominican medical centers.
The findings are in “Study and Diagnostics of Medical Tourism” report carried out by the Dominican Medical Tourism Association (ADTS), which reveals the market segment is growing every year. Medical tourism is estimated to contribute around US$13 billion in revenues to the state every year, as reported in the study by Lourdes Russa. Russa said that investments in this market segment are upwards of US$500 million in facilities and services to better prepare for country for this growing market.
A public-private alliance is being developed to certify the better health service providers. During a presentation with the participation of the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism, National Competitiveness Council (CNC), the Dominican Medical Tourism Association (ADTS) and the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores).
Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas said the country is positioning itself as a leading destination for medical procedures. Also participating in the event were Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cardenas, Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García, as well as the director of the National Competitiveness Council Rafael Paz and Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Medical Tourism Association (ADTS), and Paola Rainieri, president of the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores).
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Ministry of Public Health
14 May 2019