Doctors Julián Sued and Marino Pérez assure that the country has quality, competitive prices, trained human resources, technology and speed to offer services
Dominican Republic It is very competitive as a destination, in terms of quality and prices in health tourism. Also for the speed and opportunity with which the services are offered. Among the medical specialties most requested by foreign residents who come to the country are bariatric, neurovascular, plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
So say the doctors Julian Sued and Marino Perezpresident and treasurer, respectively, of the university clinic Northern Medical Unionby participating as guests in the TODAY’s Economic Meeting.
They consider that in the last 10 to 15 years, health services at the private level in the country have improved substantially, this driven by the implementation of the Social Security Systemsince by increasing coverage in the population through medical insurance, the private sector has been motivated to make important investments.
They point out that trained human resources are added to investments in infrastructure, because in the country there are doctors specialized in different areas, who have been trained in prestigious universities abroad. They also claim there is state-of-the-art technology in medical equipment.
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Another factor that they mention is the geographical position that Dominican Republicplacing the country near the USACentral America and the Caribbean islands.
In addition, shorter deadlines for appointments and competitive prices. They cite, for example, that a medical appointment in the United States can be up to six months, however in the country the patient can see a specialist doctor or undergo a study or medical procedure in a short period of time.
While in relation to prices, they reveal that a bariatric surgery in the Dominican Republic is around US$12,000, while in USA between US$25,000 to US$30,000.
Meanwhile, an MRI costs about US$2,500, however in the country it does not exceed US$200, doctors Sued and Pérez specify that in both countries they are performed with the same type of equipment.
That is why they understand the country has all the conditions that favor health tourism.
They add that proof of this is that many Dominicans who reside, especially in USAprefer to come to the country to undergo medical procedures.
Foreigners also come, as well as others who have the country as a second residence prefer national medical services.
“Many Dominicans who live in the United States and who are going to have a medical procedure, who give them an appointment for six months, prefer to come here, pay for a flight because it is more affordable here, the patient feels better treated, for health reasons. language, because he is with his people”, says Sued.
DR Position
The Dominican Republic ranks 9th out of 46 countries worldwide, in the 2020-2021 Medical Tourism index carried out by the ATM.
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Also, the country is number 1 within the Caribbean region and number 3 in America. The ATM study considers three main factors: the environment of the destination, its medical and tourism industry, and the quality of its facilities and services.
Five editions have been held in the country International Congress of Tourism, Health and Wellness in the DR“activity that is part of the strategy to support the diversification of the tourism portfolio of the Dominican Republic,” says Dr. Sued.
Medical or health tourism
Exploring Health
Medical or health tourism is one whose main motivation is to contribute to physical, mental or spiritual health through medical and wellness activities”, according to the study ‘Exploring Health Tourism’ (Exploring health tourism) carried out by La World Tourism Organization (WTO) jointly with the European Tourism Commission (CET).
