Thai hospitals draw Mideast patients Monday, 19 July 2010 01:46

Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, boasting a great environment and a fine weather. It is probably the best tourist destination in South east Asia, where tourists get valuable services for their money.

In Bangkok, medical tourism has caught up like shopping, sightseeing and recreation.

The Thai capital has become the top medical tourism destination with modern healthcare services for tourists from the Gulf. The services are 5-star, serving as a magnet for visitors and tourists from across the world, particularly from the Gulf region.

Most Thai hospitals adopt the slogan ‘Back to Physical and Spiritual Health.’ A visitor at these hospitals finds them comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. This brings enjoyment alongside health for these people in an atmosphere of quality medical care.

A delegation from the Middle East paid a visit recently to the Modern Piyavate Hospital, a massive medical complex just west of Bangkok on an invitation of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 27-level hospital is one of the most distinguished medical centres in the Thai capital. It is the third best hospital in Thailand after the American Hospital and the Bangkok Hospital.

Most of those who come for treatment are from Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

More than 15,000 citizens of Qatar visit Thailand, including 50 percent who go for medical tourism every year.

The hospital contains 300 beds, half of which are dedicated to foreign patients.

Around 20,000 people from Oman visited the Piyavate Hospital last year. A group of translators help Middle Eastern visitors make their medical grievances known to the various specialists of the hospital.

The translators also help hospital visitors finalise visa procedures. As Arab patients arrive at the hospital, they are admitted to undergo medical tests of all body parts. Patients’ cardiac condition is examined with the help of physical activities. The hospital also offers full tests for new couples.

THE PENINSULA