Answer — Exercise 7
12 - Foreign bodies·Outcomes Upper-Intermediate - Student's Book
Question
Listen to the rest of the programme. Take notes on any good and / or bad things about medical tourism they mention.
Answer
Positive
- can get excellent treatment abroad
- some of the best doctors in the world now in Malaysia
- wide array (or range) of ultra-modern hospitals
- very hi-tech operations available, some only available in Malaysia
- all-inclusive packages available, e.g. treatment plus flight, hotel and holiday
- partners get looked after
- special meals available
- profits go towards providing basic health care for poor local people
- waiting lists shorter than in the UK
- private health care in the UK costs a lot
Negative
- you’re taking a risk (need to do research and be careful before you book anywhere)
- some claims are fraudulent / untrue
- there are some scams / money-making schemes preying on gullible health tourists
- regulatory environment not as strict in some places as it could or should be
- some treatments are still experimental / haven’t been fully developed or tested yet
- no after-care available when patients return to their home countries