Durdans officials advocate for stronger medical tourism

• Say SL has the opportunity and capability of attract tourists seeking affordable medical procedures

By Nuzla Rizkiya and Samah Muhseen

Sri Lanka should actively focus on developing a stronger medical tourism sub-sector as a strategic approach to enhance the quality and productivity of the nation’s overall healthcare sector, according to officials of Durdans Hospitals.

As a prime tourist destination with the capability to equip its local medical personnel to world-class standards, the island has a unique advantage in capitalising on the avenue by attracting tourists who seek to get their expensive medical requirements done for a much lower price, Durdans officials said.

“Healthcare workers in Sri Lanka have a very high demand globally as they are trained to uphold world standards. We have to venture into medical tourism since we have adequate facilities, we know the know-how, and we have the skilled staff to cater to it,” Durdans Hospitals Chief Operating Officer Mahanil Perera said at a press conference organised to announce the accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

He highlighted that certifications on international standards such as the JCI reaccreditation provide Sri Lanka recognition on the global map as a medical tourist destination, making it highly suitable for foreign nationals to visit the country for medical treatment purposes.

“With global accreditations, we can enhance our reputation as a healthcare destination while improving the overall quality of our healthcare sector. Medical tourists only want to be assured about the standards. Once they are assured, they get huge benefits in terms of medical costs, sometimes tenfold compared to the costs in their own countries,” Perera said.

The hospital has identified dental care, cosmetic surgeries and orthopedics as primary sectors in demand among medical tourists arriving in the Asian region. 

Singapore, Thailand, and India are among the leading medical tourism destinations.

Moreover, with the growing trend among tourists opting for day-case services that do not require overnight stays at hospitals, there is an imminent need in Sri Lanka to bring down the costs of its healthcare services, according to Durdans Hospitals Deputy Director of Medical Services Dr. Ravi Nanayakkara.

However, this requires the continuous appreciation of the rupee for medical investments, the enhancement of infrastructure to provide prompt services, as well as the adoption of the latest technologies to produce better patient outcomes.

“Dollar fluctuations had a huge impact on the costs of healthcare services during the pandemic and economic crisis. The depreciation of the medical equipment and services is very expensive. I think we should improve on our medical tourism ventures as it can greatly benefit the nation in terms of enhancing quality healthcare services for both locals and international patients,” Dr. Nanayakkara said.