Medical Tourism and Health Gateways in International Health Market Places: Stimulating Sustainability and Technological Advancements

Abstract

Medical tourism has the ability to reshape how patients move around in global healthcare, providing new opportunities for access to high standardised services and quality resources as industries progress through innovation and technological advancements. A critical factor for medical tourism is that this newfound option must be imbued with sustainability; it has to go hand in hand respecting equity and social responsibility. It is structured such that it provides insights for those interested in creating policies, practicing medicine, or dealing with diagnosis. This chapter investigates the contribution of medical tourism in supporting sustainability and technological transfer, at the global health market. It will look at what is driving the growth of medical tourism and why patients are seeking healthcare abroad, as well as some of the hurdles and benefits with this burgeoning space for both patient consumers and provider stakeholders.