The growing popularity of seeking medical services overseas [particularly in Asia] – or ‘medical tourism’ – raises serious questions around safety standards, patient care, legal recourse and insurance, the college said.
Some countries promote ‘package’ experiences to lure consumers, such as resort holidays combined with “discounted” medical or cosmetic procedures – sometimes done pool-side.
Studies have shown there were more than 10 million medical tourists in 2014 creating an industry worth over $50 billion. Yearly, it is estimated about 25,000 Australians leave the country for cosmetic services.
In eye care, laser and cataract surgery are two of the most-commonly-performed operations. They are now being marketed to consumers across the globe as “affordable” health services compared to that available in their own country.
Previously the domain of mostly cosmetic procedures, medical tourism has now expanded into more complex surgeries.
